Last updated on August 14th, 2023 at 05:54 pm

Chania, Crete is the place to be (didn’t mean to rhyme, but here we are lol).

The city is perfect for taking day trips to other regions on the island because, let’s face it—Crete is HUGEEEEE. It would take weeks to explore everything it has to offer.

So if you only have 7 days, picking one or two regions is your best bet.

What makes Chania, Crete charming is there is plenty to do, crystal clear waters, mouthwatering food, a landscape like no other, welcoming people, and it’s affordable.

With this 7 day itinerary, you get to experience the best of everything in a short time. Get ready to indulge in Crete.

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Day 1: Arrive in Chania, Crete

How to get there?

Chania, is one of the most accessible cities in Crete. You have the option to either fly into Chania from Athens or from another European city.

Check out Ryan air to see a full list of cities you can travel from.  

You can also access Chania by taking the ferry which is about 8 hours; this is what I did because I accidentally missed my flight. At first, I was against this option because 8 hours seemed like a long time, but when I got on the ferry, I slept most of the time.

The inside is nice and what I imagined the Titanic looked like.

Both options require you to take a bus, taxi, or rental to get to your accommodation. If you want to take a taxi from the pier, it should be 10 euros or less. From the airport, you shouldn’t pay over 15 euros.

Always remember to negotiate a price before getting in the car.

Where to stay?

Old town aka the city center and a place tourists frequent.

Here’s a list of the best hotels there.

If you choose to stay in Old Town, you’ll be near all the shops, restaurants, nightlife, and places to book excursions.

Once in there, you can walk everywhere on foot, making it ideal for people who don’t want to get a rental. The only downside is most of the beaches are outside of Old Town, but you can always rent a car, take the bus, or get a taxi to take you.

Hailing a taxi in Old Town, at the pier, or airport, is super easy, but once you’re outside of those areas, they’re scarce.

Theos Village in Makris Tichos is next to plenty of beaches and is quite serene. It’s situated just west of Old Town.

I’d highly recommend renting a car unless you don’t mind walking 45 minutes to get into town. Another option is to take the bus to the city.

If you’re a beach bum and enjoy being near the water, this is worth checking out.

Airbnb in Halepa district is where I stayed in Chania, but without a car, it always felt like a trek to get into the city center.

The place was equipped with a balcony, kitchen, two bedrooms, and was close to Kouloura Chalepa (natural swimming pool).

What made Halepa District enjoyable was how little tourism there was—making the area more affordable.

You can either walk 30 minutes to get to Old Town, take the bus, or drive a rental. I found it difficult to find taxis out there. But if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, this area is ideal.

What to do?

Explore Old Town and go to the Old Venetian Harbor. While there, eat some gyros for 3 Euros. Then you’ll want to wander the vibrant and colorful side streets. If you walk towards the lighthouse, you’ll have a perfect view to watch the sunset on the water.

Chania is a place to relax, eat delicious food, and if you’re up for it—experience the nightlife.

Day 2: Elafonissi Beach

Of course, you can’t come to Chania, Crete without visiting this well-known Pink Beach—Elafonissi.

Surrounded by blue translucent water and pink crystalline sand. This islet is just off the coast of southwest Crete.

Trust me—you’ll want to spend a day here soaking up the sun rays, floating in the water, and embracing the beauty Elafonissi offers.

How to get there?

You can take the bus to get there for about 11 Euros round trip.

This is everything you need to know about taking the bus there.

Renting a car is an option, but FYI the path to get there is narrow and in the mountains. If you don’t want to drive or take the bus, hiring a driver or booking a tour are great alternatives.

Day 3: Samaria Gorge hiking

For the wanderers that love hiking—Samaria Gorge will be your oasis.

It takes up to 8 hours to complete the trail (unless you’re experienced) and it is absolutely gorgeous.

Even if you’re like nahhhh, 8 hours seems a bit too much, you don’t have to hike the full trail. Don’t let that deter you from exploring.

How to get there?

It’s south of Chania, so you’ll have to either rent a car or book a tour.

Because of how challenging it is to get there and the complexity of the trail, I’d recommend booking a tour.

Day 4: Spa and Boat Tour in Chania, Crete

From all the traveling and trekking you’ve done, you’ll want a day to relax and unwind. Al Hammam Turkish Bath and Spa gives you just that.

The Al Hammam bath allows you to just be still, focus on your breathing, and slip into tranquility.

Another relaxing activity is the Sunset Boat tour, which is located right at the Old Venetian Harbor. There are a few boat companies that offer tours throughout the day—but the sunset tour trumps those! For just 10 euros, you’ll be able to snorkel and watch the sunset.

Doesn’t get any better than this! 

I don’t think you can book this tour in advance online, but as you’re walking along the Old Venetian Harbor, you will see this. See the picture below for reference.

How to get there?

Both are next to the Old Venetian Harbor, which can only be accessed by foot. If you’re already in Old Town, it’s easily a 10-minute walk or less.

For those staying on the outskirts, you can take the bus, taxi, or drive into Old Town, then walk to the harbor.

Day 5: Traditional Cretan Cooking Class

First off, Vamos Village is absolutely beautiful. What people love about this cooking class is the immersion in Cretan culture.

The host and chef, Mrs. Koula,​​ gives you the history of dishes, herbs that are frequently used, how to make olive oil, and more!

Oh yeah, wine is included.

And I’m sure you know how delicious Greek food is. Just know Cretan food differs slightly from what you’ll get on other islands but is still as tasty. During this cooking class, you learn how to cook multiple appetizers and entrees.

Honestly, it was so much food; I lost track of how many dishes we made. 

How to get there?

Located outside of Old Town, you’ll either have to hire a taxi or drive to get there. From my understanding, no buses take you directly there. If you decide to drive, be mindful of the winding and narrow streets.

Day 6: Rest

You might be tired or feeling amped up to explore some more. Honor your travel style and what your body needs.

If you want to venture off a bit more and see other areas outside of Chania, a day trip to the east would be perfect!

I had planned to drive to Heraklion, which would take about 2 hours without stopping. That’s an alternative to resting.

And also, if you aren’t comfortable driving you can spend the day roaming around Old Town and eating delicious Gelato.

How to get there?

You’ll need to rent a car or take the bus.

What to do?

People typically come here to party, go wine tasting, visit museums and see the ruins of Minoan Knossos.

A one-day itinerary for Heraklion 

Day 7: Balos Beach and Lagoon

Might as well go out with a bang and visit none other than the Balos Lagoon.

You might hear Greek people refer to other beaches as “dirty” but when they say “clean” water, this is what they mean—translucent, crystal clear, pristine. Balos beach has the clearest water I have ever seen, and it’s quite picturesque.

So relish in its beauty, float in the water, or just relax on the sand.

How to get there?

Another activity that requires you to drive, hire a driver, or go by boat. You cannot access this by bus.

When driving up, the roads are thin and curvy, making it scary to drive yourself. And although there’s two-way traffic, there’s a point where only cars can drive towards the lagoon, making it difficult for cars to leave.

Once you’ve parked, you’ll have to trek downhill for about 25 minutes to access the beach.

The best option is to take the boat to avoid traffic and having to ride in the mountains.

You could spend weeks wandering around Crete and soaking up its beauty. But if you have just 7  days, this will provide you with everything you’re looking for.

Is Chania, Crete on your bucket list? Drop a comment below and make to subscribe to our newsletter.