Heraklion to Sitia is roughly 170 km by the coast road. With a week and a car, you can do it properly. This itinerary covers the highlights of central and eastern Crete without rushing.
Car rental: book in advance for summer. Expect 35-60 EUR/day for a small car. All major companies at Heraklion airport. An SUV or 4x4 is useful if you plan to reach remote beaches.
Day 1: Heraklion
Start in the capital. Must-see: the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (best Minoan collection in the world, budget 2-3 hours). Walk the Venetian harbour wall. Eat lunch in the market street (Odos 1866). Drive to Knossos in the afternoon (4 km from centre) -- get there after 3pm to avoid the tour groups. Sleep Heraklion or Archanes (18 km south, quieter).
Day 2: Lasithi Plateau and Agios Nikolaos
Drive up to the Lasithi Plateau (altitude 840 m, 60 km from Heraklion). A flat agricultural plateau surrounded by mountains. Visit the Dikteon Cave (birthplace of Zeus in mythology, 8 km from the plateau center). Lunch in Tzermiado village. Descend via the spectacular road through Neapoli to Agios Nikolaos. Evening: walk the harbour, dinner at the lake.
Day 3: Agios Nikolaos to Elounda and Spinalonga
Elounda is 11 km north. Take the boat to Spinalonga Island (last active leper colony in Europe, closed 1957). Boats from Elounda pier, roughly every 30 min in season, about 15 EUR return. The island fortifications are Venetian; the colony history is well documented on site. Afternoon: swim at Voulisma Beach (4 km south of Elounda).
Day 4: Ierapetra and south coast
Drive south over the island (44 km, about 50 minutes). Ierapetra is Crete's southernmost town, Europe's southernmost city. Lunch: the seafront has solid fish tavernas. Afternoon: take the boat to Chrysi Island (uninhabited, cedar forest, turquoise water). Boats depart from Ierapetra port, roughly 8am-1pm depending on demand, 15 EUR return. Back for sunset. Sleep Ierapetra.
Day 5: Makrigialos and east coast beaches
Drive east along the coast road. Stop at Makrigialos (35 km, good beach, tavernas). Continue to Xerokambos (20 km further, remote coves). Detour inland to Ziros village for lunch (mountain food, no tourists). Return to coast, sleep Makrigialos or Palekastro.
Day 6: Zakros and the Far East
Kato Zakros (20 km south of Palekastro): Minoan palace ruins right on the beach. One of four palatial sites in Crete. The gorge trail behind the village is worth 2-3 hours if you have energy. Vai Palm Beach (15 km north): Europe's largest natural palm forest on a beach. Gets crowded by 10am; go early or late.
Day 7: Sitia
Sitia is 24 km west of Palekastro. Smaller and less touristy than Agios Nikolaos. Venetian fortress, archaeological museum, good fish market. The surrounding region produces some of Crete's best olive oil and Muscat wine (Sitia PDO). Drive the wine road east of town for tastings at local cooperatives.
Practical notes
- Best season: May-June or September-October for this itinerary
- Petrol stations: scarce in the far east. Fill up in Sitia or Ierapetra before heading remote.
- The coastal road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos is narrow and winding. Not difficult but requires care after dark.
- Average daily budget (car + fuel + food + accommodation): 80-130 EUR/person for 2 people sharing
Check beach and weather conditions for your driving days: Live conditions on Crete Direct.
