Route Overview
About this Tour
Crete is a world of its own. The largest Greek island has everything: 5,000-year-old civilization in Knossos, dramatic gorges like Samaria, pink sand beaches in Elafonisi, and a cuisine considered the healthiest in the Mediterranean. With a motorhome, you experience Crete away from the tourist masses – from the mountains to hidden bays.
Your Journey in Detail
🏺Heraklion & the Minoan East
The journey begins in Heraklion, Crete's capital. The archaeological museum is one of the best in the world – here you can see the originals of the Minoan frescoes, the Disc of Phaistos (still undeciphered!), and fascinating artifacts of a 4,000-year-old high culture. The Palace of Knossos is only 15 minutes away. Did the labyrinth myth of the Minotaur originate here? The labyrinthine architecture certainly suggests it! Sir Arthur Evans' controversial reconstructions bring the place to life – ideal for families who want to imagine the ancient world. In Heraklion itself, the Venetian fortress Koules at the port and the market hall for culinary discoveries are worth a visit: Try 'Kalitsounia' (herb cheese pockets), fresh thyme honey, and the famous Cretan olive oil. The coastal road to the east leads to Agios Nikolaos with its mysterious bottomless lake and on to Sitia, where the crowds end and the authentic Crete begins. The beaches of Vai with their unique palm forest are a natural wonder.
🥗Rethymno & Culinary Treasures
Rethymno is perhaps the most charming city in Crete. The Venetian old town with Turkish minarets, narrow streets, and the huge Fortezza fortress is a dream for strollers. In the evening, the old port comes to life – tables are set right up to the water, musicians play the lyre (the Cretan national instrument), and the raki flows. Crete is famous for its cuisine, which is considered the origin of the Mediterranean diet. Must-try: 'Dakos' (barley rusk with tomatoes and feta), 'Chochlioi' (snails), and 'Sfakiani Pita' (sweet cheese pockets with honey). In the mountain villages of the hinterland like Anogia and Zoniana, you experience the real Crete – here traditional textiles are still woven and cheese (Graviera, Myzithra) is made by hand. The Sfentoni Cave with its stalactites is an adventure for families. The region around Spili with its Venetian lion fountain offers wonderful hiking trails through olive groves and to hidden waterfalls.
🏔️Chania, Samaria & the West Coast
Chania is the jewel of Western Crete. The Venetian port with the Egyptian lighthouse, the leather lane with traditional craftsmen, and the old town taverns make this the perfect basecamp. From here, the greatest adventure in Crete starts: the Samaria Gorge. At 18 kilometers, it is the longest in Europe and leads through dramatic rock walls down to the Libyan Sea. The hike (5-7 hours) is demanding but unforgettable – the 'Iron Gates', where the gorge is only 4 meters wide, are spectacular. For families with smaller children: The Imbros Gorge or Agia Irini are shorter alternatives. The west coast offers Crete's most beautiful beaches: Elafonisi with its pink sand and turquoise water is incredibly beautiful, Balos (only reachable by boat or 4x4) like something from the Caribbean. Back in Chania in the evening: Enjoy 'Boureki' (zucchini-potato casserole) in a tavern at the port while the sun sinks over the Aegean. Crete bids farewell to every visitor with the promise: You will come back!
💡Practical Tips
- ✓The Samaria Gorge is open from May to October – start early to avoid the crowds!
- ✓Watch out on Cretan mountain roads – goats always have the right of way!
- ✓Raki is served free of charge after the meal – 'Ya mas!' (Cheers!)
At a Glance
Duration
7-10 Days
Distance
400 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Highlights
- ⭐Knossos-Palast
- ⭐Samaria-Schlucht
- ⭐Chanias Altstadt
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