Agata A Birthday Getaway in Crete
I’ve just returned from a birthday trip to Crete, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. We stayed in Rethymno, a town that instantly stole my heart with its mix of history, seaside charm, and atmosphere.
Our hotel was right in town, close enough to the beach. Every morning started with a matcha and a walk through the charming little streets filled with local shops, colorful houses, and the smell of fresh pastries in the air. The long, sandy beach was just a few minutes away, and the promenade was full of cozy tavernas and modern restaurants overlooking the sea.
It was the perfect place to slow down, explore, and celebrate.
Day 1 – Baja Beach Vibes & Rethymno Strolls
We started the trip with a visit to Baja Beach Club, a stylish beachfront space with palm trees, a pool, sunbeds, a beach bar, and good music. A perfect place to relax after traveling. We had lunch by the sea and spent the afternoon enjoying the warm breeze.
Later, we explored Rethymno, which offers a great mix of traditional Cretan tavernas and more modern restaurants along the promenade. The food scene here is diverse and delicious.
That evening, we picked up our rental car from Different Rental and decided to hit the road right away. We drove east to Malia, a coastal town with a holiday vibe. We had originally planned to visit Heraklion as well but chose to take it slower. On the way, we stopped at Nisos, a beautiful beach club known for its aesthetic vibe and cold matcha lattes (much needed in the heat!).
Dinner was at Ocean Seaside, a beachfront restaurant with white decor and soft lighting, giving off major Santorini energy. Watching the sunset there was the perfect end to the day.
Day 2 – Preveli Palm Forest & Kourtaliotiko Waterfall
On our second day, we drove south to visit Preveli Beach and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfall.
To reach Preveli, there’s a short 20-minute hike down a rocky trail. Definitely wear proper shoes, as the wind can get intense and the rocks are slippery. There’s a parking lot at the top and a taverna nearby, as well as a beach bar below.
Preveli is known for its palm forest and river that flows into the sea. You can walk through the water or along the edge of the forest. Both routes offer beautiful views and a unique landscape.
After that, we continued to Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The waterfall is about a 20-minute walk from the parking area. At one point the path splits! Go right and head further down. You’ll need to cross a short section of cold water to reach the falls, so bring swim shoes, the rocks can be sharp and slippery. The cool water was refreshing and worth the effort.
Day 3 – Elafonisi & Local Olive Oil Finds
On the third day, we headed to the famous Elafonisi Beach. The drive was scenic, with olive trees and small roadside shops selling honey and local olive oil. Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping and buying a few things.
A quick tip: some people may try to wave you into early parking lots, saying the road ends there. Don’t stop too soon! Better parking spots are available much closer to the beach.
Elafonisi is known for its pink sand and shallow turquoise water that’s perfect for walking. It’s very popular, so expect big crowds in high season. If you can, visit around sunset. Tour buses usually leave by then, and the beach becomes calmer and more peaceful. There are tavernas and small markets nearby if you get hungry.
Day 4 – Wandering Through Chania
Day four was spent in Chania, a colorful town full of Venetian architecture, boutique shops, and charming cafes. It’s the kind of place where you just want to wander and get lost. Every street feels like a little discovery. We spent the afternoon strolling and soaking up the atmosphere.
Day 5 – Boat Trip to Balos & Gramvousa
On the fifth day, we took a boat tour from Kissamos port to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The ferry was well-equipped with a bar, food, and plenty of seating, which made the full-day trip easy and enjoyable.
Balos was beautiful because of soft, pink-tinged sand and crystal-clear water. It was more peaceful compared to Elafonisi, and the colors of the lagoon were amazing. On Gramvousa, we hiked up to the ruins of the Venetian fortress and enjoyed the view from the top.
Day 6 – Time for a New Chapter: Off to Santorini
On day six, we packed up and made our way to the port of Rethymno, where we caught a ferry to Santorini. It was super convenient to depart straight from the town without needing to travel to a larger port.
Crete gave us sunshine, local flavors, and gorgeous landscapes but the journey wasn’t over yet. Next stop: the iconic cliffs and sunsets of Santorini.
