Day Trips from Crete to Heraklion

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this private full-day tour of Crete, including Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau Windmills, and the Cave of Zeus. History enthusiasts will love learning about the island’s ancient history, while nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful views. As this private tour, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of by your English-speaking driver-guide.

Scenic drive along the north coast of Crete Explore the seaside town of Elounda Boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga Stroll through the traditional village of Plaka Private, flexible tour with personalized experiences

Explore the great outdoors without navigating or planning an itinerary on this private full-day tour from Rethimno. Visit the traditional village of Mochos, see a 2,400-year-old Writers’ Plane Tree at Krasi, and visit an ancient cave thought to be Zeus’ birthplace—Dikteon. The tour also reveals views of the Lasithi Plateau and the impressive Knossos Palace.

Enjoy this tour to explore Knossos Palace and Archaeological Museum of Heraklion with a licensed tour guide. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Crete with our exclusive private tour to two of the island's most iconic sites – Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Our Highlights: Knossos Palace: Step into the legendary realm of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization. Explore the labyrinthine corridors and chambers of this ancient palace, where myth and history converge. Learn about the advanced architecture, vibrant frescoes, and intriguing stories that have shaped the narrative of this archaeological marvel. Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Embark on a captivating journey through time at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Witness the masterpieces of Minoan artistry, including the enigmatic Phaistos Disc and the exquisite frescoes from Knossos.

A tour of the Lasithi Plateau can be a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and culture of this region. The Lasithi Plateau is a beautiful and unique area in Crete, Greece, with stunning natural scenery, traditional villages, and ancient history. One of the most popular attractions in the Lasithi Plateau is the Zeus Cave, which is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. The cave is located on the slopes of Mount Dikti and can be accessed by a steep footpath. Inside the cave, visitors can see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a pond. The Lasithi plateau is famous for its iconic windmills, which were once used to grind wheat and other grains. Visitors can see these windmills up close and learn about their history and significance. Overall, a tour of the Lasithi plateau offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Crete.

A tour that includes both the Lasithi Plateau and the Palace of Knossos stands out because it blends nature, culture, history, and authentic Cretan life in one unforgettable day. Here’s what truly makes it unique: Two Completely Different Worlds in One Tour. Knossos Palace offers ancient history, Minoan legends, and archaeology. Lasithi Plateau gives you mountain scenery, traditional villages, fertile farmlands, and real Cretan hospitality. Few tours combine both—making this itinerary richer and more balanced. Deep Cultural Experience, Not Just Sightseeing You don’t only see landmarks—you interact with local life. Village stops, meeting locals, visiting traditional workshops, or tasting products from the plateau add authenticity you can’t get in standard city tours. Stunning Nature and Peaceful Mountain Landscapes After exploring the busy archaeological site of Knossos, the quiet, green and panoramic beauty of Lasithi Plateau provides the perfect contrast.

Visit the valley of the 1000 Windmills and get all the secret information’s of the Cretan people. Visit a traditional mountain village and a typical Cretan family on the way to the Lassithi Plateau, the birthplace of Zeus. On the road there, you learn about the history of the God father and his siblings. You"ll visit the birthplace of Zeus while enjoying the nature surround. We'll finalize the day with a delicious traditional meal with many dishes in one of the best Tavern. We’ll meet villagers and listen to their story's about their life.

Check off Lassithi Plateau and several area highlights all in one day on this convenient tour. Instead of waiting around for taxis or dealing with fussy car rentals, enjoy hassle-free pickup from many areas of northern Crete. Travel in comfort between the sights, including Kera Kardiotissa Monastery and the Cave of Zeus, in an air-conditioned vehicle.

See the top attractions of Heraklion on this full-day city sightseeing tour. Visit the Old Venetian Harbor and Koules and learn about the city’s history under Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian rule; explore Lions Square or visit a museum. Includes option to visit the Cretaquarium or spend time on a beach. The tour includes a live guide, liability insurance, and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi.

Knossos Palace is the most famous site in Crete and a must-visit. This ancient palace was the center of the powerful Minoan civilization, which dominated the Mediterranean. Explore its maze-like corridors, hear the legends of King Minos and the Minotaur, and admire the mural room, royal tombs, and advanced drainage system, all showcasing the brilliance of Minoan engineering. After your visit, head to Patsides village to explore the Minoan Farm. Taste local products, walk through fields of Cretan herbs, and learn about beekeeping while sampling pure Cretan honey, known for its rich flavor and health benefits. Return to Heraklion for a guided city walk, then enjoy free time to shop, relax at a café, or explore cultural highlights like the Archaeological Museum, medieval buildings, or the Koule Fortress with its stunning harbor views. An unforgettable journey through Crete awaits.

In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. You'll see Elounda, a resort that's popular with VIPs, visit Agios Nikolaos, known for its deep lake, and enjoy a barbecue lunch on Kolokithia Beach. Entrance fees and boat ticket (with barbecue) are at your expense.

Combine the highlights of the Lassithi Plateau with Knossos Palace on this full-day sightseeing tour. See the windmills of Lassithi, admire traditional pottery making at Psychro, explore Dictean Cave (said to be the birthplace of Zeus), view the traditional architecture at Tzermiado, and visit the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, before finishing the tour at Knossos Palace.

* Embark on this full day small group Tour or choose the Private Option so we can show you the real side of Crete . * Walk through the narrow streets of the old traditional villages , enjoy an iced coffee , mountain tea …… * Visit an olive oil factory , learn all about olive oil production and taste a few different ones . * Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles. * Taste a glass of Raki and some local wine while learning about local traditions, history, mythology and culture. * Visit The picturesque village of Krasi and the monumental Platanus tree . * Visit the Cave of Zeus , explore Lasithii Plateau, the Old Wind Mills and enjoy amazing views from the mountains. * Tasting a few local dishes is a must while in Crete .( OPTIONAL) * Experience the Greek Hospitality and create memories that will last a life time. * Pick up and drop off from your hotel or Heraklion cruise port .

Escape the hustle and bustle of northern rete and discover the small villages of South Crete on this full-day excursion from Heraklion. With a private guide, drive away from the busy streets and towards olive orchards to Matala. Visit the caves, purchase lunch in the village, soak up the sun on the beach, and visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting.

Visit a olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production and we get to taste different kind of olive oil . Visit the village of Mochos and Krasi and walk through the old narrow streets, Enjoy a coffee at the main square. Visit the Cave of Zeus ( OPTIONAL) Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths. Visit a family pottery workshop ( OPTIONAL) Stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to taste a few local dishes ( OPTIONAL) Dive into the Minoan civilization while exploring Knossos Palace .( OPTIONAL) Experience the Greek Myth with us and create memories that will last for ever. We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs so just let us know. We can pick you up from Heraklion port and Region . From Agios Nikolaos Port and Region, From Elounda , From Rethimno Region we can pick you up only if you book the PRIVATE OPTION.

See a side of Crete that many tourists miss with this private full-day tour to places off the tourist map. Head away from the island’s busy beaches to discover the real Crete, visiting an olive oil producer, traditional wind mills, and sleepy inland villages. The Cave of Zeus is open except on Tuesdays. You have the option to enjoy a local lunch.

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, visit a Minoan farm in Patsides. End the tour with a guided walk around central Heraklion and free time to explore on your own.

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort At around 10:30, you will get on board to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Then, you take the boat at around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello bay. Spinalonga's history is complex. It was a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. You depart from Spinalonga at appr. 14:45 p.m. Transfer from/to port is not included.Clients go with get your guide code to the boat they don't need to have confirmation

Discover the wild and traditional side of Crete on a full-day tour from Rethymnon. Visit the picturesque village of Agia Galini, the world-famous Matala, and the traditional village of Spili. Start your tour heading south through wild traditional Crete, bringing you to your first stop at the picturesque village of Agia Galini. Spend 1.5 hours here to enjoy a coffee and walk around the alleys of the village. Next, head to Matala, world-famous for its impressive neolithic caves along the bay that used to be shelter for the hippie commune during the 70s. Enjoy 3 hours of free time to swim and relax at the sandy beach. At the Botanic Garden beautiful four-acre medicinal herb gardens, especially in spring and summer. When you enter the garden gate,you will find yourself immersed in a peaceful and magical garden, filled with aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. Finally, on your way back, make a small break at the traditional village of Spili with its well-known lion-head fountains.

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on our 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

Absorb Minoan treasures and breathtaking views, hidden among olive groves on this self-guided driving tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive drive from Malia to Agios Nikolaos. The northwest part of Crete’s Lassithi Province is known for its unique landscape, bordering one of Europe’s most beautiful bays, Mirabello Bay. On this scenic driving tour, you’ll discover Spinalonga island and the village of Milatos, parts of Crete that were heavily influenced by years of Ottoman occupation. This four-hour tour departs from Malia Palace Archaeological Site, where I’ll tell you about its history, dating back to the Bronze Age. From there, you’ll drive through several traditional Cretan villages while gaining insight into local customs. I’ll tell you how the Cretan government banished Mesquinis (lepers) to Spinalonga island, transforming it into a leper colony. In Agios Nikolaos, you can enjoy a delicious drink at Lake Voulismeni in the centre of the city.

Private Tour and Skip the line ticket. Step beyond the surface of Crete’s capital and discover the stories that have shaped a civilization. For locals, Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion are not just historical sites — they are living proof of a legacy that helped influence the world. On this tour, you'll not only explore world-famous ruins, but also experience the heart of Cretan culture through its food. Every dish tells a story — a blend of history, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality. When a Cretan shares a meal, they are sharing a part of their soul. This tour isn’t just about seeing the sights — it’s about forging genuine connections and experiencing Crete the way locals live it.. Entrance fees are included. Transportation from the listed Heraklion city Hotels and Heraklion port are included. ( If your pickup location is not listed... we can still transfer you but we apply extra fees)

We will go to the largest plateau of Crete – Lasithi Plateau. It is called the valley of thousands of mills, the birthplace of Zeus. Our path will go to the east of the island. This picturesque plateau will amaze us with its magnificence. Today it is the largest agricultural center. Local citizens are actively engaged in growing: Vegetables, Apples, Cereal crops. The plateau attracts tourists with its picturesque landscapes and Original culture. Windmills It is one of the most prominent highlights of Lasithi. Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa. We will come over to the monastery of Kera –a convent founded in the medieval period. It gained great popularity due to the miraculous icon of God’s Mother. Zeus Cave On one of the slopes of Dikti, we will visit the famous Zeus Cave. According to one of the legends, it was here that the greatest god was born. Ceramics Center We cannot only communicate with the masters but also learn the secrets of making crafts and watch the work of the potters.