Discover Crete, the largest and most populous island in Greece: explore Knossos, swim in Bali and Matala, sail across Mirabello Bay, and relax on the pink sands of Elafonissi. All of it paired with pita, tzatziki, and feta – could you ask for more?

Is this trip for me?

Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
Trip type

Itinerary

If a trip to Greece is one of your summer priorities, then you can't help but think about vacationing in Crete. This island is the largest and most populous in Greece and the fifth largest among the Mediterranean islands. So there is a lot to do and discover, and we will be there for a good 8 days, during which we will enjoy its (stunning) sea its good food (the influences on the cuisine here are both Greek and Turkish), as well as the east coast with Mirabella Bay, the largest gulf of the Greek islands.

Our trip to Crete begins with a visit to the site of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe and the cradle of myths and legends. But the call of the sea could not be long in coming, and right from the start, we dive into the wonderful Greek waters that will take us to discover some of the most amazing corners of the island. From Bali to Matala, we will move to the east coast to discover Agios Nikolaos and Mirabella Bay, where we will have the chance to enjoy a relaxing cruise letting ourselves be lulled by its waters. Then it is the turn of Kissamos Cave and its crystal clear waters where we will dive for some healthy snorkeling. You cannot miss Elafonissi, also called 'pink beach' because the sand is, of course, pink (better to specify it, that you never know). Leaving this island will be difficult, but the great thing is that there are so many others to discover, all over Greece!

An illustrated map of Crete showing a travel itinerary, with the start and end points highlighted.
An ornate stone monastery with a bell tower sits in a courtyard, viewed through a weathered stone arch under a partly cloudy sky.
Day 1

Welcome to Crete!

An ornate stone monastery with a bell tower sits in a courtyard, viewed through a weathered stone arch under a partly cloudy sky.
Check-in: our adventure starts in Stalida!

Check into the facility near to Stalida and begin the welcome meeting. We are on the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, and in one week we will have a chance to discover it slowly-this evening we start with its flavors: the typical cuisine of Crete will amaze us, with its Greek and Turkish influences. So: what are we eating tonight? Among the Cretan specialities to try right away, we put dakos - a kind of local bruschetta - and hortas - some wild herbs that grow in these parts, served with a drizzle of oil, a delicacy!

A person wearing a hat photographs the ancient stone ruins of a palace with red columns under a partly cloudy sky.
Day 2

Knossos, Bali and Heraklion: a full immersion into Crete's history

A person wearing a hat photographs the ancient stone ruins of a palace with red columns under a partly cloudy sky.
History, culture and... Bali?!

Our first day in Crete begins with a morning dedicated to a visit to the site of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe and the place where, according to legend, the labyrinth in which the Minotaur was imprisoned was located. We are walking right inside the books of literature, in the city of King Minos Ariadne, Daedalus and Icarus. Our day continues with a refreshing dip and a well-deserved lunch break at Bali beach (fear not: we have not ended up in Indonesia, we are still in Crete) with its striking emerald green crystal waters and breathtaking sandy coves. The rest of the day is at our leisure: no set agenda, we follow the flow and get caught up in the old town of Heraklion with its squares, cafes and picturesque markets.

View from a cave of a busy beach with people swimming in turquoise water next to a hillside village.
Day 3

A day in Matala

View from a cave of a busy beach with people swimming in turquoise water next to a hillside village.
Matala

Today we will have a free day exploring the town of Matala, a picturesque unspoiled village on Messara Bay that lies on the south coast in the province of Heraklion. It won't be difficult to be enchanted by the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and the cliff overlooking the beach with its prehistoric-era caves.

Aerial view of a historic fortified island with stone ruins, with several boats docked in the surrounding turquoise water.
Day 4

Eastbound: from Agios Nikolaos to Mirabella Bay

Aerial view of a historic fortified island with stone ruins, with several boats docked in the surrounding turquoise water.
Beaches, sun and fun

We continue our journey of discovery of the largest of the Greek islands and its heavenly beaches. Today we head to the eastern part of the island, specifically to Agios Nikolaos, a charming fishing village that has become famous thanks to its incredible beaches and its thousand-year history. Let's try to enjoy this place as much as possible and why not, let's also have a good glass of red wine.

Later we will move to Mirabella Bay, the largest gulf of the Greek islands and fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Here we will embark on a relaxing cruise on the waters of the Bay and let the waves wash over us as we enjoy the sun disappearing behind the horizon.

A tall stone lighthouse stands on a seawall in a harbor, with a city and mountains visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Day 5

On the road again: we reach Rethymno

A tall stone lighthouse stands on a seawall in a harbor, with a city and mountains visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
From Heraklion to Rethymno

This morning we set out for the northern coast to move from Heraklion to Rethymnon, where we will reach the hotel that will host us for the next few days. There is no rush, we take our time to visit Rethymno and enjoy the sights we will encounter along the way. We won't even tell you that every opportunity, beach and cove will be a great excuse to stop and dive into the crystal clear waters of this part of the island.

A small boat is anchored in clear turquoise water in a bay with a white-washed village at the base of a mountain.
Day 6

Relaxing in Kissamos and Chania

A small boat is anchored in clear turquoise water in a bay with a white-washed village at the base of a mountain.
A day in the water!

The alarm has already rung: it's time to head towards the east coast, to Kissamos , where yet another dip in the sea awaits us. The white sand, the turquoise water, the hidden coves and the shade of the juniper trees welcome us to this earthly paradise. We can dedicate ourselves to a morning of snorkeling to enjoy the sea life and explore the surrounding area: we dive and swim along the coast until we reach a natural rock pool. Or... we can relax on the beach! The choice is ours.

All this activity hasn't made you a little peckish? After swimming back to shore and drying off, it's time for a snack. In the afternoon we slow down a bit and take some free time to explore Chania , also known as the Venice of the East, and the second largest city on the island of Crete.

A shoreline with distinctive pink sand meets clear, shallow turquoise water, with dark rocks and distant hills under a solid blue sky.
Day 7

The magical pink-sand beach: Elafonissi!

A shoreline with distinctive pink sand meets clear, shallow turquoise water, with dark rocks and distant hills under a solid blue sky.
The sand is... pink!

This morning we wake up early: we want to reach today's destination well in advance of everyone else, so we can enjoy it in all its splendour. We are talking about the pink beach of Elafonissi, which is not only a tongue of sand with a thousand shades of pink, but also a protected area - caretta-caretta turtles come here to lay their eggs, so there will be areas of the beach cordoned off to protect the hatchlings.

We enjoy the peace of the early morning hours (assuming we managed to get out of bed early!) and then find a little place to spread our towels - then, again, the sea beckons! Here, too, the water is an otherworldly colour, and it is impossible to resist it! On the way back we stop at Falassarna Beach, another of the most beautiful beaches on this wonderful island. For our last evening, we have two options: we can decide to stop here and enjoy dinner at sunset (did someone say pita gyros?) or return to Rethymno.

Itinerary image
Day 8

Goodbye Crete

Check-out and goodbyes

Time to say goodbye! See you soon for another WeRoad adventure!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Food and beverages unless specified

  • All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack  

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Money pot

The Money Pot is approximately £220/€220 for this trip and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator on the first day. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do.

  • Petrol, tolls and parking fees

  • Coordinator's money pot share

  • All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well

  • City tax

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accomodation

    Hotels or local apartments.

    Private Room Option is not available for this trip.

  • Transport

    Rental car or local buses

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Private Room Option Show all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with a £/€100 deposit

The travel coordinators

Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

Arrival Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Return Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

What are the meeting and departure details for this trip?

This journey begins at Crete. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.

Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
 It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.

The reference airport is Heraklion. If you arrive later on the first day, you might have to reach Stalida independently. On the last day, you can depart from lunchtime onwards.

This journey ends at Crete. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.

What kind of luggage can I bring with me on this trip?

For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!

About Greece

What are the entry requirements for Greece?

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Greece, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Greece – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

What's the time zone in Greece?

Greece is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which is 2 hours ahead of the UK and 7 hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Standard Time. For example, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Greece, and if it's 12pm EST in the USA, it will be 7pm in Greece. Greece also observes daylight saving time, so the time difference may shift by one hour during that period.

Which currency is used in Greece?

Greece uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can vary, but typically it's around:

  • 0.87 GBP
  • 1.07 USD
  • 1 EUR equals 1 EUR

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and sometimes at hotels. ATMs are widely available if you prefer withdrawing cash.

How can I pay in Greece?

In Greece, you can pay using credit or debit cards, which are widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in more remote areas where card payments might not be possible. 

ATMs are widely available for withdrawing cash. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions while you're there.

Do I need to tip in Greece?

In Greece, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, leaving around 5-10% of the bill is a nice gesture if service was good. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a euro or two is common. 

In hotels, you might tip porters a euro per bag and leave a small amount for housekeeping. In cafes and bars, you can round up to the nearest euro. Always carry some cash for tips, as it's not customary to add it to credit card payments.

What's the internet like in Greece? Should I buy a SIM card? How available is Wi-Fi?

In Greece, if you're from a European country, you can use your current SIM card as roaming is available in the EU, which makes it easy to use your mobile data. However, if you're looking for more data or are coming from outside Europe, purchasing a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a good idea. 

Providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind offer various options. Wi-Fi is quite available in Greece, especially in urban areas, cafes, and hotels, although the speed can be variable in more remote locations.

What language do they speak in Greece?

In Greece, the official language is Greek. Here are a few useful expressions you might hear or want to use during your visit:

  • Hello: Γεια σου (Yia sou)
  • Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto)
  • Please: Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
  • Yes: Ναι (Ne)
  • No: Όχι (Ochi)

Most Greeks, especially in tourist areas, speak some English, so you'll have an easy time communicating!

What kind of plugs are used in Greece?

In Greece, the plugs used are Type C and Type F. Both types have two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz

If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to stay connected without any hassle.

What’s the main religion in Greece?

The main religion in Greece is Greek Orthodox Christianity. It's a significant part of Greek culture and tradition. Important religious holidays include Easter, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and unique customs. During Easter, you might encounter various festivities, including church services and local traditions. If you're visiting during this time, it can be a great opportunity to experience these cultural celebrations.

What should I pack for Greece?

For your trip to Greece, here's a handy packing list to make sure you're all set:

  • Clothing:
    - Light t-shirts
    - Shorts
    - Swimwear
    - A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
    - Casual evening outfits
  • Shoes:
    Comfortable walking sandals
    Flip-flops for the beach
    Casual evening shoes
  • Accessories and Technology:
    - Sunglasses
    - A hat or cap for sun protection
    - A power bank
    - Smartphone and charger
    - Camera for capturing moments
  • Toiletries and Medication:
    - Sunscreen
    - Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
    - Toothbrush and toothpaste
    - Moisturizer
    - Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets

Greece is generally warm and sunny, so light clothing is key. Don't forget your swimwear for those beautiful beaches!
 

What’s the weather like in Greece?

Greece's weather can vary quite a bit depending on the region and time of year. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki): Hot and dry summers with temperatures around 30°C (86°F), mild and wet winters around 10°C (50°F).
  • Islands (Santorini, Crete): Mild winters and warm summers. Summers reach around 28°C (82°F) and winters stay around 12°C (54°F).
  • Northern Regions: Cooler with colder winters, sometimes below freezing.

The best time to visit is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

About WeRoad

Are flights included?

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

What does the "Available" status mean?

to-confirm.svg

An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!

If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.

What is the Money Pot and how does it work?

The question of all questions! Here’s some more information: 

  • The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator. 
  • It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group. 
  • It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
  • You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
  • The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
  • It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip. 
  • It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
  • If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip. 
  • The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
  • If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled. 
What payment methods can I use?

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Can I cancel or modify my booking?

Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.

If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option. 

You can do it directly from your personal MyWeRoad account!
 
Within your booking you will find the "Change Your Trip" section at the bottom right, just underneath your booking details. You will be able to select a different date for the same trip, or a different trip entirely. Whether you are able to change the trip depends on the cancellation terms of your booking. For your original booking if you selected the Private Room, Flexible Cancellation or entered any discount code, gift card or voucher, before confirming the change we will let you know if anything isn't applicable to the new trip and you can decide whether to proceed or not. If you have any issues please do get in touch with the WeRoad team and we'll be able to help. 
 
It's not possible to move to a 'sold out' trip and with any trips that are 'on request' we will need to check availability with our local partners so please do get in touch if you want to move to an 'on request' trip. Please bear in mind that if the trip has the 'final spots' status, there may be no places left in either the male or female room.

How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.

What type of accommodation should I expect on your trips?

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

Can I find out my travel groups' flights?

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here. 

 



 

How is a group made up in average?

Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15. 
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Can I see who’s in the group before I book the trip?

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

If a location is mentioned, is it guaranteed that we’ll spend the night there?

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

Who is the Travel Coordinator and what is their role on the trip?

The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

Will I be sharing a room?

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this. 

How can I be part of the WeRoad community?

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here

From $ 1,160