Countryside in Crete
Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.
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Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit
The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.
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Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania
Discover Western Crete's highlights on a private tour. Explore Chania, Agia Triada Monastery, and Marathi Beach.
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Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour
This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.
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Private Eastern Crete Off-road Tour
The rugged landscape and natural resources of eastern Crete make it both a nature-lover and a foodie's dream. Take a thrilling off-road safari along the region's dusty trails, visiting highlights like Lyttos, Aposelimi Dam and the Cave of Zeus. There's also cheese, olive oil and raki tasting, herb collecting in the mountains, and viewpoints across Lassithi Plateau's vast farms and windmills, as well as lunch included.
de, en, fr, nl
de, en, fr, nl
Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park
This action-packed day brings the essence of Crete to life for all the family. Discover Greek mythology as you explore scenic mountain trails on an off-road adventure leading to the Lassithi plateau. There's a chance to have a go at making ceramics and a visit to the Mythological Park, too. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, enthusiastically says, ‘Lassithi plateau is a personal favourite on this tour. You'll be greeted by the sight of dozens of windmills that dot the landscape. They were built in the 19th century to grind grain, and are now a symbol of the region.'Kick off on a trail which climbs into the mountains to reach the first stop at the Aposelimi dam. From here we'll make our way to a viewpoint where we can see across the Lassithi plateau, a high, fertile plain that legend states was the birthplace of Zeus.Rumbling down to the plateau, we'll head to a ceramics workshop and olive oil producer. It's a fun stop for the kids who will have plenty of time to have a go at making their own pottery creations. Next up is the Mythological park, where you'll find out all about ancient Greek myths - the special lighting and sound effects alongside the audio tour make the park enjoyable for all ages. Round off the day with a late lunch in a taverna, before calling in at the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year old plane tree and has a natural spring water source.
de, en, fr, nl
de, en, fr, nl
Guided tour to Preveli Palm Beach by boat with taverna lunch
Southern Crete's coastline is full of unexpected surprises and on this full day tour, you'll find yourself in one of the island's most impressive natural settings. We'll set off to Damnoni for a cruise along rocky coastline to one of southern Crete's most beautiful – and remote – beaches, Preveli beach. There's a beachside lunch to look forward to as well. Sofia, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Preveli beach is lovely, but don't forget to explore the palm forest behind. It's a really unusual ecosystem and the river is so refreshing. Bring your snorkel, too, the rocky headlands enclosing the beach are great snorkel spots.'Disembarking at Preveli palm beach before the crowds arrive, you'll be able to take in the wow-factor scenery in peace. The sand-and-pebble beach stretches across the mouth of a craggy gorge softened by palm forests and carved by a cool, clear river. The river broadens into a lagoon which trickles behind the sweeping beach into the bright blue sea. You'll have plenty of free time to stretch out on the shore or take a dip before the return boat trip.Back at Damnoni, a typical Cretan lunch at a beachfront taverna will be waiting for you. After tucking into fresh local dishes, you'll have free time to relax on and around the beach before heading back to base.
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Crete food and wine-tasting with wine factory visit
Crete is the cradle of wine history, with its authentic country life and indigenous grape varieties dating far back to the ancient Minoans. Veta, one of our local guides, says ‘What I like most about showing visitors around on this tour is that they meet the local producers and farmers and hear their stories.' Over the course of the day, you'll taste locally produced olive oil, enjoy a typical Cretan lunch, and sip on regional whites and reds at an award-winning winery.We'll begin our culinary adventure at the Kriti Allios olive oil producer, set among olive groves to the south of Heraklion. Here we'll tour the facilities and surrounding groves before a Cretan olive oil tasting session. ‘Olive oil has been a Cretan staple since Minoan times. Archeologists have found evidence that the Minoans, the earliest Cretan civilization, used olive oil for rituals, medicine and culinary purposes,' adds Veta. After the tasting, there's a tasty farm fresh lunch to tuck into with traditional local delicacies.Next, we'll pay a visit to family-run Titakis Winery. Its wines have won multiple awards in the past decade, especially the Kotsifali reds. After a tour of the estate and the wine production areas, you'll taste four different wines, accompanied by breadsticks and olives. Veta says, ‘There's always a bottle on the dinner table in Cretan homes – and often it'll be from this winery. The Titakis family has a strong focus on the production of rare local varieties.'
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Crete 4x4 Mount Psiloritis tour with typical meze lunch
Combining inland Crete's rugged landscapes and ancient villages with a visit to a typical shepherd's hut, this small group 4x4 tour is for those who are wild at heart. You'll journey into the mountains to the Halepa Monastery from Rethymnon, venture off-road and stop to enjoy some typical meze. Georgios, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Halepa Monastery is thought to be the oldest on Crete, dating from the mid-16th century. Not only is it a special, spiritual place, but it boasts bird's-eye views over the valley of Mylopotamos.' Passing through areas of lush green landscapes and traditional villages such as Milopotamos, the tour gets off to a panoramic start. We'll wind our way up the slopes of Mount Psiloritis to Halepa Monastery, which was in ruins before the restoration works finished in the year 2000. The ruined structure used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during past civil wars, but now it is as peaceful as it is beautiful. As you continue your off-road adventure, your guide will deepen your understanding of the history and the traditions of the island, introduce you to the locals, and point out the wildlife of Crete. Stop to see an original shepherd's hut – known as 'Mitato' – and taste local honey at a producer. Tracing mountain tracks, keep an eye out for wildlife such as eagles and wild goats as you rumble through the countryside. And with an appetite worked up, you'll take a break to munch on traditional meze.
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4x4 Trypiti beach and south coast tour in Crete
Discover the beautiful beach of Tripiti and the Lake of Zaros. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Libyan Sea and the Messara plains while exploring the Cretan hinterland.
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Popular experiences in Crete
Crete - Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge
Make your wait at the airport a breeze with our VIP airport service. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check-in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Greeted at Heraklion Airport's departure terminal, the VIP service sees you sail through check-in and security with our fast track pass – giving you more time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi and access to TV, magazines and newspapers, allowing you to relax right up to take off.
Looking to let loose in Malia? We got you. Bag your Scene Pass for access to the some of Crete's best nights out, including pool parties, beachside raves and more...
Crete - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.
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Crete - Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life
Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.
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Crete - Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.
de, en
Crete - Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit
The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.
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Crete - Crete day tour with monastery, winery visit and cooking class
A chance to delve into Crete's culture and eat like an islander. On this full day tour inland from Chania, you'll visit a winery in Alikambos, explore a historic monastery, and take part in a hands-on cheese-making class. Joanna, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This tour is the ideal opportunity to taste Cretan olive oil and wine, and to try local food that you'll get to prepare during a cooking lesson'.After making your way through the scenic foothills of the White Mountains, you'll reach your first port of call – award-winning Dourakis Winery, a family-run business with decades of experience in winemaking and olive oil production. Enjoy sampling its organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines and olive oil before setting off into the countryside.Next, you'll head to the Monastery of St George. Set among sun-soaked olive groves in the village of Karydi, this early 17th-century retreat was restored after many decades of abandonment, though parts of it still retain a ruined air. You'll be able to explore the grounds and discover the remains of the old olive oil press. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the monastery's upkeep. Your final stop is Kefalas village where you'll partake in a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare a traditional dish. Then it'll be time to roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself. Prepare a meal using a recipe you can recreate when you get back home, and if you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making Cretan cheese.
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Crete - Private off-road tour to experience Crete
Buckle up for an exciting 4x4 off-road tour, rumbling into the mountainous landscapes of Crete. You'll be awe-struck by views of the south Cretan coast from Kerame village and the drama of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Take a cooling dip at Preveli Beach, tuck into a traditional lunch, and check out Spili's lion-head fountains. With your guide doubling as your driver, every twist and turn reveals another hidden gem of Crete.
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Crete - Lasithi Plateau tour with Cretan tastings and pottery lesson
Discover Crete's beauty on a tour across the Lasithi plateau. Explore ancient villages, taste local produce, and experience pottery making.
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Crete - Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania
Discover Western Crete's highlights on a private tour. Explore Chania, Agia Triada Monastery, and Marathi Beach.
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Crete - Juktas Mount, Raki and wine distillery guided tour
Book your spot now for this 7-hour 4x4 tour of Crete including wine tasting and lunch!
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Crete - Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.
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Crete - Off-road buggy safari from Rethymno in Crete
Calling all adventure-seekers – this is your ticket to the rugged side of Crete. After a quick safety briefing, you'll head up into the mountains to roar through impressive natural gorges and splash through river crossings in a two-seater off-road buggy. There'll be plenty of pauses to take in the wild scenery and you'll get a taste of the local culture with pit stops at remote 12th-century Cretan villages. Refuel on caffeine and snacks at a traditional kafenion – a Greek coffee house – before heading back to Rethymno to put your feet up.
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Crete - Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour
This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.
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Crete - Ferry tour of Milos Island with transfer
This trip to Milos Island has everything you need. You'll start at Sarakiniko Beach, one of the island's top spots, where you can explore sea caves and take a dip in the sea. Then, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite were once mined. After that, you'll head to the fishing village of Pollonia for a seaside stroll and maybe some fresh seafood. Finally, you'll wrap up your visit with stops at Plaka, the island's capital, and Adamas, the main port.
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Crete - Ferry tour of Milos Island – ticket only
This trip to Milos Island really covers all the bases. Your first stop is at one of the island's top stretches of sand, Sarakiniko Beach, where you can explore sea caves and go for a dip in the sea. From here, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite used to be dug up. Next up is the fishing village of Pollonia, where you can go for a seaside stroll and sample fresh seafood if you fancy it. You'll round off your visit to Milos Island with visits to Plaka, the capital, and Adamas, the island's main port.
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Crete - Amnesiades historical park family tour
Step into the world of Ancient Greece at Amnesiades historical park, where you'll explore the wonders of Minoan culture. After a warm welcome, you'll be taken on an immersive tour around the site, learning all about Minoan decoration and history.With an engaging family friendly workshop, you'll learn how to write your name in Linear B, the first form of organised writing in Europe from around 2,000 BC. Linear B is a syllabic script used for Mycenaean Greek, predating the Greek alphabet by centuries. Uncover the history of this intriguing script, primarily found in the palace archives of Knossos, Kydonia, Pylos, Thebes, and Mycenae, which disappeared with the fall of the Mycenaean civilisation.Explore the mini farm and discover the traditional Minoan way of bread making. You'll even get to try freshly-baked bread combined with olive oil, salt, and oregano. Quench your thirst with Minoan ice tea, made from the finest herbs of Crete and natural water. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's optional pony or horse rides, allowing you to experience the landscape just as the ancient Minoans did.
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Crete - Santorini Tour from Plakias
The volcanic island of Santorini lies north of Crete. And this daytrip by fast cat is a great chance to take a close-up look at it. Curved around a colossal, sea-filled caldera that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago, it's all black cliffs, whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. It's picture-postcard Greece.Once you're on dry land, you'll take off on a scenic tour, exploring many of the island's attractions and learning about its history. Explore a town where whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and tavernas cascade down the cliff-face in steep terraces.You'll spend about 90 minutes in Oia – the village with the most magnificent views on Santorini. From its lofty clifftop perch, the panorama over the volcanic caldera is pure wow-factor. Then it's on to Fira, the island's capital. You'll have an hour or so to snap up treats in the quaint shops and boutiques.
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Crete - Chania by night with harbourfront dinner
Tucked in the western corner of the island, between the White Mountains and the Sea of Crete, lies the port town of Chania. Here you'll spend the evening getting lost in its characterful cobbled streets. Take a stroll through the old town to Eleftherios Venizelos Square where you might catch an impromptu show from the local street entertainers who often perform here in front of the fountain. With free time before and after dinner to explore, you can wander the winding lanes. Look up to admire the blend of Venetian and Turkish influenced buildings – a nod to Crete's eclectic history of Roman and Ottoman rule. If you're on the hunt for leather bags, boots and belts then make sure you head down ‘Leather Lane', officially called Skrydlof Street. The highlight of your evening will be dinner at a waterside restaurant, nestled among the colourful buildings that line the old harbour. Feast on classic Cretan dishes, like Tzatziki, baby squid and moussaka, with sunset views of the16th-century Venetian lighthouse.
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Crete - Traditional Cretan Night
Evenings out in Crete don't get more traditional than this. You'll travel to the mountainside village of Axos where a whole evening's entertainment is programmed, including a church visit, craft demonstration and a dinner fit for kings and queens. And it wouldn't be Cretan night without some live dancing and music.
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