Ancient ruins, idyllic beaches and lakes where Greek goddesses bathed: Take a road trip to explore the beauty of Crete
- Greece’s largest island is perfect for exploring at your own pace, linking together charming towns on one easy one-week journey
Ad feature by British Airways Holidays
PUBLISHED: 10:28, 02 August 2023
With endless turquoise waters and honey-hued ruins, one of the best ways to discover Crete is on a road trip adventure.
From labyrinthine old towns to mountain villages, this sun-soaked island has long since served as the crossroads of ancient civilisations. And on a self-drive adventure, you’ll weave together ancient olive groves with steep gorges, mesmerising mountains with Ottoman, Venetian and Arab remnants peppered through the fertile land.
The largest of Greece’s islands, if you edge along the north coast, you can connect the dots in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, with short hops between each destination and plenty of beautiful stop-offs along the way.
If you’re planning a fly-drive holiday on this sun-dappled island haven, British Airways Holidays and its exclusive car hire partner Avis have made it easier to book everything you need in one place.
Explore a hand-picked collection of elegant hotels to suit any budget and a range of vehicles for any group size and budget. Then wrap up your picks with flights, 23kg baggage per person and 24-hour roadside assistance to create the perfect package for you.
If you’re an Executive Club Member, you’ll also receive other benefits, such as a free additional driver with every rental, priority check-in and boarding, and the chance to build up Avios with Avis.
With convenient and frequent British Airways flights to both Chania and Heraklion, opt for different pick-up and drop-off locations and enjoy an ATOL-protected holiday discovering the secret gems of Crete’s northern coastline.
Chania combines Venetian flair and Ottoman relics with a thriving modern culture
Chania to Rethymno
A picturesque town centred around the charming harbour, Chania combines Venetian flair and Ottoman relics with a thriving modern culture. Explore the neoclassical wonders of the Old Town, head to Kastelli Hill for a Byzantine castle, Venetian city walls and an excavated Proto-Minoan settlement, and then explore the ancient monasteries of Akrotiri.
The drive to Rethymno takes only an hour, giving you the perfect opportunity to weave in and out of rugged coves and sun-splashed beaches, and drop in on the archaeological site of Aptera. Founded by the Minoans, Aptera would become one of Crete’s most important city-states in the Hellenistic years.
Nearby, the waterfront Rethymno offers a rare cocktail of storied history and exquisite modern luxuries. To enter its enchanted streets is to step back in time to the days of Venetian rule, so soak up the old Greece ambience as you saunter past colourful cafes, decorative fountains, and ancient secrets hidden in plain sight.
The waterfront in Rethymno offers a rare cocktail of storied history and exquisite modern luxuries
Rethymno to Heraklion
Enjoy an early morning stroll around the Venetian harbour, stop for coffee and a pastry in an al fresco cafe on the Eleftheriou Venizelou waterfront, and admire the elaborate entrance and three domes of the church-turned-mosque of Neratzes. From here, it’s a scenic and comfortable coastal drive to Heraklion that takes only an hour and 20 minutes, eventually winding its way down from the mountains to the coastal plain to arrive in the city.
Follow the steep steps, admiring the epic sea views as you hike down to sheltered coves for a refreshing dip or take in the golden sun on sweeping sandy beaches. Turn inland for the fortress-style Vossako Monastery, restored to its original glory with two sunny courtyards, an elegant Venetian fountain and a storied main temple.
With its quaint arcades and winding city walls, this coastal capital is a treasure trove of ancient gems, but it’s also a great base for exploring further afield. Jump in the car and head to the storied Minoan Labyrinth just three miles from the centre, or discover centennial olive groves to sample their golden nectar. Alternatively, head about 20 miles inland to the famous pottery village of Thrapsano.
Agios Nikolaos, a cultural city infused with the essence of countless empires and societies which have passed through
Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos
With Agios Nikolaos only an hour’s drive away, enjoy the perfect excuse for a slow morning before weaving together historical sites on your way. Set on the pretty slopes of Kavalaras hill, the quaint monastery of Kremasta was built in the 16th Century overlooking the town of Neapolis, and provides a charming spot to stop for a picnic or photo opportunity.
Swing past Crete’s best-preserved Minoan site, the ancient city of Lato, founded in the 7th Century BC and named for the goddess Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis. Nearby, Kritsa village is one of the oldest on the island. Constructed in the shape of an amphitheatre by the late Minoans, this sleepy village is the perfect place to find a handcrafted souvenir.
A short drive later, and you’ll be strolling the picture-perfect waterfront of Agios Nikolaos, a cultural city infused with the essence of countless empires and societies which have passed through.
A 20-minute boat ride to the storied island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony given international fame by award-winning novelist Victoria Hislop, offers the perfect opportunity to explore Crete’s more recent history
Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion
Admire the shimmering waters of the legendary lake, said to be the bathing place of choice for goddesses Athena and Artemis, and connected to Santorini’s volcano via an underground passage, according to legend. Mythology aside, the reddish cliffs and enchanting woodland surely make this the crown jewel of Agios Nikolaos.
Drop into the local archaeological museums, shop for traditional handicrafts, and savour local delicacies on glorious sun-soaked terraces. A 20-minute boat ride to the storied island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony given international fame by award-winning novelist Victoria Hislop, offers the perfect opportunity to explore Crete’s more recent history.
An easy drive back to Heraklion gives you the final chance to enjoy the sun-splashed beaches, pick up the last holiday gifts in the vibrant markets, and toast an unforgettable adventure as you watch one last Cretan sunset before your flight back home.
Crete’s northern coast stitches together rich traditions with ancient relics of the empires, and there’s no better way to explore than on a self-guided road trip. From quaint hilltop monasteries to glamorous harbours and incredible archaeological sites, exploring this storied island at your own pace is an incomparable delight.
Simply pick your gorgeous hotels with British Airways Holidays, find the perfect vehicle with Avis, and wrap it up in a custom ATOL-protected package, with everything from 23kg baggage to GPS navigation included.
Book your fly-drive holiday to Crete at ba.com/flydrives
