It All Starts in Heraklion
Once you pick up your car—whether from the airport, the port, or wherever is most convenient for you—you’re perfectly positioned to explore the real Crete. Not just the beaches, but also the mountain villages, vineyards, caves, and the people who give this island its soul.
Heraklion isn’t just a hub — it’s a gateway to a one-of-a-kind road trip through the heart of Crete. With a car from Sync, you can design your trip on your own terms — no credit card, no deposits, no stress. Just freedom.
Here are five unforgettable routes you can take starting from Heraklion. Each one is unique, and together they form a complete Cretan experience.
1. Heraklion – Knossos – Archanes: In the Cradle of Minoan Civilization
Distance: ~30 km round trip | Best for: Half-day trip with history and gastronomy
Let’s start with the classics — because some things you simply can’t miss. Knossos Palace, just 20 minutes from Heraklion city center, is one of Europe’s most significant archaeological sites. Explore it with a guide or on your own, but go early to avoid crowds and heat.
Continue to Archanes, one of the most charming traditional villages in Crete. Its cobbled streets are clean and flower-filled, the tavernas offer truly authentic dishes, and the local museum showcases treasures from the Minoan era.
Tip: Stop for lunch in the main square and try lamb with stamnagathi or snails boumbouristi, a local delicacy.
2. Heraklion – Peza – Vathypetro – Dafnes: A Wine Route through the Cretan Countryside
Distance: ~50 km loop | Best for: Wine tourism & slow travel
Crete is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the Mediterranean, and the area surrounding Heraklion proves it. With your rental car, you can follow a “wine route” that passes through small villages like Peza, Vathypetro, and Dafnes.
Along the way, you’ll find both renowned and up-and-coming wineries, where you can enjoy tastings, cellar tours, and purchase bottles you won’t find in stores.
Tip: Drive responsibly. If you’re sampling wines, do so in moderation or bring a co-pilot who can take the wheel.
3. Heraklion – Anogeia – Zoros – Ideon Cave: Into the Mountains and Myth
Distance: ~90 km round trip | Best for: Nature, folklore, and village life
To experience authentic, mountainous Crete, set your sights on Anogeia. This village is known for its deep musical roots, warm locals, and stunning views of Mount Psiloritis.
From there, head to Zoros, a tiny village that’s a gateway to the rugged outdoors. If you’re up for it, continue all the way to the Ideon Cave—the mythical birthplace of Zeus according to Greek mythology.
Tip: The road after Anogeia is narrow and winding, but safe. Just take it at your own pace.
4. Heraklion – Agia Pelagia – Fodele – Rodia: A Cretan Riviera with a Cultural Twist
Distance: ~60 km round trip | Best for: Beach, culture, and scenic driving
This easy and beautiful route takes you west of Heraklion. Start with a swim in Agia Pelagia, where the calm turquoise waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. Then visit Fodele, the birthplace of El Greco, known for its museums, plane trees, and orange groves. Finish the trip in Rodia, a village with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Heraklion and the sea.
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds in Agia Pelagia.
5. Heraklion – Zaros – Vorizia – Vrontisi Monastery: Tranquility for Body and Soul
Distance: ~85 km round trip | Best for: Peace, walking, and spiritual retreat
Zaros is a quiet village at the foot of Mount Psiloritis, known for its serene lake and the hiking trail to the Rouvas Gorge. From there, head to Vorizia, a village with traditional Cretan architecture, and end your journey at the Vrontisi Monastery, a historic and peaceful site.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes. Even if you walk the Zaros–Rouvas path at a slow pace, it’s absolutely worth it.
Practical Tips for Road Tripping in Heraklion
- Sync Pick-up: Available at the airport, the port, or even your hotel
- Gas stations: Easily found throughout the Heraklion region
- Electric vehicles: Charging stations available in Heraklion, Archanes, Peza, Agia Pelagia, and Zaros
- Local driving: Cretans are friendly but known for their assertive driving style. Smile and drive defensively
- Offline maps: In mountainous areas, signal may drop — always have a backup
Why Crete Is Best Discovered by Road
Driving in Crete isn’t just convenient — it’s an experience. It’s the shepherd who waves to you from the roadside, the tiny tavern that turns out to be a hidden gem, the village that wasn’t on your map but becomes the highlight of your trip.
With Sync, you can explore Crete’s heartland authentically. Pick up the car you want, from wherever suits you, and hit the road toward the soul of the island.
Book your Sync car today and discover a side of Crete that guidebooks can’t show you — but waits for you at every turn.
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