Top Crete How to Get Around in 2026

Combine Cretan history and cuisine on a combo tour of Knossos Palace and tastings of local products. Tour the palace known in Greek mythology as the home of King Minos and the Minotaur, and then visit a local village to sample olive oil, wine raki, and more. Small group size limited to 12 keeps the experience more intimate.

An exclusive private loop hike led by a world-class IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide for ultimate safety. This tour combines a visit to the iconic Omalos Plateau and the dramatic entrance of the Samaria Gorge (Xyloskalo) for incredible photos, followed by a stunning, crowd-free loop hike. Starting from Agia Irini, we ascend the wild and hidden Fygou Gorge and return safely to our starting point via the historic Venetian path of Vasiliki Strata, enjoying authentic mountain hospitality along the way.

Discover Heraklion’s top historical and culinary attractions on a guided half-day tour. Skip the lines at the Palace of Knossos, stroll through the city's historic streets while sampling local specialties, and finish with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to admire one of Greece’s finest collections of Minoan antiquities. It’s an easy way to experience Crete’s ancient past and modern culture in one outing.

Learn all about olive oil on this private tour in the charming village of Epanos Archanes in Crete. Explore an olive grove and olive mill and learn about olive farming and different methods for producing olive oil. Afterwards, sample three different olive oils, a flavored oil, table olives, grape syrup, and a sweet vinegar.

Learn about wine and olive oil in Crete on this half-day small-group tasting tour. Visit the Kanakis olive oil factory to discover production and sample oils. At Winery Dourakis, enjoy a vineyard tour and wine tasting with snacks. Finish with lunch in the scenic village of Vryses. Hotel pickup is included within the Rethymno district.

Staying on Crete doesn't mean you have to miss out on visiting Santorini, though it can be difficult to do independently. This day trip makes it easy to check out the famously beautiful Cyclades island, with round-trip coach and ferry transport from Crete, along with preplanned visits to Oia and Fira. Ample time for beach lazing and sightseeing is factored in.

The Battle of Crete in 1941 was the first mainly airborne invasion in military history and Crete’s landscape still bears its scars. Retrace it with an expert guide on this private door-to-door tour, which can be adapted to focus on specific units, individual nationalities, or other interests. A typical day includes the German and Commonwealth war cemeteries, the battlefields at Maleme and Galatas, Tavronitis Bridge, and the Alikanios Memorial.

Visit the beautiful beach of Falassarna on this private van tour from Chania. Avoid the hassle of renting and driving a car, and let a personal driver take you to and from your accommodation to the long, sandy beach. Once there, enjoy plenty of free time to walk on the beach, build sand castles with the kids, participate in water sports, and more.

Add a day on the island of Santorini to your Crete vacation with this convenient day trip. Round-trip boat transfers from Rethymno port are included along with a tour of the island when you arrive. Sit back and relax as you travel in air-conditioned comfort around Santorini’s most scenic spots, and spend time in Oia, the village famous for its whitewashed houses and sweeping coastal views.

Explore Santorini’s top attractions on this guided excursion. After setting sail from the port of Athinios aboard a speedy catamaran, enjoy activities that include touring the volcanic island by bus, exploring the picturesque village of Oia, strolling through the alleys and streets of Fira, and taking a refreshing swim at a black sand beach or traveling by boat to a crater lake (extra expense).

Immerse yourself in the romantic island of Santorini for the day without having to rely on out-of-date guidebooks or patchy internet research. Take a speedy catamaran from Rethymno to the island and join your guide for a tour that runs from the docks to the northernmost village of Oia. Enjoy plenty of free time in the island’s capital of Fira, full of recommendations from your guide: there’s no need to fight for their attention on this small-group tour.

Encounter natural luxury with this private beach tour. Elafonisi island is connected to Crete with a narrow strip of sand forming a gorgeous long peninsula beach ready for exploring. With layers of white and pink sand, sparkling turquoise water, and a walkable shallow lagoon, this adventure is totally picturesque. The option to visit an olive oil factory or monastery is available, catering for all interests.

Discover the most beautiful town on Crete on a private trip to Chania. Explore the historic neighborhoods, churches, and museums of the city and enjoy a romantic walk through the idyllic old town. Depart from Souda port , Kalyves ,Almyrida or Georgioupolis on a private trip to Chania. Explore the city at your own pace, visiting historic neighborhoods, churches, and museums. Take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port for shopping, a cup of Greek coffee, and lunch. Depart from Souda Port / Bay and drive to Crete’s capital city of Chania, the most beautiful town on the island. Settled more than 4,000 years ago, Chania is one of the oldest cities in Europe. On this 4 or 5-hour tour, you’ll have 3 or 4 hours to explore Chania, with plenty of free time for a romantic walk through the idyllic old town. Visit historic neighborhoods, churches, and museums. Take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port for shopping, a cup of Greek coffee, and lunch (not included in the tour price).

This private tour includes three stops. First, experience the unique pink sand and postcard-worthy views at Elafonissi Beach. Then it’s on to Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, a 17-century structure built atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Finally, tour the Cave of Agia Sofia with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour price includes up to seven people.

Mirabello Bay’s spectacular coastline and charming islands look their best from the water. See them in style during this intimate catamaran cruise on a premium craft equipped with stand-up paddleboards (SUP), fishing gear, and snorkeling kit. As you explore, savor a gourmet menu with Cretan appetizers, washed down with drinks including white wine and beer. Upgrade to include round-trip hotel transfers from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and beyond.

Knossos palace is Crete’s most visited archaeological site. Discover the most well know myths about the Minotaur and the Labyrinth while walking through the history of the Minoan civilization. The first excavation of the site was conducted in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos of Heraklion. This was followed by the long-term excavations 1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of the Englishman Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered virtually the entire palace. While walking through the palace one can admire the Frescoes, pottery and the Throne room. This great civilization was destroyed at the explosion of the volcano of Santorini island. Come with us and our professional guide-archaelogist to learn about the history and the myths that surround this great palace.

Reaching the scenic islands that dot the coastline around Crete requires a boat and local knowledge—two things new visitors lack. Join a local crew to journey across the water to Dia Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. Sunbathe on deck, hop overboard to snorkel, or simply enjoy the view.

This excursion takes you to the west side& includes visits at the Towns of Rethymno & Chania , as well as to the Lake of Kournas . Going west on the northern axis of Crete ,our tour will take us to the beautyful town of Rethymno . A grafic Cretan Town , so characteristic and unique . We will have time to relax at the beautyful scenery at the old harbour of Rethymnon . Our next stop Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania . It's Venetian walls and harbor , narrow streets , and old buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past . Here you can also see the Croos-Shaped closed Market of the city and the Leather-Market street . Next and last stop will be the Lake of Kournas , where you can have your lunch . For those who want there is a possibility to exlore the lake by a petal-boat (Available for Rent) or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the road back to Heraklion .

Join a half-day getaway to Rethymno and Kournas Lake. Explore this enchanting city where Venetian castles mix seamlessly with ancient churches, lighthouses, and forgotten cobbled streets. As you travel to picturesque Lake Kourna, you'll be able to relax by its crystal clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains while sipping on traditional Greek coffee. Your final stop is a local olive oil factory where you can learn about the entire process and enjoy a guided tasting.

Half a day on land is still plenty of time to pack in the best of Heraklion and its surroundings. Skip taxi lines and public transport for time-efficient transfers to Knossos Palace—once the home of the ancient Minoan civilization—complete with a guided tour. Next, explore the Old Town of Heraklion, before convenient drop-off back in port.

Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization, and a must-see site in Crete. Explore the landmark in the company of a guide, who can provide more insights than visiting on your own. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk around central Heraklion and free time to explore afterwards on your own.

• An exciting journey along the north-eastern coast of Crete with a boat trip along the picturesque Mirabello bay. • Accompanied by a professional guide, you will stroll through the streets of the Venetian castle and learn about the interesting history of the fortified island of Spinalonga. • Continuing your voyage, the ship will moor in Colokita Bay, where you will have free time for lunch and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Mirabello Bay. • A walk through the snow-white town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS, with many souvenir shops and boutiques around the bottomless lake Vouliazmeni.

One of the largest aquariums in Greece, Cretaquarium (Thalassokosmos) sits in Gournes, beyond Heraklion. It's around a 2.5-hour drive from Chania, and incredibly time-consuming to reach using public transit. Skip the self-drive stress when you book this private 2-way transfer service, with pickup and drop-off from your Chania hotel or private rental. Onboard Wi-Fi keeps you connected over the journey.

Skip the self-drive stress and relax with a private driver on this comfortable tour of Minoan Knossos and the Lassithi Plateau. Tour the traditional village of Mochos, then see the enormous Platanus Tree in Krasi. Explore the Cave of Zeus and savor plateau views before visiting the Palace of Knossos. Your day includes a honey or raki tasting, but other tickets and food are at your expense.