1 Day Itinerary in Crete
- Visit Polyrinnia, Crete’s ancient western capital, with ruins, cave dwellings, and artisan workshops.
- Eat and hike at Rotonta Café & Paradise Park in Kalathenes – a garden-to-table taverna with trails and animals.
- End with Agia Sofia Cave, a dramatic stalactite cavern overlooking Topolia Gorge, reachable only by car.
Want to design your own Crete road trip? Book your Car Hire with AUTOWAY now and explore real places, at your pace.
Google maps link for the roadtrip!
Polyrinnia: Ancient capital with living history.
Located west of Kissamos, Polyrinnia was the dominant city-state in western Crete during the Dorian period. Founded around 1100 BC, it controlled a vast area and minted its own coins. Today, the modern village sits among ruins of city walls, a Roman aqueduct, and even ancient cave dwellings carved into the hillside. You can explore on foot and also visit a woodcarving workshop, where traditional designs are still created and sold. It’s a walk through time – without tour buses or crowds.
Kalathenes: A farm-to-table taverna with a forest trail.
Just 15 minutes from Polyrinnia, the village of Kalathenes is home to Rotonta Café & Paradise Park, a family-run taverna that’s also a small ecosystem. You’re invited to walk through their vegetable garden, select ingredients for your meal, and relax while it’s prepared fresh. Behind the café, there’s a short hiking trail into a shaded primeval forest, looping through a gorge and returning through olive groves. A small animal park adds to the charm, especially for families.
Agia Sofia Cave: Natural cathedral above Topolia.
On the road toward Elafonissi, just past the Topolia Tunnel, you’ll find Agia Sofia Cave. A massive chamber filled with stalactites and a small chapel built inside, it’s accessible via a steep but short stairway. The cave sits high above the Topolia Gorge, offering dramatic views and a quiet, reverent atmosphere. Beneath it is Taverna Romanza, where you can enjoy a meal while watching eagles circle above the cliffs.
Why a rental car matters for this route.
There’s no public transport linking Polyrinnia, Kalathenes, and Agia Sofia Cave directly. These places are connected by small mountain roads best navigated with a reliable rental. With AUTOWAY’s modern fleet and clear Rental Policy, you can comfortably explore at your own pace without depending on tour schedules.
See more than the coast. Drive into Crete’s mountain soul.
Rent with AUTOWAY today and build your perfect day trip – from ancient city-states to cave chapels, forest trails to farm-fresh meals.