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Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life

Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.

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Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.

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Cretan Countryside Tour with Agia Triada Monastery
Excursions & day trips

Cretan Countryside Tour with Agia Triada Monastery

For a slice of authentic Crete, look no further than a day of discovery around the island's countryside. You'll see all the best of the west, including Agia Triada Monastery, Aptera archaeological site and the hills covered in olive groves.

free cancellation
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en 

Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave
Excursions & day trips

Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

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en 

Tour of Western Crete with Winery and Olive Oil Estate
Excursions & day trips

Tour of Western Crete with Winery and Olive Oil Estate

Western Crete boasts wonderful local produce and spectacular beaches. This excursion showcases the area's best bits, with a wine tasting at the Karavitakis winery, sampling delicious local olive oil at Biolea estate and some relaxation on the white sands of Falassarna beach.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Cretan 4x4 Experience from Chania
Activities

Cretan 4x4 Experience from Chania

This full day 4x4 tour is for designed especially for adventures. You'll journey along dirt roads, mountain passes and through Crete's charming villages as you explore the island's hidden gems and vast panoramic scenery.

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de, en 

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
Excursions & day trips

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport

'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. There'll even be a chance to see the Labyrinth, where the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as Minotaur was said to have lurked. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.

free cancellation
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de, en, fr, nl 

Mountains of Crete 4x4 Tour with Taverna Lunch
Activities

Mountains of Crete 4x4 Tour with Taverna Lunch

Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.

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de, en, fr, nl 

Spinalonga Island Guided Tour with Lunch
Excursions & day trips

Spinalonga Island Guided Tour with Lunch

The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a true local on this full-day tour of its must-see monuments.

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de, en, fr, nl, pl 

Cretan 4x4 Experience from Rethymnon
Activities

Cretan 4x4 Experience from Rethymnon

Go off-road on a 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. You'll bump down dirt tracks, bounce over potholes and drive through blink-and-you-miss-them villages. Plus, you'll tick off plenty of must-sees on the way. Your driver actually doubles up as a guide, giving you the insider's track on Crete's hidden gems as you go.

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de, en 

Private Guided Tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion
Excursions & day trips

Private Guided Tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion

The ancient Palace of Knossos is Crete's most popular attraction. And for good reason – it's absolutely fascinating. Exclusively for you and your party, this private tour takes you to explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem and the Cretan capital, Heraklion.

free cancellation
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de, en 

Sunset Safari Tour
Activities

Sunset Safari Tour

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a Cretan sunset, but nothing quite beats a 4x4 safari into the White Mountains as day turns to night. You'll rumble down unchartered tracks to places few visitors go – stopping for plenty of photos along the way – and toast in the evening with a wine-tasting session in a winery.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Things to do in Crete

Crete is a much-loved Greek island with something for everyone — think Caribbean-style sands, delicious cuisine and important archaeological sites. If you're looking for relaxation and beach life, you won't leave disappointed — you'll find many stretches of white sand with clear water, perfect for snorkeling. If you prefer a cultural holiday, there's a treasure-trove of interesting archaeological sites, dating back to the Minoan civilization. And in between, there's nature, trekking, food and wine experiences, as well as island-hopping excursions.

Top six things to do in Crete

1. Visit the Palace of Knossos

Located just a 15-minute drive - or 30-minutes by public transport - from Heraklion's city center, the Palace of Knossos is an essential visit for anyone travelling to Crete. This ancient archaeological gem dates back to 1700 BC and stands as a testament to the Minoan civilization's cultural legacy. As one of the most significant and well-preserved sites of Minoan culture, the palace is renowned for its connection to the famous Minotaur legend and its labyrinth. Recently renovated to preserve its historical allure, a variety of guided tours are available to explore this impressive piece of Crete's heritage.

2. Explore Spinalonga Island

Set sail from Agios Nikolaos by ferry to see the haunting yet beautiful Spinalonga — an abandoned island off the northeast coast of Crete. Steeped in history, this island traces its roots back to the late 16th century, when it was fortified by the Venetians. Over the centuries, Spinalonga has witnessed a multitude of eras, including a poignant chapter as a leper colony. Abandoned in 1957, the island now beckons visitors to explore within its ancient walls and hidden coves.

3. Hike through the Samaria Gorge

If you're after a more active experience on your Cretan holiday, don't miss trekking through the remarkable Samaria Gorge. All you'll need is a hat, sunblock and plenty of water to explore this spectacular canyon. The trail, spanning 16 km, is relatively easy to hike and predominantly downhill, especially starting from Omalos. You'll pass through untouched nature, remnants of abandoned villages and ancient chapels — all along a trail carved into the rock. A top thing to do whilst in Crete.

4. Discover the city of Chania

Chania, on the northwestern coast of the island, is often considered the most beautiful city in Crete, and we think you might well agree. Small and characteristic, colorful, vibrant and seafaring, Chania is truly surprising. You can have an iced coffee in a trendy bar, have lunch under a flowered pergola, stroll through the beautiful Venetian port, visit the archaeological museum, the maritime museum, the mosque, the Orthodox cathedral, and finish off with a bit of shopping in the local craft shops. A perfect trip for the whole family.

5. Discover olive oil production

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is famous for several culinary specialties including olive oil, a high-quality product that tells a story of passion for the land, family, tradition and harmony with nature. During your holiday, take half a day to explore inland to discover this fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. By visiting a farm or a cooperative, you will learn more about the product and its processing, and you’ll no doubt have the chance to taste it.

6. Relax on the beach at Elafonissi

Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on Crete, Elafonissi needs little introduction. It's famous for its pinkish-hued sand and turquoise waters - Caribbean colors in the middle of the Mediterranean. Just offshore from the splendid beach is the islet of the same name, which, depending on the tides, is connected to the mainland by a sandbar or can be reached by walking through shallow water. The area is also important for its natural wonders - the presence of hundreds of rare plants and Loggerhead turtles, which come here to lay their eggs.

Plan your trip to Crete

When’s the best time to visit Crete?

Visiting Crete is enjoyable throughout the year, but the best months are April through June and September through October, when the weather is warm and sunny and the island is not too crowded with visitors. July and August are the peak season and often see very high temperatures, above 40 degrees. Winter is mild and sometimes rainy, but it is still a favorable season for visiting the cities and inland areas.

How many days should you spend in Crete?

Crete is a very large island with so much to offer. On a one-week vacation you can fit in a visit to Heraklion, see the Chania area and spend time at the spectacular beaches of the west coast. With more time on your hands, we recommend pushing on to the southeast of the island to discover a wilder and decidedly less touristy part of the island.

What are the best beaches in Crete?

Crete is famous for its west coast beaches, in the province of Chania. In particular, Balos Lagoon beach is known for its fine white sand, crystalline water, and scenic, wild landscapes. Falassarna is especially popular with surfers because of its reliable wind. By contrast, moving east, Elounda is the chicest beach on Crete, and the Golden Beach on the island of Chrissi is an absolute must-see.