The departure point for this trip is Rethymno. You take the "New National Road" towards Chania. Just before Chania, take the Souda exit and follow the signs for "Airport" along the NATO base and the port area (Chania's port for ferries and merchant ships). The British military cemetery is located on the road and is worth a visit. After that, the road goes steadily uphill and offers very beautiful views of Souda Bay. At the apex of the road, turn into the roundabout and continue towards "Chania". After a short drive, you will come to a large park that houses the graves of father and son Venizelos. The two were very well-known and revered politicians on Crete and their reputation is still honored today. They have therefore found their final resting place in this beautiful and very well-kept complex. Depending on the month, everything is green and in full bloom. The complex is located on a slope, which is why you have a fantastic view of the old Venetian harbor and the old town of Chania as well as the "Lefka Ori - White Mountains" and the Rodopou peninsula in the background. So don't drive past, but definitely visit.
Then continue downhill towards the center of Chania. Parking is a little difficult there; so try to find a parking space in time and then walk to the old Venetian harbor, the old town (the houses are very well restored), the famous leather street and, not to forget, the famous and striking market hall.
Then return to the "New National Road" and continue westwards. After a very short time, take the "Omalos" exit. After about 20 km you will reach the botanical garden. It is around 20 hectares in size, was created a few years ago from the ashes of a devastating fire and has quickly become one of the top attractions in Crete. You can expect: Mediterranean fruits, aromatic herbs, endemic plants, cacti, fruit trees, wild birds, mountain goats, a small lake, farm animals and butterflies. Then you head back towards Chania and eastwards on the "New National Road" towards Rethymno.
If it is still early on this day trip, you can visit Lake Kournas. To do this, turn off the main road at the height of the town of Georgioupolis and follow the signs to the lake. Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. It is embedded in a kind of low mountain landscape. There are a few taverns and coffee bars on the lake shore and above the lake on the road. To return to the starting point you can either take the "New National Road" and go straight to Rethymno or take the "Old National Road" through the towns of Kournas, Episkopi, Agias Andreas, Gonia, Prines and Atsipopoulo to Rethymno.
