Top Crete Arts & Design

Step away from the crowds and discover a different side of Crete on a family-friendly journey filled with nature, creativity, and culture. Meet friendly animals at the Cretan Animal Park, where children and adults can enjoy close encounters with fascinating species. Visit the famous pottery village of Thrapsano and create your own clay souvenir with the guidance of a local master potter. Continue to the peaceful Agarathos Monastery, one of Crete's oldest Greek Orthodox monasteries. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional Cretan village, tasting authentic local dishes made with fresh ingredients and extra virgin olive oil. End your day at CRETAquarium, where colorful fish, sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and many other Mediterranean marine species await. A perfect experience combining wildlife, creativity, local traditions, and fun for the whole family.

Immerse yourself in Heraklion's captivating history with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, discovering centuries-old secrets that traditional tours simply can't offer. Our expertly crafted audio experience delivers exclusive historical insights and hidden stories through masterful narration that brings ancient stones to life, while you enjoy the authentic local atmosphere without the constraints of group schedules. Choose your own adventure by selecting the attractions that fascinate you most, spending as much time as you desire at each location, creating a personalized journey that surpasses any conventional guided tour. The engaging storytelling, delivered through crystal-clear narration with an captivating voice that makes complex history accessible and entertaining, transforms your exploration into an unforgettable intellectual adventure that reveals Heraklion's soul through the eyes of those who lived its remarkable past.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete—Chania and Rethymno—and immerse yourself in some of the island's loveliest scenery. Admire the White Mountains, visit Lake Kournas, and learn all about local history and culture as you explore.

Maximize time in Crete with a half-day private tour of Chania and its surroundings. Get picked up at your hotel or chosen location in Chania and set out on a sightseeing tour focused on local history and heritage. See top landmarks including the Old Venetian Harbor, Lighthouse of Chania, Firkas Fortress, and Hassan Pascha Mosque. Get to know Chania's Old Town and the many cultures that influenced its character.

Join us on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Crete, starting with our departure from your hotel. Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Gortyna, approximately one hour away. Gortyna, once a thriving ancient city, now stands as a testament to the island's rich history. Next, we'll embark on a short 20-minute journey to our second stop, Phaistos. Here, amidst the picturesque Cretan landscape, you'll discover the remains of the legendary Phaistos Palace. Our final destination is the charming coastal village of Matala, which is just a short drive away. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious meal, explore the famed Hippie Caves, and unwind on the beaches of the Libyan Sea.

What makes this tour truly stand apart is its balance — a seamless blend of Crete’s **mythic past**, **authentic countryside**, and **living traditions** that most visitors never get to see. It’s not a rushed sightseeing loop; it’s a private, slow-paced journey through layers of Cretan life, guided by locals who understand the island’s rhythm and character. You’ll walk through the **legendary ruins of Knossos**, tasting the air of Europe’s first civilization, then shift gears completely to a **family-run olive mill**, where real people share their craft, not a staged show. And when the road climbs to the **Lasithi Plateau**, you’ll see Crete at its most genuine — windmills, shepherds, and tavernas untouched by time. It’s a day that connects myth with meal, stone with soil, and history with hospitality — the kind of Crete you remember long after your flight home.

Enjoy the live music, dance, and customs of Crete. Traditional Greek buffet dinner with unlimited food and wine. Return transfers with pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels included. Music and dancing are a traditional part of the Cretan people's life. Kato Karouzanos traditional village, nestled in the rolling hills of central Crete is the setting for this fascinating, fun night out. A glass of raki provides a warm start to your exciting evening. You will have time to wonder through the village, seeking out the locals, sharing a drink or two in a cafenion, lighting a candle in the Greek Orthodox Church or trying to find a bargain in the handicraft shop. Your evening meal is then taken in the local tavern, where you will be treated to a typical Cretan dinner, free-flowing wine. A performance of traditional Cretan and Greek dances in colorful costumes, the fire dance and of course a very special performance of Sirtaki Dance, 'Zorbas the Greek'.

Discover Crete’s Minoan history without the hassle of arranging transportation between its top archaeological sites. Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos with skip-the-line entry, then continue to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to admire exceptional Bronze Age artifacts, jewelry, and artwork. Traveling with a small group and expert guide brings the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur to life.

Set sail on a semi-private catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island for a day of sea, sun, and swimming. Your journey begins with a warm welcome featuring coffee and local pastries. Enjoy stunning coastal views, refreshing sea breezes, and unlimited drinks as we sail. Upon reaching Dia Island, anchor in a secluded bay to swim in crystal-clear waters before indulging in a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch onboard.

To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled as the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travellers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable five-day tour of the island.

Start your day with a scenic drive to the beautiful Askifou Plateau, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Highlights: Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas of the plateau and surrounding mountains. Turkish Fortresses: Optional short hike to historic fortifications over 150 years old. Askifou War Museum: One of the largest private WWII collections in Crete. Traditional Cretan Lunch: Savor local dishes at a charming tavern.(MEAL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE) Winery Tasting: Guided tour and tasting of local wines and in welcoming cellars. A full day of history, culture, and Cretan flavors awaits! SPECIAL NOTES PLEASE NOTICE DURING WINTER MONTHS THE SCHEDULE COULD BE ALTEERED DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.