Top Crete How to Get Around in 2026

Visit some of Crete’s best beaches without having to drive yourself on a guided day tour from Rethymno. You’ll head to Preveli Beach on the island’s south coast, where you can swim and relax on the sand. On the way, stop at Kourtaliotis Gorge to admire waterfalls and springs, noting an entrance fee applies. Refuel with a traditional lunch in Plakias (at your own expense).

Skip the expense of car hire and relax with this convenient transfer service for scenic Gramvousa island. Your bus will collect you at one of a range of Chania locations, and drive you to the port of Kissamos. Here, pay for your prebooked tickets and a small municipality fee, board the boat, and explore the island. Catch the boat to Balos Lagoon before returning to Chania by bus.

Explore Crete’s mountains and countryside by Polaris ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on a 4-hour buggy expedition from Rethymno. Traveling on- and off-road, rumble up mountains and through gorges and shallow rivers to experience the island’s wild side. Pause for photos, visit medieval villages, look for wildlife, and stop for snacks, including coffee at a lakeside coffee house. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with equipment, instructions, and central Rethymno or Rethymno hotel pickup included.

Learn the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine during a private cooking class in a traditional village outside Heraklion. Prepare local specialties including dolmadakia and lamb with artichokes before sitting down to enjoy a homemade multi-course meal paired with local wine. The peaceful countryside setting adds an authentic backdrop to this hands-on culinary experience.

Travelers to Crete tend to stick to the well-worn paths between major towns and attractions, like Knossos and Rethymnon. This tour, operated using a four-wheeled all-terrain-vehicle, unlocks the Cretan backroads and off-road trails. See parts of Crete that most visitors to the island miss, steal a glimpse into local life away from the main tourist routes and learn how the storied past of the Melidoni Cave stretches back through time.

Don't waste time waiting around on vacation—this guided tour of the Palace of Knossos includes skip-the-line tickets for hassle-free entry. Listen as your guide tells you tales of the mythical Minotaur and other ancient legends, and see the ruins of one of Europe's oldest civilizations.

Skip crowded beaches and sail to uninhabited Dia Island or St. George Bay (dependent on tour option selected) on this intimate, small-group cruise, limited to just 10 guests. As you journey across Cretan waters, listen as your captain shares history and local secrets about the area. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to swim, snorkel, fish, sunbathe, or stroll to a charming church, before savoring a freshly prepared Cretan meal and included drinks. Choose between a 5-hour daytime trip with two island stops or a shorter 3-hour sunset cruise to St. George Bay.

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.

Explore a side of Crete's mountainous, dramatic countryside that many other visitors overlook—and make your sightseeing seamless—on this full-day tour. After pickup from your area hotel, head off the tourist trail when you take a motorboat to unspoiled Spinalonga Island. Next, discover the Milatos Cave, visit a local producer to sample premium olive oil, and admire spectacular views of the region's valleys, villages, and coastline in between.

Indulge in Heraklion's culinary wonders and get your steps in at the same time on this small-group or private walking tour. Discover hidden gems, and Cretan cheese, and feast on delectable local fare. Leave the tourists behind as visit eight local hotspots to savor the true flavors of Heraklion. Embrace your inner cheese connoisseur as you sample unique Cretan cheeses and learn how to select them.

Guided Tour of the Palace of Knossos — Where Myth Comes to Life Step into the heart of Minoan Crete and discover the legendary Palace of Knossos — the very place where history and mythology intertwine. Walk through the ancient corridors where Theseus once faced the Minotaur, admire the vivid frescoes that still whisper stories of gods and kings, and feel the spirit of the civilization that gave birth to Europe’s first great culture. Join us on a journey through time — to Knossos, where myth meets reality, where the ruins transform into living scenes — full of color, drama, and life. You’ll not only see Knossos, you’ll experience it — as the Minoans once did, thousands of years ago.

Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex­-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !

Get out on the water on the Black Rose Pirate Boat. After pickup from your hotel, board the boat at the port of Hersonissos. Cruise out to Agios Georgios Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Refuel with the included lunch then head to Stalis Beach for a second swimming stop. Onboard, children can enjoy face painting and other activities.

Unlock the mysteries of ancient Crete on this unforgettable full-day tour departing from Chania! Visit two of the island’s most iconic destinations — the historic city of Heraklion and the world-famous Palace of Knossos — and experience a journey through myth, history, and vibrant modern life. Why Choose This Tour? ✔️ Comprehensive and well-paced — balancing guided experiences with free time to explore ✔️ Expert storytelling by professional licensed guides ✔️ Travel in comfort with our air-conditioned luxury buses ✔️ Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers ✔️ Starting conveniently from Chania &Rethymnno — no need to worry about transport logistics! Follow the footsteps of ancient kings, explore one of the greatest civilizations in human history, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Crete’s capital city — all in one exciting day! Reserve your Knossos Palace & Heraklion Day Tour today and make history part of your journey!

Relax on the paradise-like island of Elafonisi on this family-friendly day trip. Admire western Crete’s hills and traditional villages on a drive to the southwest coast, and stop for coffee at the Cave of Agia Sofia. Then, spend the afternoon on the idyllic protected islet of Elafonisi, enjoying its pink sands and clear seas. Includes round-trip transport plus select hotel pickup and drop-off.

Swap predictable sightseeing cruises for something a lot more adventurous and exhilarating—a fast-paced stunt boat tour that spins, splashes, rides waves, and completes 360° maneuvers. As well as being an adrenaline-fueled ride, the activity also allows you to save time and see the beaches, gulf, and sights of Hersonissos at a super-fast speed.

By our sailing boats "Izabela" and "Poseidon" we organise day cruises to Gramvousa and Balos. Our journey starts from Kissamos Port. After about 90 minutes of cruising, we will reach our first destination, the lagoon of Balos, one of the most beautiful beaches over the Europe. The turquoise water invites you to swimming and snorkeling. We will spend next two hours there, while you can enjoy the beach and relax. We will have a pleasure to offer you traditional and light Cretan lunch on board. Our next stop is the island of Imeri Gramvousa. There you can enjoy the beautiful beach and take a bath in the crystal clear water. On top of the island, you will find an old Venetian Castle. The views from there are really breath taking. Then we will head back. Anytime that the wind will be enough we will be experience sailing. On board you have for your disposal a cabin to rest or sleep, bathroom with shower. We provide snorkeling equipment. Ofered drinks are water, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Go off-the-beaten-path in Crete with a half-day private tour. Enjoy hotel pickup and set out with a private driver on an itinerary customized to your interests. Choose between top historic landmarks, waterfalls, mountains, coves, and more. Meet local people and discover the heritage and culture of Crete during this private tour.

This full-day private tour of Rethymno focuses on the history and traditional crafts of the area. Start your day by visiting the Monastery of Arkadi, one of the most important monasteries in Greece. Continue with a guided tour of a working pottery workshop. After free time and lunch in Margarites, explore Melidoni cave with its stalactites and stalagmites.

Discover Heraklion from a local’s perspective on a guided eco e-bike tour through the city’s historic streets and hidden corners. Ride alongside a native Cretan as you explore lesser-known neighborhoods, hear the stories behind the people who shaped the city, and stop at favorite local spots to sample regional snacks and drinks. It's an engaging way to experience Heraklion beyond the usual tourist route.

Explore the two most beautiful cities on the island in a day on a must-see tour for tourists in Crete. The tour starts at Skaleta market for coffee at a coffee shop; then, you proceed to Chania town, where you explore civilization in different shades. Have lunch at the harbor or tour the famous Agora market. Stop for a relaxing swim in Lake Kournas before lunch, and take an early afternoon walk before strolling through the narrow streets and alleys of Rethymnon Old Town.

Learn about Chania's history, good and bad, with a self-paced app tour. You'll learn about local history, culture, and architecture as you explore at your leisure, and the app will guide you to a mix of major attractions and off-the-beaten-path sights. The whole experience should last anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours.

Cover more sights in less time on a private Segway tour of Rethymno—the ideal introduction for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the culture and history of the city. Taking a private tour means that you'll be able to customize your itinerary, so you'll be able to spend more time at the attractions that interest you.

Elafonissi Beach Elafonissi is located 76km west of Chania in the southwestern most point of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong, which often "breaks" in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonissi is a “Natura 2000” protected area. The island is full of dunes with sand lilies and junipers (like-cedar trees). The endangered turtles Caretta-Caretta and several rare animals nest on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals from the area. Exotic beach with white sand and turquoise waters, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken shells.