Crete Road Trip Routes
Crete is made for road trips: coastal drives, mountain villages, and beaches that are difficult to reach without a car. Below you’ll find 5 scenic road trip routes in Crete, each with top beaches and what to see in nearby towns.
These routes are designed for realistic driving and flexible stops—so you can enjoy the island, not rush through it.
Table of Contents
- Route 1: Heraklion – Rethymno – Chania (North Coast)
- Route 2: Chania – Falassarna – Kissamos (West Crete)
- Route 3: Elafonissi – South Coast – Paleochora / Sougia
- Route 4: Agios Nikolaos – Elounda – Plaka (Spinalonga)
- Route 5: Lasithi Plateau Mountain Loop + nearby beaches
- Driving tips (important)
- FAQ
Route 1: Heraklion – Rethymno – Chania (North Coast)
This is the easiest route for first-time visitors. Roads are generally smooth and well signed, with plenty of towns, beaches, cafés and fuel stations along the way. Great for families and relaxed driving days.
Top beaches on this route:
- Agia Pelagia (near Heraklion): sheltered bay, calm water, easy parking.
- Panormos (Rethymno area): small, peaceful beach close to a lovely village.
- Georgioupoli: long sandy beach and lagoon scenery.
- Rethymno City Beach: easy access directly from town, great for a quick swim.
What to see in the towns:
- Heraklion: old town walk + Venetian walls and harbour.
- Rethymno: Old Town alleys + Fortezza for sunset views.
- Chania: Venetian harbour + old market area for local products.
Best time to drive:
- April–June & September–October for pleasant weather.
- Morning hours are ideal for city parking.
Parking tips:
- Use public parking areas outside old towns.
- Avoid narrow streets in Rethymno & Chania old town.
Best car type:
- Economy or Compact – easy driving & parking.
- Automatic optional for relaxed city traffic.
Family notes:
- Very family-friendly route with many stops.
- Great option for first driving day in Crete.
Starting from Heraklion? Arrange your rent a car in Heraklion and begin Route 1 straight away with the right vehicle for city stops and coastal driving.
Route 2: Chania – Falassarna – Kissamos (West Crete)
This is one of the best beach routes in Crete—without difficult access roads. Falassarna is ideal for a relaxed day: wide sand, clear water, and amazing sunsets. Kissamos is the perfect base for lunch and supplies.
Top beaches on this route:
- Falassarna Beach: big sandy beach, easy access, great for sunset.
- Stavros Beach (near Chania): calm bay, good option for families.
- Agii Apostoli (close to Chania): small coves, easy parking, quick swims.
- Marathi (optional detour): sheltered water and tavernas by the sea.
What to see in the towns:
- Chania: harbour walk + lighthouse viewpoint + old streets for shopping.
- Kissamos: local lunch stop + supplies before the beach.
Best time to drive:
- Early morning for beach access and parking.
- Late afternoon for Falassarna sunset.
Parking tips:
- Falassarna has open parking areas near the beach.
- In Chania, park outside the harbour zone.
Best car type:
- Comfort or Compact car recommended.
- No SUV required.
Family notes:
- Falassarna is suitable for children (open space).
- Bring sun protection—limited shade.
If you’re based in Chania (or landing at CHQ), choose car hire in Chania for easy access to Falassarna, Kissamos, and the west-coast beaches.
Route 3: Elafonissi – South Coast – Paleochora / Sougia
South-west Crete feels quieter and more local. Roads are winding and scenic, but the reward is huge: unique beaches, fewer crowds, and small towns perfect for slow evenings and great food.
Top beaches on this route:
- Elafonissi: shallow turquoise water, unique landscape, family-friendly.
- Pachia Ammos (Paleochora): big beach, easy access, good facilities.
- Gialiskari: smaller coves, great for swimming/snorkel.
- Sougia Beach: relaxed vibe, long shoreline, ideal for quiet stays.
What to see in the towns:
- Paleochora: walkable seaside town, tavernas, sunset walks.
- Sougia: calm base for nature lovers.
Best time to drive:
- May–June & September for cooler mountain driving.
- Start early to avoid midday heat.
Parking tips:
- Elafonissi parking fills fast—arrive early.
- Paleochora & Sougia have easy street parking.
Best car type:
- Comfort or Automatic strongly recommended.
- SUV optional for extra confidence.
Family notes:
- Child seats recommended for mountain roads.
- Plan frequent stops on longer drives.
For the south-coast and mountain roads, many travelers prefer family car rental options that offer more space, comfort and stability for longer drives.
Route 4: Agios Nikolaos – Elounda – Plaka (Spinalonga)
This is the perfect east Crete route for easy coastal driving, viewpoints, and a classic historical boat trip. Ideal if you want a relaxed day without long mountain roads.
Top beaches on this route:
- Voulisma (Golden Beach): clear water and soft sand.
- Elounda Beach: calm water, family-friendly.
- Kolokytha Bay: beautiful water, best with planning.
- Plaka area: small swimming spots near the boats.
What to see in the towns:
- Agios Nikolaos: lake area + cafés + harbour walk.
- Elounda: seaside views and relaxed dining.
- Spinalonga: boat trip from Plaka—historic island fortress.
Best time to drive:
- Morning for calm traffic and easier parking.
- Late afternoon for coastal light and views.
Parking tips:
- Agios Nikolaos has multiple public parking areas.
- Plaka parking near boats is limited—arrive early.
Best car type:
- Economy or Compact is sufficient.
- Automatic optional for relaxed coastal driving.
Family notes:
- Boat trip may be tiring for very young children—bring hats and water.
For relaxed coastal routes in east Crete, consider automatic cars for coastal driving—especially in town traffic and during busy summer weeks.
Route 5: Lasithi Plateau Mountain Loop + nearby beaches
This is Crete away from the sea—villages, farmland, mountain air, and traditional tavernas. It’s best in spring/early summer or on hot days when you want cooler temperatures.
Top stops on the mountain loop:
- Traditional villages and viewpoints across the plateau.
- Local tavernas for homemade food and local products.
- A slow scenic drive with farmland and mountain roads.
Beaches you can combine with this route:
- Makrigialos: relaxed beach area, good for families.
- Xerokampos: quiet and natural, fewer crowds.
- Itanos: natural beach landscape in far east Crete.
Best time to drive:
- Spring & early summer for green scenery.
- Midday escape from coastal heat.
Parking tips:
- Village parking is informal—park respectfully and don’t block roads.
Best car type:
- Comfort or SUV recommended; automatic helps on steep roads.
Family notes:
- Bring snacks & water—few services in mountains.
Mountain routes like Lasithi are more comfortable with higher clearance and stability—see our SUV rental in Crete options before you go inland.
Driving tips (important)
- Start early on beach days to find parking and avoid peak heat.
- Fuel up before mountain routes and keep extra water in the car.
- Drive patiently on narrow roads and allow locals to pass when safe.
- Keep buffer time for viewpoints, food stops and short walks.
FAQ – Crete Road Trip Routes
Which route is best for families?
Route 1 (North Coast) is the easiest and most convenient, with many stops and simple driving.
Which route has the best beaches with easy access?
Route 2 (Falassarna) offers one of the best beach days without difficult access roads.
Do I need a special car for these routes?
For the routes above, a standard car is enough. Drive carefully on mountain roads and plan fuel stops.