Top Crete How to Get Around in 2026

Discover the traditions and gastronomy of Crete during your time in Greece when you book this half-day excursion. Head to Tsagkarolon to visit a monastery that makes wine and olive oil and enjoy tastings of each product paired with other local snacks. Then, take a tour of the monastery and its museum to learn more about its importance to the island.

Capture memories of your vacation in Crete when you book this professional photo shoot. Work together with your personal photographer to identify locations for your shoot based on your favorite spots or get suggestions. This experience is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, friend groups, influencers, and special occasions.

From the moment you step off your cruise ship, you'll be greeted by one of our impeccably presented and highly professional drivers. More than just drivers, they are knowledgeable local experts committed to providing you with a smooth, safe, and insightful journey. Rest assured, each route and every aspect of this excursion has been meticulously calculated to optimize your time and ensure a seamless experience. We understand the value of your time ashore, and our dedication to precision means you can relax knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Our carefully planned itinerary takes into account travel times, potential traffic, and the ideal moments to experience Elafonisi's beauty, allowing you ample time to soak in the stunning scenery, wade through the crystal-clear waters, and capture those picture-perfect moments.

Experience the best of Crete’s flavors, culture, and history on this half-day shore excursion designed for cruise passengers. Begin at a traditional olive oil mill where you’ll learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning local oils. Continue to a family-run winery set in the scenic Cretan hills, where you’ll tour the estate and sample a selection of regional wines. End your journey in Chania’s Old Town, strolling through its charming narrow streets, boutique shops, and cafés. Take in the stunning Venetian Harbor and its iconic lighthouse while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Crete’s most beautiful coastal towns. With comfortable transport and knowledgeable local guides throughout, this tour offers a perfect blend of taste, tradition, and sightseeing—all carefully timed for your cruise schedule.

Avoid the hassle of arranging transport and planning multiple stops across Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula on your own. This private half-day tour with hotel pickup makes it easy to experience the region’s highlights in one smooth journey from Chania. Visit the historic Agia Triada Monastery surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, relax at Stavros Beach’s calm waters, and take in sweeping views over Chania Bay from the Venizelos Graves. With onboard Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a snack included, everything is taken care of for a relaxed, scenic escape.

On this excursion you will visit the oldest monastery in Crete, the historic Arkadi Monastery, which played a major role in the liberation of the island from the Turks. We continue to the village of Margarites, one of the largest pottery centers in Greece. There you will have the opportunity to admire the handmade ceramics and learn the secrets of pottery and tradition. Don't forget to taste the local Cretan cuisine in the picturesque town of Rethymnon, overlooking the beach.

Enrich your knowledge about olive oil production and beekeeping in Crete. During this trip you will also have the chance to discover the secrets of wine in Crete by visiting a wine museum with a long tradition. In ultramodern facilities, passion, experience and culture meet technology in order to create products of high quality. In the next stop, you will visit Ano Vouves village to admire one of the oldest olive trees in the world. An interesting fact about this olive tree is that its exact age is not yet determined; scientists have estimated it to be 4000 years old but it still produces olives today! This excursion ends in a Cretan restaurant where you can taste the Cretan cuisine with a panoramic view.

Embark on a luxury semi-private bus tour(17 seaters) to Elafonissi Beach with pickup from your accommodation. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Crete as we take you on a scenic drive through charming traditional villages, surrounded by endless olive and orange trees. Along the way, we'll make a delightful 20-minute stop at the historic Marathokefala Cave in Spilia. As we approach the clean turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea, prepare to be amazed by the towering cliffs and the breathtaking Topoliano Gorge. Around 10:00, before the crowds arrive, we will reach the stunning Elafonissi Beach! Take in the mesmerizing views and the unique pink sand as you enjoy a wonderful 4-hour stay. As our journey draws to a close, we can't miss the chance to visit the picturesque Topolia village before heading back. In the village, with traditional tavernas and small alleys let us take a look at the cretan cuisine and the traditionall cretan lifestyle. We will be back around 18:00!

Our day begins at the central meeting points in the city of Chania. After approximately one hour of driving through the beautiful landscapes of the Cretan countryside, we will arrive at Margarites, a picturesque and traditional village well-known throughout Greece for its long-standing pottery tradition. Next, we’ll head to the famous Arkadi Monastery, one of Crete’s most important historical and religious landmarks. There, we will tour the monastery grounds, learn about its moving and heroic Our trip continues to the city of Rethymno, where we will have approximately three hours of free time. You can explore the well-preserved historic center, wander through Venetian alleyways, visit the Fortezza fortress, or simply relax and enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many traditional or modern cafes and tavernas by the Venetian harbor. After a day full of rich experiences, we will begin our return journey, carrying with us unforgettable memories of Cretan history.

Discover the magic of Elafonisi Beach on a guided day trip! Enjoy pickup from select hotels in Kolimbari and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Relax on the journey through lush landscapes, impressive gorges, and traditional villages. Our guide will provide you with insights about Crete and the stunning Elafonisi Beach. Upon arrival, walk along the pink and white sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the turquoise sea. Explore the sand dunes that are home to the protected caretta-caretta turtles. After 4 hours of relaxation, savor authentic Cretan cuisine in the charming village of Elos. Your return is scheduled around 17:30, to the pickup point. A day filled with breathtaking views, delicious flavors, and unforgettable experiences!Enjoy a unique trip to Elafonisi!

Discover the magic of Elafonisi Beach on a guided day trip! Enjoy pickup from select hotels in Kolimbari and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Relax on the journey through lush landscapes, impressive gorges, and traditional villages. Our guide will provide you with insights about Crete and the stunning Elafonisi Beach. Upon arrival, walk along the pink and white sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the turquoise sea. Explore the sand dunes that are home to the protected caretta-caretta turtles. After 4 hours of relaxation, savor authentic Cretan cuisine in the charming village of Elos. Your return is scheduled around 17:30, to the pickup point. A day filled with breathtaking views, delicious flavors, and unforgettable experiences!Enjoy a unique trip to Elafonisi!

Meet your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel, across from the entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, at 11:30 to start exploring the historical city center of Heraklion. Travel through time with your expert tour host and discover a city that combines old and new — the site of the 7th labor of Hercules, the birthplace of painter El Greco and writer Nikos Kazantzakis. On this tour, hear fascinating stories about Heraklion's turbulent past and visit legendary churches, fountains, and monuments such as Saint Minas Cathedral, Lion’s Square (stop to taste traditional Cretan bougatsa and raki), Saint Titus Church, Heraklion Town Hall, Koules Fortress, and other Venetian buildings. Enjoy photo opportunities and experience the local atmosphere of this vibrant city. Return to the Cretan Spiti Travel terminal at 14:00.

Meet your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel, across from the entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, at 11:30 to start your visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the second largest in Greece after the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The tour begins with the oldest findings of Crete, dating back to 6000 BC, followed by the highlights of the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros, and continues with artifacts from cemeteries, shrines, and houses, ending with the magnificent Minoan frescoes of Knossos. Return to the Cretan Spiti Travel terminal at 13:30.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08:30 and drive 5km to southeast off the city to visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and they continued for 35 years. After the visit of the site we return at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 11:30.

Visit the Heraklion Archeological Museum, the second biggest in Greece, after the Museum of Athens. The tour begin with introduction of the oldest findings of Crete from 6000 BC, then of the highlight Minoan palaces of Knossos, Festos, Mallia and Zakros. The tour continues with objects from cemeteries, shrines, houses and ends with the Minoan frescoes of Knossos. After the museum tour, 5km to southeast off the city, visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath.

The Tour starts by driving along the Northern coast of the island were we will visit the 12th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, 1km from the village of Kritsa. We continue our tour driving through the beautiful coastal road and village of Elounda. One of them is the sea-front village of Plaka where we will board the boat to take us on the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will guide us through the ruins of what used to be a leper colony from 1903 to 1957 where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economic support. After our visit to Spinalonga, you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Plaka and optional lunch. After we will visit Agios Nikolaos town, the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica which was first inhabited around 3200 BC. After the visit of Gortyna, we drive through the valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. After our visit to Phaistos, we drive to Matala where you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and optional lunch. Finally, we arrive at Zaros, an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited.

We start our tour driving to our first stop Margarites, a small traditional village located in the prefecture of Rethymno and known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture.Afterwards we reach the Arkadi Monastery, which constitutes a landmark of architecture and civilization considering the magnificent facade of the church, the highly developed spiritual tradition as well as the flourishing development of fine arts. However, the holocaust, which took place in 1866, gave the monastery an eminent place in history, elevating it to an eternal symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide. We will visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno and have lunch (optional). At the end we will visit the Venetian stronghold of Fortezza which is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates

We start our tour driving to the city of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Venizelos Graves at the historical location of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri where the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos lays. We continue to the city of Chania where we will visit all the main highlights of the city, historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port with the Lighthouse Faros. During your tour of the picturesque alleys of the old town, you will come acrosss unique monuments such as the Rimodi Fountain, the Neradze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein) with its high minaret, churches and squares. Have lunch (optional) and free time for shopping. At the way back we will stop at the resort city of Georgioupolis, popular for its fine beaches, for a relaxing stroll and a coffee break.

Join us on a journey through history and nature! Meet your tour leader at Cretan Spiti Travel terminal in front of Hari’s Creperie, at 08:30, or at the Heraklion Port at 09:00 for cruise ship guests. Our first stop is the archaeological site of Phaistos, a key city of the Minoan civilization. You'll have 45 minutes of free time to explore and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. Next, we head to the village of Matala, with its golden sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and the famous caves carved into the cliffs. Spend 1 hour 45 minutes swimming, relaxing, or strolling through village’s colorful streets, full of history and character. At 13:45, we arrive in the village of Zaros, known for its fresh spring water and natural beauty. Here, you’ll have 2 hours to enjoy an optional lunch of local specialties, take a walk by Lake Votomos, and visit the traditional watermills that mark the area’s heritage. We return to Heraklion, arriving at the meeting point by 17:00.

Explore the historical city center of Heraklion through the lens of your camera and capture unforgettable memories on this guided walking tour. Accompanied by your expert selfie escort, discover the fascinating blend of past and present in one of Crete’s most vibrant cities. Walk along charming alleys and monumental squares where myths, history, and local traditions come alive. From legendary landmarks to hidden photogenic corners, this tour is a perfect mix of cultural immersion and fun photography. Highlights Stroll through the heart of Heraklion, with expert commentary on its rich history and myths. Visit Saint Minas Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Greece. Enjoy a stop at Lion’s Square, where you’ll taste the famous Cretan Bougatsa with local raki. See Tito’s Church, Heraklion Town Hall, and Koules Fortress, along with impressive Venetian monuments. Learn insider selfie tips to capture the best angles with historic backdrops.

Enjoy a private sailing tour in Crete. Swim in crystal clear waters of Thodorou and relax on board your confortable sailing boat. Taste delicious local Fruits .

Escape the typical group tour and experience Elafonisi your way. This is a fully private day, designed around you. We head straight to Elafonisi early, so you can enjoy the pink sand and turquoise lagoons before the crowds build up. You’ll have relaxed free time to swim, walk the shallow sandbar, and simply enjoy the open space. After the beach, the day becomes yours. Choose between the cliff-top Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, a traditional village, a honey tasting, or a visit to a family winery. No fixed schedule. No rush. Accessible options are available. The beach offers pathways, and our vehicle can accommodate a wheelchair upon request. This is not just transport. It’s a private, flexible, locally hosted experience in Crete.

In this tour we will visit Agia Gallini, a traditional village in the south of Crete, we will then be visiting Matala well known for its history with the hippies and it's amazing beach. We will end in Phaistos that is notable for the remains of a Minoan palace and the surrounding town. It was the second largest city of Minoan Crete