ETNO CRETE Road Trip by Car
🌿 The largest Greek island offers far more than just tourist beaches. On this journey we discover the true, wild and authentic Crete – hidden villages, empty beaches, spectacular gorges and the rugged mountain world of the White Mountains.
By car we explore mainly the southern part of the island, where life still flows slowly and authentically. The program is designed to take us to places most visitors never reach.
Along the way we hike through canyons, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, swim in turquoise seas and spend evenings in traditional tavernas enjoying excellent Cretan cuisine.
🌆 Chania – the Beginning of Our Island Adventure
Our journey begins in one of the most beautiful towns on Crete – Chania. Here we pick up our cars and enjoy our first real Greek coffee.
We then head towards one of the most spectacular lagoons on the island – Balos, famous for its incredible turquoise colors. The day continues with a drive to the seaside town of Paleochora, where narrow streets, a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional taverna dinner await us.
🏝️ Wild Western Crete – Gorges and Pink Beaches
The southwest of Crete is one of the island’s most wild and beautiful regions. We hike through the scenic Agia Irini Gorge, surrounded by high cliffs and lush greenery.
We also visit the peaceful seaside village of Sougia, known for its relaxed vibe and excellent food. A highlight is the famous Elafonisi beach, where pink sand meets crystal-clear turquoise water.
Nearby we explore the surroundings of the village Asogires, where waterfalls, an Orthodox monastery and an old Venetian bridge await.
⛰️ Lefka Ori – the White Mountains of Crete
Crete is not only about the sea – it is also home to impressive mountains. We head into the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and climb Mount Gingilos (2080 m), where breathtaking views stretch all the way to the sea.
This part of the journey is perfect for lovers of nature, hiking and dramatic landscapes.
🏡 Sfakia – the Most Authentic Crete
Our journey continues to the region of Sfakia, known for its authenticity, traditional lifestyle and outstanding cuisine.
On the way we stop at Lake Kournas and visit a traditional olive oil mill to learn about local production. The next day we explore the magical Imbros Gorge, where we discover wild herbs for which Crete is famous around the world.
🌅 Matala – Hippie Caves and Legendary Sunsets
We continue east towards the canyon and beach of Preveli, where a river and palm trees create a stunning natural oasis.
Our next destination is Matala, a village famous for the caves where hippies lived during the 1960s. We walk to the famous Red Beach and experience one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
🎶 Markets, Nature Reserve and Greek Rhythms
We visit a lively local market where farmers sell fresh produce, spices and traditional delicacies.
Later we explore the Agiofaraggo nature reserve – a wild peninsula with canyons, caves and hidden beaches. The evening ends in Matala with music, dancing and a relaxed Greek atmosphere.
⚓ Final Evening in Chania
Our journey ends where it began – in beautiful Chania. We stroll through the old town, enjoy delicious Greek cuisine and do some last shopping before saying goodbye to this unforgettable island adventure.
🌍 Who Is This Trip For?
This program is perfect for travelers who enjoy active and exploratory journeys.
Highlights of the way
Driving the route: Exploring Crete by car is unforgettable as it allows us to see the most interesting sights.
Balos: A beautiful sandy beach with a double lagoon and amazing views, turquoise water, and clear sea.
Paleochora: A relaxed seaside town with lovely architecture, good food, and a wide choice of beaches.
Elafonisi: The far western part of the island, a beach with pink sand that always impresses with its beauty.
Agia Irini: A green rocky canyon that is beautiful, just challenging enough, and very interesting.
Sougia: A sleepy fishing village that was also a hippie base, a great starting point for nature excursions.
Lissos: An ancient city that remains mystical today, with a beautiful beach and incredibly old olive trees.
Kournas Lake: A prehistoric lake full of various animal species and great for swimming.
Sfakia: Here you can feel the true traditional Crete, with very non-touristy areas and the best food on Crete.
Mt Gingilos: A rocky mountain that at 2080 meters provides unforgettable views of the sea and Lefka Ori mountains.
Imbros Gorge: Some say it is the most beautiful gorge on the island, with steep walls and abundant herbs.
Preveli: A gorge and palm grove that ends with the river flowing into the sea, stunning pools, and climbing…
Matala: The hippie center of the 60s is now a tourist village with a great atmosphere…
Red Beach: A beautiful beach, also a nudist beach, with high white cliffs and clear sea.
Agiofaraggo: A peninsula and natural reserve that hides wonderful marine and karst beauty.
Chania: An old town with a characteristic Greek atmosphere. Ethno taverns: A true gastronomic experience is only possible in genuine local Greek taverns.
Accomodation
Our program is designed so that we change accommodation only three times. We stay in carefully selected aparthotels and in double or triple rooms at prime locations. The accommodations are nice, comfortable, and suitable for all tastes.
Hotels on the way
Why travel with us?
- Because we travel by car, which is the best way to explore the island. We drive the cars ourselves.
- Because we take you to enchanting spots (beaches, gorges, villages) that most tourists don’t visit.
- Because we do a lot of walking in nature, not just lounging on beaches or suffering through “old stones” sightseeing.
- Because our tour leader is experienced and knows the island well.
- Because we know that good food in great company is an essential part of ending the day on a high note.
- Because the accommodations are good, beautiful, clean, and conveniently located.
- Because we’ve done our best to keep the price reasonable!
About the country
Crete is blessed with all the natural beauty an island could wish for. It is the largest Greek island in the Aegean Sea, covering 8,261 km², and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean (over 270 kilometers long from west to east). As of 2005, it has just over 623,000 residents. It is predominantly mountainous, with the highest peak in the Psiloritis range reaching 2,456 meters.
Crete is the birthplace of the mighty god Zeus from Greek mythology and one of the largest and most populated Greek islands, boasting over a thousand kilometers of coastline. Crete, and Greece in general, are known for their friendly, hospitable people, dancing, and excellent cuisine. Crete is definitely an excellent holiday destination where you can travel worry-free and enjoy endless adventure possibilities. The northern part of Crete is more touristy, while the south is somewhat less so.
Visa and Vaccinations
A visa is not required for Crete. You can enter the country with an ID card. Vaccinations are not necessary. We will inform you of any entry restrictions due to the Coronavirus.
Group and Tour Leader
The group consists of up to 6 cars with travelers, or 12-24 people. The group is led by Gregor. The entire trip requires 10 days.
Before the trip, we have a mandatory meeting with everyone to avoid problems and ensure everyone is well-informed.
When to Travel?
Due to the Mediterranean climate, travel to Crete is ideal from March to November. The best times are May/June when everything is in bloom, and September/October when the sea is warm and pleasant. Rainfall is minimal.
CHAR Departure organized by Huda Tura is in June, September, and October. You can check the exact departure date under the “PRICE” tab or on the homepage or right side under “DEPARTURES.” Spaces are limited!
💰 PRICE
For the current price please visit the Slovenian page. (CLICK HERE)
✅ The Price Includes:
- Organization and Slovenian tour leader for the entire trip
- Car rental with full insurance (CASCO)
- Aparthotels and hotels along the route
- Breakfasts during the trip (6x)
- Fuel, parking fees, and ferry tickets
- Road tolls, parking fees, and fuel for driving in Crete
Personal Expenses: We recommend bringing at least approximately €300 for food, drinks, entertainment, and souvenirs.
Additional Costs: if traveling with three people in the vehicle, single room supplement
Hiking Options:Agia Irini Gorge: 5 hours (optional), Lissos: 3 hours (optional), Imbros Gorge: 5 hours (optional), Gingilos Peak: 5 hours (optional), Agiofaraggo: 2 hours (mandatory).
❌ The Price Does Not Include:
- Transfer to Bergamo Airport
- Additional luggage 10–20 kg: €60–€100
- Food and drinks during the trip, personal expenses (taverns, markets)
- Single room supplement approx. €250
- Entrance fees (students and seniors receive discounts)
- Travel health insurance and trip cancellation insurance (ZRO)
📝 Payment method:
Upon Registration: A deposit of €100 is required along with a non-refundable registration fee of €15/person. The registration fee is non-refundable. The price is valid for payments made via UPN (Universal Payment Order). The deposit secures your spot in the group. The trip is confirmed with a minimum number of participants. In the event of insufficient registrations, the trip may be canceled or the cost for organization and leadership may be proportionally increased. For 6-8 participants, the cost increases by €120; for 9-12 participants, it increases by €90. Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your trip, cancellation terms as stated in the general conditions apply. You may use the paid amount for any of our trips within one year, if you cancel up to 60 days before the trip or before the invoice is issued. For more details on the general terms and conditions, please read here.Car Rental: Car rentals are governed by our business conditions. The agency is not responsible for any damage to the vehicles. Vehicles must be returned in the same condition as they were rented. Cars are covered by comprehensive insurance (CDW) with a deductible of €1500 (200,000 ISK). Always read the rental agreement carefully. A credit card in the driver’s name is required for the car rental.If the Trip is Canceled: In the case of trip cancellation due to insufficient registrations, the deposit will be refunded. Before departure, expenses for registration, flights, escort and trip preparation, cars, insurance with assistance, and transfers to the airport must be settled. All other costs are to be paid locally, on-site.
Destinations and Prices: Travel destinations are subject to change and prices may fluctuate. We can only guarantee the price for organization and the flight invoice.
PHOTO MOMENTS
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Pozdravljena ekipa,
potovanje se mi je zdelo eno boljših…..pot je bila ravno prav dolga, termin super, boljšega si ne bi mogli želeti, vsakega je bilo po malo ( aktivnosti, kopanje, plaža). Način potovanja z avtomobili mi ustreza. Ogromno se vidi in ni vedno ob premiku porebno vsega natančno spakirati. Se mi zdi, da tak način potovanja res omogoča, da deželo bolj podrobno spoznaš in nisi v minuto odvisen od prevozov.
Čez vodenje nimam pripomb. Gregor nam je na lokacijah tudi povedal veliko zanimivega in se izkazal za precej potrpežljivega.
Za potovanje na Kreto sva se z Romanom odločila tudi zato, ker nama je septembrski termin res ustrezal. Slišala sva, da če obiščeš Kreto, je južni del tisti, ki ga je vredno videti in doživeti. Program in način potovanja naju je prepričal…..zadnja dva dneva smo že razglabljali, kako bi bilo, če bi Gregorja nakibicali, če v podobnem slogu pripravi Korziko oziroma Sardinijo.
Porabila sem cca 250 Eur.
Lep pozdrav
Mirjam