📍 Greece

AUTHENTIC CRETE: ELOUNDA, SPINALONGA AND MOUNTAIN PLATEAUS

Turquoise lagoons, Venetian remnants, islets whispering their stories, plateaus where windmills still turn. Eastern Crete, mysterious.

≈ 5
Days
146
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Agios Nikolaos where mountains embrace the harbor, then reach Elounda and its glittering lagoon. Approach Spinalonga, a ghost island etched with history, then cross the Lassithi plateau and its windmills. Continue to Sitia and Ierapetra for an eastern Crete that is raw, simple, deeply authentic.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Lassithi

mountain plateau where windmills touch endless sky

Lassithi - Photo 1Lassithi - Photo 2Lassithi - Photo 3Lassithi - Photo 4Lassithi - Photo 5Lassithi - Photo 6Lassithi - Photo 7Lassithi - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Lassithi Plateau 840m altitude windmills potato fields traditional villages.
2
Dikteon Cave Zeus cave mythology god's birth stalactites underground lake.
3
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery miraculous icon chains legend Byzantine architecture.
4
Tzermiado village main plateau folklore museum traditions crafts.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to Lassithi plateau panoramic route bends windmills traditional mountain agriculture.
→
Visit to Zeus cave descent stairs limestone formations mythology mystical atmosphere.
→
Exploration of plateau villages Agios Georgios Avrakontes architecture traditions weaving.
+3 Optional activities
2
Day

Agios Nikolaos

harbor where mountains embrace turquoise mystery

Agios Nikolaos - Photo 1Agios Nikolaos - Photo 2Agios Nikolaos - Photo 3Agios Nikolaos - Photo 4Agios Nikolaos - Photo 5Agios Nikolaos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Lake Voulismeni Agios Nikolaos 64m depth legend bottomless taverns promenade.
2
Port of Agios Nikolaos summer animation yachts shops restaurants terraces.
3
Agios Nikolaos Archaeological Museum Minoan collections goddess Myrtos ceramics.
4
Panagia Kera Church Byzantine 13th century Kritsa exceptional frescoes Cretan art.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Walk Voulismeni lake bridge sea cafés cosmopolitan atmosphere nighttime entertainment.
→
Exploration Kritsa village crafts weaving embroidery traditional streets authenticity.
→
Visit Lato site Dorian architecture fortifications spectacular sea mountain panorama.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 12min
3
Day

Elounda

lagoon where venetian dreams meet turquoise

Elounda - Photo 1Elounda - Photo 2Elounda - Photo 3Elounda - Photo 4Elounda - Photo 5Elounda - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Spinalonga island Venetian fortress 1579 leper colony 1903-1957 moving history.
2
Olous ancient submerged city mosaics remains paleochristian basilica snorkeling.
3
Elounda luxury seaside resort beaches resorts view Spinalonga Mirabello gulf.
4
Plaka fishing village taverns fresh fish departure boats Spinalonga.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat excursion Spinalonga visit island fortifications ruins leper colony poignant history.
→
Swimming Elounda beaches calm turquoise waters snorkeling ancient submerged Olous site.
→
Exploration Plaka authenticity fishing village taverns fresh fish view island.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 54min
4
Day

Sitia

eastern port where tradition breathes unchanged

Sitia - Photo 1Sitia - Photo 2Sitia - Photo 3Sitia - Photo 4Sitia - Photo 5Sitia - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Sitia eastern Crete port authenticity Kazarma fortress panoramic view.
2
Toplou Monastery 15th century Byzantine fortress Megas ei Kyrie icon masterpiece.
3
Vai unique palm grove Europe Phoenix theophrasti beach fine sand exotic.
4
Itanos ancient city ruins temples basilicas isolated beaches snorkeling.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration Sitia authentic eastern port animation taverns raki musical tradition.
→
Visit Toplou monastery fortified architecture museum icons engravings collection.
→
Excursion Vai palm grove paradise beach swimming date palms unique.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52 km
Travel time: 1h02
5
Day

Ierapetra

southern coast where quiet reigns supreme

Ierapetra - Photo 1Ierapetra - Photo 2Ierapetra - Photo 3Ierapetra - Photo 4Ierapetra - Photo 5Ierapetra - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Ierapetra southernmost city Europe Venetian fortress old town Ottoman mosque.
2
Chrissi Island deserted beach Balos Lebanon cedars fossils shells turquoise waters.
3
Archaeological Museum Ierapetra Minoan Greco-Roman collections amphorae sarcophagi.
4
Old town Kato Mera Ottoman fountain alleys traditional architecture.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat excursion Chrissi Island day trip paradise beach cedars swimming snorkeling lagoon.
→
Exploration Ierapetra fortress mosque Venetian Ottoman history markets animation.
→
South coast route isolated villages Makrygialos Xerokambos wild beaches authenticity.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 39 km
Travel time: 47min

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🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.