Day Trips from Crete to Chania

A little over an hour from Heraklion, Rethymno (also written Rethimno or Rethymnon) delivers the rugged landscapes most associate with Crete. Experience it without the self-drive stress on this private tour with onboard Wi-Fi. Besides Rethymnon Old Town, see Arkadi Monastery, the ruins of Eleftherna (Eleutherna), Argyroupoli's waterfalls, Lake Kournas, St. Anthony Gorge, and the ceramic village of Margarites. Entrance fees and any guiding services are at your own expense.

Spend a day seeing the inland sights around Rethymno with a private guide, and discover a side of Crete beyond its beloved beaches. You'll visit some of the smaller island villages and a monastery as well as natural landmarks like St. Anthony Gorge and Preveli Beach on a route that can be customized as you like.

With its pink-tinted sands, rolling dunes, and protected nature reserve, Elafonisi Beach is one of Europe's finest beaches. Skip the self-drive stresses and spend the 3.5-hour drive enjoying the views or catching up on Wi-Fi when you book this private door-to-door tour. Your package includes snacks and bottled water; optional stops include unspoiled Kedrodasos Beach, photogenic Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, perched on a cliff beside the ocean, and a village taverna.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in our private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 10:00-15:00 ( 5 hour duration ) in the morning from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks , water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in your private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 15:30-20:30 (5 hour duration) in the afternoon from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks, water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania. A unique experience with a powerful luxury speedboat. Quench your thirst along the way with the included beers, soft drinks, and water. Make a splash in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon.

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in our private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 10:00-15:00 ( 5 hour duration ) in the afternoon from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks , water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania.

Starting the trip our ride to Balos will last 30min. We will stop at the turquoise waters spending as much time as you want. The wild nature beauty and beautiful exotic scenery will enchant you. The sea is vey shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color because of millions of crushed shells. Come back on board for a cold drink, our staff always willing to assist you. Gramvousa island stands just across. Our next stop is going to be just across is Gramvousa, famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which still stands at a height of 137m, over the beach. The fort had also been used by pirates, one legend tells that there is a great treasure buried in the island.The view from there is stunning. Also the old wreck that was abandoned many years ago near the beach, has become an characteristic part of the landscape. On our way back to Falassarna we will make some stops to catch the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen.

Reaching Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island from Falassarna usually means a slow ferry—this speedboat cruise gets you to both in a fraction of the time. Spend 1.5 hours enjoying the lagoon’s shallow turquoise water and pink-tinged sand, before heading to Gramvousa, where a Venetian fortress and panoramic views of the Cretan Sea await during a 2-hour visit.

Combine two stunning destinations of Chania in a day cruise on your own convenience. Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island departing from Kissamos Port with a private speedboat and swim to the magical waters of Balos Lagoon. You may also spend time in Gramvousa island and visit the Venetian Castle which stands at a height of 137m with a breathtaking view. Fresh cold drinks are included and snacks.

Combine the best of a guided tour with independent travel on this full-day tour to Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymnon from the northeastern coast of Crete. Learn more about Chania and Rethymnon on a guided tour, then enjoy time to explore on your own. At Lake Kournas, enjoy included lunch items and a walk around the lake to take in the scenic views.

Discover the heart of Crete on this cultural day trip. Start with a visit to Melidoni Cave, a place of natural wonder and historical significance—enjoy 1 hour to explore its impressive chambers. Continue to the traditional village of Margarites, known for its handmade pottery and charming streets. Spend 2 hours wandering the village, visiting workshops, or relaxing in a local café. End your tour at the historic Arkadi Monastery, a national symbol of Cretan resistance. Spend 1 hour exploring its stunning architecture, peaceful courtyards, and powerful history. A perfect mix of nature, culture, and heritage!

If you like to explore independently but would prefer not to risk self-driving Cretan roads or doing battle for parking in Chania, this trip with hotel transfers is perfect for you. As you travel from Rethymno to Chania, your tour leader will clue you in on the city’s history and explain everything there is to see. You have half a day to explore independently before returning to your hotel.

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this full-day group tour of Crete. You’ll visit a range of cultural, historic, and natural highlights, to suit everyone’s needs. Wander through the cobbled streets of the traditional village of Spili, visiting the Folk Museum if you like. Admire the natural amphitheater of Agia Galini, and spend several hours relaxing and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand of Matala Beach.

Suitable for those looking to venture off the beaten path in Crete, this tour starts at a local oil mill where you can watch how Crete's renowned olive oil is made. Embark on a journey through Crete, making a stop at the waterfalls of Argyroupolis, which bring life to the lush vegetation surrounding the village. Conclude your tour with a refreshing swim and indulge in Cretan delicacies at the charming taverns situated around the lake.

Your private escort-driver will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable off-road vehicle for an exciting sightseeing tour through North-Western Crete lasting approximately 1.5hours. Enjoy panoramic views and hear local stories as you travel. After passing Kissamos, you’ll take an off-road route along Gramvousa Peninsula, reaching a spot above Balos Lagoon. From there, a 30-40 minute hike down the mountainside leads you to the stunning Balos Lagoon. Spend two-three hours relaxing on the white sandy beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and exploring the area. The return hike offers plenty of chances for incredible photos of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. This private tour combines off-road adventure with breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable experience.

Treat your senses to the ancient flavors of Crete on a wine tour from Chania. Travel through the mountains of the Kissamos region and traditional Cretan villages to reach two family-run wineries, where you’ll taste regional wines and olive oils. You'll also stand before one of the world’s oldest olive trees on this relaxed wine tour of northwestern Crete.

We are locals and we know the area a lot better about history, culture and we are well worth carrying on so that visitors can get a better idea of the Real-life of Crete

Discover the finest sands of Crete with the help of a local private guide. Ideal if you don't have your own transport, this private day trip helps you get to the must-visit beaches without any fuss. Book for a group of up to 12 people, then travel to Falassarna and Elafonissi beaches where shallow waters and pink sands await. You'll also visit Vouves, home to one of the world's oldest olive trees.

Visit three places in one day on this private tour which explores Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and Rethymno city. This is a private tour for you and your group, so no need to stick to a rigid schedule. You’ll have lunch and cold drinks provided, so you don’t need to bring these yourself. Just enjoy your day out with return transfers to Chania.

Experience the best of Crete’s flavors, culture, and history on this half-day shore excursion designed for cruise passengers. Begin at a traditional olive oil mill where you’ll learn how extra virgin olive oil is produced and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning local oils. Continue to a family-run winery set in the scenic Cretan hills, where you’ll tour the estate and sample a selection of regional wines. End your journey in Chania’s Old Town, strolling through its charming narrow streets, boutique shops, and cafés. Take in the stunning Venetian Harbor and its iconic lighthouse while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Crete’s most beautiful coastal towns. With comfortable transport and knowledgeable local guides throughout, this tour offers a perfect blend of taste, tradition, and sightseeing—all carefully timed for your cruise schedule.

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.

Avoid the hassle of arranging transport and planning multiple stops across Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula on your own. This private half-day tour with hotel pickup makes it easy to experience the region’s highlights in one smooth journey from Chania. Visit the historic Agia Triada Monastery surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, relax at Stavros Beach’s calm waters, and take in sweeping views over Chania Bay from the Venizelos Graves. With onboard Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a snack included, everything is taken care of for a relaxed, scenic escape.

Elafonissi Beach frequently appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches because of its stunning pink colored sand and aquamarine water. Avoid the hassle of figuring out local public transport schedules and travel on with ease on an air-conditioned bus. Along the way, see pretty traditional villages—such as Elos and have plenty of time to relax and unwind at the beach.

Imbros gorge is the second most popular gorge in Crete.Its an easy hiking experience and the ideal tour to enjoy nature .The picturesque gorge has many parts such as "Stenada" and "Mesofarango" which are of unique beauty and the rock formations are incredible . The walk takes mostly 3 hours during which you enjoy the flora and fauna of this place . Its narrowest point is only 1.60m, where it is easy to touch both sides of the walls which rise to 300m.The hike ends almost at the Libyan see where you will also enjoy free time for a swim in the crystal clear waters or lunch in typical tavernas.