Top Crete How to Get Around in 2026

Get an authentic taste of Heraklion without the carbon cost of a vehicle or the strain of pedaling hard in the heat on this guided half-day e-bike tour. Cycle along the seaside, shop, and enjoy traditional pastries, Greek coffee, taverna classics, and unlimited house wine. Explore highlights like the Old Venetian Harbor.

Who has never seen the world famous pictures from a turquoise sea, dazzling white houses/churches with Aegean blue roofs on the top of the steep cliffs? A beautiful trip to one in the top most romantic islands in the world, SANTORINI. The perfect idea when you stay on Crete. A high speed boat (700 pers) brings you in only around 1h 45min to Santorini and after the excursion back. You experience the Greek atmosphere in the old capital Oia and the new capital Fira. OIA: The oldest village in Santorini. Stroll around its small alleys and stone built streets, filled with culture and tradition. The harmony of the colors of the sea and the sun, the wonderful view, bear the spirit of Hellenism and make Oia incomparable. FIRA: The capital of Santorini where you have free time to explore the picturesque traditional little alleys. Optional: visit the Volcano. They explain this option on the bus.

See more of Crete on your vacation, and take a tour of island’s southern stretches with a private guide. Perfect if you have a day free but no transport, this excursion takes you through the Messara valley to visit the archaeological site of Gortyn and two Orthodox monasteries — sites that would be tricky to find alone. Time for swimming at Matala Beach and a coastal dinner complete the experience.

Visit the island of Spinalonga on this guided tour from Agios Nikolaos. Board your vessel and take in the sights as you make your way to the old Venetian fortress. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the premises, learning about the island’s historical and archaeological significance.

Experience Crete from the sea with ease on this group boat tour. Cruise around Kolokytha Bay and the Bay of Mirabello and visit the island of Spinalonga. Take time to explore the island independently. Enjoy a midday break for a barbecue lunch with a glass of wine on board your boat.

Exploring the locations of the Battle of Crete—an important World War II battle—without a guide could leave you with only a patchy take on this pivotal event. With this tour from Chania, learn about the battle at its key sites, hearing how Nazi forces took Crete from the Allies in 1941. Visit the Maleme airfield, monuments, and cemeteries, and discover secret shelters and sites you might miss alone.

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.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Get an up-close look at the blue waters of the Mediterranean, without so much as getting your face wet, on this semisubmersible trip around Agios Nikolaos' Mirabello Bay. Watch out for fish and maybe even sea turtles as you listen to the audio guide commentary in your choice of five languages. For the second half of the tour, come up to the upper decks for glorious views of Agios Nikolaos and the Cretan coast.

Instead of tying yourself to a large group tour with a rigid itinerary, take your time exploring the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos with this private audio tour. Visit the remarkable Palace of Knossos and many other highlights of this archeological site, including South Propylaeum and the West Magazines. Leave the guidebooks behind and learn about the culture and lifestyles of people living in Minoan Crete from your audio guide.

Ideal for travelers short on time, this private full-day tour covers the best of seductive southern Crete in a single day of sightseeing. Highlights include morning coffee in Spili, exploring Kourtaliotiko Gorge with its chapel, a traditional lunch over views of the Libyan Sea, and swimming near a remote beach. Round-trip transportation from Chania is included.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

Explore the ancient land of the Lasithi Plateau and discover historic old towns and villages, Orthodox monasteries, and the grand stalactites and geological formations of the Cave of Zeus. See the Monastery of Vidiani and wander the small streets of Krasi. Then visit an olive mill and farm, where you can see how everything from olive oil to olive soap.

Knossos is Crete's largest and most impressive Bronze Age archaeological site, but exploring independently means you may miss its ancient secrets. On this tour, reach Knossos by air-conditioned coach with round-trip transport from your Chania hotel included, and explore the site as your guide shares its fascinating myths and legends. Learn of powerful rulers such as King Minos, and admire Minoan relics in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea with this 3-hour guided snorkeling trip from Chania. All equipment is provided. Swim in the crystal blue waters in Almyrida Chania and explore reefs, caves and see the Elephant Cave of Crete.

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.

Get to know Chania without crowded tour buses or rowdy groups on this private half-day sightseeing tour, direct from your Chania area address. Walk through the historic buildings and charming streets of the city’s Old Town and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Municipal Market. Out of the city, take advantage of some hilltop photo opportunities then explore the Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada Monastery).

Combine a visit to the only freshwater lake on Crete with tastings of local olive oil on this private tour. Travel by private vehicle to Lake Kournas, where you can swim or enjoy a pedalo ride. Then visit a family-owned olive oil factory to sample products and learn about their production. This tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, offering a relaxed pace and personalized experience.

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.

Explore Crete’s diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches on a full-day Land Rover safari with a guide to reveal the best of the island’s scenery and culture. Rumble along remote roads, passing landmarks like Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, and stopping to swim in the Libyan Sea. Get a taste of Cretan country life when you visit traditional villages like Spili, and enjoy a local tavern lunch with ambience to spare.

Take a day out from Crete to visit Santorini on this day trip, which saves you the hassle of moving to different accommodation while showcasing the island's highlights. Admire this famous volcanic island, known for its sea-filled caldera (crater) and black cliffs, away from the crowds as you sail. Cover more sights in less time on a bus tour to visit Thira and Oia to admire the whitewashed houses perched high on the cliffs, with free time to explore both towns.

The Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons and a must-see attraction when visiting Crete. This full-day tour takes you on a hike through the gorge to admire its soaring cliffs and narrow passageways. At the end of the gorge, you are rewarded with a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Agia Roumeli Beach. Then, take the ferry to the port before returning to Chania by bus.

Explore Crete beyond Heraklion with a full-day sightseeing tour. Skip the hassle of driving and board an air-conditioned coach for a scenic tour. Visit several attractions including Knossos Palace and the Lassithi Plateau. Learn about Cretan traditions at Kera Kardiotissa Monastery or Panagia Vidiani Monastery, and complete the day with dining in an authentic Cretan tavern.

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.