On arrival, we will rent a car at the airport (if you want to see something of Crete, it is almost a must) and then stay in beautiful apartments with a sea view, right in the center of the most beautiful town on the island - Chania.

Car rental

Remember that to drive in Greece you must present a valid driving license from your country. And if you are not from the EU, you will also need an international driving licence.

After renting a car, head to the Notus Chania accommodation. Parking is free, right on the street outside the hotel.

Practicalities

On the third day of this holiday, you'll take a trip to Balos beach, also known as the Cretan Caribbean. As this is one of the biggest attractions in Crete, I recommend booking your boarding pass today. For example, you can use Cretan Daily Cruises  or Blue Daily Cruises . Cruises take place every year during the season from May to October and cost around 35 Euros per adult. 

On the fifth day, a visit to the Loupakis Winery is on the agenda. The tour should be arranged in advance with the owner, Mr. Militiades, by calling +306945266287. 

Today, on the first day of our holiday, we will go sightseeing on the Akrotiri peninsula. 

We'll start at Stavros beach, also called Zorbas beach because the iconic sirtaki dance scene for the movie Zorba the Greek was filmed here. I recommend bringing your own sun lounger or umbrella to the beach, as prices for sun loungers here are ridiculously high in high season. But otherwise, you can swim in the wonderfully clear and calm sea on the beach with its pinkish sand and beautiful views of Mount Vardia in front of you.

Lunch is available at the excellent local restaurant Almyriki. If you want to diversify your afternoon, you can then head to Mount Vardia, at the top of which is the famous Lera Cave. Although the climb is quite challenging and takes about 45 minutes, at the end you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire Stavros beach and Chania Bay. According to archaeological excavations, the Lera cave was used in ancient times to worship the gods. 

The last point of today's trip may be the nearby monastery of Agia Triada. I've visited several monasteries in Crete, but this one is definitely my favorite. The majestic 17th century structure can be found about 8 kilometers from Stavros. The monastery is still inhabited by monks, and in addition to a beautiful garden, it also includes a museum and a shop selling olive oil and other products (soaps, ointments...), much of which is made in the monastery. The building is then surrounded by orange orchards and vineyards, with mountains rising in the distance. 

If you haven't had your fill of beautiful views and romance for the day, you can end the day in style at the Carte Postale restaurant, which you'll meet on the way back to Chania. 

Today we will take a day trip by boat to the most beautiful beach of Crete and also to the island with the fortress of Gramvousa. 

We depart from Chania for the port of Kissamos. The journey takes us about 40 minutes and it's good to be there 30 minutes before the boat leaves. You will find the departure time on the boarding pass you purchased on the first day of your holiday. The boats usually leave between 10:30 and 11:00 am. You should therefore leave Chania sometime after 9:00.

Whether you visit Balos or Gramvousa first depends on the shipping company. If you're traveling with Blue Daily Cruises, for example, you'll leave Kissamos at 10:50 a.m. (I recommend taking a good look at the ship you're on so you know where to board at Gramvousa or Balos). At 12pm you are on Gramvousa Island, where you will climb the local fortress, which was built in the 16th century to defend the island from the Ottoman Turks. The climb takes about 20 minutes and is quite steep, but the views across the bay are breathtaking and definitely worth it. If you don't want to climb the hill, you can swim at the local beautiful beach. Nearby is the wreck of a shipwreck. 

Next stop will be Balos beach (you can find out the exact time of departure from Gramvoussa on the boat, there is a man standing at the exit with the time written on a paper). You arrive at Balos at 14:45 and have about an hour and a half to enjoy the beautiful, crystal clear sea. From Balos you return to Kissamos at 16:20.

After a day spent in the sun, we head east of Chania to spend a pleasant relaxing afternoon at the famous Lake Kournas. Here we can buy souvenirs, especially traditional Cretan ceramics, sit in one of the taverns (I recommend the Athitis tavern with excellent food and a beautiful view of the lake), swim in the lake or rent a paddle boat (the price is 10 to 15 euros). 

On the way back, you can also explore the village of Vryses, which is one of my favorites on the island. The unmistakable atmosphere is given to it by the river flowing through its center and the huge plane trees under which you can sit in one of the local restaurants (I recommend Platia Vrison, as it is under the trees, right by the river). This place has an unmistakable charm in autumn. 

In the center of the village you will also find two souvenir shops. Also ask about the local sheep's yogurt, which is considered a great delicacy. 

Today we will stay in Chania, which is considered the most beautiful city on the island, and enjoy its sights and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon we can take a trip to a nearby famous winery.  

In Chania, I definitely recommend a visit to the famous Koukouvaya (translated as "owl") cafe with its spectacular views and delicious desserts (my favourite is the cherry cheesecake), and then a walk in the nearby Venizelos Graves Park, where the remains of two prominent Greek politicians are interred. There is also a beautiful view of the city from here. 

Also, don't miss the city centre with the old Venetian bay,  lighthouse, plenty of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

For a meal, you can go for example to the Canale   restaurant, which is praised not only for its excellent food, but also for the view directly over the lighthouse. If you're a fan of vegetarian/vegan cuisine, don't miss Pulse Vegan . The atmosphere, the food, the desserts and the service are all absolutely fabulous. 

In the afternoon, you will visit one of the best wineries in the region - Loupakis Winery . It will take you about 40 minutes by car from Chania. The hospitable owner, Mr. Militiades, will be happy to show you around his beautiful vineyards and then prepare a wine tasting and refreshments. The cost of the tasting is 15 Euros. 

Today begins the second part of our holiday, which will take place on the south coast. Specifically, we will start with a hiking tour in Samaria Gorge, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful hiking route in Crete. The trail starts near the top of the White Mountains (Lefka ori in Greek) at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level and ends 16 kilometres further on in the seaside town of Agia Roumeli. 

How to get there and back?

The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to drive to the town of Sougia. Here you leave the car and take a bus to the trailhead. From Chania it takes about 90 minutes by car. The exact time of the bus departure can change throughout the year, so you'd better check the exact time on the KTEL website , where you can also buy a ticket. You will only need a one-way one - from Sougia to Omalos (Samaria Gorge). As the march will take you almost the whole day, I recommend taking the earliest bus possible. The bus ride to Samaria Gorge will take another 90 minutes.

After you reach the village of Agia Roumeli at the end of the hike, you will walk to the local port, where you will then take a boat back to Sougia. I recommend you buy your boat ticket directly at the port of Agia Roumeli. The cruise back takes about 30 minutes. 

Difficulty and equipment

The trail takes an average of 6 to 7 hours and is moderately challenging, with the hardest part right at the beginning where there is a fairly steep descent. After that, the road is more or less flat. The trail is commonly walked by older children, around 10 years old. So if you are at least a bit fit, it should not be a problem for you. 

Every few miles you will find rest stops with restrooms, benches, and water refills. So bring your own bottle. Don't forget comfortable sturdy shoes, headgear and sunscreen.

The road to Paleochora

We won't be returning to Chania from Sougia. Instead, we're staying in the beautiful resort of Paleochora on the south coast, specifically in beautiful apartments with gardens, a pool and private parking. From here we will then explore other attractions in the area. 

Elafonissi beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe thanks to its pinkish sand and crystal clear water. That's why it's not to be missed. Although tour operators in Chania offer trips to the beach, if you have a rental car, this is the best option - you save time and can decide how long you want to stay on the beach. 

The beach is about 70 kilometres from Chania and it will take you about 90 minutes to get there. As far as I know, parking at the beach is pay and display only and you have two options. The first is the Lafonissi Parking Lot, which is 900 meters from the beach. The second option is Elafonisi Mega Parking, about 650 metres from the beach.

If you're in Crete during May or September, you're more likely to avoid the crowds. If you've planned your holiday for the high season, be prepared for some parts of the beach in particular to be very crowded. 

The price for a sun lounger is about 20 euros, but if you want more peace and quiet, you can head to the more secluded parts, where trees will serve you well instead of umbrellas. 

It's time to indulge in a little peace and quiet in nature and swim at the secluded and unspoilt beach of Lissos, which not only offers crystal clear water but also breathes history. Not far from the beach are the remains of an ancient town. Some people say it's a magical place.

First, we drive to the town of Sougia. From there we can either take a boat or walk to Lissos. 

Walking tour

The hike from Sougia is relatively easy and takes about 90 minutes. Still, I recommend bringing comfortable athletic shoes, a drink, and sunscreen (there are no stores on the beach or nearby). 

The entrance to the Lissos Gorge is next to the Sougia harbour, and there is a sign pointing to the start of the gorge, E4 (you need to go through the gate of the fence here). At the start of the gorge there is a rock in the middle of the path, but you can easily go around it. The gorge leads uphill, but the ascent is not difficult. In addition, many pine trees grow along the trail, providing much needed shade during the hot summer months.

After only half an hour's walk through the Lissos Gorge, you will come across an impressive characteristic rock. Less than 10 minutes further on, the path splits into two parts: one on the right, which continues through the Lissos Gorge, and one that turns left and climbs uphill. It is this road that leads to the now abandoned ancient city of Lissos, so be careful not to miss it.

Taking the path between old pine trees, you ascend to a treeless plateau with beautiful views of the surrounding area. After another ten minutes of walking you reach a steep cliff with ancient ruins and beautiful views. 

I recommend spending some time in Lissos and soaking up its incredibly peaceful atmosphere. In addition to the more famous Temple of Aesculapius and the Roman Necropolis, there are also two chapels. As you wander around the area, you will also see numerous remains of dwellings, terraces, mud circles and several ancient olive trees, one of which probably dates back to Roman times when Lissos was an important settlement.¨

After the hike, you can then enjoy the divine tranquility and clear sea of Lissos beach.

Boat trip 

You can also get to Lissos from Sougia by boat, from April to October. You can arrange a trip by calling Mr. Yannis at (+30) 6973220472.

The last day of our vacation will be spent on the beautiful beaches of Paleochora, buying souvenirs. From the restaurants I recommend "O Dinos", and if you are craving for Cretan wine, a visit to the excellent local wine bar Romeiko Wine and Deli. 

The drive from Paleochora to Chania airport takes about an hour and a half. Be sure to leave well in advance so that you can return the car and check in your luggage if necessary.