Top Chania Outdoor Activities

Elafonissi Beach frequently appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches because of its stunning pink colored sand and aquamarine water. Avoid the hassle of figuring out local public transport schedules and travel on with ease on an air-conditioned bus. Along the way, see pretty traditional villages—such as Elos and have plenty of time to relax and unwind at the beach.

Discover the rugged landscapes of Crete's northern coast on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV or quad bike) adventure with transfers from Rethymno hotels. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal solo or tandem quad that can access tucked-away mountain reaches. You’ll need to be at least 18 and have held a license for one year to drive the quad.

Crete’s 5-mile (8-kilometer) Imbros Gorge offers a scenic, easy hike ideal for older travelers and families (under-14s go free). This affordable tour includes hotel pickup and a hiking escort to ensure safety. Enjoy seamless transfers to picturesque Sfakia for swimming and optional taverna meals. Entrance fee to Imbros Gorge is not included; pay as you go for other expenses except guiding and transfers.

Located just off Crete’s northern coast, Watercity Waterpark is a family-friendly adventure destination full of wild water slides, rides, pools and games for young and old alike. There are over 30 attractions at Watercity, from relaxing jacuzzis to powerful hydro-slides, and this ticket gets you access to them all. And don’t get tied down to just one rigid entry time: with this ticket, visit Watercity at your leisure during its opening hours, from morning until early evening!

Skip the self-drive stress and indulge as much as you want on this full-day trip to Elafonisi Beach, a 90-minute drive from Chania. Stop at Agia Sofia Cave (subject to conditions), a dramatic cave that contains a historic church, then head to the white sands and turquoise waters of Elafonisi Beach. Enjoy the dunes, the lagoon and facilities such as umbrellas, showers and snack bars (own expense), before heading home.

Combine hiking, sightseeing, and more during this excursion into Samaria Gorge from Chania. Get picked up at your hotel and travel by bus to the starting point for the hike. Set out on an outdoor adventure into Samaria Gorge National Park for a hike at your own pace. Go swimming, explore traditional villages, and hike in the shadow of the White Mountains during this full-day tour.

Elafonisi sits at the far southwest tip of Crete, a long drive on winding roads that puts many self-drivers off. Get driven there and back instead, with the route handled so you can spend the day on the beach rather than behind the wheel. Walk the pink-tinged sands and swim in the shallow, clear water of this protected reserve.

Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with convenient hotel pick-up included. Your first stop is the famous Balos Lagoon, where you’ll spend around 3 hours swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, relaxing on golden sand, and soaking in the exotic scenery. The journey then continues to Gramvousa, known as the “pirates’ island.” Here you’ll have nearly 2 hours to swim at the pristine beach or hike up to the Venetian fortress for breathtaking panoramic views over the Aegean. At the end of the day, return by boat and transfer back to your hotel, filled with memories of two of Crete’s most spectacular destinations.

On this personalized, small-group up to 6 people per vehicle. Travel in a comfortable 4WD drive vehicle to off-road locations that you wouldn’t be able to access by bus or minibus. Venture from Kaliviani village to a viewpoint above the spectacular Balos Lagoon and then on to Falassarna Beach. As an extra perk, a sunbed is reserved for you on the beach, and lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Get off the beaten track and onto rugged roads only 4-wheel drives can access on this foodie safari into Chania’s dramatic hinterland. Taste organic extra virgin olive oil along with five different local wines and snacks at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill; sample five more Cretan wines at Manousakis Winery; and enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Cretan flavors.

Discover the highlights of western Crete on this well-paced Chania shore excursion, designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. Your shore excursion from the dock begins with convenient port pickup, followed by a visit to Agia Triada Monastery where you can explore the grounds and enter the church to admire its architecture and learn about Cretan religious traditions. Continue to Stavros Beach, set against a stunning mountain backdrop and made famous by the classic film Zorba the Greek, where you will enjoy free time to relax by the sea in a stunning setting. This 6 hour shore excursion continues with a guided walk through Chania Old Town and the Old Venetian Harbor, with time to explore at your own pace. The tour includes: * Guided shore excursion with port pickup and drop-off * Duration tailored to your time in port * Includes transportation and guided touring Enjoy this seamless and well-balanced shore excursion combining culture, scenery, and free time.

Take your time discovering the highlights of Preveli Palm Beach in Rethimno during this tour. Enjoy exploring one of Southern Crete's most famous beaches, visiting the island's second-largest palm forest, swimming in crystal-clear waters, strolling through a palm-lined river, and experiencing a historic spot beloved by hippies. Be aware that the boat ticket is not included and must be purchased onsite with cash.

Discover the Mountains of Crete and experience driving a 800cc buggy . Feel the fresh air on your face as you cross the mountain and explore hidden hills and small gorges that are only known to the local shepherds. You will be enchanted by the changing landscape of Crete and you will definitely have fun driving on the dirt roads. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide, who will introduce you to wonderful Cretan landscapes and will entertain you with fascinating local tales and Cretan culture. This perfect holiday will give both, you and your family, a treasure chest of memories to share and look back on! Don’t hesitate - make your reservation now! Notification: Each Buggy is for 2 people.

Avoid tourist-heavy dining spots and the challenge of finding truly authentic local food experiences on your own in Crete. This intimate small-group tour of Crete (limited to just four guests) takes you into rural villages and a traditional family cellar to sample homemade wines, spirits, and Cretan dishes. With easy walking between stops, you gain deeper insight into local culture, olive oil traditions, and small producers while enjoying a relaxed, guided tasting experience.

Avoid the noise and stress of impersonal large-group tours with an personalized small-group tour to Elafonisi Beach and Milia Mountain Retreat. This isn’t just a transfer service as you'll take a guided tour around some beautiful Cretan villages before relaxing on Elafonisi Beach. Exclusive beach loungers and umbrellas are reserved for you so you won’t miss out. Refuel with a tasty Cretan lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat.

Explore the Cretan coastline from a standup paddleboard on this guided tour around beautiful Marathi Bay. After a short instruction and safety lesson, head out into the bay, exploring smaller islets, diving spots, and a small cave system along the way. Stop from time to time to swim with the marine life or catch your breath on the beach. This tour is good for all ages and experience levels, a great way to enjoy time with friends and family on the water.

The Samaria Gorge is one of Crete's most beautiful natural landmarks, but it's also a challenging hike. Make exploring simpler, all thanks to this full-day tour. Round-trip transit from your hotel takes the hassle out of getting there (entry fee and boat ride own expense), and you can traverse the gorge in safety with a professional mountain guide. Along the way, admire the rugged White Mountains and soak up the scenery.

Farms are at the heart of the Cretan way of life and food alike. Enjoy an up-close encounter with a local family on their organic farm when you book this small-group cooking class. Get hands-on with activities such as goat milking and cheese making and tour an olive grove and a vineyard. Then prepare a typical Cretan lunch and enjoy it with wine, raki liquor, traditional music—and great conversation.

Discover the smells, tastes, and sights of Crete on a personalized, small-group tasting tour via 4WD vehicle. Explore with a driver and visit the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves; sample wines and olive oils at Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill while learning more about the wine- and oil-making processes; savor lunch with dessert at the Milia Mountain Retreat; and view the Topolia Gorge.

Discover a side of Crete that few other visitors get to experience—and enjoy a more personalized way to travel—on this private, full-day Jeep safari tour. After pickup from your Chania hotel, head into nature and off-road as you drive through the White Mountains, spot the Samaria Gorge, and more. In between, visit wine and olive oil producers, discover a 3,000-year-old olive tree, enjoy a traditional local lunch, and more.

• Private boat trip to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and Agios Sozon • Swim in turquoise waters and discover peaceful hidden spots • Choose to hike up to Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress for panoramic views • Relax on board with soft drinks, beer and wine included • Enjoy a private sea experience with authentic Cretan hospitality • Taste authentic Cretan flavors during your private sea experience

Near Chania—on the Greek island of Crete—lies Balos Lagoon, home to crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. Swim, snorkel, and relax under the warm Mediterranean sun away from the crowds on this full-day small-group catamaran cruise stopping at the lagoon and Gramvousa Island, where you’ll find an old pirate fortress. Hotel pickup is available, and departures are offered on two catamarans with different group sizes.

Spend a full day to Elafonisi Pink Beach with No1 Travel Agency in Chania according to TripAdvisor. Explore this stunning place with a private trip there! Your private van will pick you up from your hotel or house at the scheduled time and will lead you directly to the beach. There is optional stop for coffee, drinks or snacks before we arrive at the beach. We will be able to stay at the beach for up to 4 hours and then we will return back. Our driver will be there to provide you all the necessary information about your trip, the beach and more details. Elafonisi beach is like paradise on earth and has a wonderful beach with pink coral sand and crystalline waters. Elafonisi beach is protected by the EU environmental program as one of the rarest places in Europe. It consists of a small islet full of white and pink sandy beaches. Elafonisi looks out the Libyan open sea. There are number of beaches to admire, to lie on, to swim and to laze in comfortable sunbeds and parasols.