60 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Heraklion side-trips: Kazantzakis Museum (in Myrtia), Church of St. John The Baptist (in Margarites) and Snail Farm and Fun (in Tylissos). There's still lots to do: get engrossed in the history at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, ponder the design of Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), ponder the world of politics at Loggia, and meet the residents at Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos.

For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Heraklion online tour itinerary planner.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Heraklion is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train, bus, and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Amsterdam to Heraklion is 1 hour. Traveling from Amsterdam in December, expect Heraklion to be a bit warmer, temps between 19°C and 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can drive to Lasithi Mesa.

Change things up with these side-trips from Lasithi Mesa: Listis Beach (in Dimos Viannos) and Nikos Doxastakis Pottery (in Thrapsano). Spend the 15th (Tue) exploring the striking scenery along Lassithi Plateau.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Lasithi Mesa online trip builder.

You can drive from Heraklion to Lasithi Mesa in 1.5 hours. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Heraklion in December since evenings lows in Lasithi Mesa dip to 8°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can go by car to Elounda.

Long a sleepy fishing settlement on Crete's northern coastline, Elounda today serves as a major travel destination, drawing vacationers with a blend of unspoiled natural scenery and luxury resorts.

Change things up with these side-trips from Elounda: Sitia (Folk museum of Sitia, Moni Toplou, &more), Vai Beach (in Vai) and Agios Nikolaos (Gournia Minoiki Poli & Ekklisia Agios Panteleimonas). The adventure continues: step off the mainland to explore Fortress Spinalonga, examine the collection at Archaeological Museum of Sitia, explore the fascinating underground world of Milatos Cave, and take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos.

For ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Elounda trip planner.

You can drive from Lasithi Mesa to Elounda in 1.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Elounda when traveling from Lasithi Mesa in December, with lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) so you can go by car to Matala.

A low-key tourist resort known for its ancient cliffside caves, Matala boasts a rich history that spans over 2,000 years.

Venture out of the city with trips to Agia Galini (Icaros & Daedalus Statues, Agia Galini Beach, &more), Ligres Beach (in Agia Paraskevi) and Vrondisi Monastery (in Zaros). There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Matala beach, delve into the distant past at Palace of Faistos, don't miss a visit to Tholos (Beehive) Tomb, and relax in the rural setting at Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary.

Before you visit Matala, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

You can drive from Elounda to Matala in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 19°C in December, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to drive 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Melidoni (Reptisland & Melidoni Cave), Monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa (in Potamies) and Museum of Ancient Eleutherna (in Eletherna). On the 12th (Tue), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Mount Ida. Next up on the itinerary: stop by Rethymnon Old Town, take in the spiritual surroundings of Monastery of Arkadi, take an in-depth tour of Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno, and ponder the design of Rimondi Fountain.

To find traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Rethymnon trip planner.

Getting from Matala to Rethymnon by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Rethymnon are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough 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.

Explore Chania Town's surroundings by going to Astrikas Estate Biolea (in Astrikas), Kissamos (Sirikari Gorge - Polyrrinia Trail, Balos Lagoon, &more) and Elafonissi (Elafonissi Beach & Elafonisi Viewpoint). And it doesn't end there: take in the waterfront activity at Old Venetian Harbor, brush up on your military savvy at Maritime Museum of Crete, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, and explore the ancient world of Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Chania Town road trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Rethymnon to Chania Town takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Chania Town can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can travel back home.