chania crete excursions

Chania tours

Discover the Best Tours in Chania , but also the best activities & experiences! A wide variety of options are available, including both adrenaline-boosting activities and relaxing tours & experiences.

In brief, the most popular tours are boat tours and walking tours, because they allow visitors to explore the western side of Crete. We suggest booking your tours in advance, as there's a high demand for Chania tours. The majority of activities is offered between April and October.

OUR SELECTION OF BEST TOURS

With over 40 activities and tours in Chania in total, the possibilities are endless! The bestsellers are marked with a .

Tastes of Chania walking tour

Explore Chania Old Town Little Secrets and live as a local for a few hours in small groups. Taste traditional Cretan products, talk with local people and have the chance of Cretan wine tasting.

Milia Mountain, wine and olive tasting jeep adventure

Guided jeep safari tour during which, participants learn about life in Cretan village, olives pick, olive oil production, Cretan wine, honey production, distillation of “raki” - “tsikoudia”, and Cretan cuisine, culture, history and tradition.

Olive oil and wine tasting at Anoskeli jeep adventure

During the guided safari tour you will learn about life in Cretan villages, olives pick, olive oil production, Cretan wine, honey production, distillation of "raki" - "tsikoudia", and Cretan cuisine, culture, history and tradition. You will learn also about the "secret school", when Crete was under ...

Boat trip with guided snorkeling and stand up paddling

Take this 3-hour guided boat trip in order to enjoy snorkeling with the ocean life and diving in Almyrida's clear, crystalline waters.

Full day trip to Santorini

Hop on a full-day trip to Santorini from Chania and Rethymnon! Visit the Cycladic Island with a high-speed Catamaran and witness the beauty of Oia and Fira.

Stand Up Paddleboard small group tour

A stand-up paddleboard tour in western Crete and its crystalline waters! Swim in the turquoise sea, try out SUP paddling, and witness some majestic spots.

Old city discovery guided Segway tour

Hop on a guided Segway trip around the Old City of Chania! Discover some of the most beautiful streets, see some timeless sights, and learn about Chania's history.

Chania Trikke city tour

See some of the finest spots in Chania's Old Town on a Trikke scooter, including the Ottoman and Venetian alleyways, the square of Splantzia, Halidon street, and an array of beautiful church buildings.

Minoan's World 9d experience

Visit a 3D Museum with a 9D experience to learn about the ancient Minoan civilization, have a photo tour, and enjoy entertaining and informative movies!

Hiking and trekking activities in Chania

Take on a mountain challenge by booking a hiking or trekking tour in the region of Chania, in spots such as the majestic White Mountains

Stand up paddle activities in Chania

Experience a stand-up paddling session in Chania! Follow beginner instructions or rent your own SUP to sail along the clear waters of northern Chania.

Surfing activities in Chania

Have a brief or extended surfing lesson in Chania! Take on a challenge with a professional instructor, learn about surf tricks, and practice your skills on the surfboard.

Sea kayaking activities in Chania

Have a unique kayak tour in the calm waters of Chania! Meet professional instructors and let them teach you everything you need to help you guide your way through the sea.

4x4 activities in Chania

Experience a one-day, all-inclusive Jeep tour, witness impressive sights, and enjoy visits to secluded spots with this off-road trip in rural Chania.

Mountain bike activities in Chania

Try out an e-bike tour and travel through gorges, villages, steep roads, and beautiful, vegetated areas in the region of Chania.

Canyoning activities in Chania

Hop onto a canyoning tour to paddle through the waters of northern Crete, visit canyons, and explore secret seaside spots of Chania.

Day trip to Elafonisi Island

Enjoy a fantastic day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Island, let the sun sink in, and relax by Elafonisi's stunning pink sand!

Off road tour at sunset with wine tasting

Enjoy an afternoon tour around northern Crete, passing through traditional villages, witnessing the sunset, and visiting a winery for a tasting session.

Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

Have a relaxing experience in golden sands and turquoise waters, see an old shipwreck, a historic castle, and the overall beauty of Balos and Gramvousa.

Private sailing cruise with meal

Have a day full of swimming and sailing! Stop by three different bays, enjoy a dip in Crete's crystalline waters, and feast on lunch with Greek specialties.

Balos and Falassarna tour with loungers and lunch

Hop on an all-terrain vehicle to explore the majestic Balos Lagoon and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters of Falassarna.

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WHAT CHANIA EXPERIENCE TOURS CAN OFFER YOU?

Through Chania Experience Tours, and your private tour that we create together, I will not only share insider tips , stories, and glimpses of daily life on the island but also tailor your Chania excursion to suit your particular interests. I look forward to showing you the best of Chania & all Crete and enjoying this experience together!! You can spend a month in Crete and not see everything there is to see. As a true local, I know most (if not all!) of the hidden beauties of Crete and together we will make it a full fun day to remember. Read more about Yiannis

Destinations

Chania city tour.

During this Chania city tour, you will have the chance to experience the best this beautiful city has to offer, from its vibrant city centre to its breathtaking countryside. Read more Chania City Tour

Elafonisi Pink Beach

Visit the exotic beach with its magnificent pink sand and turquoise water. A short distance from Elafonisi, is a famous site of pilgrimage on Crete which includes a folklore museum too. Read more Elafonisi Pink Beach

Falasarna Sunset

Visit the beach that has been repeatedly voted by visitors as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe! You will enjoy a dinner or drink while seeing a picturesque sunset.  Read more Falasarna Sunset

Balos & Gramvousa

Swim in the most photographed beach in Crete and visit Gramvousa island which is famous for its historical Venetian fortress standing at a height of 137 metres above the sea level. Read more Balos & Gramvousa

Preveli Palm Forest

In Kourtaliotiko gorge you can admire the vertical cliffs which reach up to 600m and the pristine nature of Crete. The hike will conclude at the magnificent palm beach of Preveli. Read more Preveli Palm Forest

Knossos Palace

Explore one of the most popular archaeological sites in Crete, Knossos, which features impressive remains of a Bronze-Age Minoan palace built between 1700 and 1400 B.C. Read more Knossos Palace

South Crete Tour

Walk through the 138 meter deep gorge of Aradena (and go bungee jumping if you dare!) which ends in one of the most iconic beaches in Chania, Marmara. Read more South Crete Tour

Kournas Freshwater Lake

Visit the largest natural lake in Crete, which is surrounded by high mountains and olive groves, and then discover the beauties and treasures of the Vamos area. Read more Kournas Lake

More Private Tours

There’s plenty more than just great beaches! We offer various hiking, food and wine private tours that you can choose from.

Delicious local stops On our food tours, you will take an extraordinary journey through the Cretan flavors and taste the real Cretan way of life.

Optional activities There are many additional activities to experience while on tour, including visits to local wineries, breweries and olive oil factories.

Hiking or Yachting There is a lot of natural beauties to discover through hiking or renting a boat to explore beaches not accessible via car.

Eat like a local Food has the ability to tell you a story of a destination, its landscapes, and culture on a single plate. Get to savor the best authentic and traditional Cretan food.

Are you struggling to plan your trip to Chania?

With so many things to do and see in Chania, i have picked the top beaches, attractions and activities, and put together a comprehensive travel e-guide. If you need further information or have questions about your trip to Chania or local culture, book a 30-min consultation meeting today! Click for more info

Private, Flexible, Tailored Tours

Our private tours are flexible and can be tailored to meet your unique travel needs.

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Officially licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism , you can expect serious, reliable and professional travel services. 

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The driver and tour guide is first aid trained and carries all the essential first aid items to ensure the safety and security of all clients and their families.

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Wanderlust Excursions

Chania Tours

Excursions from Chania

We offer excursions from Chania to all point of interest in Crete. Find the tour that suits you or make a custom tour.

Wanderlust Excursions is the next-generation extension of Autohire Rent a Car, a family business established in 1996. Now, the next generation is taking the reins, expanding the company’s legacy.

Chania excursions

Private tours chania.

Create your own private tour in chania including any nearbly location you like.

Unlock the wonders of Crete with our Private Tours from Chania, where every moment is tailored to your desires.

• Chania to Akrotiri Full Day Tour

• Chania to Preveli Monastery – Beach and old town of Rethimnon Tour

• Chania to Elafonisi Beach Mali for Food and Elos Full Day Tour

• Chania to Balos Beach Kaliviani & Gramvousa Full Day Tour

• Chania to Knossos Tour Full Day

Chania Transfers

Transfer from Chania City

Transfer from Chania Port

Transfer from Chania Airport

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• Kato Stalos, Chania, Crete
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Crete Tours from Chania

• Choose from 10 Chania tours
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10 best Crete tours from Chania

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Melissa Chania travel expert at TourRadar

Walking in Crete

Hiking crete: gorges & coastal walks, crete through the minoan, byzantine & venetian ages, private tour, contrasts of crete walking, crete & santorini discovery, crete: mountains and coast guided walk, exploring crete, crete: coast to coast trek (self-guided hiking).

• Hiking & Trekking
• Walking Adventure
• Mountain Hikes
• Coastal Walks
• Admire the views from Zarosin the Idi Mountains
• Hike through Europe's longest gorge, Samaria
• Wander through the streets of quiet, coastal Loutro

“The walks were very well organised. Our tour guide had excellent knowledge.”

• Hike through the lush Agia Irini Gorge
• Enjoy coastal walks and Greek tavernas
• Meet your guide and group upon arrival

“The challenges, the views, and the places we stay were beyond my expectation.”

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Discover pottery in colorful Margarites Village
• Visit the legendary Palace of Knossos
• Tour the ancient Monastery of Agia Triada

• Hike through the serene Sirikari Gorge
• Tour the historic city of Rethymno
• Visit the ancient olive tree in Vouves

• Explore Chania's lively harbor and markets
• Hike through the White Mountains' Agia Irini gorge
• Discover ancient ruins in the city of Lissos

• Explore Chania's 14th-century Venetian harbour
• Tour Aptera and hike traditional Cretan villages
• Hike the UNESCO-listed Samaria Gorge

• Explore the ruins at Knossos
• Meet your CEO and group upon arrival
• Relax or kayak in Agia Roumeli

• Discover ancient Lissos and its ruins
• Explore Chania's historic old town
• Hike through the scenic Agia Irini gorge

• Cross the dramatic Aradaina Gorge
• Traverse the Imbros Gorge or visit Loutro
• Walk the coastal path to Marble Beach

• Self Guided Walking Holidays
• Explore the scenic village of Vamos at sunset
• Descend through dense forests to Askifou plain
• Walk the narrow Imbros gorge to Libyan Sea

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10 Best Things To Do In Chania Port (Crete, Greece) | Port Info

The enchanting Chania is the second largest city on Crete island (Greece) and one of the most picturesque ports in the Mediterranean cruise itineraries.

With its impressive colorful architecture, rich historic and cultural heritage, amazing food and shopping options, this lively port has everything you need for a perfect cruise vacation! In this article, read about:

• Chania cruise port guide (Chania cruise terminal, getting around)
• Top 10 things to do in Chania port & Chania shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides for Heraklion , Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Athens (Piraeus) , Istanbul , Kusadasi

Chania Port Overview

Cruise ships dock in the town of Souda, located at the head of Souda Bay on the northwest coast of Crete, approximately 7 km/4.3 miles east of Chania city center.

Souda Bay (aka Gulf of Souda) is the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and is home to the port of Souda , the main ferry and cruise port for Chania.

Souda port is a busy working port. There are daily ferries to Piraeus throughout the year and in the past years, Souda has also become a port of call for numerous cruise lines.

Due to its geographical position and strategic importance, Souda Bay also hosts the naval base of the Hellenic Navy and NATO.

How to Get from Port of Souda to Downtown Chania?

To get to Chania from Port Souda, the most convenient option for cruise passengers is to take a shuttle bus offered by port authorities for a fee (approx. 6€ round trip, the price is from 2023). After you get off the ship, you’ll see the ticket booth 50 meters away from the pier.

In Chania, the shuttle bus drop-off/pick-up point is generally in front of Chania’s Old Market/Agora building (currently under reconstruction), from where you need to walk 10 minutes to the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania, where the major attractions are situated.

Shuttle buses leave frequently, every 5 minutes. The ride to Chania takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Taxis in the port of Souda are limited, so it’s highly recommended to use a shuttle bus.

Alternatively, there is an option to take a public bus to Chania . However, this is not recommended for cruise passengers because the public buses do not run frequently.

Watch my YouTube video about Chania Crete Cruise Port & Chania Old Town!

Getting Around Chania, Crete

• The currency in Greece is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• From the shuttle bus drop-off point, you need to walk around 10 minutes to reach Chania Old Town. The town of Chania is a mixture of hilly and flat surfaces and is partially wheelchair-friendly (the area around Old Venetian Port is wheelchair-accessible while some parts of the old town aren’t).
• You can visit all the main Chania attractions and landmarks on foot, no need to get around by bus.
• The best shopping and dining options are around Chania’s old town and Old Venetian Port. The prices are slightly higher in the restaurants overlooking the harbour.
• To get around Chania easily, make sure you download the map of Chania on the app https://maps.me/
• Check out Chania rent-a-car deals
• Chania’s central bus station is located at the address Partheviou Kelaidi 24, approximately a 10-minute walk from the Old Venetian Port. Chania is well connected to Rethymno and Heraklion (Crete’s capital), as well as Chania Airport and other destinations. You can check the timetables on Public Buses Chania webpage
• Chania Sightseeing Tours (Hop on Hop off tours) are available in the city center. You can hop on these red double-decker buses at the Chania Old Market (Agora) and enjoy any of the 13 stops offered in the itinerary. If you are arriving by cruise ship, you can hop off directly at the Souda port which is one of the stops. There is a limited number of buses so you may face delays on cruise days.
• If you are planning to spend a day at the beach, make sure you check the weather in advance as Crete can be extremely windy , especially in July and August. The beaches in Crete can be assigned the red flag (swimming and water activities are prohibited), yellow flag (swimming is allowed with caution) and green flag (swimming is allowed). Before planning your beach day, always check out the weather forecast on https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/ first, as the wind can spoil your beach time.
• The water on Crete is potable, but because this water is of a slightly different chemical composition, it’s recommended to drink bottled water.
• Explore Chania tours and activities
• Check out the best hotels in Chania

10 Best Things to Do in Chania Port

Before I share the best things to do in Chania, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Chania) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Old Venetian Port

The Venetian Republic ruled Crete from the 13th to 17th century and left the most visible traces in Cretan architecture and culture.

In the 16th century, the cities of Crete including Chania flourished and experienced major economic and cultural growth.

The construction of the Old Venetian Harbour as we know it today started in the 13th century and lasted over 300 years. It was built for commercial and defensive purposes.

The port was divided into two basins: the West basin which was primarily used for unloading goods that were stored in warehouses, and the East basin which was used to build and repair ships.

Nowadays, the West basin is lined with authentic souvenir shops and tavernas where you can try local delicacies, as well as some landmarks including the Maritime Museum and Firka Fortress .

In the East basin, you can see the 15th and 16th-century Venetian shipyards (Arsenali Veneziani), rectangular vaulted structures that served as dry docks/ship repair yards.

Nowadays, one of the main buildings of Venetian Dockyards (Megalo Arsenali) hosts the Center of Mediterranean Architecture. 

Another interesting historic landmark in this area is the Yali Mosque , built during Ottoman rule in honor of the first Ottoman commander of Chania. The mosque today hosts art exhibitions.

The Venetians also built the long fortified mole leading to the lighthouse to protect the harbour from the strong winds, storms and enemy attacks.

You can take a pleasant walk along the mole to the lighthouse as from here you can admire the most stunning views of Chania’s old town and harbour.

The Venetian Old Port is a vibrant and lively place full of life and activities, especially at night. Make sure you try some local dishes at one of the numerous waterfront tavernas and restaurants while soaking up the friendly atmosphere this city has to offer!

Explore Old Venetian Port guided tours and activities

2. Lighthouse of Chania

Old Venetian Harbour is dominated by the picturesque lighthouse built in the late 16th century for defensive purposes.

During the Turkish occupation of Crete, the lighthouse first fell into disrepair and was later reconstructed in the form of a minaret.

The modern lighthouse as we know it today is known as “Egyptian” because it was built during the Egyptian occupation of Crete in the first half of the 19th century (the Egyptians supported the Ottoman Empire during the Cretan rebellions).

Although it’s closed to the public, you can walk until the end of the mole along the Venetian fortifications and take some incredible photos of Chania!

Check out Venetian Lighthouse tours and activities

3. Chania Old Town

The old town of Chania has been inhabited since the Neolithic age and is located on a small hill overlooking the Old Venetian Harbour.

It is a lively labyrinth of streets and winding cobblestone alleys that are home to historic landmarks, monuments, perfect little Greek tavernas, charming cafes, art galleries and authentic souvenir shops.

Wander around its amazingly preserved Venetian, Turkish, and Jewish quarters, visit Eleftherios Venizelos Square , the main square of the city, and see the remains of the Byzantine fortifications that encircle the central part of the old town known as Kasteli.

Allow yourself to get lost in the old town alleyways, admire its fairy-tale architecture and soak in the unique vibe of this charming port! You may find the prices in the old town slightly cheaper than in the waterfront area along the harbour.

Explore Chania’s old town tours and activities

4. Presentation of the Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Presentation of the Virgin Mary Holy Metropolitan Church is a Greek Orthodox church located on a beautiful Athinagora Square in the old town.

The magnificent church was built between 1850 and 1860 and houses marvelous icons painted by well-known Cretan icon painters of the 19th century.

Across from the church, you’ll find a small Folklore Museum of Chania , as well as the ancient Ottoman baths .

Here, you can grab a coffee or mouth-watering ice cream in one of the neighboring coffee shops and gelaterias (Delizia Gelato located right on the square is highly recommended!).

5. Maritime Museum of Crete

This amazing nautical museum is housed in a striking red building located at the western end of the Old Venetian Port next to the Firkas fortress.

The museum displays collections from the Bronze Age to the present times, including ship models, nautical instruments, paintings, historical photographs and war relics classified chronologically.

You can also see the replica of a Minoan ship at one of the arsenals at the eastern end of the harbour known as Moro Docks.

6. Firka Fortress

The Venetian-built fortress is located at the western end of the Old harbour, behind the Maritime Museum (a part of the fortress houses the museum). You can climb this 16th-century fortress and enjoy stunning views of the port and old town.

Behind the fortress, you can visit the Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania , a small archaeological museum showcasing Byzantine artworks and artifacts, including mosaics, paintings and relics.

7. Archaeological Museum of Chania

The new Archaeological Museum of Chania is located in the Chalepa (or Halepa) district, approximately 2 km (a 25-minute walk) from the old harbour.

Housed in an extraordinary state-of-the-art building, the museum offers a unique insight into the rich archaeological heritage of the Chania region from the Neolithic age to the present.

It is highly recommended for history buffs and those eager to trace Chania’s impressive past!

Explore Archaeological Museum of Chania tours and activities

8. Taste the Cretan Cuisine

Chania is packed with all types of restaurants and taverns serving both traditional Greek food and international dishes.

Along the old harbour, you’ll find dozens of cute tavernas offering local delicacies including fresh seafood and fish. Besides gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad, and other typical Greek dishes, Crete is also famous for traditional lamb “Kleftiko” roasted with garlic, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.

You can join one of the food/wine tasting tours, or simply choose one of the eateries in the old town and harbour. To top off your visit, make sure you try Cretan wines and olives as they are believed to be of the best quality in all of Greece!

Check out Chania food and wine tours and activities

9. Beaches in Chania

Crete is known for its spectacular beaches with crystal clear water and there are dozens of them in the Chania region.

The three most beautiful and popular beaches in Crete are Elafonissi (1h 30 min drive), Falassarna (1 hour) and Balos Lagoon (a 40-minute drive to Kissamos port, then take a boat to Balos), however, as you can see, they are quite far from Chania.

You can read more about these fabulous beaches in my article  Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion

Explore beach trips from Chania

If you decide to stay in Chania, keep in mind that the old town of Chania around the old harbour doesn’t have a public beach.

Instead, there are a few relatively nearby beaches such as Nea Chora Beach , a bustling stretch of sandy beach located a 20-minute walk west of the old town. Nearby, you’ll also find Kladissos Beach, Hrisi Akti Beach (Golden Beach), and the scenic Agii Apostoli Beach further to the west, approximately 15-20 minutes driving distance.

Souda Bay and the peninsula of Akrotiri are also popular beach destinations. Here, you can visit the breathtaking Seitan Limania , a secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Stavros Beach , Katholiko Beach , Marathi Beach , Kalami Beach , and many others.

These beaches are located a 15-45 minute drive from the port of Souda, depending on their location.

When planning your beach trip, make sure you check the weather forecast at https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/ . Keep in mind that swimming may be prohibited due to the strong winds.

Check out Chania beach trips

10. Day Trips from Chania

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, it is huge and takes many days to visit. However, you can explore some of its landmarks, remote villages, centuries-old monasteries and natural treasures from Chania. Some of these destinations are:

• Samaria Gorge – For those of you in great physical shape, a thrilling hike through the longest of the many Cretan deep gorges is a perfect choice! You can hike independently or book a shore excursion. Samaria Gorge is located in the White Mountains, up to a 1 hr 30 min drive south of Chania.
• Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum – The Palace of Knossos and Heraklion, Crete’s capital, are the birthplace of the Minoan civilization. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, while the archaeological museum houses the most impressive collection of the objects and artifacts found during the excavations. Heraklion and Knossos are located 2 hr 30 minutes drive east of Chania one way.
• The archaeological site of Aptera – Located a 15-minute drive east of Souda port, a hilltop archaeological site of Aptera was another Minoan settlement. You can visit the monastery of St. John Theologos, the remains of ancient theater, Doric temples and other ancient structures.
• Agia Triada Monastery – A Holy Trinity monastery dates back to the 17th century and is situated in the heart of the Akrotiri peninsula, a 25-minute drive north of the port of Souda. Here you buy olive oil and wine produced by monks and also visit a small museum.
• Katholiko Monastery – Located on the north of the Akrotiri peninsula, a 40-minute drive north of Souda cruise port, Katholiko Monastery is believed to be the oldest monastery in Crete founded in the 11th century by St. John the Hermit who lived in a nearby cave.

Check out Chania shore excursions

Wrapping Up

Crete is a truly special place and if you’re visiting gorgeous Chania, make sure you plan your day to get the most of what this great port of call can offer! If you want to read more about Crete, check out my articles:

• Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
• 10 Best Things to Do in Rethimno (+ Travel Tips, Port Guide)
• Heraklion Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides for  Civitavecchia (Rome) , Barcelona , Valencia , Ajaccio (Corsica) , Palma de Mallorca

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your Mediterranean cruise experience with our “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide “- your ultimate companion to discovering the region’s hidden treasures and creating unforgettable memories; click below to purchase your copy today and embark on the voyage of a lifetime!

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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White Mountains Jeep Safari

• Discover the unspoiled beauty of Crete on the White Mountains Jeep Safari, a top-rated Chania shore excursion offering breathtaking panoramic views.
• Experience authentic Cretan hospitality as you visit traditional villages, meet locals, and sample native treats at Apokoronas and Vrysses Village.
• Marvel at the serene and photographic beauty of Panagia of Two Rocks temple, an awe-inspiring sight nestled in a lush ravine.
• Embrace the thrill of off-roading as you ascend the White Mountains among eagles and wild goats, and learn the shepherd's lifestyle.
• Savor delicious Cretan cuisine at a traditional tavern in Fres Village after exploring local culture and scenery. Limited spots, book now!

Explore Crete like never before on this exemplary Chania shore excursion! Breathtaking panoramic views are combined with visits to traditional Cretan villages. Meet locals and sample native treats in the comfort of Cretan hospitality. Enjoy spectacular views of Chania from memorable vantage points. This Jeep Safari Chania tour is ideal for nature lovers and first-time Greece explorers.

Begin your Chania shore excursion with a stop in Vrysses Village, near the riverside, under gorgeous Plateau trees. The beautiful scenery is a perfect accompaniment for mountain tea, "malotira," with honey and local snacks. Continue to the traditional villages of Apokoronas through a breathtaking route decorated with dense vegetation and spectacular views.

Reach a serene ravine, where you'll meet the temple Virgin Mary (Panagia) of Two Rocks. Long ago, this rock detached from the mountain, rolled down the slope, and eventually had the church of Panagia built atop its surface. There is another rock adjacent to this one, together forming an impressive view.

Your off-road adventure starts after climbing the White Mountains and passing through local villages. Enjoy magnificent panoramic views on your way up to the shepherd's hut, Mitato. If your group is lucky, you'll spot eagles and wild goats. A bumpy, rocky road leads you to the trip's highest point, 1,300 meters in altitude, where you'll learn about the shepherd's lifestyle and Mitato village. On your way down from the villages, stop at Fres Village, where the owner of a traditional tavern welcomes you with delicious Cretan cuisine.

Book this Chania shore excursion today for a memorable day exploring local culture and fascinating vistas.

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Crete tours – best things to do.

Greece › Crete › Tours Updated: June 18, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Stay in Crete
• Best Hotels in Crete
• Best Hotels for Families in Crete
• Crete Travel Guide

The Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa is a great day trip and a fun way to visit one of Crete’s best beaches.

The 15 Best Tours in Crete 1. Heraklio Food Walking Tour Food & walking tours are my favorite way to explore a new city and this is a good one. Heraklio is not as picturesque as Chania but it’s loaded with true Greek character, gritty charm, and great traditional Cretan food. This is the best Heraklio tour. 2. Chania Old Town Highlights with Street Food Great tour of Chania’s wonderful Old Town and its sights, culture, history, and best places to eat. Highly recommended. This is the best Chania tour. 3. Hiking Tour of Samaria Gorge Walking the 18 km gorge is the activity highlight of Crete. It’s a little tricky to arrange on your own but with a tour they get you from your hotel to the start of the hike – then pick you up at the other end of the gorge (after a short ferry ride) and return you back to your hotel. There’s a tour guide and a couple of other interesting stops that you wouldn’t do on your own. Free hotel pickup from these towns: Chania, Heraklio, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Georgioupolis, Sissi, Milatos, Matala, Agia Galini, Malia, and Stalida. ( Click “Book Now” and then select your departure town .) 4. Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa The popular Balos Beach Tour is a 7 hour round trip onboard a large boat with indoor and outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a small snack bar serving ice cream, cold drinks, and beer on tap. The ride is roughly an hour in each direction, with 4 hours at Balos Lagoon, and a one hour stop during the return, at Gramvousa Island, where you can choose between a short hike to the hilltop Venetian fort, walking out toward the large shipwreck, or swimming at the gorgeous beach. There are also luxurious private boat tours from Chania and from Kissamos .

5. Craft Beer Tour (Chania and Rethymno) Non-touristy walking tours in the Old Towns of Chania or Rethymno that highlight Greek and Cretan craft beer paired with local gastronomy. See the cities’ most iconic landmarks and learn some history of the island, while also discovering the ins and outs of various beer styles, what makes Greek beers unique, and some insight into the Cretan craft beer scene. Adults only (18+). 6. Wine and Olive Oil Tour (from Chania) A wonderful 6-hour tour that explores the local farms and wineries of western Crete. Lots of food, olive oil, and wine tastings (but still kid-friendly). 7. Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains (from Chania) Make and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine at a traditional family home. Learn firsthand about local culture and history while sampling homemade wine and enjoying beautiful views over the foothills of the White Mountains. This small, hands-on group tour is great for kids, with exceptionally welcoming family hosts. Includes free transportation from Chania. 8. Boat Tour to Santorini Santorini is the most amazing island in Greece. This one-day tour involves a ferry trip (2 hours each way) and about 7 hours on Santorini to explore Fira, Oia, and the fantastic views of the caldera. (This is a worthwhile tour but if you can stay overnight on Santorini you’ll see much more of the island. I typically do not recommend day trips to other islands as they’re a poor use of time, but I make an exception for Santorini as it’s so unique and memorable.) 9. Elafonisi Island Day Trip (from Chania) Elafonisi is the best beach on Crete (maybe the best beach in Greece). It’s pretty easy to get there on your own with local buses but the tour makes it effortless and you get to stop at some local villages along the way. There’s also an Elafonisi tour that departs from Rethymno .

10. Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch (from Heraklio) Great tour with lunch, 15 wine tastings, several olive oil samples, and multiple vineyard tours. 11. Day Tour to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka (from Heraklio) A 10-hour tour that takes in the highlights of eastern Crete. 12. The Real Crete (from Rethymno) Excellent small-group tour of some of central Crete’s top sights. Good local insight and history. 13. Knossos Archaeological Tour Good tour if you’re based in Heraklio, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, or one of the nearby beach towns. Start with Knossos (one of the best historical sites in Greece and a personal favorite of mine) then tour Heraklio and learn the history of the island. 10 hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. There is also an excellent private tour of Knossos from Heraklio .

About Santorini Dave

Going to Crete for 3 nights. Then on to Santorini. We were thinking to stay in Elounda. Porto Elounda. Then we can take bus into Chania? Should we rent a car for a day? See Elafonsi and Knossos?

Chania is wonderful but is a 3 hour drive (or 4 hours and 2 different buses) from Elounda. Elafonisi is even farther. A much better day trip if you have a rental car is a loop through Knossos, then Crete Wine Country, then the Lasithi Plateau.

Thanks so much for your helpful website! We took a trip to Santorini two years ago and followed a lot of your recommendations. We are taking a trip to Crete this year for a week in September. We’ll be spending half the time in Chania. While there, we’ll take a day trip to Elafonisi and go on an organized trip to the Gorge. We want to spend the last leg of the trip (3 nights and three days) chilling on the beach at a hotel. We like luxurious hotels, but we worry with some of these big resorts, we won’t really feel like we are in Greece. Can you recommend a hotel that is right on a white sandy beach, but we’ll still feel like we aren’t in some big resort with all tourists? We are flying back from Chania, but we’ll have a rental car so the hotel can be anywhere within reason on the island.

That’s a sizeable order as most of the luxurious hotels have grabbed the best beach locales in Crete already and by virtue of being within the gated walls of a luxury hotel you are almost guaranteed to have sealed yourself off from Greece anyway. However, there is hope. Some luxury hotels are not located close to other luxury hotels and are sometime in authentic locales.

The Caramel Hotel is a place for subtle luxury with its own decent beach. It’s located in a largely agricultural area east of Rethymno and unlike most gated hotels the front door to this place opens out right onto an ordinary Greek street where you can hop on a bus to Rethymno. Private beach by the way doesn’t apply in Greece – according to law – all beaches are public areas.

In Chania itself is the newish Domes Noruz which sits on a beach, but is itself right in the middle of a neighbourhood in the suburb of Agioi Apostoli. Not only does it have its own beachfront, but within a hundred metres is a splendid little horseshoe shaped cove and beach that ordinary folk from Chania come to swim and picnic at. This might be the kind of place you are looking for.

Farther to the West from Chania in Kolymvari – a pretty little Cretan village is the Cavo Spada – another upper-end hotel in a remote-ish locale with Crete just outside the hotel gates. The beach and accommodation is pretty wonderful.

My wife and I are going to be in Crete for the first 3 weeks in October. Do you have any suggestions for a good car hire company. We are flying into Chania and leave from Heraklion. We are staying a week in Chania area and then heading east. Any suggestions on what to see and where to go? Thanks. Rob

The best way to rent and reserve a rental car in Crete is on Rentalcars.com (pickup at Chania airport and drop off in Heraklion).

Having a car gives you a decided advantage and touring independently is the best way to see Crete. First up Chania itself. It is the most popular destination in Crete: Agios Nikolaos probably comes a close second. Chania is all about the atmosphere and ambiance of its Old Town. Assuming you will be based there, you will have plenty of time to appreciate it during your week. Chania Old Town is all about relaxing, dining, imbibing and just people watching in a primarily pedestrianised and timeworn walled port. You can take glass-bottomed boat excursions explore the labyrinthine back streets with their gift shops, tavernas and houses of the lucky locals who live there. It’s just refreshingly pleasant and it’s a magnet for visitors. You might just bump into your old friend from High School here. When dining, choose carefully and generally keep away from the main harbour touts and picture menus. The best eats are in the back streets and at the eastern side of the harbour. You can swim in Chania – within walking distance – but your car will serve you better here.

If you are looking for exotic beaches then the boat tour to the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula (Ballos Beach) is a good day trip. Boats run out of Kissamos . Easier to get to (no tour needed) is the stunning Carribbean-esque Elafonisi Beach on the far south western tip of Crete. Falasarna beach is also great. It’s not as popular but it’s no slouch. With your car, you may care to take a less beachy run to the pretty village of Palaiochora and enjoy the hinterland of Western Crete. With an early morning start you can cut more or less diagonally across Crete through the villages of Nea Roumata, Rodovani and Strati – to name but a few of the many – that dot a pretty winding route across the mountains. You will need that early start to make it comfortably in time for lunch. Palaiochora has some good places for eating and a couple of beaches: one sandy and one pebbly. Divert instead to Sougia (see Google maps) if you prefer a quieter seaside destination.

The one highlight that a car won’t help you with is walking the Samaria Gorge. The car will take you to the starting point at Omalos, but the bus from Chora Sfakion will only take you to Chania and you’ll have to take another bus to Omalos to retrieve the car. Best use a bus to Omalos in the first instance. The car will conveniently take you around the sizeable peninsula to the north east of Chania where you might want to make your way to the little-known beach of Seïtan-Limani on the east side then head for lunch and afternoon swim at the little village of Stavros in the North.

It might also be a good idea to allow for a night in Heraklion and spend that pre-departure day visiting the Knossos Archaeological site then soak up the vibrant nightlife and streetside dining in the Cretan capital. Its recently revamped city centre really buzzes at all hours of the day.

I will be staying in Chania early September and would like to make a trip from Chania to Spinalonga. Do you know if any of the tour companies in Chania do this trip? Jacqueline Young

From Heraklion, yes. But from Chania, I’m not sure. If it’s available should be easy to book after you arrive.

Hi Dave, my girlfriend and I are travelling to Greece for 2 weeks ( 15 nights ), August 13th. We are a young couple from Canada trying to have a combination of relaxation but also to party. First we are landing in Athens and sleep for a night so we can catch an early flight the next morning to Crete. We are spending 4 nights in Chania; we are planning to hit the beach (Elafonissi, Balos etc …) and go around the old city of Chania. Then we are going to Santorini for 3 nights and then other 4 nights to the island of Ios. And finally we are staying 2 nights in Athens towards the end of the trip. I feel like my island hopping around the Greek islands is good enough however I was wondering if I should purchase the ferry tickets before going to Greece or to buy them on the spot before taking the boat. Thank you Dave, I used your guide most of the time to plan this vacation and I can’t wait to go! Tarek El Tayeh

The ferry I would be most concerned about would be Crete to Santorini. I would guess a 95% chance you’ll be fine if you wait and buy the first day you land in Crete, but there is always that small risk that they will be sold out (there are only 2 ferries per day and you’ll be traveling at the very peak of summer travel). Personally, I would buy in advance at Hellenic Seaways and pick up at the Heraklion port about 30 to 45 minutes in advance of departure. For the other ferries there are more options (even if one happened to be sold out) so very very unlikely that they would be fully booked. But still, buy the first chance you get (you can buy in Crete even though the other routes are between different ports).

Hey there! My husband and I will be traveling to Crete next month for our 1 year anniversary (which we are calling our honeymoon as we never went on a honeymoon). We would love to see Santorini and are debating a 1 day trip vs a 2 day trip. Have you used and been on a tour with the company you suggested? The reviews I’ve read about the ferries are all over the place in regards to rating so I’m hesitant to make a decision on one. For instance, Hellenic Seaways vs SeaJets. Jacque

I would not do a one day trip to Santorini (too much travel for only a short amount of time) but with an overnight stay, yes, it’s definitely worth it. Both ferries on this route are good but go with Hellenic.

My husband and I are taking a trip to Greece in September and will be visiting Crete for 3 full days. We are staying in Chania at Domes Noruz. I have planned for one day to take a trip to Elafonisi. I am torn with what to do on our second day. I would love to see the Samaria Gorge but neither my husband or I are big hikers and hiking for 7 hours seems a bit daunting. I could do something more like 2 or 3 hours tops. Are there options for shorter hikes at the Gorge and if so are they even worth it if we are not hiking the whole thing? Another option I was considering is Knossos Palace, is that worth the trip from Chania? What would be your recommendation for what to do with our last two days there? I was thinking for our last day we could enjoy our hotel and beach and maybe in the late afternoon do a tour of Chania or just go explore the town and have a nice dinner there. Something a little more relaxing since we are taking the first flight out the next day to Athens. I am a bit torn with what to do on our second day there… Thank you for your help!

People of all ages, sizes and stamina successfully undertake the Samaria Gorge each year. While you didn’t say how old you are, the fact that you state that you are big hikers should not rule out you doing the Samaria Gorge. First up, it shouldn’t take you 7 hours. It is 16kms in length and even at a brisk stroll of say 5kms per hour, then that’s a 3 hour and 20-minute hike. Allow between 4 to 5 hours to be sure – and that is taking into account breaks and photo stops.

The hike is in general a downhill walk, so there is actually very little climbing. If you start before 8am – as most people do – then you will be strolling into Agia Roumeli by lunchtime for a welcome lunch on the beach and the afternoon coastal ferry will take you to Chora Sfakion from where you will take a (waiting) bus back to Chania. It really is a well-oiled and easy operation. They key to doing the hike without strife is preparation and planning. No, it’s not worth doing a shorter hike in the Gorge because if you walk say 3kms down into the Gorge you will have to climb that 3kms back out of it again. It’s better to keep on going.

Be at the starting point – as mentioned – before 8am (a bus from Chania will get you there on time). Most definitely wear proper hiking boots as the terrain is rocky and rough in parts. Take water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and don’t undertake the hike in mid-Summer. The main stress on the legs is from the constant stepping down, so you want good shock-absorbent footwear, and your front thighs will probably take most of the strain. A walking pole such as a Lekki would be a good investment and that would give you the ‘third leg’ to assist with the transfer of weight.

You would never be alone as hundreds undertake the walk daily, though on the whole you tend to walk in isolation from the others as everyone thins out after a kilometre or two. Stay put for five minutes and someone will bump into you. Guards at the entrance gate vet all walkers and will not let people through if they look as though they will not make the hike: aged, unsuitable footwear or non-protective clothing. There may be some stream wading depending on the pre-existing weather.

The good thing about the Samaria gorge is that every step is taken care of: from getting there to getting back. With other shorter gorge walks – such as the Kourtaliotiko Gorge – you will need to arrange drop-off and pick up accordingly. The Gorge of the Dead linking Pano and Kato Zakros in far eastern Crete is a pleasant and easy hike and a bus will take you from one end of the gorge to the other.

And yes, Knossos is worth the effort to get to but do get a guide (can be hired at the entrance) as it makes the sight much more interesting. A day relaxing in Chania sounds wonderful.

Dave – Thank you for all the effort on this blog. It has helped a ton. My wife and I are staying in Elounda at the end of May and are looking to charter a guided boat for a day cruise. Do you have any suggestions for which company to contact? 3-5 hrs, visit beaches, Spinalonga, etc… Cost estimate?

Thanks again, Keith Nelson

Trips to Spinalonga are big business in Elounda and the choice of tours can be bewildering. Nearly everyone with a boat offers some kind of tour which may include swimming stops or additional cruising. Costs can range from €40 to €80 depending on whether food and drink is included and on whether tickets to visit the island are included.

In general, there is quite a bit of tourist exploitation going on so really shop around for the deal that suits you. If you just want to see the island (and unless you are a history fan and want to see how lepers lived) then walking around the stone buildings of the island in the heat of the day might not be quite up your street.

Things to look out for: cost – what do you actually get for your euro? How long will the trip take? Does it include swimming? (You may not want that if you don’t want to swim or watch others swim). Does the tour include the price of entry to the island? You mention ‘chartering a boat’ – you’ll have to decide whether you’re ok with a small group, big group, or want a private boat to you and your wife. Have a look for starters at eloundaboat.gr and compare offerings at keytours.gr

You don’t have to pre-book before you arrive. Boats have little kiosks next to them on the harbour and you can shop and compare at will (visit in the evening when owners are back from their day trips and will answer your questions). The end of May will be quieter than high season so you may score better deals.

Hi Dave, Love your site! We will be staying in Heraklion area at the end of June. While there we would like to watch a concert or a play. What’s the best way to learn about what performances are happening and where to purchase tix?

Thank you! Vera

Concerts and events are commonly advertised by posters on walls and basically anywhere you can stick a poster in Greece. Trouble is they are usually in Greek though you can usually tell who the concert is by and when.

Online booking options include:

– Songkick – Bandsintown – Nowheraklion – Cretazine

Concert tickets are generally very cheap compared to home. If the concert or play is at an outdoor venue in an amphitheatre, make sure you bring something soft to sit on. They often sell Styrofoam pads outside such venues: buy two to be sure as the cement seats in stadiums are very uncomfortable after an hour or so.

There are often free concerts given by top-line musical artists, so don’t miss out on those if you can: they are every bit as good as the paid ones. Summer is a good time for concerts so you should find plenty to entertain you in Heraklion this Summer.

Hi Dave! My family and I are going to be in Crete, staying in Chania and would like to tour the Samaria Gorge on either May 26th or 27th — the tour you suggested isn’t available those dates to leave from Chania. Do you have any other suggestions for who to tour Samaria Gorge with for about the same price? Do we need to do the tour to get to the Gorge or can we take a bus ? Thanks! Jess

You can do it on your own with buses but it’s much easier to do as part of a tour. I would wait until you arrive and you might be able to find a smaller local company that does small tours (perhaps through your hotel).

Dave, This website is EVERYTHING. Thank you so much already for all the help!

While my trip isn’t very long, because it could very well be my only trip to Greece, I saw you recommended crunching in both Crete & Santorini. We fly into Athens on Mon, June 26, to Santorini on Tues June 27, to Crete June 30 and back to Athens July 3 before flying back to the US on July 4. I don’t very much like rushing around but I’m a huge fan of a nice beach. With only 2 full days in Crete, is it realistic to think I’ll be able to get to Elofanisi? Just seems forever away from the ferry in Heraklion. And if I can get there, am I better off staying in Rethimnon as was recommended to me or staying in Chania?

Thanks! Julie

Ps: planning on staying at Herodian Hotel in Athens unless Ava Suites is better? Also, having difficulty finding a nice, affordable and available hotel so far in Santorini–seems only Aria Lito Mansion–is that ok?

It will basically use one full day getting to and from Elafonisi. Is it worth it? Only you can say. It’s a wonderful beach and one of my all time favorites. I’d check the weather just to be sure you’re not going on a windy day but otherwise (if you really love beaches) go for it. Ava Suites is a little nicer than Herodian (but both are great). Ava is also a little closer to the metro station for the port and subway. Aria Lito is a good value hotel with a central location but no caldera views.

Hi Dave! My husband and I are traveling to Crete in a few weeks, and spending 5 nights in Chania. We wanted to explore Elafonisi beach and Balos beach. For Balos: would it be best to take a boat (big cruise boat, or something more private like Captain Yiorgi’s boat trip) or do the drive? For Elafonisi: any tips for the drive or where to stop along the way? We are in our early 30’s.

Thanks! Lauren

Balos Beach (Gramvousa Peninsula) can be done by car, but the result is probably not worth the effort you will put into it and your hire car company may not be happy to learn you have taken their car over that rough road (starting from Afrata) you will have to traverse to get there. This is one occasion where the organised tour is worth the money see Cretan Daily Cruises (from Kissamos) for details on how to do it in a group setting.

The drive to Elafonisi is straightforward and is worth combining with a stop at the Eco resort of Milia . You could make an early start on Elafonisi and have a swim and sunbathe before driving back and stopping off at Milia for a mid-afternoon lunch here.

If you have not driven in Greece/Crete before there are no real surprises. The only issue – from the Greek driver’s point of view – is that tourists tend to drive perceptibly slower (more cautiously) than locals and this can cause irritation (to the locals). The end result is often tailgating (by local drivers) and impatient overtaking on their part. Either drive at ‘local speed’ or, if you are the cautious sort and you get caught by a tail-gating local, let them pass. The road is winding, but pleasant and from Chania it should take you no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to Elafonisi. Hire cars are usually stick shift types, so if you only know how to drive an automatic you might be limited and want to book a car in advance.

I am travelling to Crete on 11th – 21st April we really wanted to see Samaria gorge but it doesn’t look like it will be open. For the first part of our trip we will be based in Kissamos which we thought would be ideal for the gorge trip. After that we will be staying further west (Hersonissos and then lastly Rethymno) so it may be harder to get to from there.

Do you know when the Samaria Gorge is likely to open this year? I have read that it is dependant on how the weather was during winter months.

Thank you (great website really helpful!) Emily

The Gorge traditionally opens on 1st of May, but this date is not set in stone. It’s not usually before the 1st but can be up to 10 days after the 1st. It depends on a number of factors: damage that may have been caused to the trail during Winter, the amount of water in the stream, or the anticipated amount of water that might come, if there is still snow in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). So, from 11-21st April it is unlikely that you will get to do the walk.

Kissamos is not the best base for doing the walk BTW. Unless you are on an organised tour, you will have to take two buses: from Kissamos to Chania and from Chania to Omalos at the start of the trial. You really need to be at the trailhead no later than 9am and that means an early start from Chania.

Rethymno is further from Omalos than Kissamos, so really only an organised tour is going to do it for you, same with Hersonisos. Either way unless you are very lucky, your walk down the Samaria Gorge is going to have to be postponed to another year. Good video here to see what you’re missing.

Great site with excellent information.

My family will be spending some time in Santorini in July. Before we all meet there, my son and I would like to do some cycling on another island for about 3 days – not touring, just out-and-back each day from the same location. We’re experienced cyclists and can manage 75-80 km round trips without a problem. We would need to rent good road bikes.

It looks like Crete would be the best combination of easy access from Athens/to Santorini, provide interesting routes (to beaches and archeological sites, for example), a quality bike shop (Olympic Bike) and developed, paved roads.

I’ve also looked at Naxos. It may also work, but maybe doesn’t maximize all those things listed above.

Any thoughts?

Thanks! K.C. Jones

Crete certainly offers some extensive cycling opportunities because of its the size, but 40kms out and 40kms back won’t get you very far in Crete. For example, 40kms would get you to the next town of Kissamos. Also the best cycling territory is the north coastline which is thread by the very busy Cretan Northern Axis road and it is not that cyclist friendly. The middle of the island is dominated by mountains so crossing north to south will involve climbing and the south coast doesn’t have an obvious main highway but would be more picturesque than the north. Again, long distance dominate so bicycle touring would be the way to go, rather than out and back tours. Have a look at Hellas Bike Greece to see what’s on offer. You might find some clues.

The only other island that jumps off the page for cycling and where it is big, well organised and easy is Kos. Hundreds of people hire bicycle here and do day tours. The island is generally flat, small and accessible and there are plenty of bikes on offer. Check out Kos Bike Activities . In practice there is no reason why you can’t cycle on any island and you will always find a place to hire a bike. Most other islands have hills and if you do hills, you will be fine.

Hi Dave, I will be staying in Athens the month of March. I want to take in everything there and in the surrounding areas on the mainland. What are some of the best tours for out of the city? My interests are wineries, cooking, cultural events, and historical places, meeting people, etc.

Take a look at Best Things to Do in Athens .

We are in Crete for 4 nights after island hopping in the Greek islands. Our hotel is Galaxy Heraklion. Is that the right choice and could we do a couple of tours from there? Would love a boat day trip as one of the tour days. Noela Mckenzie

Nice hotel with a decent location as long as you don’t mind a 10/12 walk to the city center. The highlights of Heraklion are the Archaeological Museum (12 minutes from the Galaxy) and Knossos (bus stop is a short walk from the hotel).

Dave, first of all thank you so much for such a wonderful resource. This has been really helpful with planning our first trip to Greece. Wanted to get your input on a couple things. We are a couple in our early 30s going to Greece for our honeymoon. We arrive in Athens at 9:20am Saturday May 20 and fly out of Athens at 1pm on Monday May 29th, giving us 9 days and nights. We plan to fly to santorini from Athens on an early afternoon flight on the Saturday we arrive. We have a cave villa booked in Oia for 4 nights and wanted to spend the remaining 4-5 nights on another island. We love hiking, good food and beautiful beaches so Crete looks very appealing however I know spending at least a week there is generally recommended. Do you think it sounds feasible/not too crazy to take the evening ferry from santorini to Heraklion then take a bus to Chania and spend 4-5 nights there then fly from Chania to Athens for our return flight home. We realize we would not be able to see all of Crete but are mainly interested in hiking the Samaria Gorge, exploring Chania and visiting Elafossini Beach, possibly Balos Lagoon. Would you recommend that we cut Santorini to just 3 nights to spend more time on Crete? Also, do you know if the public bus is operating to the beaches in late May? How are the crowds there at that time of year? We know we are probably missing out on Athens so would consider exploring there on the Sunday before we fly back if time allows. Any suggestions or feedback on our itinerary is greatly appreciated! Mandy Miller

Yes, it’s definitely doable – you won’t have a lot of time but I think still plenty to have a great visit. Buses will be running to Elafonisi in late May and crowds will not be bad – some people for sure, but nothing crazy. I’d stick with 4 nights (3 full days) on Santorini – so much to do and see.

We will be staying in Santorini for one week and would like to make a day trip from Santorini to Crete. How would we go about arranging this? Is there a tour we can book for the ferries? We are considering staying a night on Crete – would you recommend that? We’ve heard great things about the Chania walking tour and visiting Knossos so would like to do those 2 things at least.

Thank you, Ev

Due to the schedule of the ferries a day trip is not possible from Santorini to Crete. Ferries leave Crete (for Santorini) in the early morning and leave Santorini (for Crete) in the early evening. So a one day trip is impossible and even staying over one night doesn’t do much as you’d only have the night hours on Crete. To see anything in Crete you would need to stay two nights. A better choice for a short trip from Santorini is Ios, Paros, or Naxos.

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Discover Crete and live an unforgettable experience!

Welcome to Crete, an island with unmatched beauty, full of history and discoveries!

Cretan Activities is here to help you discover the hidden beauties, the cultural diversity and the remnants of civilizations past! Within our pages you will find tours and activities carefully prepared to make your holidays unforgettable.

Cretan Activities

In every part of crete, there is always a tour or activity to match your needs and your sense of great holidays.

Popular Tours

From leisurely boat trips to some of the best beaches in the world, like balos and elafonissi, to nature walks like the samaria gorge, and from jeep safaris deep within the beautiful cretan nature, to guided historical tours in lost civilizations with unmatched splendor.

Private tour to Elafonissi & Falassarna Pink Beach from Kissamos/Chania

Join us in an unforgettable full day trip to Elafonissi and Falassarna pink Beaches of West Crete!

Semi Private/Private Fishing Trip from Kolympari port

Join us for an all-inclusive fishing package and concentrate on the fishing while savoring delectable meals and unwinding onboard at one of the most beautiful beaches of West Crete!

Irene’s Meze Workshop in Kissamos

A 100% hands - on experience of cooking some of the most well known meze dishes of Crete!

Private Luxurious Boat Trip from Rethymnon

Join us on a private, luxurious 8 hours boat trip to the westwards with a 46ft Beneteau Antares

Sourdough Bread Class & Olive Oil Tasting in Chania

Sourdough Bread making - a thousands of years process is upgraded and introduced again in a unique, authentic class in a picturesque area, 10min from Chania!

Chania Cooking Lesson – The authentic experience

Learn how to cook 5 authentic Cretan foods in a picturesque setting, under the shade of avocado and olive trees in a secluded area of Chania!

Farm Food Tour, Cooking Class and Delicious Meal in South Heraklion

Discover the local agricultural life, learn authentic Cretan recipes handed down through three generations and enjoy a delicious meal in a family olive oil Farm in South Heraklion!

Private Farm Food Tour & Live Cheese Making Demonstration in Heraklion

Join us in a unique Private Farm Food Tour in Heraklion! A farm tour, a meze picnic and a live demonstration of cheese making and tasting, make the perfect day! Discover The Local Agricultural Life!  

Farm Food Tour & Live Cheese Making Demonstration in Heraklion

Join us in a unique Farm Food Tour in Heraklion! A farm tour, a meze picnic and a live demonstration of cheese making and tasting, make the perfect day! Discover The Local Agricultural Life!  

Private Cooking Class and Meal at a Family Olive Oil Farm – South Heraklion

Join us in a unique 100% hands-on Private Cooking Class and Meal in Heraklion area with a mother and a daughter!  

Cooking Class and Meal at a Family Olive Oil Farm – South Heraklion

Join us in a unique 100% hands-on Cooking Class and Meal in Heraklion area with a mother and a daughter!  

Private Jeep Safari to Elafonissi and Falassarna Beach from Chania

Escape to Crete’s amazing beaches Elafonisi and Falasarna, swim in turquoise crystal clear waters, explore traditional villages along the way and absorb the beauty as we are safely navigating through the Cretan Countryside!

Destination Crete

Sensational experiences from one side to the other

For Tailor-Made Holidays,   let us know

What people say about us

Alex Stan Highly recommend this! Had a great experience all around, phoned them and immediately gave me all the needed info, they were very nice and prompt. The trip itself was beautiful, got there 2h before the crowds, managed to snap a… Read More

Berdj Awakian We took the semi private sail boat tour to Lagos beach and we enjoyed it. The stuff Ari and Vassilis were very kind and Professional. The food on board was amazing home made traditional food. Everything went well as expected.… Read More

Laurie Bergin Hello Maria, Thank you for your kindness and your availability. Excellent advice for the activities and the restaurants : boat trip, canoë, biolea tour, vineyard, balos lagoon, elafonissi beach... Maria helped us during our stay at anytime. Thank you very… Read More

Sharon Brook Beyond the absolute efficiency, control of the territory and everything that was interesting and beautiful in it... Maria is the nicest woman in Crete and maybe in all of Greece! Highly recommended!

Vaso Dimitrantzou Excellent work! Trust and reliability are combined with high quality services!!!