Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania

Koufonissi Island boat trip with barbecue

You'll see the limestone cliffs of Koufonissi Island blend from bright white to sandy gold as you cruise around the coastline on this full day at sea. Sip on a welcome drink at Port Makrygialos as your experienced skipper sets a course for your first swim stop by a secluded beach. Tuck into a barbecue lunch served on the deck with drinks, then it's on to your second swim of the day. The uninhabited island makes for a quiet escape, where you can float in the sea and stretch out on the sand before you munch on fruit platters as you head back to port.

Dia Island Fine Dining Cruise

Dia Island is a hidden gem with a peaceful, off-grid feel, just off Crete's north coast. Sail away on a morning or sunset trip from the Venetian port of Heraklion towards Dia. Onboard, you'll find snorkelling gear, a SUP paddleboard and fishing equipment for your enjoyment. You'll anchor at Dia Island to swim, snorkel or simply bask in the sun. Lunch or dinner, complete with local white wine, is served beneath the cliffs.

Balos Lagoon viewpoint & Falasarna Beach scenic van tour

The wild side of north-west Crete takes centre stage on this small-group van adventure. You'll cruise through the countryside around Kissamos before heading off the beaten track across the wild Gramvousa Peninsula. Expect standout views over Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, then wind down with time at the golden sands of Falasarna Beach. It's the perfect mix of adventure, scenery and laidback moments.

Off-road Safari from Rethymnon

The rugged gorges of Crete's southern interior are a nature-lover's haven. Take a day-long 4x4 safari along the region's dusty trails, visiting the dramatic Agios Antonios, Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifou Gorges before refreshing sea swims at beautiful Preveli beach.

Morning catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with lunch – ticket only

From Ierapetra Marina, you'll cruise over to Chrissi Island for a leisurely day on the water. Onboard, you'll be welcomed with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, plus a light brunch to get you started. Once on the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try your hand at fishing. There's loads of deck space to stretch out, too, with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic lunch to tuck into. And, with free onboard Wi-Fi, staying Instagram-ready is a breeze.

Afternoon catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with dinner – ticket only

Departing from Ierapetra Marina, you'll sail to Chrissi Island for a leisurely afternoon on the water. You'll be greeted on board with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, along with a light meal to ease you in. Once you reach the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try a spot of fishing. There's loads of deck space to unwind, too, along with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic dinner. Plus, you also get free onboard Wi-Fi, so staying Instagram-ready is an absolute breeze.

Pantheon Waterpark tickets in Crete with transfer

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Pantheon Waterpark ticket only

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Full-day southern Crete 4x4 tour with swim stop

Sun, scenery and off‑road adventure set the tone for this full‑day tour. You'll dive into Crete's wilder side in a 4x4 built for rugged terrain. The day starts at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where some epic clifftop views are waiting, before heading up to Agios Paisios Chapel to look out over Damnoni and the south Cretan bays. Manolis, one of our local expert guides, says, “this route shows off a side of Crete most visitors never get to see, from dramatic gorges to coastal trails. The scenery keeps changing with every turn and every stop feels like a reward. This is Crete at its most natural.”After your stop at the chapel, you'll weave through peaceful backcountry roads lined with olive groves and rolling farmland until the landscape suddenly opens out at Kato Preveli. Then, the adventure kicks up a gear as you switch to true off‑road driving, following a rugged coastal track towards Triopetra, with rocky headlands and untouched scenery all around.The day wraps up at Mikri Triopetra, a tucked away slice of paradise with clear shallows, soft sand and a blissfully quiet setting. You'll have around two and a half hours to swim, unwind and soak up the sun here. Sunbeds, umbrellas and a shower are on hand, and there are tavernas nearby if you fancy something extra cold to drink. A typical Cretan salad rounds off the experience before you settle back into the 4x4 for a scenic ride back to your accommodation.

Apokoronas hidden roads van tour with cheese-making and tastings

Travelling in a nine-seater van, you'll roll through nine tucked‑away Apokoronas villages far from the tourist radar on this small‑group tour. The quiet backroads lead you past olive groves, vineyards and stone houses as you dip in and out of Armenoi, Neo Chorio, Pemonia, Fres, Tzitzifes, Nipos, Vafes and Vryses. It's a scenic journey that shows off the region's rural charm and slow‑paced way of life, all set against the backdrop of the White Mountains. Giorgos, one of our local expert guides, says, “Apokoronas is where you feel the real Crete – peaceful villages, warm people and unspoiled landscapes. It's the Crete we grew up with, still doing its thing.”Your next stop is the Holy Mary of Two Rocks Church, a tiny landmark hidden between two natural rock formations that most people never stumble across. It's a lovely spot to pause, soak up the countryside and enjoy the stillness before the route winds deeper into Apokoronas. The scenery then shifts from rolling farmland to rugged hillsides dotted with traditional homes and family‑run farms.Then, it's on to Arevitis for a proper taste of rural Crete. At a traditional sheep farm, you'll wander through a garden bursting with local produce before joining a hands‑on cheese‑making session with your hosts. You'll try the fresh cheese you've helped create, tuck into warm Cretan snacks and sip homemade raki – the island's traditional spirit – while hearing stories about the land, the animals and daily life in the mountains.