Apokoronas hidden roads van tour with cheese-making and tastings

Full-day southern Crete 4x4 adventure with swim stop

Sun, scenery and off‑road adventure set the pace for this full‑day tour. You'll start at Kourtaliotiko Gorge where some epic clifftop views are waiting, before heading up to Agio Paisios Chapel to look out over Damnoni and the south Cretan bays. From here, you'll continue off-road through traditional villages, winding lanes and rugged trails. Then, after a photo stop at another hilltop viewpoint, you'll follow the trail to Mikri Triopetra – a quiet little bay that's perfect for swimming, some downtime and a tasty Cretan snack.

Apokoronas hidden roads van tour with cheese-making and tastings

You'll roll through nine tucked-away Apokoronas villages well off the tourist radar on this full-day tour, cruising along back roads lined with olive groves, stone houses and mountain views. You'll pause at the Holy Mary of Two Rocks Church, which is hidden between two natural rock formations, before heading to Arevitis for a taste of rural Cretan life. At a shepherd's farm, you'll wander the garden, try your hand at cheese-making, sample local snacks and raki – a traditional Cretan spirit – and hear stories that bring the island's rural side to life.

Sunset luxury catamaran cruise to Elafonisi Bay from Paleochora

Elafonisi Bay is known in Crete for its pinkish sands, bright-blue water and knee-deep lagoons. It's one of those really picturesque spots that people consider a real highlight to their holiday to Crete. And on this outing, you'll sail there in style on board a luxury catamaran. On board you'll have unlimited drinks to keep you cool and refreshed. Plus, a variety of Cretan snacks and sushi are on the menu. Throughout the trip, your skipper will also drop anchor so you can get plenty of swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding in – equipment for the latter two is included.

Luxury cruise to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora

Elafonisi Bay is a spot that's known in Crete for its pinkish sands and knee-deep water, while Kedrodasos Bay is regarded as one of the island's best hidden beaches. You'll visit both of them on this day-long cruise on board a catamaran. At each place, you'll have time to swim, snorkel and relax. On board the boat, you can expect a health-focused menu to pick from for lunch – the whole thing's been designed by a certified nutritionist.

Sunset luxury catamaran cruise to Elafonisi Bay from Paleochora – ticket only

Elafonisi Bay is known in Crete for its pinkish sands, bright-blue water and knee-deep lagoons. It's one of those really picturesque spots that people consider a real highlight to their holiday to Crete. And on this outing, you'll sail there in style on board a luxury catamaran. On board you'll have unlimited drinks to keep you cool and refreshed. Plus, a variety of Cretan snacks and sushi are on the menu. Throughout the trip, your skipper will also drop anchor so you can get plenty of swimming, snorkelling and paddle-boarding in – equipment for the latter two is included.

Luxury cruise to Elafonisi and Kedrodasos Bays from Paleochora – ticket only

Elafonisi Bay is a spot that's known in Crete for its pinkish sands and knee-deep water, while Kedrodasos Bay is regarded as one of the island's best hidden beaches. You'll visit both of them on this day-long cruise on board a catamaran. At each place, you'll have time to swim, snorkel and relax. On board the boat, you can expect a health-focused menu to pick from for lunch – the whole thing's been designed by a certified nutritionist.

Afternoon Balos catamaran cruise in Crete

Ease into the afternoon with a chilled glass of Prosecco and a selection of canapes on board a fancy catamaran. You'll set sail to Balos Lagoon, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters, where you can swim, snorkel or unwind on deck with a cocktail in hand. After this, enjoy a few light bites as the Cretan sunset steals the spotlight. You can choose the Comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or you can opt for VIP Flybridge upper deck access with your own sunbed, towel and a personalised waiter service.

Balos and Gramvousa catamaran cruise in Crete

Cruise in style on a luxury catamaran with two ticket choices. There's the comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or choose the VIP option to access get on the upper deck where your own sunbed and personalised service is waiting. You'll set sail from Kissamos Port with coffee and a light brunch before an anchor drop at Balos, where you can swim, snorkel or relax on deck with a cocktail. Next, you'll check out Gramvousa Island's Venetian fortress and lagoon before enjoying a Mediterranean lunch, some R&R and a final toast on the way back to the port.

Crete day tour with monastery, winery visit and cooking class

A chance to delve into Crete's culture and eat like an islander. On this full day tour inland from Chania, you'll visit a winery in Alikambos, explore a historic monastery, and take part in a hands-on cheese-making class. Joanna, one of our expert local guides, says, "this tour is the ideal opportunity to taste Cretan olive oil and wine, and to try local food that you'll get to prepare during a cooking lesson."After making your way through the scenic foothills of the White Mountains, you'll reach your first port of call – award-winning Dourakis Winery, a family-run business with decades of experience in winemaking and olive oil production. Enjoy sampling its organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines and olive oil before setting off into the countryside.Next, you'll head to the Monastery of St George. Set among sun-soaked olive groves in the village of Karydi, this early 17th-century retreat was restored after many decades of abandonment, though parts of it still retain a ruined air. You'll be able to explore the grounds and discover the remains of the old olive oil press. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the monastery's upkeep. Your final stop is Kefalas village where you'll partake in a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare a traditional dish. Then it'll be time to roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself. Prepare a meal using a recipe you can recreate when you get back home, and if you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making Cretan cheese.

Afternoon Balos catamaran cruise in Crete

Ease into the afternoon with a chilled glass of Prosecco and a selection of canapes on board a fancy catamaran. You'll set sail to Balos Lagoon, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters, where you can swim, snorkel or unwind on deck with a cocktail in hand. After this, enjoy a few light bites as the Cretan sunset steals the spotlight. You can choose the Comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or you can opt for VIP Flybridge upper deck access with your own sunbed, towel and a personalised waiter service.