Monument visits in Crete
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.
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Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.
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Southern Crete tour with Moires Market and Matala Beach
South-central Crete is steeped in fascinating history and the southern shore is home to some of the island's best beaches. On this tour, you'll take in a traditional village market at Moires, followed by an afternoon of relaxation at Matala beach.The journey begins with a visit to the village market in Moires, where you can experience the local lifestyle firsthand. Wander through the bustling stalls, each brimming with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique crafts. It's a fantastic opportunity to interact with local vendors, sample traditional Cretan foods, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.After exploring the market, we'll take you to the stunning Matala beach. In the 60s and 70s, Matala had a thriving hippie scene – and you can still feel the more bohemian vibe today. Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, swimming in the inviting Mediterranean waters, or exploring the famed caves carved into the cliffs.
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Spinalonga is one of Crete's most talked about sights. It was Europe's last leper colony and scores of lepers lived here, in exile from the mainland, until 1957. Sail to this eerie island just 15-minutes from the mainland and explore this relic of the past.Arriving at the island, you'll find yourself immersed in its history right away. Over the years, it's been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and most notoriously, a leper colony which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'.A guided walk will show you around the Venetian fortress and the main street lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. You'll get to look round the old hospital and graveyard, too. Later, you'll sail back to Elounda where you can swim in the sea, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at a waterside café. There's also free time to find lunch in a local taverna and a visit to the chic resort of Agios Nikolaos.
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The tiny island 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 the islet. You'll sail to Spinalonga from Elounda, a 25-minute cruise.On arrival at the islet – which is no more than 435m long and 230m wide – you'll find yourself immersed in its history straight away. Over the years, Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'.A guided walk will show you around the Venetian fortress and the leper colony – which closed in the 1950s. See the main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. And look round the old hospital and graveyard. After fascinating if poignant visit, you'll board the boat and sail back to Elounda.
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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 the island's most-prized archaeological gem as well as the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Georgios, one of our local guides, says, 'The best way to visit Knossos Palace is with a private group. This way, you'll have the palace to yourselves, and you'll see it intimately, skipping the long queues.'Built back in the Bronze Age, Knossos was the political and cultural hub of Minoan civilisation, and its palace was said to have been the site of the underground labyrinth that contained the Minotaur – fearsome a half-man, half-bull creature. As your guide explains the myths surrounding the palace and its kings, you'll discover treasures like the throne room and the royal apartments, as well as exclusive rooms designed only for small groups. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the upkeep of this UNESCO-listed palace.It's then time to head to Heraklion, Crete's capital. Georgios says, ‘You'll see some of the few remaining monuments built by the Venetians during their five centuries of rule, such as the famous lion fountain and the elegant Palladian-style loggia.' You'll then have free time to explore the buzzing capital. You could go shopping at the market, walk around the harbour walls or just kick back in a café – with our private tour, you have the freedom to choose.
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Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and 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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Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
'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. 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 centre. 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.
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Rethymnon and Lake Kournas Tour
There's something about the old town of Rethymnon that makes you want to keep on exploring. And you'll have an hour and a half to wander it at your own pace before spending the afternoon at nearby Lake Kournas. It's up to you to do as you wish – just follow your inner compass and go with the flow.Rethymnon old town is pretty compact and bursting with activity. A maze of narrow alleys links the old harbour to the Fortezza citadel. Everything in between dates from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. As well as tavernas and shops, you'll encounter churches of all styles and mosques. The Veli Pasha mosque was recently renovated and is now a palaeontological museum – it's well worth a visit.Then, it's on to Lake Kournas. Protected under the Natura 2000 project, it's a dream for all things green. Surrounded by the imposing White Mountain range – and the only freshwater lake in Crete – you'll have a couple of hours to soak in the fresh mountain air, swim in the calm waters or kick back and relax on the sandy beach.
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Popular experiences in Crete
Crete - Acqua Plus Waterpark Ticket
Channel your inner child and head to Acqua Plus Waterpark, where you can splash, tumble and whizz your way down slide after slide. If you're up for a thrill try the extreme slides – the Spacebowl is our favourite – or, if relaxing is more your thing, check out the lazy river. Perfect for kids and big kids alike.Located just outside Heraklion, the park is easy to find. Once you're there you'll receive a digital wristband to scan so there's no need to carry money about – just pay at the end for anything you've bought. Then the fun can begin.The park is split in two, one side for the extreme slides and the other is made for younger children. You'll be spoilt for choice with over 50 slides to choose from – there's even the chance to walk on water in the W.O.W balls.
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Crete - Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.
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Crete - Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit
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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Crete - 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.
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Crete - Private off-road tour to experience Crete
Buckle up for an exciting 4x4 off-road tour, rumbling into the mountainous landscapes of Crete. You'll be awe-struck by views of the south Cretan coast from Kerame village and the drama of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Take a cooling dip at Preveli Beach, tuck into a traditional lunch, and check out Spili's lion-head fountains. With your guide doubling as your driver, every twist and turn reveals another hidden gem of Crete.
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Crete - Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania
Discover Western Crete's highlights on a private tour. Explore Chania, Agia Triada Monastery, and Marathi Beach.
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Crete - Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.
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Crete - Rent a motorboat from Chersonissos Bay – ticket only
Set sail along Crete's stunning coastline on a private motorboat experience. Navigate crystal-clear waters to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages. Stop at perfect snorkelling and diving spots to explore the vibrant underwater world, rich with marine life and colourful reefs. Or, enjoy a day of fishing, whether for fun or to catch some delicious local seafood. Just so you know, you don't need a boating license to be able to book this experience – you're free to be your own captain and explore how you want.
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Crete - Motorboat rentals from Chersonissos Bay
Set sail along Crete's stunning coastline on a private motorboat experience. Navigate crystal-clear waters to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages. Stop at perfect snorkelling and diving spots to explore the vibrant underwater world, rich with marine life and colourful reefs. Or, enjoy a day of fishing, whether for fun or to catch some delicious local seafood. Just so you know, you don't need a boating license to be able to book this experience – you're free to be your own captain and explore how you want.
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Crete - Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour
This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.
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Crete - Ferry tour of Milos Island with transfer
This trip to Milos Island has everything you need. You'll start at Sarakiniko Beach, one of the island's top spots, where you can explore sea caves and take a dip in the sea. Then, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite were once mined. After that, you'll head to the fishing village of Pollonia for a seaside stroll and maybe some fresh seafood. Finally, you'll wrap up your visit with stops at Plaka, the island's capital, and Adamas, the main port.
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Crete - Ferry tour of Milos Island – ticket only
This trip to Milos Island really covers all the bases. Your first stop is at one of the island's top stretches of sand, Sarakiniko Beach, where you can explore sea caves and go for a dip in the sea. From here, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite used to be dug up. Next up is the fishing village of Pollonia, where you can go for a seaside stroll and sample fresh seafood if you fancy it. You'll round off your visit to Milos Island with visits to Plaka, the capital, and Adamas, the island's main port.
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Crete - Sunset cruise at Saint George Bay
Get ready for some serious serenity with a sunset cruise along Saint George Bay in Hersonissos. Savour a glass of wine while you watch the tranquil colours of the setting sun, accompanied by the gentle lull of the waves lapping against the boat. Let the warm breeze and impressive views create a moment of pure relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience.
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Crete - Snorkelling Cruise from Chersonissos Port
The calm, warm waters off Crete are ideal for snorkelling. Departing from Hersonissos at midday and stopping at two secluded beaches, including St. George's Beach, you'll have around 45 minutes at prime locations to snorkel, swim or float on inflatable lilos. It's the perfect addition to your Cretan getaway.
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Crete - Amnesiades historical park family tour
Step into the world of Ancient Greece at Amnesiades historical park, where you'll explore the wonders of Minoan culture. After a warm welcome, you'll be taken on an immersive tour around the site, learning all about Minoan decoration and history.With an engaging family friendly workshop, you'll learn how to write your name in Linear B, the first form of organised writing in Europe from around 2,000 BC. Linear B is a syllabic script used for Mycenaean Greek, predating the Greek alphabet by centuries. Uncover the history of this intriguing script, primarily found in the palace archives of Knossos, Kydonia, Pylos, Thebes, and Mycenae, which disappeared with the fall of the Mycenaean civilisation.Explore the mini farm and discover the traditional Minoan way of bread making. You'll even get to try freshly-baked bread combined with olive oil, salt, and oregano. Quench your thirst with Minoan ice tea, made from the finest herbs of Crete and natural water. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there's optional pony or horse rides, allowing you to experience the landscape just as the ancient Minoans did.
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Crete - Santorini Tour from Plakias
The volcanic island of Santorini lies north of Crete. And this daytrip by fast cat is a great chance to take a close-up look at it. Curved around a colossal, sea-filled caldera that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago, it's all black cliffs, whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. It's picture-postcard Greece.Once you're on dry land, you'll take off on a scenic tour, exploring many of the island's attractions and learning about its history. Explore a town where whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and tavernas cascade down the cliff-face in steep terraces.You'll spend about 90 minutes in Oia – the village with the most magnificent views on Santorini. From its lofty clifftop perch, the panorama over the volcanic caldera is pure wow-factor. Then it's on to Fira, the island's capital. You'll have an hour or so to snap up treats in the quaint shops and boutiques.
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Crete - Chania by night with harbourfront dinner
Tucked in the western corner of the island, between the White Mountains and the Sea of Crete, lies the port town of Chania. Here you'll spend the evening getting lost in its characterful cobbled streets. Take a stroll through the old town to Eleftherios Venizelos Square where you might catch an impromptu show from the local street entertainers who often perform here in front of the fountain. With free time before and after dinner to explore, you can wander the winding lanes. Look up to admire the blend of Venetian and Turkish influenced buildings – a nod to Crete's eclectic history of Roman and Ottoman rule. If you're on the hunt for leather bags, boots and belts then make sure you head down ‘Leather Lane', officially called Skrydlof Street. The highlight of your evening will be dinner at a waterside restaurant, nestled among the colourful buildings that line the old harbour. Feast on classic Cretan dishes, like Tzatziki, baby squid and moussaka, with sunset views of the16th-century Venetian lighthouse.
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Crete - Traditional Cretan Night
Evenings out in Crete don't get more traditional than this. You'll travel to the mountainside village of Axos where a whole evening's entertainment is programmed, including a church visit, craft demonstration and a dinner fit for kings and queens. And it wouldn't be Cretan night without some live dancing and music.
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Crete - Private Eastern Crete Off-road Tour
The rugged landscape and natural resources of eastern Crete make it both a nature-lover and a foodie's dream. Take a thrilling off-road safari along the region's dusty trails, visiting highlights like Lyttos, Aposelimi Dam and the Cave of Zeus. There's also cheese, olive oil and raki tasting, herb collecting in the mountains, and viewpoints across Lassithi Plateau's vast farms and windmills, as well as lunch included.
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Crete - Agia Pelagia Bay Speedboat Snorkelling Tour
The underwater world of Crete's Agia Pelagia Bay is ready to be explored on this small-group speedboat tour. Cast of for a three-hour ride, with hidden caves, secluded coves, and plenty of vibrant sea life all on the list to tick off. Your knowledgeable skipper will take you to some of the best snorkelling spots the bay has to offer as you relax in-between, soaking up the views.
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