Top Activities on the Ground in Crete

Rethymno is full of beachside roads, small streets, and parkland perfect for bike trips. This guided bike tour covers the best of the area roughly three to five hours of sightseeing. Highlights include visiting the Arkadi Monastery, Chromonastiri’s churches, Roussospiti’s Venetian buildings, Rethymno’s Old Town, and more. The price of this tour includes a bike, helmet, lock, and refreshments.

This tour will take you to Lassithi Plateau, where you will explore its wonders. First stop in an Olive Oil Mill as in Crete we have great tradition with olive oil production.We will continue to the Monastery of Kera, with centuries of religious tradition. From there, you will be guided to the island' s mythological past with a visit to the legendary Cave of Zeus and then to the countryside. Next stop for lunch in a Traditional Restaurant and the plane tree in Krasi that witnessed many historical events and the presence of the famous Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis.

Time Travel with Knossos: Dive into the captivating history of Knossos Palace, immersing yourself in the tales of ancient civilizations that once graced this extraordinary site. Pedal through history and nature on our comfortable ecobikes, minimizing your environmental impact while enjoying a unique adventure. Wander off the tourist trail and embrace the tranquility of Cretan landscapes, connecting with the island's serenity as you ride. Engage with welcoming villagers, creating meaningful connections that grant you insights into both ancient traditions and modern ways of life. Witness the seamless blend of past and present as you journey from archaeological wonders to charming villages, gaining a holistic understanding of Crete's rich narrative. Choose our Ebike Tour for an experience that transcends time and place. Book now to embark an unforgettable journey through eras and landscapes.

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.

Experience an authentic adventure in the heart of Crete, where wild natural beauty meets rich history and local tradition. Driving your own quad, you’ll escape the crowded tourist spots and discover a different side of the island, full of vivid images, aromas, and genuine moments. The route takes you through impressive mountain landscapes, dirt roads, and picturesque villages that seem untouched by time. At every stop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with local life, learn about the region’s history, and witness traditional crafts passed down from generation to generation. The people you meet, along with the flavors and scenery, will bring you closer to the authentic spirit of Crete. During the experience, you’ll enjoy panoramic views, perfect photo spots, and moments of relaxation surrounded by nature.

You’ve spent time in Greece’s best cities and along the coast—now it’s time to experience Crete’s inland nature. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll travel to a hidden gorge for a serene hiking adventure, getting to know the island’s wild side. Over 3.5 hours, your local guide highlights the area’s flora and fauna, leading the way along craggy rock formations and to a moment away from it all.

Spend time outdoors and check off more landmarks in western Crete than a walking tour with this guided e-bike adventure. The e-bike, helmet, and lock rental are all included, which saves time organizing your own rentals, and a guide is with you throughout the tour to make sure you don’t get lost. As well as traditional villages, the tour always showcases rugged coastlines and spectacular scenery you'd likely miss otherwise.

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.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

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.

This tour is the ultimate way to go off the beaten path in Crete—without having to do any research or planning. Put your map away and let a guide take you on a nature walk along coastal paths, past olive groves, and through the beautiful Cretan countryside. Along the way, get tips on places you might miss—such as secluded pebble beaches—and have a chance to take a swimming break too.

Explore the great outdoors in Greece with an exciting hiking excursion to Samaria National Park. Embark on a scenic and strenuous 16-kilometer hike starting at the top of the gorge and winding your way down towards the sea. Along the way, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea, and you might even be able to spot rare kri-kri goats and other wildlife within the park. After the tour, enjoy a boat ride from the village of Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakia, where you'll meet your bus to return.

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the Samaria Gorge with a local hiking leader as your guide. From the rich history and vibrant habitation to the fascinating traditions, diverse nature, and even the tantalizing local cuisine, your guide can introduce you to practically everything there is to know about this area. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to get closely acquainted with the Samaria Gorge.

Add an adventure to your Crete vacation that many travelers never experience with this private rock climbing and rappelling tour. Ideal for both first-time and experienced climbers, the adventure centers on Paligremnos, a sheer cliff overlooking Plakias Beach on Crete’s southern coast. Meet your instructor, get full instructions and safety guidelines, and inch your way up before trying rappelling. Savor the views and perhaps choose to finish with a beach swim and drink on the waterfront.

Hit the trails in Crete with this e-bike adventure through the wilderness. Meet your guide for a small-group, half-day mountain biking excursion to the gorges of Margarites and Eleftherna. Pedal along lush green trails flanking the rivers and forests of Milopotamos Valley and the Psiloritis mountain range. Get extra assistance with the battery from an e-bike and cover ground quickly in this unique Cretan terrain.

Discover some of Greece’s incredible natural landscapes on a hiking tour of the Rouvas Gorge from Heraklion. Go where traditional car vehicles can’t and discover secluded waterfalls, forests, and panoramic viewpoints, and explore at a relaxed pace in a group limited to only 16 other trekkers. The three-hour round-trip is ideal for travelers of a moderate fitness level, including a trek through Rouva's Forest near Gergeri.

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.

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.

This private day trip stands out because it respects both the landscape and your time. You travel at your own pace through Crete’s dramatic south, reaching Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we escort you to the waterfalls and provide waterproof phone cases so you can enjoy the experience without worry. No rushing, no crowds—just raw nature handled properly. After the gorge, you choose how the day continues: the river and palm forest of Preveli Beach, or the deep, crystal-clear waters of Kalypso Beach, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. We can then stop for lunch at a local seaside or mountain taverna, enjoying simple, honest Cretan flavors. Cruise-friendly, fully private, and seamlessly planned—this is a full-day experience designed to feel effortless and genuinely memorable.

Maximize time in Crete with a full-day combination guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel and set out on a coach sightseeing tour focused on archaeology and culture. See popular landmarks including the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Dikteon Cave, and the Palace of Knossos. Admire panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau, visit an olive oil factory, and go inside a ceramic workshop to see a potter at work.

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.

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.

The limestone in Therissos Gorge is prized by climbers, so even if you’re a novice, follow your guide to one of their favorite spots and get climbing. Learn the safety advice and gain skills and confidence in rock climbing as you ascend cliff faces chosen for your level and ability. Children aged 11 and above are welcome on this tour.

Ready for a one-of-a-kind hiking challenge? Travel the length of Crete's spectacular, 10-mile (16-kilometer) Samaria Gorge on this full-day, guided tour. Don't worry about navigating transportation options on your own: Round-trip transit from your hotel by vehicle and boat (tickets own expense) makes getting into nature easy. Upon arrival, receive support from your guide as you set off on the hike of a lifetime.