Top Crete Shore Excursions

A great excuse to explore the outdoors, this tour takes you on a full-day walking adventure through the Samaria Gorge from the Heraklion area. This 11-mile (18-kilometer) adventure starts at Xylo kalo and takes you to the Samaria Gorge, showcasing Cretan flora and fauna. Traverse through rocky terrain, visit the deserted village of Samaria, and see majestic Iron Gates before enjoying a meal at a tavern in Ayia Roumelis.

This tour to Knossos Palace and Lasithi Plateau is a small group tour and you'll have time to explore the region of Lasithi Plateau and Knossos Palace at your own pace. A tour to the Lasithi Plateau promises an unforgettable experience, blending history, nature, and culture in one of Crete's most enchanting regions. As you ascend towards the plateau, you'll pass through 16 picturesque villages nestled in the mountains. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, with stone houses, narrow streets, and locals going about their daily routines. Join us on a journey back in time as we explore the Plateau and quaint villages that have preserved their authenticity and way of life. This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of what the Lasithi Plateau has to offer, from its natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and available time.

Excavated and restored by archaeologists at the turn of the 20th century, Knossos Palace provides insight into one of Europe’s most advanced Bronze Age civilizations. But the true significance of the site can hard to fully grasp without an in-depth knowledge of the Minoans. On this tour, learn about the Minoans people and the mythical Minotaur while exploring the vast palace complex with a licensed guide.

Private experience • Flexible itinerary • Local insight Experience Crete’s history, culture, and local craftsmanship on this carefully curated private tour, led by a local host. • Walk through the charming Old Town of Rethymno, with its Venetian harbor, colorful alleys, and hidden churches. • Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a powerful symbol of Cretan freedom and resilience. • Continue to Margarites Pottery Village, where centuries-old ceramic traditions come alive in local workshops. Depending on your interests and time, we may enrich your experience with one additional stop, such as: • A traditional Olive Mill • Melidoni Cave • The Ancient Eleutherna Museum (Closed Tuesday) • A local Honey Museum • A local Winery Ideal for travelers who value authenticity, flexibility, and culture. You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours Shore Excursion • Cruise Friendly • Ports of Call Tours • Full Day Tour From Heraklion Port • Crete • Rethimno • Noon • Afternoon

Sail with us on board your comfortable yacht along the coastline of Rethymno to the secluded bay of Ombros Gialos. Your journey starts at Dock ''C'' of Rethymno Marina where your crew will greet you on your yacht with a warm welcome and an introduction to your adventure. After you will sail for about 1.5 hours to the bay of Ombros Gialos feeling the refreshing breeze of the cretan sea while admiring the deep blue colors and the beautiful coastline. After anchoring in the bay you will have the chance to dive in the crystal waters and admire the underwater marine life with your snorkeling equipment. Stand up paddle boarding is also a great choice if you prefer gliding on the surface of the sea and exploring the nearby area. After abour 1 hour of enjoying the waters and your activities you can savour on your Mediterranean Meal ( lunch or early dinner). Afterwards you set sails to Rethymno for a relaxing 1-2 hours.

With this full-day sailing trip, you can take your time and enjoy a full-day adventure on the water, without feeling rushed. Sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular views of Crete, with stops along the way so you can go snorkeling and visit remote beaches. Lunch, wine, and soft drinks are included, and hotel pickup is available for added convenience.

Join a tour with all of Crete's most iconic products. All the areas that you will visit are famous for their vineyards, the olive groves, and their wine production since the Minoan era. Even today they are considered the largest areas in Greece for cultivating grapes and high-quality olive oil. Stop at a local olive mill and take a tour of the olive grove and after the olive mill where you can taste fresh olive oil. The second stop is a family-owned winery that uses organic methods for cultivating. You will get a tour around the vineyards and the winery and taste 5 wines. The next stop is a unique distillery with an ancient wine press. Raki is the most famous Cretan spirit. Take a tour of the distillery and then enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern. Before finishing off the tour with a visit to a pottery studio located in a traditional village that is famous for its pottery. *The pottery lab is not available on Sundays

This tour stands out by visiting up to four traditional villages in Crete and offering lunch—a rare combination. After pickup from Chania, visit the Monastery of Metamorphosis in Varipetro. Explore the villages of Theriso and Zourva, stopping for lunch in a traditional family-run tavern. You can also opt to visit the village of Meskla and the small gorge there.

The Samaria gorge adventure starts early in the morning by picking you up near/next to your accommodation and drive in the heart of the White Mountains for a delicious breakfast in the charming village of Omalos. As you embark on this thrilling journey, be prepared to witness the magnificence of the longest gorge in Europe, towering 4,000 feet above the sea level. With our expert English-speaking guide by your side, you can explore the gorge at your OWN PACE, ensuring that you have a memorable experience. After the trek, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and eat at one of the local taverns, bars, or shops. Take a refreshing swim or indulge in a delicious lunch, savoring the flavors of Cretan cuisine. Late in the afternoon, you'll embark on a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where our comfortable bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.

Discover the highlights of South Crete on this full-day Land Rover safari adventure. Enjoy hotel or port pickup, then soak up the scenery as your driver navigates through the Cretan Mountains along the Minoan Route. Stop at an ancient Roman aqueduct, see Diction Cave, walk through Tripitis Gorge, and swim at Tripitis Beach.

Go off the beaten path and discover pottery, flowers, and a traditional Cretan village on this small-group tour. Discover traditional pottery making techniques at Margarites; explore a hidden valley full of orchids, tulips, and other flowers; and stroll around the charming village of Spili. Hotel pickup from many areas of northeastern Crete is included for ease.

Take this trip to find out and enjoy a breathtaking view. Begin with a guided tour to the traditional olive mill and learn all about the process of olive oil production. Grab the opportunity to taste one of the healthiest olive oils, straight from the source of production. Continue with a visit at the theme park of Greek mythology and the Minoan civilization! It is an approach with the utmost respect for the Minoan civilization, Greek mythology, and rural life in Crete 100 years ago. After your exploration, optionally make a stop to Lasithi plateau to find the ideal place to relax. The orthodox Panagias monastery, is worth a visit. Admire the mesmerizing architecture in the stone-built Byzantine church. Lastly, we are taking you to the picturesque and charming village of Krasi. This traditional village is famous for its old plane tree, 2000 years old! Relax and recharge with a view; we are finally having lunch at a picturesque traditional tavern, with some wine and local dishes.

Head into the mountains of Crete for scenic views and sample local flavors with this small-group sunset tour. Visit Sfendili village, then head off-road to the Lassithi Plateau for sunset views with sparkling wine and fresh fruit. Afterwards, taste olive oil and raki before sitting down to a 3-course lunch with unlimited wine at a traditional taverna.

The bus will pick you up promptly from your assigned location and take you to Sfakia which is located in southern Chania. From there you will enter the boat that will take you to Glyka Nera. Glyka Nera it's one the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its name stems from the fresh water spring that bubbles up amongst the pebbles. It is a spectacular beach with crystal clear turquoise water and rugger cliffs. Here you will have 2 hours free time. You then board the boat which will take you to Loutro. Loutro is amphitheatrically built above the bay where you can soak up the beautiful surroundings. Here you will have 3 hours of free time to eat in one of the many exceptional restaurants or take a swim and relax along the beachside. Our bus will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno.

Why choose this tour? Because we don't just show you Heraklion; we let you taste its soul! In a city of tourist traps, our Authentic Food & History Tour stands out by combining monumental landmarks with "hidden" culinary gems. A Complete Feast: Go beyond snacks! Enjoy Handmade Bougatsa at Lions Square, world-famous Gyros at Hovoli, and a sit-down Farm-to-Table feast at the prestigious Arismari & Varsamo. The Local Secret: Explore the 1866 Central Market as a local. Taste aged Graviera cheese, mountain herbs, and premium olive oil. Culture & Views: Balance your appetite with history at St. Minas Cathedral, St. Titus Church, and the majestic Venetian Walls for 360-degree Aegean views. Intimate Experience: Small groups ensure personalized stories about Cretan longevity and the secrets of Raki. All tastings included. Come hungry, leave as a local!

Spend a beautiful time at the sea with family and friends! Get on board and meet our local fisherman where he gonna show you fishing techniques and help catch amazing fishes! Let your spirit relax and be enchanted by the deep blue waters of Elounda Bay. It's a nice opportunity to dive into the sea, cool off and explore the seabed with the equipment we provide to you! The most beautiful thing about this experience is that you will be able to taste the fish you caught. The captain will take care of cleaning and cooking the fish. Enjoy a beautiful meal accompanied by fresh fish, salads and refreshing drinks you will have a beautiful meal on the boat looking out over the Cretan sea.

Experience the highlights of Athens from the comfort of an electric limousine with your own personal driver. On this full-day tour, take in the city at your own pace, spending more time at the attractions that interest you most. Hop out along the way to visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Hephaestus, watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Syntagma Square, then head up to Athens’ highest point, Lykabetus Hill, for a magnificent view over the city.

Discover the authentic side of Crete on an unforgettable off-road safari through the stunning Lasithi Plateau. Travel along mountain trails, visit traditional villages, enjoy breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, and experience the island’s rich culture and local traditions. Taste authentic Cretan olive oil, wine, raki, and local products, enjoy a traditional lunch with wine, and take part in a hands-on ceramic workshop with local artisans. This full-day adventure combines nature, culture, local flavors, and exciting 4x4 driving for a unique experience away from the crowds.

Crete’s rugged landscapes define the island, and getting off-road is the best way to explore them. Your quad safari begins with a safety briefing and test ride at Adventure Beyond Chania before you explore olive groves, ancient ruins, hidden beaches, and coastal views in a small group. No experience is necessary as your guide provides safety gear including helmet and leads the way. Choose between solo or tandem ATVs.

PRICE IS PER BOAT: That is why you book only as 1 adult. The minibus picks you up outside your hotel and takes you to the port in Hersonissos, where the boat leaves when your ready. Before leaving you will get a short briefing off 15 min. Then you have the rest of the day to enjoy the water and sun. There is a tent on board so there is also shade when needed. If you bring your own food en drinks we will provide a cool box to keep everything cold. The range of the boat is 5 navy miles to the left and to the right. So that means between Gournes/ Gouves and Malia. The Boat has a GPS so they can track you every moment also in case of emergency. The boat has 1 extra spare motor. No boat license is mandatory. Everey boat is for max. 9 persons. Check our new pink boat for the lovers "Barbie edition"! The Boat rental is per hour it can be this hour 2h, 3h, 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h or 8h.

Get to know Crete by E-Bike The beautiful island will present itself to you from a completely different perspective. Crete consists of 85% mountains and thus the e-bike is the most suitable means of transport to travel the island in a sporty, but at the same time, leisurely way. You will drive through the touristically neglected inland with its endless vineyards and olive groves, visit old churches, small chapels and picturesque villages and experience the hospitality of the old and young Cretans up close, accompanied by a local guide.

The hike down Samaria Gorge—a national park and biosphere reserve—is a challenging 10-mile (16 kilometers) journey to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, making the return journey difficult. This tour descends the gorge with a guide in roughly five to six hours and makes the return journey to the tour bus on a public ferry. Breakfast and admission to the national park are included, with convenient hotel pickup provided.

If you want to make the most of your limited time on Crete, get a skip-the-line ticket for the Palace of Knossos. With over 1500 rooms to explore, you’ll want to maximize your visit to the well-preserved labyrinth. Avoid the long line of tourists and exposure to the elements. Instead, collect your ticket upon arrival from a conveniently located operator.

Visiting the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in both the archaeological wonders and the mythological tales of ancient Crete. The site is easily accessible, and guided tours can enhance your experience by providing detailed historical context and storytelling. It includes a skip-the-line ticket for fast entry and a guided exploration of the Labyrinth of Knossos, known for its rich connection to Minoan civilization and mythology.