Hot-air balloon rides 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.

Crete - Malia Scene Pass

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.

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.

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.

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.

Crete - Balos and Gramvousa catamaran cruise in Crete

Cruise in style on a luxury catamaran with two ticket choices. There's the comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or choose the VIP option to access get on the upper deck where your own sunbed and personalised service is waiting. You'll set sail from Kissamos Port with coffee and a light brunch before an anchor drop at Balos, where you can swim, snorkel or relax on deck with a cocktail. Next, you'll check out Gramvousa Island's Venetian fortress and lagoon before enjoying a Mediterranean lunch, some R&R and a final toast on the way back to the port.

Crete - Cretan semi-submarine and guided tour from south Crete

Dive into a dazzling day in Agios Nikolaos, starting with a Cretan semi-submarine adventure - explore the clear waters and colourful marine life of Mirabello Bay without getting your toes wet. Next up, a guided walk through the hidden corners of Agios Nikolaos, soaking up local culture and history. Finally, take things at your own pace with some free time – relax by the lake, shop for local treasures, or savour a coffee in a cosy café before we head back to base.

Crete - Margarites and Melidoni cave tour

Pretty ports, coastal views and ancient ways of life – northern Crete is a treasure-trove of hidden gems. And, on this tour, you'll see two of the best. You'll visit the tucked-away town of Margarites before heading to Melidoni Cave – an ancient natural wonder. You'll want your camera for this one.You'll begin the journey in the charming village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery making. Crete is home to some of the earliest evidence of the craft, and you'll get to see the ancient art with a demonstration. You'll also have some free time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully crafted ceramics on display.Next up, you'll visit the Melidoni Cave. This limestone cavern has been used as a place of worship, refuge and even a burial site throughout the ages. You'll explore the caverns decked out with stalactites and stalagmites, as your guide shares intriguing stories and legends that surround this mystical place.

Crete - Chania Old Port Catamaran Cruises to Agioi Theodoroi Island

Whether you choose the morning or evening, this catamaran cruise in the Agioi Theodoroi Bay has all the ingredients for a classic Cretan outing, with coastal views, watersports in the clear waters and fresh Mediterranean food. You'll sail out of the Old Venetian Port of Chania and drop anchor near the island of Agioi Theodoroi for swimming, snorkelling, paddle-boarding or fishing. On the morning tour you'll tuck into lunch onboard, with Greek beer and Cretean wine, while on the sunset tour, there's a platter of local ham, cheese and fruit, plus a glass of fizz and canapes when you board.

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.

Crete - Full-day tour with Cretan caves, olive oil and pottery from Plakias

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 - 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.

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. Yannis, a local guide, explains that there's something for everyone on this trip, “it's full-on fun for the little ones, as the crew really get into character and bring energy and smiles as pirates. But you also get this wild, natural backdrop to the day as you sail past tucked away beaches and swim in sparkling clear waters under the towering cliffs of St Georges Bay.”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. This quiet spot is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the views of the sea caves cut into rocky cliffs and the surrounding greenery. It'll feel like you're a million miles from Malia. From here, you'll hop back on board for a Greek barbecue – think pork, tzatziki and salads – to refuel before a final swim stop in Malia. You'll have around an hour here to stretch out on the fine golden sand and swim in the calm shallow waters that make it a winner for families. You'll arrive back at the port in the mid-afternoon – with plenty of time still to chill by the pool after your pirating adventure.

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.