The Cyclades have ferries. Crete has distances. Plan for that from the first booking, or you will spend the holiday on the national road.
Rent a car
The useful way to link Chania, Balos, and a gorge without racing the clock. Book an automatic early in summer. Drive defensively on mountain roads. Scooters are common and risky if you are unused to gravel and wind.
Sleep in Chania
Harbour evenings and west-coast access. Heraklion is the airport-and-Knossos machine — fine for a night on arrival, less charming as a four-night base. Rethymno is the compromise harbour if Chania is full.
Start beaches early
Balos parking and boats fill. Dawn is the local trick, not an 11am arrival. Take water, cash for the boat, and a sense of humour about the last kilometre of track.
Do not stack the island
Knossos and Balos on the same day is a bad plan. Samaria plus a sunset drive is worse. One big outing per day, plus a proper lunch. Crete is the trip where rushing looks industrious and feels empty.
Ferries and flights
Night boats from Piraeus save a hotel night. HER and CHQ both work; flying into one and out of the other is possible if you can return the car. Confirm opening hours for Samaria the day before — weather and fire risk close it without much notice.