Day Trips from Crete to Heraklion

The ancient harbor town of Falasarna lies within easy reach of Rethymno, but organizing transportation to reach it independently can be a challenge. On this tour, enjoy round-trip travel from your hotel in Rethymno or surrounds, and reach Falasarna with ease by air-conditioned coach. Enjoy four hours of free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the ancient sites, and soak up the rays at your leisure.

*** ZEUS CAVE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON 2026 *** This is not just a sightseeing trip—it’s a journey into the quiet, authentic heart of Crete. We don’t follow the crowds. Instead, we guide you through mountain villages, sacred caves, peaceful monasteries, and working olive mills that still do things the old-fashioned way. You’ll travel in comfort with a local guide who knows the backroads and the stories behind every stop. From the taste of fresh olive oil to the shade of a 2,000-year-old tree, every moment is real and unhurried. It’s a tour designed for those who want to see **how Crete truly lives and breathes**—beyond the postcards and into its living soul.

See central Crete’s religious, mythological, and archaeological highlights in a single shared tour. Visit Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, the windmill-dotted Lassithi Plateau, and a traditional pottery workshop before exploring the Greek Mythology Park with wine and olive-oil tasting. At the Palace of Knossos, a guided visit introduces the 5,000-year-old Minoan civilization, legendary labyrinth, and Minotaur. The itinerary includes views over the Pediada Plain and time for an optional lunch in a traditional village tavern.

Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small-group tour. You'll bump down dirt tracks, bounce over potholes and drive through blink-and-you-miss-them villages. Plus, you'll tick off plenty of must-sees on the way. Your driver actually doubles up as a guide, giving you the insider's track on Crete's hidden gems as you go.

On this excursion you will visit the oldest monastery in Crete, the historic Arkadi Monastery, which played a major role in the liberation of the island from the Turks. We continue to the village of Margarites, one of the largest pottery centers in Greece. There you will have the opportunity to admire the handmade ceramics and learn the secrets of pottery and tradition. Don't forget to taste the local Cretan cuisine in the picturesque town of Rethymnon, overlooking the beach.

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!

Explore the delights of the Knossos Heraklion Museum and learn where European civilization began during an easy day tour. After hotel pickup in an air-conditioned coach, explore the museum at your own pace, learning about the importance of the Minoan collection and much more. Also take a guided walk of Heraklion, where you can stop for lunch (own expense) or souvenir shopping.

The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full day tour, which also takes in two coastal towns on Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our guides, says, 'You'll visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You'll try some typical Cretan food in a taverna, too.' Spinalonga has been many things throughout its existence, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman town. It was even a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

Embark on an adventure through the famous Cretaquarium and the port city of Heraklion Learn about the history of the city + discover the Open Market and the shopping mile and stroll around the harbor Explore the sights in Heraklion with this bus tour from selected areas of Crete. Discover sights like Liberty Square and Koules Fortress on a sightseeing tour combined with a visit at the Cretaquarium. This is created for families and explorers. Start with a visit at the famous Cretaquarium where you can purchase a ticket to skip the line to view various Mediterranean species, including sharks, tuna and sea turtles. Don't miss the absolute highlight of the Cretaquarium, the Jelly fishes. It's for every human kind an attraction itself, to meet all species of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian influences on the city. Admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor and the Venetian Walls that surround the old city.

Take a tour of Knossos Palace - one of the most important sites in European civilization. Skip the crowds with fast-track access to see the throne room, Labyrinth and more. Explore the history-steeped streets of Heraklion on a guided walk of its highlights. Shop for souvenirs and local produce in the atmospheric open-air market, Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Crete and its people.

This tour starts heading south through wild traditional Crete, bringing us to our first stop at the picturesque village of Agia Galini. There we have 1,5 hours for a coffee and a walk around the alleys of the village. Our next stop will be Matala, world-famous for its impressive neolithic caves along the bay, that used to be shelter for the hippie-commune in the 70’s. Three hours free time is enough as well to swim and relax at the sandy beach of this place. On our way back we have a foto-stop at an interesting village of Spili with its well known lion-head fountains. A little bit afterwards we make a one-hour break at a botanical garden. You can stroll around or chill out at a cafe there.

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.

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.

An adventure filled excursion for those who love the unspoiled nature and the wild landscape of Elafonissi which is considered to be a living paradise on Earth. Our day starts early in the morning when the bus will pick us up from your hotel and after a beautiful drive, passing from picturesque villages that emerge through the green mountains, we will reach the area of Elafonissi. The beautiful sandy beaches fringed with pink coral sand and the crystal clear waters of the sea and the lagoon, will make you feel like being in heaven. Wade through the knee deep water of the lagoon (sometimes the channel closes and you can walk all the way without having to get your feet wet) and head to the island. There are many small beaches on the South side and the further you walk the quieter it gets. The water is generally quite shallow and safe for children. After a 5-hour stay in Elafonissi, our comfortable bus will return us back to the hotel, late in the afternoon.

Discover Crete’s timeless beauty and history with our self-guided tour, designed so you can explore at your own pace. Start in Heraklion at Lions Square, the city’s center, then visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see Minoan treasures. Step into myth at Knossos Palace, where frescoes and ruins evoke Crete’s ancient civilization, before sampling local wines in the colorful village of Archanes. Take a boat to Dia Island for swimming and snorkeling, then head to the Lasithi Plateau, a landscape of windmills and mountain villages. Descend into the legendary Cave of Zeus and sail from Elounda to Spinalonga Island to explore its fortress and unique history. Relax on Matala Beach, famed for its golden sand and caves, and stroll through peaceful Pitsidia. Discover the ancient sites of Phaistos and Gortyna, then head to Chania’s old town, Venetian harbor, and the Egyptian Lighthouse. Finish your journey at Elafonissi’s pink sands, Balos Lagoon, and the tranquil village of Loutro.

Lasithi Plateau is one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. Here you can visit the Dictean Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth the father of the Greek ancient Gods, Zeus, was born. The next stop will be the famous village of Psychro, well known for its handmade ceramics. Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty. Our last stop is monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. 10:15 Arrival in Dicteon Cave 11:45 Departure from Cave 12:20 Departure frpm Psychro - ceramics 12:40 Arrival in Tzermiado – Time for lunch 13:40 Departure from Tzermiado 14:00 Arrival in Monastery of Kera 14:30 Departure from Monastery 16:00 Arrival Heraklion

Embark on a captivating tour starting from Heraklion and Elounda, discovering the enchanting landscapes of Crete. The journey begins at Rihtis waterfalls, a mesmerizing display of cascading waters amidst lush greenery. Continue to the seaside allure of Mochlos village, where the Aegean Sea invites you to relax and savor Cretan cuisine during a leisurely lunch break. Explore the historical Azoria and marvel at the Ancient Olive Tree at Kavousi, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage. As the day unfolds, find serenity at Voulisma beach, a paradise for music enthusiasts. Let rhythmic beats and tranquil shores create a perfect harmony, offering a soothing end to your day of exploration. This thoughtfully curated tour seamlessly blends nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the captivating landscapes of Crete. Embrace the magic of each moment, creating cherished memories in this picturesque Greek paradise.

This experience offers a different side of Crete, away from the busy tourist routes and into the island’s authentic heart. From the historic Arkadi Monastery to the traditional village of Margarites and the fascinating Melidoni Cave, each stop reveals a different part of Crete’s history, culture and way of life. What makes this tour special is the combination of history, traditional villages, local culture and natural beauty in one carefully designed experience. You will have time to explore, discover local stories and experience places that are deeply connected to the identity of Crete. It is more than a sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity to experience the real Crete, with its traditions, landscapes, stories and people, while travelling comfortably from Rethymno in a private and relaxed setting.

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.

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.

The Tour starts by driving along the Northern coast of the island were we will visit the 12th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, 1km from the village of Kritsa. We continue our tour driving through the beautiful coastal road and village of Elounda. One of them is the sea-front village of Plaka where we will board the boat to take us on the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will guide us through the ruins of what used to be a leper colony from 1903 to 1957 where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economic support. After our visit to Spinalonga, you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Plaka and optional lunch. After we will visit Agios Nikolaos town, the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants.

Begin your journey at the Palace of Knossos, where Minoan myths and legends come to life. Explore the vibrant frescoes, the Throne Room, and the grand Central Court. Continue to a local winery nestled in the Cretan countryside, tasting exquisite wines from indigenous grapes like Vilana and Kotsifali. Learn about Crete’s olive oil production and sample premium extra virgin olive oil. End your day with a hearty meal at a traditional tavern, savoring local dishes, wine, and the warm Cretan hospitality.

This leisurely excursion offers a mix of activities. Visit the Minoan settlement of Gournia to learn about the settlement's history, visit a 3,200-year-old olive tree, and enjoy a sunset dinner at a taverna on the water's edge. Special diets can be be accommodated and since it's just you, the tour has some flexibility. This is a great outing for couples looking for an unforgettable date night.

Discover the essence of Crete with our immersive tour, where every moment is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Start your day at Amazonas Park, where exotic wildlife awaits amidst lush surroundings. Then, wander through Kritsa Village's charming streets, sampling local delights and soaking in the culture. Relax on the pristine sands of Voulisma Beach before exploring the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Dive into the azure waters of Elounda Beach, and unwind at Plaka Beach's scenic shores. Round off your journey with a visit to Spinalonga's historic island, steeped in fascinating tales. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Crete's beauty and history. Book your experience now!