Sun-soaked beaches, charming mountain villages, and dinner views to remember – Crete has all the ingredients for a dreamy island escape. Whether you’re wandering through historic towns or lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand, the largest of the Greek islands offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
This five-day itinerary is a snapshot of my All Inclusive getaway based in Elounda, packed with hidden gems, foodie finds and sunset moments you’ll be replaying long after the tan fades.
Day 1 – arrival in Crete
After touching down at Heraklion Airport, we were greeted by our pre-booked taxi driver – a small detail that made a big difference after a travel day. Top tip: booking in advance is well worth it, as local taxis can be pricey.
The hour-long drive to Domes Aulus Elounda, our All Inclusive home for the week, offered a first glimpse at the island’s rugged coastline and sleepy villages. Check-in was smooth and welcoming, with a chilled drink waiting for us at reception – a refreshing touch that set the tone for the rest of the trip.
We grabbed a light lunch from the pool bar (gyros and fries hit the spot) before heading to our room. The rest of the afternoon was a mix of unpacking, sunbathing and easing into holiday mode. Come evening, we dressed up for dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant – a buffet-style spread featuring Mediterranean classics and a dreamy sea view.
Day 2 – exploring Elounda
We started the day early with breakfast on the terrace – think flaky pastries, eggs made to order, and fresh fruit, all with the sparkling Aegean in the background.
Just a short taxi ride away is Elounda village, a postcard-perfect seaside town with a relaxed vibe. We spent the morning wandering the cobbled streets, browsing artisan shops and boutiques. A standout was Venus, a small store with gorgeous silk sets and handmade pieces. The owner was incredibly helpful and friendly – one of those places where you end up chatting longer than you planned.
Lunchtime called for a spontaneous stop at Poulis Restaurant, a waterside taverna where we enjoyed traditional souvlaki and gyros under the shade of the trees. Friendly staff and unbeatable views made it one of our favourite meals of the trip.
Back at the hotel, we spent a lazy afternoon by the pool before heading up to Greco Levante, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant that’s part of its premium ‘Cool Living’ experience. It happened to be Italian night, so we ordered a mix of dishes to share – the arancini were a highlight. We stayed to watch the sun melt into the sea, wine glasses in hand. Pure bliss.
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Day 3 – hidden gems of the east coast
We booked a small-group guided tour with First Choice Experiences to explore a different side of Crete – one that many tourists miss. Our first stop was the pretty port town of Agios Nikolaos, where we wandered the lakeside promenade and peeked into quaint shops. The vibe was vibrant but still relaxed, with plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or to people-watch.
From there, we ventured into the hills to Milatos Cave, accessible via a scenic hike through the surrounding gorge. Inside, the cave’s cool, shadowy interior opened out into a panoramic viewpoint that took our breath away. A short drive later, we arrived at Saint George Monastery, a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path site that felt like a step back in time. After that, it was on to the mountain village of Fourni, where we had a leisurely lunch at a local taverna and spent time exploring its narrow streets and soaking up its sleepy charm.
We returned to the hotel in the late afternoon, just in time for a poolside recharge before dinner back at the main restaurant.
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Day 4 – a day to unwind
With our departure on the horizon, we dedicated our last full day to doing absolutely nothing – and it was perfect. After a long breakfast, we grabbed our towels and headed for the rooftop pool at Greco Levante, soaking up the sun in between dips and frozen cocktails.
Later, we strolled along the waterfront back into Elounda – a scenic 20-minute walk with stunning views. We picked up a few last souvenirs and enjoyed a relaxed lunch at a seaside taverna. My sister went for one last gyros (naturally), while I had a creamy risotto, paired with a glass of red sangria.
Back at the hotel, we packed, napped and squeezed in a final swim before getting ready for dinner at Yellow Tail, the on-site Japanese restaurant. From the sushi and sashimi to the crispy fried chicken, every bite was a 10/10. A truly special way to end our trip.
Day 5 – farewell, Crete
We lingered over breakfast on our final morning, taking in those last sea views and warm breezes before our taxi arrived. As we drove back to Heraklion Airport, we reflected on the past five days – the places we saw, the meals we shared, and the peaceful moments in between. Crete had been everything we hoped for – laidback, sun-soaked and full of character.
If @lian_ireri’s trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Greece holidays and you can find all their picks on our Insiders Hub.
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Author: @lian_ireri
Last updated: 25/06/2025
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