Crete is the largest island of Greece and one of the most beautiful places in the world. The combination of Cretan hospitality, monuments from the ancient civilization, wild nature and numerous clean and beautiful beaches makes it the ideal place for holidays. If you rent a car in Crete there are hundredths of places you can visit. Below we recommend some daily trips to the island of Crete.

 

Daily trip to Elafonisi beach in Crete.

Elafonisi beach is located at the southern western part of Crete approximately 75 km from Chania city. The way to go is easy without any unexpected difficulties. There are signs everywhere that help you to get there but most important if for any reason you lose your way the signs will put you back into track. It will take you about one and a half hour of driving from Chania. At the beach there is a lot of free parking space so you can park your car easily without spending money and time. The plaz is organized with sun beds and umbrellas and there are canteens for cold water and some snack. Near to the coast is the Elafonisi Island. If there are no waves you can walk to it through the shallow water. Because the water is shallow at the most part of the beach it makes it safe for families especially with children.
Driving tip. On your way to Elafonisi beach choose the road through the inland and stop in Topolia village to visit the Agia Sofia cave. On your way back choose the way from the western coastline and enjoy the view of the sunset driving along the coast.

Daily trip to the town of Chania Western Crete.

The town of Chania is located at the northern western part of Crete. The population of Chania is approximately seventy thousand. It is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania. When you visit Chania is better to park at the city center where you can easily walk around. If you can’t find a free parking place you can park to a controlled area. We also recommend that you have a map of the city with you. At city center you can visit the old square market where you can buy local products and wines. The area outside the square market is full of shops where you can buy clothes, books, traveler’s accessories etc. Five minutes of walking from the square market it is the old town of Chania. In the graphic alleys you can find many souvenir shops, tavernas and jewellery shops. Very close to the old town of Chania it is the Venetian harbor. You can walk along the harbor and you can stop for meal or for a coffee to one of the many tavernas and cafes that there are.  At the harbor is also the Archaeological and the Naval museum of Chania. The harbor is also very beautiful in the night. The visit to it is strongly recommended.   
Meal tip. If you prefer to eat meat choose a tavern in the old town of Chania (in the alleys of the old town). If you prefer to eat fish choose a tavern on the harbor by the sea. Also, there is the beach of Nea Chora ten minutes walking west from the harbor where you can find many fish taverns.

 

Daily trip to Knossos and to Heraklion city.

The archaeological area of Knossos is referred to the Minoan civilization and to the palace of Minoas King. The site is 10 minutes of driving from Heraklion city. To find Knossos palace is very easy. First you take the highway to Heraklion and then you exit the highway at the sign that says “Knossos”, from that exit is only five minutes of Driving. After you visit the archaeological area you can go to Heraklion city. Heraklion city is the capital of Heraklion prefecture with a population of 150000. We recommend that you park in the city center into a controlled parking area. Parking at Heraklion center in a free area may be difficult. We also recommend that you have a map with you. In Heraklion city, you can walk the city center, you can do shopping and you can visit the archaeological museum.

 

Daily trip to Rethymnon town.

Rethymnon town is at the western Crete between Chania and Heraklion city. After you enter the city we recommend that you drive towards the harbour and park your car at the controlled parking area of Marina by the sea. We also recommend that you have a map of the city with you. Your walk starts at the beach of Rethymnon where there are many cafes if you want to have a coffee by the sea. After you walk the beach road you can visit the Fortezza (castle) and enjoy the view to the sea. Rethmnon old town is another beautiful spot you can go to. In the graphic alleys of the old town you can find many restaurants, tavernas, cafes, stores with local products and souvenir shops. After you visit the old town you can walk southern to the city center where you can shop clothes, accessories for travelers and books. Old town of Rethymnon is also beautiful during the night. In Rethymnon town there is also the option for swimming. The beach we recommend is blue flagged and is five minutes of walking east from the Marina controlled parking area.