Top Crete How to Get Around in 2026

Save time by visiting Santorini from Heraklion on a speedy sea jet vessel, a journey of just over two hours each way. Tour the beautiful island by bus, enjoying free time to explore at each stop. Visit the towns of Oia and Fira, where you’ll find some of Santorini’s most iconic vistas, and opt to take a boat trip out to the volcano in the bay if you like.

Experience traditional Greek vineyards alongside a certified sommelier on this private excursion by SUV. Venture into the countryside and learn about the winemaking traditions of Crete, including a visit to a 500-year-old wine press. Your tour includes a wine tasting of 12 premium wines paired with local snacks and culminates with a delicious 3-course Cretan meal in the middle of the vineyards.

Step back in time to ancient Minos and immerse yourself in the island’s exciting myths and legends at Minoan’s World Museum and Cinema. With life-sized 3D exhibits, discover the island’s many stories – its rich history and ancient legends – in an interactive and family-friendly way. Then step into the museum’s 9D cinema and thrill at the mythology of Minos, told with a variety of immersive special effects.

Immerse yourself in Crete's ancient Minoan history—and enjoy a more personalized, accessible way to visit the Palace of Knossos, one of the island's most important archaeological sites—on this small-group tour. In the company of a guide who's also good with kids, you can explore the landmark's key features. All children receive mini iPads as well, whose multimedia features offer a fun and immersive way to bring the history to life.

Balos Beach and Lagoon and Gramvousa Island hold some of Crete’s most dazzling beaches. But they can be fiddly to reach independently. Skip the self-drive hassles and relax on this small-group day trip, which includes door-to-door transfers from select hotels. Enjoy a couple of hours on the soft white sands at Balos then a slightly shorter stop on Gramvousa Island. Please note, the boat to Gramvousa is at your expense.

Discover the ancient Palace of Knossos and city of Heraklion while on this full-day tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, learn about the temple and Minoan palace of Knosses. Enjoy free time in Heraklion to explore the streets and tour the local museum before returning to your Rethimno accommodations.

The rugged landscapes of Crete are spectacular—but many of the island’s most dramatic views are hard to fully appreciate from the ground. This small-group hot-air balloon experience lifts you above the Lassithi Plateau for sweeping aerial views of mountains, villages, and farmland. After helping prepare the balloon and completing a safety briefing, float peacefully above the plateau before celebrating with a glass of Champagne and breakfast at a local tavern once you land.

Discover a serene side of Crete with a full-day private tour to Elafonisi. Get picked up at your hotel or the location of your choosing in Chania and set out on a scenic tour. During the journey to Elafonisi Beach, we will make a stopover at the Cave of Agia Sofia for about 30 minutes to see the stalagmites and the small church in the cave, our second stopover will be at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery for about 30 minutes. Finaly, we will arrive at Elafonissi beach, we will spend about 3 hours on the beach, after that your private car will pick you up and leads you back to your hotel.

Discover the essence of Chania in just a few hours! This private tour combines cultural insights, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. With a dedicated vehicle and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll experience a seamless journey through picturesque villages, serene landscapes, and iconic locations. Perfect for those seeking a personalized, enriching, and time-efficient exploration of Chania’s treasures.

Embarking from the enchanting Venetian port of Heraklion, our northward journey to Dia Island promises a semi-private escape filled with delightful socializing and shared experiences. As we set sail, you can choose to unwind on the sundeck, bask in the sun's warmth, or actively engage in the sailing procedures, fostering a sense of companionship among fellow travelers. Upon reaching the idyllic Dia Island, immerse yourself in its crystal-clear waters, explore ancient port ruins, embark on a leisurely walk, or simply relax on deck, soaking up the summer sun in the company of newfound friends. Avanti Sailing ensures your well-being with a delectable meal served on board, complemented by premium local wine and a selection of refreshing soft drinks. Enjoy seasonal fresh fruits while we gently cruise back to port, leaving you with a feeling of relaxation, a sun-kissed glow, and readiness for the upcoming evening.

• Private experience • Flexible pace • Personalized routing Private full-day tour to Phaistos Palace and Matala Beach & Caves, combining South Crete’s archaeological heritage with relaxed coastal time by the Libyan Sea. The day begins at Phaistos Palace, overlooking the Messara Plain, with historical background provided outside the site and free time to explore independently. The tour continues to Matala Beach & Caves, known for their ancient use and later hippie-era cultural history. Free time is available for swimming, walking, or relaxing by the sea. One optional stop may be added, depending on interests, timing, and day flow: • Olive oil estate with tasting and lunch by Zaros Lake • Family-run winery with views • Seaside lunch by the Libyan Sea • Ancient Gortyn, former Roman capital • Kalyviani Monastery, a quiet spiritual stop You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours. Crete • Private day trip • Shore excursion • Cruise-friendly From Heraklion Port • Hersonissos

Private experience • Flexible itinerary • Local insight Experience Crete’s history, culture, and local craftsmanship on this carefully curated private tour, led by a local host. • Walk through the charming Old Town of Rethymno, with its Venetian harbor, colorful alleys, and hidden churches. • Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a powerful symbol of Cretan freedom and resilience. • Continue to Margarites Pottery Village, where centuries-old ceramic traditions come alive in local workshops. Depending on your interests and time, we may enrich your experience with one additional stop, such as: • A traditional Olive Mill • Melidoni Cave • The Ancient Eleutherna Museum (Closed Tuesday) • A local Honey Museum • A local Winery Ideal for travelers who value authenticity, flexibility, and culture. You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours Shore Excursion • Cruise Friendly • Ports of Call Tours • Full Day Tour From Heraklion Port • Crete • Rethimno • Noon • Afternoon

Private tour led by a local driver-host, linking Crete’s ancient past with everyday life — from Minoan heritage and Greek mythology to mountain villages and family-run estates. Two (2) Itinerary Versions: • Knossos OR Zeus Cave (shorter version) • Knossos AND Zeus Cave (full version) What you’ll experience • Knossos Palace — Explore the Minoan archaeological site • Lassithi Plateau — Mythology and rural life • Zeus Cave — Birthplace of Zeus (Closed on Thuesdays) • Olive mill & tasting • Traditional villages • Historic monastery • Pottery workshop • Optional Cretan lunch Your experience • Fully private tour • Flexible and unhurried pacing • Stops adjusted to your interests and timing Note: The Cave is closed on Tuesdays Private Crete day trip • Cruise-friendly

Play a city game that takes you on a journey through the most picturesque spots of Chania, where the Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman elements intertwine. Discover stories about this once multicultural, multifaith town as you visit churches, mosques and synagogues, and find out how an international agreement changed its character – and with it, the destiny of millions of people. Learn about gruesome wars, shocking accidents, and unconventional artists on a walk through Chania’s historical centre. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Discover the very best of Crete at your own pace with a fully customizable private sightseeing tour. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, beaches — or all of the above — we’ll create the perfect itinerary to suit your schedule, interests, and budget. Your private local driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation or the cruise port terminal, and you’ll travel in comfort in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Since this is a private tour, your experience is tailored entirely to you. Choose to visit iconic landmarks such as the Venetian Old Harbor, Elafonisi Beach, or the rugged Cretan countryside. Explore hidden villages, discover dramatic gorges, enjoy a local olive oil tasting, and experience the island’s rich culture — all without the crowds. Explore Crete Your Way – Private Custom Tour Flexible Duration | Personalized Itinerary

Discover the Akrotiri Peninsula on a 7-hour private tour from Chania with your own driver and an air-conditioned vehicle. Combine views of Seitan Limania, Holy Trinity and Gouverneto monasteries, Stavros Beach and the panorama from Venizelos Graves. Plan your balance of sightseeing, walking and beach time within the booked duration. Monastery visits depend on opening arrangements. Discuss any walk towards Katholiko Gorge and the time available before setting out. Your vehicle is private to your party, while the destinations are shared with other visitors. Select an available pickup and departure option when booking.

The bus will pick you up promptly from your assigned location and take you to Sfakia which is located in southern Chania. From there you will enter the boat that will take you to Glyka Nera. Glyka Nera it's one the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its name stems from the fresh water spring that bubbles up amongst the pebbles. It is a spectacular beach with crystal clear turquoise water and rugger cliffs. Here you will have 2 hours free time. You then board the boat which will take you to Loutro. Loutro is amphitheatrically built above the bay where you can soak up the beautiful surroundings. Here you will have 3 hours of free time to eat in one of the many exceptional restaurants or take a swim and relax along the beachside. Our bus will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno.

Explore Chania and Kournas Lake without handling the logistics on this full-day guided tour from Rethymno. Stroll Chania's Venetian alleys with a professional guide. Afterward, head to Kournas Lake, where you can enjoy lunch at a taverna (own expense), admire the scenic views, and look for wildlife in the wetlands.

Our shared motor yacht trip will be one of the best experiences during your holidays in Crete. We will offer you an opportunity to sail across the St. George, swim and snorkeling in the deer blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. We will also pass by the small island of Afentis Christos where you will witness the only church that was built when the Island was not fully formed.

As well as stunning coastal sea views, Crete is where you’ll find several of Greece’s most popular wineries. Set out on a scenic drive to the Manousakis Winery in Chania on this half-day small-group tour and tasting. Learn about the local winemaking process, before sampling five different and unique wines.

PRICE IS PER BOAT: That is why you book only as 1 adult. The minibus picks you up outside your hotel and takes you to the port in Hersonissos, where the boat leaves when your ready. Before leaving you will get a short briefing off 15 min. Then you have the rest of the day to enjoy the water and sun. There is a tent on board so there is also shade when needed. If you bring your own food en drinks we will provide a cool box to keep everything cold. The range of the boat is 5 navy miles to the left and to the right. So that means between Gournes/ Gouves and Malia. The Boat has a GPS so they can track you every moment also in case of emergency. The boat has 1 extra spare motor. No boat license is mandatory. Everey boat is for max. 9 persons. Check our new pink boat for the lovers "Barbie edition"! The Boat rental is per hour it can be this hour 2h, 3h, 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h or 8h.

Learn about olive oil growing customs and traditions of Crete's Papadomanolakis family, producers of “Pallada” extra virgin olive oil. Take a guided tour of the olive oil production facilities at the family mill: walk through olive groves check out the production equipment, learn about all phases of olive oil production, and taste three extra virgin olive oils.

Explore the pirate castle of Gramvousa and the ancient shipyard of Tersanas, swim in the refreshingly cool, waters of Balos & Gramvousa beach (2 swim stops!) and walk in the romantic lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon and one of Crete’s loveliest spots.

Experience the thrills of riding a quad through the Cretan countryside on this private guided quad safari. Choose to ride on a single quad or a double quad with driver and passenger, then follow your guide on off-road terrain past olive groves, vineyards, near the coast, and through villages. Stop for a swim in Sisi and enjoy lunch at a local taverna.