Ultimate 9 Day Crete and Santorini Greece Travel Itinerary

Ultimate 9 Day Crete and Santorini Greece Travel Itinerary

Greece is a dreamy escape like no other with the crystal clear waters, rich history, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine; so below I’m sharing the ultimate 9 day Crete & Santorini Greece travel itinerary & guide. Among its many jewels, Crete and Santorini stand out as must-visit locations, each offering unique experiences. This itinerary will guide you through a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration across these two iconic Greek islands.

DAY 1: fly into Heraklion airport, rent a car, check into your hotel or Airbnb in Chania.

You can either rent a car at the Heraklion airport or hire a driver to pick you up and drop you off. Here is a highly rated private driver you can hire here.

Book your ferries ahead of time Ferry Hopper or on FerryScanner.com.

Accommodation recommendations for Chania, Crete:

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Explore the Chania Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse, taking in the beautiful views and the historical significance of this area. Have dinner at Pallas.

I always recommend doing a food tour to really immerse yourself in the culture and it’s a great way to meet other people. Book this guided food tour in Chania.

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DAY 2: Visit Balos & Falassarna Beach. You can either drive or take a boat tour.

Book a sailing catamaran cruise with meal & drinks, go on a snorkeling & stand-up paddle board boat trip, or go on a sunset cruise with dinner & drinks.

        

Discover the hidden beauty of Seitan Limania beach.

Say hi to the local goats roaming freely:)

       

Return to Chania for dinner at The Well of the Turk.

DAY 3: Explore Splantzia, a quieter, more local area of Chania. Visit the Chania Public Market and stroll through the Topanas District and Chania Old Town. Enjoy gyros at Oasis.

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DAY 4: Drive to Bali, Crete and check-in to the Bali Blue Bay Hotel

Relax, read, cliff jump, paddle board, go for a swim, jet ski, and then have dinner in town overlooking to bay.

 

DAY 5: Relax and walk around Bali, Greece. Jet ski, rent a boat, cliff jump, or lay by the pool.

SANTORINI

DAY 6: take a ferry or hire a helicopter to Santorini & check into your hotel. I stayed at & highly recommend Alti Suites.

Alti Suites has a beautiful view of the caldera, a delicious breakfast you can enjoy from your private balcony, it’s away from the crowds, and each suite has it’s own private pool overlooking this breathtaking view. Alti Suites is such an unforgettable place and experience – I recommend this hidden gem to everybody.

For transportation, I recommend renting an ATV, scooter, or car. If you book this company, they will deliver the ATV to you which makes everything much easier.

You should also buy your ferry tickets ahead of time if you plan to travel between islands. I recommend booking through FerryScanner.com

DAY 7:  Go to Oia and Ammoudi Bay

Start your day in Oia – the most popular village in Santorini known for the white washed streets and blue dome churches. Have lunch at Karma or Pacman, shop around, and take photos of this picturesque paradise. If you would rather have lunch on a beach, head down to Ammoudi Bay.

   Day 8: Imerovigli & Fira (also known as Thira)

These towns are a bit quieter than Oia, but just as beautiful. Wander the streets, shop, and eat lunch or dinner at Volkan On The Rocks, Mama’s, Kaliya, or Barolo.

Day 9: Book a catamaran boat tour. The one I booked here took us to Black Sand Beach (Perissa Beach), Moon beach, Red Beach, and Thirassia.

Book this catamaran boat tour here.

OR you can book a private sailing boat tour or rent your own boat as well – no boat license needed.

             

Travel Tips:

  • Crete Facts: Crete is divided into four regions, stretches 161 miles long and 37 miles wide, and wasn’t part of Greece until 1913. It has a population of approximately 635,000.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the islands are less crowded.
  • Transportation: Renting a car in Crete is highly recommended to explore the island. In Santorini, rent a scooter or have your hotel set up transportation.
  • Don’t ride the donkeys! This is inhumane and it is too hot for them. The conditions are horrible.

This itinerary offers a perfect introduction to the beauty and diversity of Crete and Santorini, blending history, culture, and leisure. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a beach lover, these Greek islands will captivate your heart.

Ultimate 9 Day Crete and Santorini Greece Travel Itinerary

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Ultimate 9 Day Crete and Santorini Greece Travel Itinerary Ultimate 9 Day Crete and Santorini Greece Travel Itinerary