450 km total
Distance
9h total
Drive
7 days
Duration
May–October
Season
A week in Chania allows you to see it properly: old town, west coast, Akrotiri, Apokoronas, the south coast, and one day doing absolutely nothing. This is the itinerary for a full week.
Ratings
3/5
Family
5/5
Scenic
4/5
Adventure
Route Map
Day by Day
Day 1
Morning
Agora, streets, Archaeological Museum.
Afternoon
Swimming, then harbour walk.
Evening
Book ahead. Best first-night dinner.
Day 2
Morning
Monasteries and gorge walk.
Midday
The electric-blue fjord.
Afternoon
Swimming, then fish at Marathi tavernas.
Day 3
Morning
Early arrival essential.
Afternoon
40 min south from Elafonisi.
Evening
Best sunset beach.
Day 4
All day
Drive to Sfakia (2h), ferry to Loutro (20min). Stay overnight.
Afternoon
Water taxi from Loutro.
Evening
Stay overnight. Essential.
Day 5
Morning
Return to Sfakia, drive to Aradena.
Afternoon
Venetian castle, sandy beach.
Evening
Scenic mountain road north.
Day 6
Morning
Vamos market, Gavalochori museum, Douliana plane tree.
Afternoon
Swimming and lunch.
Evening
20 min from Chania. Sunday dinner at the tavernas.
Day 7
Morning
09:00 departure. The classic Chania excursion.
Evening
Apostolis for fish, then Fagotto for raki.
🔎 Local Tip
The south coast day (Day 4) requires the most planning — book Loutro accommodation and check ferry times before you set out.
Beaches on This Route
Hidden Places Nearby
Photo Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this route?
7 days. 450 km total
Best time to do Chania in 7 Days?
May–October
Do I need a car?
Yes — most stops require a car.
Family friendly?
Best with older children — 3/5.