8 days in Crete Itinerary

Crete's largest city, Heraklion remains best known for its proximity to a sprawling Bronze Age archaeological site, once the center of a vanished Minoan civilization.

Your day by day itinerary now includes 25th of August Street, Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), Cathedral of St. Minas, and other attractions you added. On your second day here, steep yourself in history at The Palace of Knossos, explore the ancient world of The Throne Room, contemplate the long history of Castello del Molo (Koules), take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of St. Minas, then admire the local landmark of Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), and finally take an in-depth tour of Folklore Museum of Gouves.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Heraklion online itinerary planner.

Lisbon, Portugal to Heraklion is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Lisbon to Heraklion is 2 hours. Traveling from Lisbon in June, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Heraklion, with lows of 22°C. On the 28th (Wed), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Rethymnon.

Rethymnon combines the old-fashioned charm of a small town with proximity to long sandy beaches with all the modern conveniences usually found in big tourist resorts.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Guora Gate as well as Rethymno Lighthouse. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Wed): wander the streets of Rethymnon Old Town, explore the world behind art at Stagakis Cretan Lyra Workshop, pause for some serene contemplation at Four Martyrs Church, see the interesting displays at Contemporary Art Museum of Crete, then contemplate the long history of The Venetian Fortezza, and finally visit a coastal fixture at Rethymno Lighthouse.

For other places to visit, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Rethymnon attractions planner.

Take a shuttle from Heraklion to Rethymnon in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June in Rethymnon, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to drive to Kissamos.

A quiet port town situated on Crete's western tip, Kissamos attracts mostly domestic tourists and possesses more of the quintessential Greek feel than livelier resorts strung along the island's coastline.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Thu): kick back and relax at Balos Lagoon, view the masterpieces at Apostolakis Handmade Ceramics, then stop by Nama&Flaski, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Ekklisia Ioannis Prodromes.

To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read our Kissamos trip maker app.

You can drive from Rethymnon to Kissamos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. June in Kissamos sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Chania Town.

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Archaeological Museum of Chania, Municipal Market of Chani and MINOAN'S WORLD. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Lighthouse of Chania and Museum Of Typography. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Maritime Museum of Crete and Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera. Take a break from Chania Town with a short trip to Agios Georgios Monastery in Vamos, about 50 minutes away. The adventure continues: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou, explore the world behind art at Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, take in breathtaking views at Gorges of Theriso, and take in the waterfront activity at Old Venetian Harbor.

To find traveler tips, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Chania Town trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Kissamos to Chania Town by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Chania Town can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. On the 2nd (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.