CRETE
Crete’s best days out.
The 15 most popular full-day tours on Crete — what each day actually involves, what it costs, and the operator running it.
Trek Europe’s longest gorge from Chania, guided and well-paced, then unwind in Agia Roumeli with ferry views back to Sougia.
Most Popular“Everything was great. The transport was on time and Sara is a great guide taking care of everyone’s wellbeing. I do recommend the trip.”
From Rethymno to Samaria Gorge and back. Hike with a trilingual guide, swim in Agia Roumeli, then ferry to Sfakia.
“Good. Pia was awesome, she kept a lookout for us. We were slow because I don’t like people following closely behind me so I kept letting them pass. We were stiff for days!”
8-hour Land Rover safari from Heraklion with off-road mountain scenery, shepherd-cheese stops, Zeus-area sights, and a tavern lunch with wine.
“The cave of Zeus is closed for the next 18 months. That should be updated on the tour description. We knew it was closed only because we requested a wheelchair capable vehicle”
Georgioupolis full-day Land Rover safari: Lake Kournas, White Mountains off-road, secluded beach swim, tastings, and olive oil.
“The day started with a pickup from the hotel with our driver/guide Nicolas. Visiting Lake Kournas, a local church, sampling olive oil, raki and honey. We stopped off in various places for pictures and basking in the view. We climbed the white mountains to about 2,700 ft. Such an amazing experience. Our Land Rover was…”
Jeep safari from Heraklion with goat milking, pottery and a Cretan cooking class, plus lunch with wine and scenic plateau stops.
“Lots of information, fun and hands on experiences. Good way to see off beaten track Crete although we did get bounced about a it in the back of the vehicle. All the drivers seemed very friendly but special shout out to Manos, our driver and Nicos who's group we joined up with at some stops…”
A fast catamaran from Rethymno plus guided buses in Santorini, with Oia and Fira highlights, strong photo spots, and a tight schedule.
“The guide was informative, the activities well planned and everything was on time. The guide offered extra information when requested and was very pleasant. We highly recommend this tour company. Santorini was beautiful and the optional Caldera boat ride was a pleasant addition.”
An 8-hour small-group tour in Crete tasting olive oil, Cretan wines, and raki, plus olive mills, lunch, and pottery.
“It was one of the best food/drink/culture tours we’ve ever done. Our guide Antonis was very friendly, kind and knowledgeable. The small tour size was great too and we were lucky to have such a nice group of people with us. Every place we visited was excellent. If you want to see an authentic Cretan…”
Knossos Palace and Heraklion day trip from Chania for about $57: guided ruins, museum time, and 2 hours in Crete’s capital.
“The tour was excellent. The guide, Joanne was very knowledgeable about greek mythology. The guide at the Palace of Knossos, Manouolas led us round the areas of the Palace with very clear descriptions of the site. Overall, the experience of the tour was excellent.”
Full-day Santorini trip from Crete by catamaran and guided bus: Oia views, Fira free time, optional €20 volcano boat, pickup options.
“Expérience Stressante Nous avons beaucoup de difficultés a trouver le point de rendez-vous pour récupérer nos billets de bateau. Le guide n’était pas présent à ce rendez-vous et nous n’avons fait sa connaissance qu’à santorini. Ce n’est pas si grave mais nous n’étions pas prévenu. À l’avenir il serait souhaitable d’être plus explicite et de…”
Full-day bus trip from Rethymno to Knossos and Heraklion with optional guides, Minoan palace sights, museum time, and city free time.
“We've left from Rethymno around 8:30 and we've arrived to Knosso Palace before 10(our driver showed us during the trip also Zeus mountain), so we had the time to see the beautiful ruins without too many people around. Antreas also helped us to get a tablet over there with a discount, that it was very…”
Private day from Heraklion to Knossos, Lasithi Plateau, and the Cave of Zeus. Hotel pickup, honey and raki tastings included.
“Kostas took us on a fun journey through Cretan history from an unforgettable local perspective. We visited both the Knossos and Malia archeological sites, which was definitely worth it. The island is only more intriguing now!”
Full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania/Kalyves with an English guide, transfers, ferry to Sougia, and time to swim in Agia Roumeli.
“It was fun, but it’s a very long day. You definitly need sturdy shoes for the walk.”
Full-day trip from Chania to guided Knossos Palace, Heraklion city or museum time, and a Rethymno old-town stroll.
“I learned and experienced a lot on this tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and solid. I enjoyed the palace and then seeing some related items at the museum. There was an adequate amount of time at each stop.”
Full-day bus trip from Georgioupolis to Elafonisi’s pink shores, with scenic stops and 3.5 hours to swim and wander.
“Der tolle Strand”
Private 6.5-hour sailing from Heraklion to Dia Island for up to 8. Snorkel, fish, swim stops, crew drinks, optional meal.
“Best sailing trip ever! Nikos and Vasilis made our day a wonderful experience !”
Beaches
Knossos & Ruins
Hiking & Gorges
