Crete is not just an island to explore on its own; it’s also a fantastic springboard for day trips to nearby islands, coastal escapes, and fascinating sites just off its shores. Thanks to Crete’s strategic location and good ferry connections, you can embark on mini-adventures beyond Crete and still be back to your base by evening. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best day trips from Crete – whether it’s hopping to a neighbouring island, taking a scenic drive to a remote peninsula, or sailing to a hidden beach. We’ll provide detailed itineraries and practical tips for each, so you can make the most of your time.
Introduction: Expanding Your Horizons Beyond Crete
While Crete itself could occupy you for weeks, adding a day trip (or several) can enrich your travel experience by showing you a different facet of Greek life and landscape. For instance, a day trip might take you to:
It’s important to note: some “day trips” involve longer travel days than others. We’ll mark clearly which ones are easily done in a day and which might be better as long day or even overnight trips if you have the time. Let’s dive into some of the best day trip options:
Santorini
We’ve covered the Crete to Santorini day trip in detail. To recap briefly: it’s feasible via high-speed ferry from Heraklion (roughly 2 hours each way), giving you around 6–7 hours on Santorini. For full details, refer to our guide on Crete to Santorini Day Trip. It’s a long day but a bucket-list trip to one of the world’s most famous islands.
'Santorini' - Attribution: snowfish2014Chrissi Island
As mentioned earlier, the enchanting Chrissi (Golden) Island is a dreamlike uninhabited islet south of Crete, accessible from Ierapetra. This is one of the top day trips for beach lovers. The selling point is its exotic, pristine beaches and a turquoise sea that looks more like the Caribbean than the Med. Getting there involves small ferries running from Ierapetra daily (usually from mid-May through October), with departures and returns scheduled to maximise your day. Once on the island, the boat will dock at Vougiou Mati. From there, you follow a sandy path through the juniper forest (about 10 minutes) leading to Golden Beach (Chrissi Ammos) on the south side. The beach is the star – a long stretch with almost white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water appearing in bands of emerald and turquoise. You can wade, swim, snorkel among the rocks, and explore nearby coves like Bella Vista Beach and Kataprosopo, each offering its own charm. Amenities are limited, so it’s wise to bring your own sunshade, plenty of sunscreen, water, and food. Many travellers say this is one of their favourite day excursions for its pure escapism and unspoilt beauty.
'Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) bay' - Attribution: Shepard4711Spinalonga & Elounda
A great historical and cultural day trip is combining a visit to Spinalonga Island with exploring the Elounda and Agios Nikolaos area in east-central Crete. Begin your day in Agios Nikolaos – a charming town built around Lake Voulismeni – and enjoy a morning coffee before heading 10 km north to Elounda, famed for its luxury resorts and calm bay. From Elounda, you can continue on to the village of Plaka, a tiny fishing village directly opposite Spinalonga Island. Here, boat taxis (running every 30 minutes in summer) offer a quick 5–10-minute trip to the island. Once there, your visit to Spinalonga Island typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. Wander the Venetian ramparts, explore tunnels and remnants of the former leper colony, and take in the panoramic views over the Elounda Gulf. After returning by boat, enjoy lunch at one of Plaka’s waterfront tavernas before perhaps taking an afternoon dip at a nearby beach such as Kolokytha Beach. If time permits, consider an evening stroll around the marina in Agios Nikolaos before heading back.
'Spinalonga' - Attribution: James PrestonGavdos Island
For the intrepid traveller, Gavdos offers a day trip experience, though it typically makes for a very long day and is often better enjoyed as an overnight excursion. Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe, is a small island located about 50 km south of Crete. Known for its unspoilt beaches and relaxed, nudist-friendly atmosphere, it serves as a nature escape. Ferries operate from Hora Sfakion (and sometimes Paleochora) primarily during the summer, so be sure to plan ahead as schedules are limited and weather conditions play a factor. Once there, you can explore beaches like Sarakiniko or Agios Ioannis, each offering a low-key yet memorable experience.
'Trip to Gavdos from Sfakia' - Attribution: Jörg WeingrillKoufonisi (Lefki) Island
Not to be confused with Koufonisia in the Cyclades, Crete has its own Koufonisi (also called Lefki) off the south-east coast near Makrigialos. This uninhabited island is known for its sand dunes, fossils, and a theatre ruin from ancient times. Day cruises from Makrigialos during the summer will take you to Koufonisi for a few hours of swimming and exploration, offering a quiet retreat away from the crowds.
Western Crete Island Hopping (Gramvousa)
In Western Crete, island hopping often revolves around the experiences associated with Balos and Gramvousa. While Balos is situated on Crete’s peninsula, Gramvousa is an offshore destination commonly visited on a Balos boat trip. Though there was once an option to visit Antikythira from Kissamos, it is extremely infrequent and not considered a standard day trip. For this reason, the main Western boat experience remains the Balos Gramvousa trip.
'Gramvousa Peninsula, Crete, Greece' - Attribution: pom\\''.Elafonisi Beach (Southwest Crete)
Arguably one of the most memorable day trips on Crete, Elafonisi is celebrated for its magical pink-sand beach at the south-west tip of the island. For those staying in Chania or Rethymno, it requires a full-day commitment due to the winding mountain roads and distance (from Chania, approximately 75 km in 1.5–2 hours). Once there, you can stroll over dunes to discover expansive shallows in hues of blue and aquamarine juxtaposed with a blush of pink sand near the waterline. The main beach is well-equipped with umbrellas and a couple of canteens, though it can get quite busy on summer afternoons. If you are after tranquillity, try to arrive early or visit in the off-peak season. Do note that Elafonisi is a protected Natura 2000 area, so please stick to marked paths.
'Elafonisi Beach' - Attribution: _dChrisSamaria Gorge
Another classic day trip, hiking the Samaria Gorge offers a blend of exercise, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of adventure. As Europe’s longest gorge at 16 km, the hike begins early from Omalos and typically lasts between 5–7 hours, finishing at Agia Roumeli along the Libyan Sea. From there, a ferry is required to reconnect you with the road network and return to Chania or Rethymno. Many travellers opt for an organised excursion to simplify transport logistics, but if you are fit and well-prepared, tackling Samaria independently is an unforgettable experience. If the length of Samaria feels daunting, consider the shorter Imbros Gorge as an alternative.
'Crete - Samaria Gorges' - Attribution: I C ILassithi Plateau (Central Crete)
For a scenic and cultural drive, the Lassithi Plateau is a superb choice. This high, fertile plain, ringed by the Dikti Mountains, is famous for its traditional windmills and idyllic villages. The route from Heraklion or Hersonissos features dramatic roads with breathtaking viewpoints – not to mention a stop at Zeus Cave (or Dikteon Cave) near Psychro, reputedly the birthplace of Zeus. While exploring, you can drive the loop road connecting villages such as Tzermiado, Agios Georgios, and Psychro, visit a folklore museum, and savour local mountain delicacies in a traditional taverna. The plateau offers a genuine glimpse into rural Cretan life and, with its crisp mountain air and vivid landscapes, is a photographer’s delight.
'lassithi plateau' - Attribution: ShadowgateEastern Crete Villages and Beaches
If you are based in Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion, a road trip exploring the eastern fringes of Crete is well worth your time. Begin by driving to Sitia – a quaint coastal town complete with a charming seafront and a view of Kazarma Fortress. On the way to the famous Vai Palm Beach (Europe’s only large native palm grove), consider stopping at Toplou Monastery, a 15th-century fortress-like monastery known for its impressive icon collection and winery. If time permits, you might also explore the quiet ruins at Itanos or the windsurf-friendly Kouremenos Beach, and then loop back via Palekastro to sample local olive oil or raki.
'Crete - Preveli Palm Beach' - Attribution: mariettakiSouthern Coast and Libyan Sea
Another excellent day outing is to pick a town along the south coast and simply soak up the local ambience. For example, departing from Rethymno, you might drive to Plakias via the scenic Kourtaliotiko Gorge, then explore nearby attractions such as Preveli Palm Beach or visit Frangokastello, where a Venetian castle overlooks the sea. Alternatively, starting from Heraklion, a drive to Matala (famed for its hippie caves and vibrant atmosphere) offers a relaxed day by the water. From Agios Nikolaos, you could even visit Ierapetra and then continue on to Myrtos, a peaceful village with a unique microclimate and stony beach.
'Matala Beach' - Attribution: lostajyMulti-day Extensions (if one has time)
While the focus here is on day trips, it’s worth noting that some nearby destinations are better enjoyed with an overnight stay. For instance, Rhodes requires a 2–3-day itinerary with flights from Crete, Athens is possible as a rushed day trip by air but is best planned separately, and islands like Kythera or even trips to Turkey (historically possible from Rhodes or Kos) are not feasible for a single day.
Final Tips for Day Tripping
Car rental is often the best way to tackle many of these excursions at your own pace. The roads in Crete are generally in good condition – whether it’s the coastal highway or winding mountain roads – though do drive carefully and be mindful of local driving customs. If you prefer not to drive, guided coach tours are abundant for destinations like Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi, and the Lassithi Plateau, though they come with fixed schedules and occasional shopping stops. When planning ferry excursions, always double-check return times and keep an eye on the weather forecast so you aren’t stranded. Finally, local insight is invaluable – ask your hotel or local residents about any special events or hidden gems that could enhance your day trip experience.
In summary, Crete’s central position and robust tour network make it an ideal base for numerous excursions. Whether you’re sailing to a secluded island, trekking a majestic gorge, or driving up to a plateau dotted with windmills, every day trip adds a new chapter to your travel story. Plan according to your interests, mix active adventures with relaxing beach days, and appreciate the diversity that makes exploring Crete and its surroundings so exhilarating. Whichever option you choose, set off early, keep your curiosity alive, and return home tired but thrilled by the day’s discoveries.
'Crete, Greece' - Attribution: europeanspaceagency