Countryside in Crete
4x4 off road-tour of Crete’s mountains with taverna lunch
Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.
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Rethymnon and Lake Kournas Tour
There's something about the old town of Rethymnon that makes you want to keep on exploring. And you'll have a whole morning to wander it at your own pace before spending the afternoon at nearby Lake Kournas. It's up to you to do as you wish – just follow your inner compass and go with the flow.Rethymnon old town is pretty compact and bursting with activity. A maze of narrow alleys links the old harbour to the Fortezza citadel. Everything in between dates from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. As well as tavernas and shops, you'll encounter churches of all styles and mosques. The Veli Pasha mosque was recently renovated and is now a palaeontological museum – it's well worth a visit.Then, it's on to Lake Kournas. Protected under the Natura 2000 project, it's a dream for all things green. Surrounded by the imposing White Mountain range – and the only freshwater lake in Crete – you'll have just over an hour to soak in the fresh mountain air, swim in the calm waters or kick back and relax on the sandy beach.
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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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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 Domnoni for a cruise along rocky coastline to one of southern Crete's most beautiful – and remote – beaches, Preveli beach. There's a beachside lunch and a visit to Kourtaliotiko gorge, too. 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 relax and explore before the return boat trip.Back at Damnoni, a typical Cretan lunch at a beachfront taverna will be waiting for you. Then, you'll have free time to relax before the return trip. On the way back, we'll take the stepped trail down to the bottom of Kourtaliotiko gorge, where you'll encounter free-flowing springs and little waterfalls. This is the same river that emerges at Preveli beach, with the same cool, clear spring water.
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Sitia and Vai Palm Beach Tour from Southern Crete
Eastern Crete is awash with golden beaches, timeless villages and Medieval monasteries. Explore all of the east's knockout spots with this exciting tour. Highlights include the villages of Lithines and Sitia, Toplou Monastery and Europe's largest palm tree forest.Kick off with a stroll along the pretty streets in the whitewashed village of Lithines, complete with dinky chapels and churches. Next, head to Sitia on the north coast. You can opt to visit Kazama castle, the folklore or the Archaeological Museum, or just enjoy a leisurely coffee and take in the local atmosphere.You'll stop at the heavily fortified Toplou Monastery next. Stroll around and take some photos of this history-steeped 15th century retreat. We'll top off the day at the white-sand Vai beach, which is fringed by 5,000 palm trees. Take a dip or snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters. Or, if you'd prefer, you can visit a local taverna before heading back to your hotel.
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Cretan 4x4 adventure from Rethymnon
Go off-road on a 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. You'll bump down dirt tracks, bounce over potholes and drive through blink-and-you-miss-them villages. Plus, you'll tick off plenty of must-sees on the way. Your driver actually doubles up as a guide, giving you the insider's track on Crete's hidden gems as you go.You'll kick off this full day tour just as you mean to go on – driving along country roads and tracks to experience the real Crete. You'll head for the mountains first, stopping off for photos and a coffee in a village, before reaching Spili, home to the 25-head Lion Fountain and some gorgeous views.Now you'll really get to grips with the land as you go off-road towards the village of Kerame where you'll be treated views over the south coast. There's a beach nearby where River Kourtaliotis flows into the sea, Preveli Beach, which makes an idyllic spot to take a dip. A Cretan lunch then awaits before a walk between the vertical cliffs surrounding Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
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An excursion that gets better and better as the day goes on. Enjoy some sightseeing before an afternoon relaxing in Elafonisi, an idyllic island off southwest Crete. You'll also visit the village of Voulgaro and the Agia Sophia cave.
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Rethymnon Electric Bike Tour Ticket
Crete's rugged, natural landscape is the stuff of myth and legend. Discover it all on this relaxing e-bike tour. Choose between the Myli Gorge and Arkadi Monastery routes and you'll find that your e-bike gives you two ways to explore. Use like any other bike or flick a switch and zoom in total comfort and ease.
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Crete Botanical Gardens and Spili Village from Plakias
An oasis of tranquillity, Crete's Botanical Gardens provide a respite from the bustling beaches. On this morning tour, your guide will show you around the vast gardens and teach you about the local plants and wildlife. You'll also get to visit the quaint village of Spili, where you'll have around two hours of free time to browse the shops, grab a bite to eat or visit the local folklore museum.
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Leaving behind the well-trodden tourist trails, this quad bike safari takes you even deeper into rural Crete. Rev and roar your way along dusty tracks and trails through the Cretan mountains. As well as a visit to the ghost town of Achlada lined up, you'll also swing by Fodele for some freshly squeezed orange juice – grown locally. A great way to put a bit of oomph into your holiday.
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Popular experiences in Crete
Crete - Heraklion Airport VIP Service & 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 on arrival at Heraklion Airport, 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 - Acqua Plus Waterpark Ticket
Channel your inner child and head to Acqua Plus Waterpark, where you can splash, tumble and whizz your way down slide after slide. If you're up for a thrill try the extreme slides – the Spacebowl is our favourite – or, if relaxing is more your thing, check out the lazy river. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.Located just outside Heraklion, the park is easy to find. Once you're there you'll receive a digital wristband to scan so there's no need to carry money about – just pay at the end for anything you've bought. Then the fun can begin.The park is split in two, one side for the extreme slides and the other is made for younger children. You'll be spoilt for choice with over 50 slides to choose from – there's even the chance to walk on water in the W.O.W balls.
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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 - 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 - Full-day tour with Cretan caves, olive oil and pottery
Get a glimpse of Cretan tradition on this full-day tour. You'll start your adventure at Melidoni Cave for a look around, before stopping for a coffee. Then, call in at an olive mill to learn all about how olive oil is made, from hand-picking to bottling. Plus, you'll get to taste different varieties and pick up some tips for your cooking. Swing by a honey museum afterwards for a tasting session, before wrapping up your tour in the village of Margarites, a pottery hub with Venetian roots that's known for its centuries-old ceramic-making heritage.
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Crete - Private premium catamaran cruise to Dia Island in Crete
Cast off on a half-day catamaran cruise, gliding over to Dia Island in Crete. As you sail, you can tuck into traditional Cretan treats. Once you arrive at the island, you can take your pick from the watersports on offer – try paddle-boarding, snorkelling, or just go for a swim. After working up an appetite, you'll have an onboard Mediterranean feast prepared by an award-winning chef. For this experience, you can choose whether to sail in the morning or evening, and if you want to opt for a little extra luxury with a private cruise.
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Crete - Premium catamaran cruise to Dia Island in Crete
Cast off on a half-day catamaran cruise, gliding over to Dia Island in Crete. As you sail, you can tuck into traditional Cretan treats. Once you arrive at the island, you can take your pick from the watersports on offer – try paddle-boarding, snorkelling, or just go for a swim. After working up an appetite, you'll have an onboard Mediterranean feast prepared by an award-winning chef. For this experience, you can choose whether to sail in the morning or evening, and if you want to opt for a little extra luxury with a private cruise.
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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 - Sunset cruise from Gouves port to St George Bay in Crete
Sail from Gouves port to St George Bay on this sunset cruise. As you glide across the Mediterranean, you can sip on unlimited drinks, tuck into some tasty snacks, and lounge on deck – what more could you ask for? Plus, if you fancy it, you can make a splash snorkelling or try your hand at fishing – the boat has all the gear you need. Then, as the sun sets, you can take in the Insta-worthy views before heading back to port.
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Crete - Crete sailing trip to Dia Island with lunch
You're sailing to an uninhabited island steeped in Greek mythology on this day out. Legend has it that Dia Island was once a giant lizard that tried to destroy Crete until Zeus turned it to stone with a thunderbolt. You'll take a leisurely sail to Dia, where you'll visit two of the island's tucked-away bays. The first bay is a little livelier, where you can make the most of the water toys for snorkelling, fishing and swimming. Then, after a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch onboard, it's off to a calmer, more tranquil bay to while away the afternoon sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.
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Crete - Sunset catamaran cruise from Souda Port in Crete
Cruise to Marathi Bay at sunset on this half-day tour. Hop aboard for an evening of snorkelling, surfing, and fishing – or kick back and soak up the views Marathi Bay is known for. You'll find sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters here – ideal for all ages. Plus, there are snacks included for when you need to boost your energy levels. Then, you'll hop back on board the boat and return to the port, with the Cretan sunset as your backdrop.
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Crete - Catamaran cruise from Souda Port in western Crete
Relax in Mother Nature's hands on this catamaran sailing trip. Depending on the weather, you'll be whisked off to one of two swoon-worthy bays. If it's calm, you'll sail to Octopus Bay, where the secluded pebbly coves and seabed are alive with starfish, crabs and the eight-legged friends the bay's named after – ideal for snorkelling. If it's a little rougher, then the bustling Marathi Bay is your best port of call, where you can try paddle-boarding, snorkelling and fishing by the sandy beaches. Whatever the weather, you can relax onboard with lunch and drinks.
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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!
Crete - Sunset catamaran cruise from Hersonissos
Sunset on the Med? Check. Tasty spread? Check. Activities for water babies? Triple check. This sunset cruise from Hersonissos to Agios Georgios Bay has it all. You'll kick things off with Prosecco and canapés before diving into snorkelling, SUP surfing, and fishing. After working up an appetite, indulge in local cheese, nibbles, and fruit, all paired with Cretan white wine. Finally, watch the sunset steal the show – the perfect backdrop for any romantic surprises you've got planned.
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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.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 - Pirates of Crete half-day family boat trip
Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need all hands on deck to help track down their long-lost treasure. But first, you'll have to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI pirate. Setting sail from Chersonissos Port, our shipmates will make sure you get into the pirate spirit, with face painting and exciting themed games for the little scallywags, and challenges for the older crew members. Plus, there's a treasure map and clues to follow, so make sure you have your sharpest seafaring instincts at the ready.Then, to take a break from all the swashbuckling fun, you'll drop anchor at St. George's Bay for a dip here– this quiet spot is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the views of the rocky cliffs and surrounding greenery. From here, you'll hop back on board for a Greek barbecue to refuel before another stop in Malia, where you'll have time to put your new pirate skills to the test and investigate the area.
Crete - Half-day Crete quad safari from Malia
Quads in Crete? You bet. This tour will have you whizzing through olive groves, mountain roads, and the sparkling coast on your own off-road vehicles. Starting in Malia, you'll visit the ancient Minoa Palace for a photo-worthy glimpse of history, From there, it's all about mountain views, sheep-feeding (yes, really), and collecting fresh Cretan herbs at the beautiful Agios Georgios Monastery. Up next is a drive by the coast near Sisi before heading back.
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