Crete: Chania to Knossos
Overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania, the lagoons of Balos and Elafonisi, the Samaria Gorge, Venetian Rethymno and the Minoan palace of Knossos.
- Distance
- 631 km (392 mi)
- Driving
- 8 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 7
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- June 8, 2026
At a glance: 7-day road trip of about 631 km (392 mi) with 9 stops, from Athens to Heraklion. About 8 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece · More road trips from Athens
Route description
The overnight ferry from Piraeus, near Athens, reaches Souda, the port for Chania, early in the morning; book a cabin and a vehicle space in summer. Chania’s Venetian harbour, lighthouse and old town are best explored on foot in the early evening.
Head west to Kissamos. Balos lagoon lies at the end of a rough 8 km dirt track (small fee) followed by a steep path; many visitors take the boat from Kissamos instead. Elafonisi, on the south-west corner, is reached by a winding road through chestnut villages and has shallow pink-sand water.
For the Samaria Gorge, drive or take the early bus up to the Omalos plateau. The 16 km walk ends at Agia Roumeli on the south coast, where a ferry goes to Sfakia and buses return to Chania, so drivers often leave the car in town. The gorge is open roughly from May to October.
The E75 north coast road leads east to Rethymno, with a Venetian fortress and old town, and inland to Arkadi Monastery. End at Knossos and in Heraklion, where the archaeological museum holds the Minoan frescoes; ferries return to Piraeus from Heraklion.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Athens
Greece - 2345 km
Chania
Greece - 349 km
Balos Lagoon
NatureKissamos, GreeceA turquoise lagoon of white and pink sand at the tip of the Gramvousa peninsula. The last 8 km are a rough dirt track and a steep path down; boats run from Kissamos.
- 443 km
Elafonisi
NatureKissamos, GreeceShallow turquoise water and pinkish sand around a small island you can wade to. It is a protected area, so keep to marked zones and leave the shells.
- 544 km
Samaria Gorge
NatureOmalos, GreeceA 16 km descent from the Omalos plateau to the Libyan Sea, through the famous Iron Gates. Open roughly May to October; the return is by ferry to Sfakia and bus.
- 664 km
Rethymno
Greece - 718 km
Arkadi Monastery
HistoryRethymno, GreeceA fortified monastery with a Venetian Baroque façade, a symbol of Cretan resistance since its defenders blew up the powder store in 1866.
- 861 km
Knossos
HistoryHeraklion, GreeceThe largest Minoan palace, partly reconstructed with red columns and copies of its frescoes. Come at opening time and see the originals in the Heraklion museum.
- 97 km
Heraklion
Greece
Suggested stages and overnight stops
7 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Athens → Chania · 345 km · 4 h 46 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Hania (3 km).
- Day 2: Chania → Balos Lagoon · 49 km · 0 h 41 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Mithimna (14 km); Camping Nopigia (14 km).
- Day 3: Balos Lagoon → Elafonisi · 43 km · 0 h 36 minOvernight nearby, for example: Grammeno Camping (10 km); Camping Paleochora (14 km).
- Day 4: Elafonisi → Samaria Gorge · 44 km · 0 h 36 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Agia Roumeli (9 km); Άγρια κατασκήνωση (12 km).
- Day 5: Samaria Gorge → Rethymno · 64 km · 0 h 53 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Elizabeth (3 km); Spot for several tents (16 km).
- Day 6: Rethymno → Arkadi Monastery · 18 km · 0 h 15 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Elizabeth (12 km); Wild Nature Eco Lodge Camp (9 km).
- Day 7: Arkadi Monastery → Heraklion · 67 km · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Knossos.Overnight nearby, for example: Creta Camping (14 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Athens → Chania. Ferry crossing needed
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Crete: Chania to Knossos?
7-day road trip of about 631 km (392 mi) with 9 stops, from Athens to Heraklion. About 8 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Crete: Chania to Knossos?
We suggest 7 days: about 8 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Crete: Chania to Knossos start and end?
It starts in Athens and ends in Heraklion.
Which countries does Crete: Chania to Knossos pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along Crete: Chania to Knossos?
OpenStreetMap lists 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Mithimna, Grammeno Camping and Camping Agia Roumeli.
When is the best time for Crete: Chania to Knossos?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
