Folklore in 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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Tour of western Crete with winery and olive oil estate
From quality local produce to postcard-perfect beaches, western Crete has it all. This full day tour showcases the area's best bits, with wine tasting at Karavitakis Winery, sampling organic olive oil at the Biolea Estate and relaxing on Falassarna beach. Vasso, one of our expert local guides, says: ‘This is one of my favourite excursions, as it gives a good taste of many aspects of Cretan scenery, lifestyle and monuments. You get to visit an olive oil factory and a winery that produces some of the best wines in Crete'.The day starts with some viticulture on a guided tour of the family-run Karavitakis Winery. Delight your taste buds by sampling local wine and tasty snacks at the state-of-the-art visitor centre. Next, you'll head for lunch to a traditional Cretan restaurant by the sea, where food is prepared using locally sourced products. Plus, you'll have some time to relax on the blond sands of blissful Falassarna beach, which, says Vasso, ‘has been voted as one of the best beaches in Europe several times'.You'll then be taken to the Biolea Estate, a family-owned olive oil factory that specialises in the artisan production of organic olive oil. Find out everything you need to know about olive oil production, from how the olives are grown to how the oil is pressed and then bottled. What's more, your visit contributes to a local business and helps the wider island economy.
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The west of Crete offers up some dramatic landscapes and impressive scenery. First up is the village of Spili and its iconic fountain featuring a series of lion heads. Next, you'll visit the old Byzantine Monastery of Preveli before discovering Argyroupoli's waterfalls and greenery. End the day tasting Cretan wines while watching the sun go down over the Venetian harbour of Rethymno.
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Cretan hidden villages tour from south Crete
Time stands still when exploring Cretan villages. On this excursion, you'll discover the island's laidback side. Your first stop is the village of Krista, which is widely regarded as one of the most traditional spots in Crete. You'll want to remember to bring a camera on this tour, because the vine-wrapped cobbled lanes and blue-and-white houses are as cute as they come. While you're here, you'll also wander through an olive oil farm and taste fresh virgin oil. You'll then head to Limnes for a traditional Cretan lunch, before your final stop at the Cultural Museum of Neapoli – it's housed in a 19th century house that used to be a high school.
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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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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 - 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 - 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 - 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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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 - Scene Malia Heavensent Party at Lux Club
Heavensent Party at Luc Club is your go-to for a night with all the heat. Live DJ? Check. Insane beats? You bet. With the hottest tracks and throwback bangers, this adults-only party is all about good music, epic drinks, and even better energy. Expect a packed crowd, top-tier sound, and signature cocktails that'll keep the night going. If you're looking for a wild, nonstop night of fun, this is the spot.
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Crete - Scene Malia Twisted Wonderland at Candy Club
Step through the looking glass into Wonderland for a night that's no short of legendary. Get ready to face the music – and a splat of paint – as you kickstart the festivities with a splash of colour. Then, let loose on the dance floor where our DJ spins a mix of the latest summer anthems. As the night heats up, a countdown leads to a confetti cannon spesh, painting the club in a rainbow of hues. And for an extra touch of magic, there'll be live sax bringing Ibiza to the heart of Malia.
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