Top Crete How to Get Around - page 40

Spend the day exploring Elounda, Spinalonga, and Agios Nikolaos with this full-day guided tour. Travel to Elounda by coach to experience an area known for its luxurious beach resorts. Board a boat (own expense) to cruise out to Spinalonga, a fortified island once home to a leper colony. Afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch (own expense) on board the boat before visiting Agios Nikolaos to see its harbor, lake, and to go shopping.

Driving to the west of the island, we make our first stop in the beautiful city of Rethimnon, where we have some time for our coffee of breakfast. Moving on, we drive past the city of Chania and after a while, we arrive at the port of Kissamos, where we set out for our trip. During our boat trip, we have the chance to admire a vast cave – most likely an ancient shipyard, sea turtles or monk seals and of course, the dolphins of the area. We also witness an impressive geological phenomenon: the simultaneous lifting and sinking of the two sides of the island, where its western side rises up to 6-9 meters above the sea level.

A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life.After our visit in Heraklion, we will visit the biggest open-air Market in Pateles where dozens of peddlers offer their merchandise in very good prices.

We provide the ultimate guided experience that combines wine tasting, olive oil tasting, milk & cheese production and local meal at a traditional taverna. We start at 09:00 from your hotel and we lead directly to Kontopoula Village, where we will start with the Olive Oil Tasting at a traditional small factory. There will also be a guide at all the stops that will help us understand everything better. Then, we continue at a local farm at Kamboi Village where we will meet the farmer and the sheeps and he will show us the way he produces the Cretan cheese and milk as well. After that, we move at the Winery, where you will be able to taste many different kind of wines, the famous raki and rakomelo and you will also see the way of production. Finally, we end the day at the local taverna that has only homemade products and it is the perfect way to explore the authentic Cretan Cuisine. Traditional treats and drinks are served in every single stop and they are included in the price.

This daily trip is a perfect combination of 2 of the most popular areas on Crete island and we assure you that you will enjoy it! The famous Kournas Lake is a worth visit place for people that love nature and water. It is the only one natural lake with fresh water in Crete and it is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Crete island. The lake’s maximum depth is 22 meters and it lies approximately 20m above sea level. The green, blue and turquoise waters of the lake, the sun above them and the White Mountains create a stunning combination that all the visitors love! Rethymno, and especially the Old Town is similar to Chania in a smaller scale. Narrow streets, lovely atmospere and the avra of this city will fascinate you. Rethymno city is a well known destination, blending history, culture and modern amenities. Do not forget to visit the famous Fortezza (fortress) with stunning panoramic views of the city and the Rimondi Fountain.

Visit the vibrant seaside village of Matala on Crete’s southern coast, famous for its colorful streets, bohemian atmosphere, and iconic cliffside caves once inhabited by 1960s hippies. Relax on the organized sandy beach beneath the historic caves before continuing to the unspoiled Kommos Beach. With its golden sands, natural dunes, tamarisk trees, and crystal-clear waters, Kommos offers a peaceful escape surrounded by natural beauty. This day trip perfectly combines history, culture, creativity, and stunning coastal scenery in South Crete.

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on the beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. 10:00 Arrival in Knossos Palace 12:00 Departure from Knossos Palace 12:10 Arrivalin Patsides – Minoan Farm 13:00 Arrival in Heraklion 15:30 Departure from Heraklion

Begin your winter day trip with a visit to the Arkadi Monastery, one of the most important historical sites in Crete. This sacred place is a symbol of freedom and faith, famous for its role in Cretan history. Walk around the peaceful courtyard, admire the beautiful church, and feel the calm and inspiring atmosphere that surrounds the monastery. After the visit, continue to Rethymno, one of the most picturesque towns in Crete. Enjoy about three hours of free time in the old town, where every street has a story to tell. Wander through the narrow alleys, explore the Venetian harbor, and admire the charming old buildings and small local shops. You can also relax in a cozy café, taste Cretan sweets, or enjoy a warm meal in a seaside restaurant. Even in winter, Rethymno is full of color, life, and friendly people. This half-day small-group tour is a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation — a simple and comfortable way to discover the real Crete during the peaceful winter months.

Start your winter day trip in the fishing village of Plaka, one of the most beautiful places in Eastern Crete. From here, you can admire Spinalonga Island, standing quietly in the calm waters of Mirabello Bay. If the weather allows, take a short boat trip to Spinalonga.Walk through the old Venetian fortress and discover the stories of the people who once lived there. The atmosphere is peaceful full of history. After your visit, continue to Agios Nikolaos, the charming capital of Lassithi. In winter,the town is calm and welcoming.Walk around Voulismeni Lake, explore local shops. Returning we stopped at a traditional olive oil park. See how locals produce extra virgin olive oil and taste other Cretan products made from olives. This visit offers a warm genuine experience of local life and flavors. This half-day tour combines history, culture,things to do and see, and authentic Cretan taste for travelers who wish to discover the real Crete in a simple,comfortable and friendly way.

We meet in the heart of the old city, where I guide you through hidden alleys and capture every authentic moment in unique photographs! You'll discover the most beautiful spots of the old town & harbor and transform your moments into timeless heirlooms!

Seitan Limania Beach, also known as Stefanou Beach, is a stunning hidden gem located on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Chania, Crete. The beach is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscape. Accessing the beach requires a short hike down a steep and rocky path, which adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion. At the bottom of the trail, visitors are rewarded with a small, secluded cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The beach is framed by impressive rock formations, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. Due to its sheltered nature, the water is calm and inviting, making it perfect for swimming on calm days. Marathi is a beautiful, clean shore in Souda Bay. It’s a really popular destination because of its lovely natural beauty and exotic atmosphere. It is divided into two lovely beaches by a small harbor. Combined, the two have a total length of 300 meters.

Inside the cave there is temple of the 15th century and the foundations of old cells that date back in the 17th-18th century. Sirili it is a particularly fertile village, which produces citrus fruits , has huge vineyards of excellent variety and produces large quantities of olive oil . The brewery is located in Zounaki village, in the municipality of Platanias. Its highly sophisticated industrial facilities, occupy 2000m2, surrounded by orange trees and olive groves.