From Around The Web: 20 Fabulous Infographics About Crete Towns
There are four major towns or cities in Crete, which are approximately equidistant. Starting in the west, with Chania, it is 55km to the smaller, but similarly lovely city of Rethymnon. An additional 78 km takes you to Heraklion, the capital and from there to Agios Nikolaos is 66km. The driving time from each one to the next is around an hour but bear in mind that there are other smaller towns beyond the main towns, 70km to the east of Agios Nikolaos (Sitia) and 42 km west of Chania (KIssamos).
West Crete
Base yourself in Chania for the opening night and delight in the atmosphere of the old town. Chania is a big bustling city and lots of individuals are shocked that it looks like the tourist pictures just in an extremely little area around the old harbour. A major consideration in planning your trip to Crete must be, that if you remain in the west, there are simply four roads running from the north coast to the south coast. If you plan to check out Elafonissi you can not simply cut along the coast to Paleochora. You will require to go at least halfway back to the north coast prior to you can cut across to the next roadway, joining it at Kandanos. It is possible to take a pretty "interesting" roadway from Paleochora to Sougia however most likely best to take the primary roadway from Chania if you want to arrive. The road to Samaria Canyon will take you to the head of the gorge but the only way out when you get to the coast is by ferry to Sfakia. This actually is a case where it is better to use an arranged trip via a local travel agent. In order to check out Sfakia (or Chora Sfakion) it is best to leave the National Road at Vrises and head for the amazing drop down to the coast. Turn right at the bottom for Sfakia, or left for Frangokastello, with its magnificent castle.
Rethymnon
From Frangokastello, it is fairly easy to get to Rethymnon, which is worth investing a night in, if only for the fantastic restaurants and the atmosphere in the old town. In the morning, re-trace the route however follow the signs for Spili, with its famous water fountain and waters, down to Agia Galini and on to Matala and the charming little towns of Pitsidia and Kalamaki. From here it is a brief drive to the major Minoan website of Phaistos and the Roman archaeology at Gortyna. The dynamic market town of Moires results in the roadway to Heraklion, much which is freshly constructed, making it an easy drive to the island capital.
Heraklion
Picture London, in the rush hour, on Christmas Eve, filled with angry taxi chauffeurs. That is practically exactly what you will find when you arrive in Heraklion, so don't say you were not warned. It is better to remain on the borders and get a cab into the town agreekadventure.com/travel-resources-travel-companies/booking-an-accommodation-bed-matters if you wish to see the sights like the church of Agios Minas, the Morosini Fountain, the loggia, the (limited at the moment) Archaeological museum and the fascinating History museum. The fortress on the harbour is well worth a go to and you will be amazed at how huge it is when you enter. The next morning, see Knossos, a couple of km outside the city. Get there early and you will avoid the coach celebrations that get here later in the early morning. From Knossos it deserves going up to Archanes for a coffee in crete tourism the primary square, (you will need to park the car and stroll to it) This is the wine growing centre of the island. Several crete holidays wineries in the location have tasting rooms and audio visual presentations which are well signposted. From Archanes take the road to Kastelli.
Agios Nikoalos and Lassithi
From Kastelli, take the road to Hersonissos for about 8km and after that turn towards Avdou. Follow this road approximately the Lassithi Plateau, the famous birthplace of Zeus. When you fall to the plateau itself, turn best and take the anti-clockwise path around the base of the prehistoric lake, now one of the most fertile locations in Crete. It is impressive to understand simply how high up in the mountains you are. The cavern of Zeus, the Dhiktean cave, is reached by a switching off the road and you can treat yourself to a donkey trip if you do not fancy the walk to the cavern. The cavern itself is very cold and can be rather slippery so make certain you are prepared. Amazing stalagmites and stalactites are plentiful in the cave and it is easy to see why it was a place of worship to the earth goddess in earlier times. From the cavern continue ant-clockwise by means of Agios Giorgos to Agios Konstantinos. Turn right, following the indications to Agios Nikolaos for an incredible view over the plateau from a taverna at the top of the hill. Follow the road down through Potamos for a magnificent 30km drive down the side of the mountains.
Agios Nikolaos is an outstanding place to remain for a night, with an excellent cafe bar culture and outstanding tavernas and dining establishments. From Agios Nikolaos, drive 9km north to Elounda, great for an early morning coffee by the harbour. Go back to Agios Nikolaos and follow the indications to Sitia.
Ierapetra itself has a small Venetian fort but is probably best bypassed in favour of a run along the Libyan Sea coast https://edition.cnn.com/search/?text=crete holidays to Makrigialos, or a stop at any of the little coves such as Agia Fotia. From Makrigialos, you can cut north over the mountains to Sitia then back along the north coast to https://agreekadventure.com/a-quick-guide-to-the-greek-islands Mochlos for an over night stay and a charming harbourside taverna. The airport, through the National Highway, is about one and a half hours away.
There you go. Crete can be seen in a week however it is quite busy method of investing a holiday. 2 weeks is a far much better choice and it gives you the opportunity to savour the true appeal and the stunning landscapes of the island of Crete.