Top Crete Bird Watching

Olive oil is at the heart of Greek cuisine. Enhance your understanding of Greek food and Cretan culture—and perhaps stock up on goodies to bring home—when you book this guided tour of an olive farm just outside Heraklion. See the olive groves and the mill, discover the flavors and aromas of extra virgin olive oil, and taste oils with artisanal bread, local cheeses, and more.

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.

Explore the rugged and wild side of Crete on the off-road adventure tour. Travel comfortably in a Land Rover high up into the Dikti mountain range. By going on an organized tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost in unmarked rural areas and an experienced driver drives with confidence on the mountain roads. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious local Cretan lunch in a taverna is provided.

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.

While on Crete, take time to explore the amazing underwater ecosystems of the Mediterranean with a visit to the shoreline CretΑquarium. Marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures representing 200 different species like sting rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and scorpionfish. Learn about the abundance of life found deep within the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds, and support the aquarium's educational and wildlife rescue programs.

Hike off the beaten track through the wild mountains of Crete. You will be rewarded with unique views of Mirabello Bay and the surrounding mountains, mountain villages and olive groves. A day packed with tangible Minoan history and mythology of Greece, nowhere can you get closer and enjoy nature, endemic flora and unique fauna. Hike with a professional, experienced guide to the hidden "Machu Picchu" of Greece, the unique stepped buildings from ancient times.