Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis 1 hr 23
Agia Galini Beach (15 min) Messara Plain (39 min)
Archaeological site, monastery, and archaeological excavation Kalamaki Beach (40 min)
Expansive stretch of white sand lined with palapas & chairs in a scenic locale near shops & cafes. Mount Ida (2 hr 24)
Highest mountain on Crete at 8,058 feet, with a cave & rocky path to the summit for sea views. Archaeological Site of Agia Triada (33 min)
Ancient Minoan settlement ruins known for its Linear A tablets & other archaeological findings. Kommos beach (47 min)
Long beach & archaeological site with a rocky shoreline, plus rentable chairs & a restaurant. Gorge Patsos: Agios Antonios (1 hr)
Trail through a narrow gorge with wooden bridges & ladders to a cave sanctuary, plus birding. Phaistos Minoan Palace (34 min)
Ruins of a Bronze Age archaeological site that includes a Minoan palace & village. Preveli beach (1 hr 7)
Remote, well-known beach where the Kourtaliotis River meets the sea, with palm groves & stairs. Caves Matala (48 min) Red beach (50 min)
A hiking trail leads to this shoreline with reddish-brown sand, towering rocks & a cocktail bar. Triopetra beach (38 min)
Large Mediterranean beach with clear waters & coarse sand, plus parasols, sun beds & tavernas. Mount Kedros (41 min)
Mountain and canyon Matala beach (46 min)
Bustling beach & former hippie hangout featuring cliffs with rocky caves, bars & water sports. | 
