Location: Hersonissos
Top Things to do in Hersonissos
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What to do and see in Hersonissos, Crete: The Best Tours
Sandy, peaceful beaches and ancient ruins beckon travelers to Chersonisos, a one-time Roman port on the island of Crete. This is a family-friendly place, with plenty of activities for kids. The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum gives you the chance to explore the trades and lifestyles of early islanders. Exhibits include a herbarium, olive oil and wine presses and workshops on ceramics, shoe making and weaving. The aquarium showcases local sea creatures, as do the town's many traditional cafes, though in a completely different (and more delicious) manner.
Restaurants in Hersonissos
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. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour.
Overall Ratings
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
3. Guided Tour to Lasithi Plateau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Explore the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village meeting with a potter in action. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lasithi Plateau from Seli Ambelou and complete your tour to the picturesque village of Krasi, admiring the ancient plane tree.
Inclusions: Pickup and Drop off from hotels and designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan, Guide
Exclusions: Food & Drink, Admission fee to Dikti Cave 6 EUR per adult - People up to the age of 25, from EU member states free, Admission fee to Kera 2 EUR per adult - People up to the age of 25, from EU member states free
Reviewed By Kallellak1819
All in all okay - but no „sailing-trip“ & there are changes due to COVID-19! Pick-up time by bus about 7:30 am, very early. It took us about 1,5 h to get to the first stopp. Lots of time in the bus, no sailing, just about 60-90 minutes on a vessel. Due to COVID-19 no swimming in Kolokýtha and no bbq on board but a little packed lunches for everyone and swimming later in elounda for about 2 h. About 1 h staying on spinalonga island.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Fully Guided Tour to Lassithi Plateau and Knossos Palace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
You will follow the footsteps of the long-ago Minoan kings on this 10-hour Knossos - Lassithi tour. Travel by air-conditioned bus to the archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, see the remains dating back to the 2nd century BC. Explore what were the royal quarters, storage rooms and the central court of the palace, the power base of Europe’s first civilization, and hear about the mythical Minotauros that roamed a labyrinth here as your guide explains the site’s history. Visit also the area of Lassithi and take a real taste of Crete. Includes a monastery, a pottery factory, Dicti cave: where Zeus was born according to different legends.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Tour Official Guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance to Kera Monastery, Entrance to Dicti Cave, Entrance to Knossos Palace
Reviewed By Classicist101
I did two tours with Excellent Crete in two days and I loved every minute of it. They were a great company who picked my friend and I up from directly outside our hotel and then dropped us back outside at the end of the day. The price was phenomenal, we booked via the tour shops outside our hotel on the high street and it came to less than €30 and the tour was exceptional!! We started the day off at Ag. Nikolas and got to explore the market. The nectarines were gorgeous so I'd definitely recommend getting some of those! We visited Elounda and Plaka before the boat journey to Spinalonga. Our guide was Marie Pierre, who spoke English, French and German whilst on the tour. She was fantastic on both days. We had plenty of time to explore the Greek towns, go for lunch and have a relaxing swim in the sea. For the price it was an absolute must, and even forgetting the price I would say do it!! Spinalonga is rich with history and the boat tour around was breathtaking. No doubt as to whether I would recommend this tour with Excellent Crete.
7. PRIVATE Local Life Cooking lessons included Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 4 reviews
Your Eye Travel guide let you discover with a minibus the Cretan way of life. The first stop is at an olive oil factory where we are welcomed by the owner. He guides us through the factory and teach us all about the olive oil process. After the olive oil factory, we continue up the mountains to a small and authentic Cretan mountain village. Your Eye Travel guide gives you a tour through the streets of the real, daily Cretan life. After this, it's time to teach the secrets of a Cretan kitchen with fresh and local ingredients and herbs from his own garden. And we take you on a small tour of the village. The cooking lessons are very important; what you make, you will eat, so be sure not to burn your food! This authentic day will be held at a picturesque restaurant with a spectacular view. You are then free to enjoy your lunch, after which, we head back to your hotel.
Inclusions: Pick up / drop off (15 km around Hersonissos), Gasoline, Driver/guide, Guided tour olive oil factory, Cooking lessons: Greek salad, dolmades, dakos, tzatziki, meatballs, loukoumades, Lunch, Insurance, Guided tour in an authentic mountain village
Exclusions: Drinks during the cooking lessons, Extra drinks lunch
Reviewed By 16gilj
We had the best time ever with Taina our guide! She made this one unforgettable.. In short: we rode 4X4 jeeps on/off road, ate some delicious Greek food and learn a bit about the history and culture of the Island. Highly recommended!
8. Jeep Safari 4x4 Eye of the Shepherd in Crete with Lunch from Chersonissos
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 4 reviews
You are the whole day, with your Eye Travel guide, inside the countryside of Crete. The roads are almost all off road, the chance to see the real inland of Crete! We drive through the mountains towards the grape yards of the wine areas, passing small villages, through a river bed, sheltered by bamboo, a lot of nature. Crossing the river where we may have some water flowing in the months April, May and again from half of September. One of the highlights is a visit of a cave. We stop in a very authentic mountain village, on the square next to the church, for a coffee. We continue our trip along several small villages, on dirt tracks and through the green nature and herbs, passing olive groves and grape fields. We stop for lunch in a very small mountain village with a spectacular beautiful view. After lunch we drive through a mountainous area. On the way down we see a magnificent view of the north coast of Crete. We end this interesting day with a swim in the refreshing sea. Join us!
Inclusions: Pick up / drop off (20 km around Hersonissos), Gasoline, Insurance, Guide, Jeeps, Visit cave, Lunch
Exclusions: Drinks coffee stops, Extra drinks lunch
Reviewed By 16gilj
We had the best time ever with Taina our guide! She made this one unforgettable.. In short: we rode 4X4 jeeps on/off road, ate some delicious Greek food and learn a bit about the history and culture of the Island. Highly recommended!
9. Walk through Samaria Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 6 reviews
Join an escorted tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the west Crete, followed by a stop to Omalos plateau. Begin your walk with the group into Samaria gorge and enjoy its unique morphology on your way to the longest gorge hike in Europe. Reach Agia Roumeli south coast, where your sailing trip will bring you to Sfakia.
Inclusions: Pickup and Drop off from hotels and designated meeting points., Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan, Guide
Exclusions: Boat ticket Agia Roumeli - Sfakia 11.00 Euros per adult . Children 4-12 years 6 euro, Entrance ticket to Samaria 5.00 Euro per person., Food & Drinks
Reviewed By Kallellak1819
All in all okay - but no „sailing-trip“ & there are changes due to COVID-19! Pick-up time by bus about 7:30 am, very early. It took us about 1,5 h to get to the first stopp. Lots of time in the bus, no sailing, just about 60-90 minutes on a vessel. Due to COVID-19 no swimming in Kolokýtha and no bbq on board but a little packed lunches for everyone and swimming later in elounda for about 2 h. About 1 h staying on spinalonga island.
10. PRIVATE Spinalonga, Ag Nikolaos, olive oil factory incl Boat
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 10 reviews
With a minibus your Eye Travel guide shows you the Spinalonga island and other interesting places. Our first stop is in Agios Nikolaos where we have a fantastic view over the "Bottomless lake". You have some free time for a coffee and a stroll along the most eastern main city of Crete. After passing Elounda it is time for SPINALONGA, the last leper colony of Europe. A typical Cretan fishing boat brings you to the island, this takes no more than 10 minutes. On the island you make a tour. After finishing the trip on Spinalonga, a fishing boat brings you back to the small village of Plaka. Plaka is a tiny harbor, so the unique opportunity to eat fresh fish. After our lunch we are heading to an olive oil factory. You get a guided tour through the factory. All facts about olive oil, the pressing methods and grades of olive oil are explained. At the end of the tour you can taste different olive oils and other local products.
Inclusions: Pick up / drop off (15 km around Hersonissos), Gasoline, Insurance, Driver/guide, Air-conditioned minibus, Boat trip to and from Spinalonga, Guided tour in the olive oil factory
Exclusions: Drinks coffee stop Agios Nikolaos, Entrance Spinalonga (8 euro per person, Reduced admission 4 euro per person), Lunch
Reviewed By 16gilj
We had the best time ever with Taina our guide! She made this one unforgettable.. In short: we rode 4X4 jeeps on/off road, ate some delicious Greek food and learn a bit about the history and culture of the Island. Highly recommended!
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