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Welcome to Greece, the cradle of our European civilization, a perfect blend of historical heritage, gentle lifestyle and impressive landscapes. Imagine discovering the country’s largest island, Crete. With centuries of Venetian and Ottoman influences and a magnificent natural heritage, Crete is sure to satisfy your desire for adventure and discovery. Drive to discover the most impressive sites of the Greek island, stay in calm and peaceful places, always in the most strategic places to allow you to discover the most wonders. During this road trip in Greece, hike in the longest gorges in Europe, swim in crystal clear waters and gradually discover the rich ancient and medieval Cretan history.
You arrive at Chania airport and settle into a small 15th-century townhouse with a charming rooftop terrace, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and the city’s tiled roofs.
Start this road trip in Crete by visiting one of the most beautiful towns on the Greek island, with unparalleled charm and a rich history. Chania boasts sumptuous monuments from the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods. Stroll through its picturesque streets, sample the local delicacies, have a drink in its Venetian harbor… Don’t miss its lighthouse, at the end of the Venetian harbor’s pedestrian promenade.
Today, we’ll be at the gates of Chania, close to the airport where you landed. Discover the monastery of Agia Triada on the Akrotiri peninsula. A fascinating Byzantine edifice built on top of an older church, containing a rich religious heritage in its small museum. In addition to its magnificent location and the treasures it contains, the monks also produce a delicious wine and olive oil that you can buy. Then drive between the numerous olive trees and the calm sea of the peninsula to return to Chania and prepare for the next stage of your road trip to Greece.
Today, start your journey by driving west. Just an hour from Chania, you’ll find one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. A lagoon perfectly suited to swimming, where the waves are absent and the fish come together to enjoy the warm, calm waters, just like you. In the evening, drop off your luggage further south, halfway along the route to your next stopover, not far from the small village of Vlatos. In an environment cut off from the rest of the world and immersed in the most pristine nature, where you can experience eco-responsible activities such as cooking classes, workshops, musical and cultural evenings and even conferences for… stargazing!
The west of the island is definitely full of heavenly beaches. Today, extend your road trip in Greece to Elafonissi beach, considered the most beautiful lagoon in Crete and nicknamed “the Ridge of the Caribbean”. In this true paradise on earth, crystal-clear shallow waters caress the pink sandy beach. Take a breath, decompress and let the sound of the waves enchant you until you lose track of time.
This morning, resume your road trip towards the east of Crete to reach the Samaria Gorges, in the heart of the White Mountains massif. A natural jewel, a 16-kilometre-long canyon with its narrowest passage at 2.50 metres. A gorge recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Choose the hiking trail that suits you best and lose yourself in the raw beauty of its rock faces and lush vegetation.
Enjoy the wild, natural setting of the White Mountains during the first part of the day, and take a breath of nature and serenity before heading back to Rethymnon. Along the way, you can stop off at the picturesque village of Loutro. Admire its white and blue houses buried under bougainvillea, a big nod to the Cyclades islands obviously. Loutro exudes an unrivalled authenticity and tranquillity that permeates every corner of this small village. Then resume your Greece road trip north to Rethymno.
In Rethymnon, settle into a suite in the heart of a perfectly renovated Venetian building, featuring a world-renowned restaurant, an attractive wine cellar and a boutique selling traditional products. Travel back in time in a sophisticated, colorful bedroom. Rethymnon is a charming town of narrow streets and sumptuous Venetian monuments. Other treasures to discover include the fortress, the small Venetian fishing port and the Tis Nerantzes mosque. There’s no shortage of things to see on this day.
It is without doubt the most important religious site in Crete. Just half an hour’s drive from Rethymnon, the Arkadi monastery is a fine example of Renaissance architecture dating back to the Venetian domination of Crete. It’s very well preserved and has a special atmosphere, hiding many stories of extraordinary sacrifices during the revolution against the Ottomans. Take time to soak up its history and colors.
Leave Rethymno and its surroundings today to return to the south of Crete, to the small village of Matala. A fishing village that in the 60s and 70s was a gathering point for hippies from all over the world, who took over the natural caves in the bay. The alleyways still exude a “peace and love” spirit, with little stores selling local produce and “Flower Power” gadgets. Take a break on its sunny beach, where you can catch a glimpse of the famous hand-cut cavities in the white rock.
Today, continue your road trip in Crete and head up the island towards its most visited site, and for good reason. Knossos, a major archaeological site bearing witness to the grandeur of Minoan civilization. Built from 1700 BC onwards, the palace with its beautiful frescoes is a maze of alleys with countless intertwined rooms. It was discovered at the end of the 19th century and is associated with the legend of King Minos. According to mythology, this is the famous labyrinth where the Minotaur was trapped! Take time to explore the palace before heading off to your final stopover a stone’s throw away, the capital Heraklion.
Surrounded by Venetian ramparts, Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a bustling port city. Don’t miss its archaeological museum, the richest on the island. In the evening, the city center wakes up. Take a stroll through its narrow streets, and don’t hesitate to sit down in one of its charming squares for a dinner of Greek specialities on your last night here!
Enjoy the last moments of your road trip in Greece around Crete today before boarding your return flight to France.
From €2,700 (based on 2 people).
The outward flight from Paris to Chania, the return flight from Heraklion to Paris, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, one piece of hand luggage per person, the rental of a Fiat Tipo or similar car for the duration of the trip, 11 nights in a double room in charming accommodation.
Price from 1300 €
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Price from 3680 €
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Price from 2800 €
