What to do and see in Crete, Greece: The Best Day Trips from

April 16, 2022 Roger Rusk

Crete (Greek: Κρήτη, Kríti ['kriti]; Ancient Greek: Κρήτη, Krḗtē) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Crete and a number of surrounding islands and islets constitute the region of Crete (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης), one of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. As of 2011, the region had a population of 623,065.
Restaurants in Crete

1. Uncharted Escapes: Crete's Wine and Olives Safari Tour from Chania

Cretan Holidays
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Hop in a Land Rover and let it take you on a culinary and cultural journey through Crete. This Greek island is renowned for its wine and olive oil. On this full-day guided tour from Chania, see how olives are harvested and turned into extra-virgin olive oil. Visit an olive mill and check out a 3,000-year-old olive tree. Sip wine while touring a vineyard. Commune with sheep and goats while making your way around the island in the Land Rover before visiting a 16th-century house where you’ll learn all about Cretan knife production. Finally, enjoy a typical Cretan meal in a small tavern.

Inclusions: Local guide, Land Rover transportation with driver, Lunch with wine

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Infants are not allowed

Reviewed By Andreas C

We booked via Cretan Holidays our stay in Heraklion, a car rental and one excursion.We received top quality products, quick responce, exceptional customer service!

2. Chania-Kournas-Rethymnon Tour TR

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Come with us and discover the West of Crete!This excursion brings us 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”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. We can enjoy our lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora (Market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. Here we can buy souvenirs or leather goods in very good prices.

Inclusions: Professional and Multilingual speaking guide., Transfers with air-conditioned luxurious buses., Free pick up service from any place in Crete.

Exclusions: Tips and Individual expenses.

Reviewed By sandrahL4515GG

we went in this trip through our tui rep paid €40 each for 12 of us 1 there was no singing dancing from crew ...they played pirate music .... 2 the food was a con ..chop salad ... & melon we stopped at cove for 1 1/2 Swam in sea which was lovely then in too malia well all I can say is we pulled into a harbour ..more like run down docks .... for hour ... 10 min walk to a little bar took about half to be served by time drank it time walk back...very very disappointing .. the crew were all very friendly but I defo wouldn't recommend this trip I've been on a few these trips in portugal ..rhodes zante tenerife ..they would all knock spots of this trip

3. Wine & Olive Oil Tastings to Milia Mountain Retreat - Semi Private Safari Tour

Chania Adventures
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Get ready for a completely novel experience. Hop on our comfortable, 7 seater 4wd vehicles and let us take you back in time in a small group up to 6 guests/guide through rough roads nor accessible by rentals. It will be an 8 hours tour close to nature in an altitude up to 850m (2800ft). You will be informed about the Cretan History, Culture, Tradition and you will visit the famous Milia Mountain Retreat for your lunch time, an eco-friendly tourist complex, one of the top 50 worldwide choices of National Geographic magazine, concerning eco-tourism and agro-tourism. The first Jeep Safari stop, will be to the unique 3000 years old olive tree which is still productive where you will enjoy your "coffee" time! Your wine & olive oil tastings will be at Anoskeli's olive mill and winery accompanied with Cretan Snacks.There will be frequently briefed stops to admire and take plenty of photos of wild landscape nature.

Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Wine and Olive Oil tasting, Air-conditioned vehicle, Liability Insurance

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By romanyh2020

We were left with a beautiful and delicious memory that will last a life time. Lovely tour guide who gave us great stories and history of Cretan life, thank you Nasos!

4. Matala - Agia Galini - Spili ( Small Group Tour)

Markidis Travel
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned mini bus. The first stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of AgiaGalini. Here will have 2,5 hrs to explore the village. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 3 hr of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 60’s and 70’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By anchi100

One wished all travel agents were like Markidis. I did two trips with them: to Matala and the Real Crete and both were absolutely amazing. -very good communication both by email and in the office; -small groups which allows for more personalized service, flexibility, questions; -excellent crew; both the guide Barbara and the driver Kostas were very professional, fun and went extra mile to make these special days for us; -I can highly recommend both trips. You see a lot, you learn a lot and it’s a lot of fun! -the Real Crete tour is indeed very special; there are many great sites to explore and there is also time for food, music and dance in a local village taverna! Really amazing time. Thank you :)

5. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour.

Explore Real Crete
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

This Tour gives you the opportunity to visit on your own way so many places in one day that if not with a local guide it would be impossible to visit and find.We visit Monasteries, Churches, Agios Nikolaus City, Spinalonga Island, Krasi village where the oldest Platanus tree in Crete it's found, we have a traditional Cretan Lunch in the traditional village of Mochos where we visit a few beautiful churches, and in the end if we have time we can visit the fishing village of Sisi where we go for a walk on the Palm Bay. ACACIA TOURS MHTE1039e60000115201

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Liability insurance.

Exclusions: Boat ticket to Spinalonga. 10 Euro , Entrance fee at the Spinalonga (8 euro ) , Lunch

Reviewed By Cellabelle-27

This tour was highly recommended by a friend, and wow, totally exceeded all expectations! Eddie is a lovely, friendly, funny and knowledgeable guy... I seen and learned more about Crete in one day than I have in all the years going there! The tour included a visit to olive oil factory, cave of Zeus, lovely lunch with wine in the beautiful village of Mochlos, Lassithi plateau (stunning views) and finally wine tasting at the winery which was the perfect end to a perfect day ???? So if you want to see the real Crete and have a fantastic day out with a wonderful guide, book with Eddie... You will not regret it

6. The Real Crete (Small Group Tour)

Markidis Travel
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

The Real Crete: On this excursion you will have the opportunity to see many places that represent the traditional lifestyle and some historical facts of Crete. The first stop is at Melidoni Cave which is a cave full of history and dates back to Neolithic Period based on tools and items found it the cave. The second stop is at the village of Margarites. Margarites is famous for its pottery that goes back many generations. The third stop is at the Museum of Eleftherna before you get to the Arkadi Monastery. The Arkadi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Crete. You then continue on the village of Apostoli. Here you will visit an old olive oil factory and see how the production of our olive oil is made. In this village you will also eat in a traditional tavern whilst enjoying the beautiful sound of live Creta music. The second last stop is at Saint Antonios Gorge for photos and finally the last stop which is the Dam known as "Fragma Potamon" which is the home of many animals and flowers.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By zeetje91

I got injured the day before our trip to Damnoni & Preveli Palm Beach so we had to cancel very last minute. Cancellation policy was 24 hours before the trip, so we knew that there was just a little chance for a refund (the booking was trough a partnership). I contacted Katerina and she tried to find other customers, so they could take our place and we would get a refund anyway. I wasn’t expecting a refund lastminute actually, but it worked! We are very grateful! Its a shame that we can’t go to this trip, but when we’re back in Rethymno, we’ll definitly book at Markidis Travel again. Thank you so much Katerina for solving this probably last minute!

7. Private Full-Day Knosos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Heraklion

Stagakis Grand Prestige
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Experience this private tour that combines world-famous landmarks with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Enjoy maximum comfort and safety while being provided with everything you need to know about the island of Crete. Your local English speaking guide/driver will help you get the most out of your day and make sure you take some incredible photos for you to share with your friends and family.

Inclusions: V.I.P.- class air-conditioned vehicle, Fridge, Bottled water, Fully equipped First-Aid-Kit, Honey/Raki tasting

Exclusions: Drinks and meals, Entrance fees, Souvenirs and personal expenses

Reviewed By 324lenap

We took the tour on a hunch and did not regret it. Costas made the tour feel like a day trip with old friends . His knowledge of the local history and culture is amazing all wrapped in a natural sense of humour. The locations selected very carefully to reflect the best this place has to offer and the vehicle was comfortable and spotless The highlight was the homemade raki and honey. we can't recommend the service enough .

8. Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania

Fantasy Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

There is no better way to experience the real side of Crete, than to traverse the island's unspoiled soil, swim in its crystal waters and stroll down its traditional villages. This hiking tour of the Samaria Gorge will give you the opportunity to do all 3 and at your own pace. Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated spots around Chania via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7 am. Shadowed by the adjacent White Mountains and with plenty of drinking water to be found along the way in many natural springs, this self-paced hike will create unique memories for every traveler. Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. At around 17:00 you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, English Speaking guide

Exclusions: Admission to Samaria (5 € per adult, children free of charge), Boat ticket (11 € per adult, 5.50 € per child 5-12 years old), Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals

Reviewed By panosstoumpos

We choose fantasy travel for our tour! It was so well organized, and the whole trip was detailed. The stuff are very friendly, and answered every single question. I would recommend fantasy travel to all of our friends, and family!

9. Imbros Gorge and Sfakia Full-Day Hiking Tour from Chania

Fantasy Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Imbros Gorge is located in the province of Sfakia and is the second-largest gorge in Crete after Samaria. The picturesque scenery, in combination with the low difficulty of traversing it, make the descent of Imbros ideal for families wanting to expose children to the beauty of nature. There you will have some free time to take pictures or have some breakfast before you begin your hike. In a leisurely pace, the gorge can be traversed in about 2.5 hours. Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. The gorge ends at Komitades village, from where you will depart for Sfakia, one of the most traditional Cretan villages. There you will have around 3 hours to divide between swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters and enjoying a Cretan meal in one of the local taverns. Early in the evening you will board the bus back to your original pick up points.

Inclusions: Pickup/Drop-off with air-conditioned luxury bus from select spots in Chania, English Speaking guide, All taxes, VAT (value-added tax) inclusive

Exclusions: Admission to Imbros (2.5 € per person, free of charge for children under 14), Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals, Customary tips to your driver and escort

Reviewed By panosstoumpos

We choose fantasy travel for our tour! It was so well organized, and the whole trip was detailed. The stuff are very friendly, and answered every single question. I would recommend fantasy travel to all of our friends, and family!

10. Elafonisi Full-Day Tour from Chania

Fantasy Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

After we pick you up in the morning from various locations around Chania, we will follow the green north coast just before Kastelli and finally reach the rock chapel of Agia Sophia through the village of Topolia. After a short visit to this incredibly interesting site, we will proceed to the main attraction of the tour! Elafonisi is located on the southwestern most point of Crete and being an oblong gives the impression of being a separate island as it seems to be divided into two parts by water. On the eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, you will find umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms. In Elafonisi, you will have plenty of time to explore the area and swim in the crystal clear waters!

Inclusions: Pick up and Drop off with air-conditioned luxury bus from select spots in Chania, Visit to the cave of Saint Sophia, Visit to Elafonisi, Visit to local village (subject to conditions), English Speaking guide, Swedish speaking guide available every Wednesday

Exclusions: Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals, Customary tips to your driver and escort

Reviewed By Angelika888

It was a lovely trip and I still think back of all the fun we had. Everything was well planned which allowed us to just enjoy. The beaches were magical, which is expected :) I want to share my experience with everyone as it was money well spent. Thank you for creating such a memorable day for us.

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