Day 1 - Fly to Chania
Pick up your car and drive to the villas, and check into our friendly accommodations. Have a cold and refreshing drink on the bar and watch the sunset on your first day in our island. Followed by a dinner at Stavros taverna, and enjoy some traditional Cretan food cooked by Despina.
Day 2 - Visit Chania
Visit the old town of Chania , harbour and indoor market. Have lunch on the harbour, and then drive 30 minutes to Theriso Gorge. Drive through the gorge and stop at the Venizelos war museum in Theriso. Continue through the mountains to Zourva for afternoon coffee and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and north coast. Drive back to the hotel in 50 through the orange grove villages of Mesklaa and Fournes.
Day 3 - Walk the Samaria Gorge.
Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe and it's protected by the Greek government. (It's approximately 6 hours walking!) Or if this is a bit daunting, drive to the western tip of Crete , Falasarna and enjoy the lovely white sandy beach. On the way stop at Kolimbari and visit Gonia Monastery and then head for Polirinia Village for some lovely views of the land and sea. Drive south along the western coast from Sfinari to Chrissoskalitisa- another monastery, built on the rocks. Continue south to Elafonissi a famous tiny island which you walk to through the shallow emerald sea.
Day 4 – Paleochora
Drive 1 ½ hours south from Chania to Paleochora on the South coast a lovely journey through the west White Mountains, passing through many small beautiful villages. From Paleochora several boat trips cross the water to Elafonissi and Sougia on the south coast. Take an alternative route home through the south to Sougia and then Kampanos, Sebronas and Alikianos- another lovely journey through the White Mountains . (About 2 hours).
Day 5 – Staying in
On day five you will be tired from driving around the island so we decided it would be best to stay around the pool or on the beach an relax.
Day 6 – Rethymno
Drive to the beautiful city of Rethymno . Visit the harbour, old town and castle, followed by the Arkadi Monastery, famous during the Cretan War of Independence. If you have time drive to Spili a lovely village with water springs in the main square.
Day 7 – Sfakia, Frangokastelo
Drive onwards to Sfakia, turn left towards the Venetian fortress, Frangokastelo, built on the sandy beach. Continue driving along the south coast to Plakias and then to Preveli Monastery, used in WW II as a rescue. Head home along the national road taking in Rethymno and its delights on the way back.