15 days in Crete Itinerary

Wholeheartedly dedicated to tourism, Hersonissos remains best known for its vibrant nightlife, its bars and clubs attracting partygoers from around the world.

Get a sense of the local culture at The Palace of Knossos and Spinalonga (Kalydon). Appreciate the collections at Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Kotsanas Museum. Explore Hersonissos' surroundings by going to Maridaki Beach (in Tsoutsouras), Titakis Wines- Fabrika Wine Experience (in Kounavi) and Agios Nikolaos (Lake Voulismeni & Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos). There's much more to do: look for gifts at Jirakis Handcrafted Leather, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Saint Titus, take an in-depth tour of Historical Museum of Crete, and learn more about the world around you at The Natural History Museum of Crete.

To see photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Hersonissos online day trip planner.

Bristol, UK to Hersonissos is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Bristol to Hersonissos due to the time zone difference. In December in Hersonissos, expect temperatures between 16°C during the day and 8°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) so you can drive to Rethymnon.

Rethymnon combines the old-fashioned charm of a small town with proximity to long sandy beaches with all the modern conveniences usually found in big tourist resorts.

Step out of the city life by going to Reptisland and Off-Road Tours. We've included these beaches for you: Frangokastello Beach and Preveli Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Sarakas Wood Carving Work Shop (in Asomatos), Agios Nikolaos Church (in Maza) and Peristeres beach (in Rodakino). And it doesn't end there: stop by Rethymnon Old Town, see the interesting displays at Apithano Honey Museum-Tasting & Tours, stroll through Finikas Beach (Palm Beach), and awaken your taste buds at Crete Wine Escapes.

To see ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, use the Rethymnon online driving holiday planner.

Drive from Hersonissos to Rethymnon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 17°C in December, and nighttime lows around 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Chania Town.

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Let the collections at Greek National Football Museum and Maritime Museum of Crete capture your imagination. Visit Souda Bay War Cemetery and Kastro Gramvoussas for their historical value. Change things up with these side-trips from Chania Town: Balos Lagoon (in Kissamos), Cornucopia (in Koleni) and Seitan Limania Beach (in Akrotiri). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Agii Apostoli Beach, sample the tasty concoctions at Lafkas Brewery, take in the exciting artwork at Apostolakis Handmade Ceramics, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Agia Marina Beach.

For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Chania Town online tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Rethymnon to Chania Town in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December in Chania Town, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 10°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Elafonissi.

Located just off Crete's southwestern corner, Elafonissi offers an alternative vacation idea for those looking to avoid the larger, more crowded Greek islands.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Elafonissi Beach, stroll through Elafonisi Viewpoint, and then kick back and relax at Aspri Limni Beach.

To find more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Elafonissi trip planner.

You can drive from Chania Town to Elafonissi in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Elafonissi are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can catch the flight back home.