Top Things to do in Kokkini Hani
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Things to do in Kokkini Hani, Crete: The Best Day Trips from
Discover the best top things to do in Kokkini Hani, Greece including On the trail of the Greek Mythology, Gramvoussa - Balos, Chrissi Island from Heraklion, South Crete - The gorge of the Eremits, Sunset in Matala, West Crete Chania - Rethymno, Flower Power - Lotus Land , Knossos - Lassithi, Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium, Plateau of Lassithi, SAMARIA from Malia-Heraklion.
Restaurants in Kokkini Hani
1. On the trail of the Greek Mythology
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Visit the valley of the 1000 Windmills and get all the secret information’s of the Cretan people. Visit a traditional mountain village and a typical Cretan family on the way to the Lassithi Plateau, the birthplace of Zeus. On the road there, you learn about the history of the God father and his siblings. You"ll visit the birthplace of Zeus while enjoying the nature surround. We'll finalize the day with a delicious traditional meal with many dishes in one of the best Tavern. We’ll meet villagers and listen to their story's about their life.
Inclusions: First coffee stop, Traditional "Mezedes" incl. Wine + Water
Exclusions: Entrance fees - Cave of Zeus 6 Euro per person, Childr - 18 y.o.free,Students + pers. over 65 half
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
2. Gramvoussa - Balos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece on a fantastic cruise to the most western part of Crete. Stop at the island of Gramvoussa, where you can see hundreds of birds and plant species. Go to the lagoon at Balos and swim. Discover an extraordinary geological phenomenon Sail to the "Pirates' Island" of Gramvoussa Swim in the lagoon at Balos Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian castle. Also known as "Pirates' Island," Gramvousa used to be a hiding place for rebels. The broader area of Gramvousa forms one of the most significant hydro-biotopes of the eastern Mediterranean. Here, you can encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species.Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Admire the wonderful colors and take a few photos of the famous shipwreck. Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon, before the return journey to the meeting point.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Live English tour guide , Transportation by reliable boat • Experienced drivers
Exclusions: Boat ticket (€18; children 4 to 12 y.o. 9€ ) • Municipality fee (€1)
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
3. Chrissi Island from Heraklion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy a day tour to the uninhabited island of Chrissi. Admire this small island with its natural cedar forest and beautiful sandy beaches. Drive to the south of Crete and reach the picturesque old town of Lerapetra. Climb aboard the boat at the port of Lerapetra and travel through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. With luck you will see dolphins, and finally reach Chrissi – also called the Golden Island. Admire untouched nature – a paradise of unparalleled flora and fauna. Stroll through a natural cedar forest, enjoy the incredible tranquility and discover corals and shells, dunes and salt marshes.
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Boat ticket to Chrissi 17 Euro per person, children from 4-12 y.o. 8,50 Euro), Admission to Chrissi Island 1 Euro per person
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
4. South Crete - The gorge of the Eremits, Sunset in Matala
Don't miss this highlight and capture the South of Crete. Walk in the footsteps of the hermits and find your peace of mind when an extensive bath in one of the most stunning beaches of the South coast of the Libyan Sea. A wonderful combination of history, nature, hiking, swimming and a romantic sunset on the famous beach of Matala. Once a hippie and back.
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Sun set diner incl. water + wine, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
5. West Crete Chania - Rethymno
This excursion brings you to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. Kournas Lake, a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater. Lush greenery, steep cavities between hills, rare species of fish and birds, like eels, moorhens and two-color turtles, make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy a swim before our lunch or an early afternoon walk. Stop in Rethymno, the third biggest town on Crete, where monuments of the archaeological, Ottoman and Venetian eras coexist, in an extremely interesting way. Have a stroll in the alleys of the old town, visit the Turkish minarets and the Venetian fortresses or just enjoy the magnificent harbor.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
6. Flower Power - Lotus Land
Cherries, Churches and the Valley of Amari. A hidden paradise between the mountain Kedros and Psilorites. Explore the beautiful landscape at the springtime. For only a few months the year, the valley open it’s beauty. The first stop is at the ceramic pottery village Margerithes. After you'll visit the hidden valley and see a carpet of flowers, particularly orchids and irises including Orphys mammosa (Breasted orphrys), Orchis pauciflora (Sparsley-flowering orchid), Orchis italica, Orphys tenthredinifera, Iris cretensis, Hermodactylus tuberosus and Romulea bulbocodium. The great profusion of flowers is due to the limestone on which the plateau is situated. One of the highlights of this plateau is the extremely rare Tulipa doerfleri, and it occurs in in such great numbers that the fields are coloured red! Later filled up with the beauty of the flowers you'll have lunch in a traditional taverna After a good meal you'll visit Spili, the heart of Crete bevor heading back.
Inclusions: Cretan Lunch in a traditional Taverna, Wine and Water incl.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
7. Knossos - Lassithi
Moving on inland to the Lassithi Plateau, you can admire the remaining famous windmills, the ditches, the Venetian drainage system of the plateau and the small traditional villages that still keep the scent of another era. The most famous is the village of Psychro, where you can admire the primeval traditional art of pottery-making by the remaining craftsmen and you'll visit a significant place of religious worship, the Dictean Cave, which is considered to be the place where Zeus, the father of Gods, was born. The next stop is Tzermiado, a village that stands out for its natural beauty, its breathtaking view and its traditional architecture. Next stop, the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, which was named after a miraculous icon of Virgin Mary. Last stop, the Palace of Knossos. You are going to walk on Sir Arthur Evans’ steps, listening to the myth of the Labyrinth, while this Minoan masterpiece will amaze with its grandeur.
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Food and bevarages, Entrance: 15 € – Palace of Knossos (children up to 18 years old, EU citicens over 65 y.o.50% , 6 €- Zeus cave (Chld-18 years free, EU members over 65 y.o. 50%) , 2 € - Monastery
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
8. Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium
A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life. You start to get to know the city of Heraklion. The Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Rule have all left their marks on Heraklion. You can admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian walls that surround the old city, you can sit at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the Lions’ Square to enjoy your coffee or your lunch, or if you wish to, you will be able to visit one of the many city museums, the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery or one of the numerous byzantine churches. Grab your cameras and take shots of whatever you like most! Just a few kilometers away from Heraklion, you can visit optional the Cretaquarium or have a swim on a sandy beach
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: 10 € Archeological Museum of Heraklion optional (children - 18 y.o. free), Crete Aquarium optional 10€ adult, 5-17 y.o.6€
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
9. Plateau of Lassithi
You start your exploration by visiting the magnificent monastery of Panagia Kera. A splendid monument of architecture and iconography, it operates as a nunnery and it gathers pilgrims from all over Crete. Next stop over is the Dictean Cave, a cave of mystic atmosphere, impressively adorned by large columns, stalactites and stalagmites. According to mythology, the Dictean Cave was the birthplace of Zeus, the father of gods, and the place he was worshipped. The tour ends by visiting Tzermiado, the capital of the Plateau.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: • Extras at coffee breaks, Lunch , • 2 € - Monastery (chld 1,5€) , • 6 €- Zeus cave (under 18 years free)
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
10. SAMARIA from Malia-Heraklion
Explore the most majestic gorge in Europe and get ready to live a unique experience. Follow the route of the ancient river Taras and discover the longest and hottest trek on Crete the SAMARIA GORGE
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Entrance fee Samaria National Park 5 Euro per person , Ferry ticket Agia Roumeli - Sfakia - 11 Euro per add. 6 Euro chld.
Reviewed By Tania L
I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.
