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Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The island holds beaches, palaces, steep gorges, mountain ranges, and dense vegetation within a few hours' drive of each other. Crete also carries a deep-rooted culture shaped by the struggles the island went through to win its freedom, which is visible in its villages and its food.
Covering that ground takes a vehicle, and hiring a private driver lets you set the pace yourself. A private driver takes you to the place of your choice and can suggest where to go next. The 8 places below are worth the drive, listed in the order most visitors reach them from Heraklion.
Start at Heraklion, the capital of Crete and the arrival point for most international flights. Heraklion puts you within reach of the island's largest archaeological site, and a private tour from there covers the surrounding sites at your own pace.
Visit Knossos Palace while you are in Heraklion. The palace sits 5km southeast of the city, a 10-minute drive. Knossos Palace was built in 2,000 BC and destroyed by an earthquake in 1700 BC. It covers 20,000 square feet, which makes it the largest Minoan palace, and its preserved ruins include the grand staircase, the throne room, the storerooms, and the royal apartment, along with gardens, temples, and courtyards.
Drive on to Lassithi Plateau, the largest plain in eastern Crete, for the view from its rim. Other sites sit near the palace as well, such as the village of Archanes, the ancient city of Gortyn, and the seaside town of Hersonissos. Lassithi Plateau lies 40km from Heraklion City, about a 1-hour drive. The plateau stands 800 metres above sea level and covers approximately 25 square kilometres, ringed by the Thrypti and Dikti mountain ranges.
Continue to Zeus Cave, also known as Diktean Cave, in eastern Crete. The cave served as a place of worship and sacrifice in Minoan times, and tradition names it the birthplace of Zeus, god of lightning. Zeus Cave sits 20km from Lassithi Plateau, approximately 30 minutes away.
Hike the Samaria Gorge for the most demanding day on this list. The gorge is in southwestern Crete, 43km from Chania and a 40-minute drive. The route runs 6 to 7km and takes 5 to 7 hours to complete. The hike needs a reasonable fitness level, since the path turns steep and rocky, and the long downhill sections are hard on weak knees.
The gorge opens from May to October only, because flash floods and rockslides make the winter months dangerous. Summer temperatures reach 30°C, so carry plenty of water and wear sun protection if you hike then. Entry costs a small fee, which funds the upkeep of the area.
A private driver changes this hike for 2 reasons. First, you skip the return leg: park at the gorge entrance and you must hike back to collect the car, whereas a driver moves to the far end and collects you there, which halves the walking. Second, you avoid the long drive home after 6 to 7 hours on foot, because the driver handles it.
Visit Amazonas Park, a wildlife shelter near Neapolis village that houses lemurs, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Walk the park yourself or take a guided tour, which adds animal encounters and educational sessions on the animals and their habitats. The park also runs a playground and a petting zoo for children, serves Cretan food at its restaurant, and sells gifts at its shop. Amazonas Park lies 53km from Heraklion on route E75, around 45 minutes by car. You can book a custom tour with a driver through Cretan Bay Transfer.
Join a wine tour to reach the island's wine regions, which produce some of the most respected wines in Greece. Pick the region first, since each one grows different grapes and produces a different character of wine. The regions most visited for wine are Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.
Book the tour second. Several companies run Crete wine tours covering wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, where you follow the winemaking process through to the tasting at the end. Plan the stops third, mixing well-known wineries with smaller ones. A private tour with us adds a customised itinerary and the full attention of your guide.
Drive south to reach Matala and Plakias, the 2 most visited destinations in southern Crete. The region holds the island's most open landscapes and several historic sites. Take the National road towards Rethymno and stay on it until the sign for Plakias and Matala.
Matala comes first, a small village on the southern coast an hour from Heraklion. The village is known for its beaches and its historical caves, which are carved into the rock and unusual in structure. Seaside tavernas along the front serve local Cretan food.
Plakias follows, along a coast road with scenic views and beaches. Preveli Beach is among the most secluded on the island, surrounded by a palm forest and looking out over the Libyan Sea. Plakias itself is a coastal village 2 hours from Heraklion by taxi, with traditional tavernas and small shops serving local dishes and locally produced wine.
Visit Lake Kournas in Chania, 103km from Heraklion and around one and a half hours away. Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete, ringed by greenery and tall mountains. Swim, kayak, or sit by the water, and eat at the local tavernas nearby.
Stop at Rethymnon Old Town on the same trip. The old town lies 85.7km from Heraklion, around 1 hour and 20 minutes away. Rethymnon Old Town is a historic quarter of narrow streets and coloured buildings, where the Rimondi Fountain and the Fortezza Castle are the landmarks worth the walk.
Eat at the island's established kitchens, which cook with fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. The 6 restaurants below are reachable with a private driver, and each one is named with the town it sits in.
Hiring a private car and driver from Cretan Bay Transfer gives you 3 advantages over driving yourself, which are described below with how each one works.
Cretan Bay Transfer organises private local tours for families, groups of friends, and solo travellers. Customise the trip and we will keep it within your budget. We hire local drivers who know the island and take you around it safely, and we run a criminal record check on each one before hiring.
#Also interesting to read
ᐅ Best Ways to Get from Heraklion to Chania and Vice Versa
ᐅ Transportation Guide for Chania
ᐅ Transportation Guide for Heraklion