Day Trips from Greece to Crete

Swap Rethymno for a trip to one of Crete’s most beautiful cities—and make your sightseeing flexible and hassle-free—with this round-trip transfer service to Chania. Following pickup straight from your accommodation, enjoy a comfortable trip to the western city. Enjoy having the freedom of independent exploration time once you arrive, and opt to visit sights from the Venetian Harbor and Turkish Quarter to many historic churches and museums.

Explore Santorini in just one day on this full-day tour from Crete. Travel by high-speed ferry from Heraklion to the famous volcanic island, then continue by bus to the towns of Oia and Fira, with commentary from your guide about Santorini and its history. Enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to Crete.

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.

Discover scenic villages and dramatic gorges on this fully customizable tour of the Rethymno region. A typical day might begin with Spili village, the Kortialotiko Gorge and the Church of St. Nicholas of Kortialoti. Next, head to the Holy Monastery of Preveli and Preveli Beach with its natural palm forest. Finally, explore Rethymno’s Venetian old town. Your package covers door-to-door private guided transfers: meals and tickets are at your expense.

Check out Crete’s western sites on this day trip from Heraklion with your own private guide. You’ll explore with your own private guide, visiting picturesque villages such as Spili and Plakias, checking out sites like the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the Holy Monastery of Preveli, and admiring Ottoman and Venetian architecture of Rethymno and Chania. Extra perks include coffee, and a hotel and raki liqueur tasting.

Explore the best of western Crete on this carefully designed Chania shore excursion, ideal for cruise passengers. Your experience begins with easy pickup from the dock, followed by a visit to Agia Triada Monastery. Walk the peaceful grounds, enter the church, admire its architecture, and learn about Cretan heritage and traditions. Next, continue to Stavros Beach, a scenic bay framed by mountains and known as a filming location for Zorba the Greek. Enjoy free time to relax by the sea and take in the views. The 6-hour excursion also includes a guided walk through Chania Old Town and the Old Venetian Harbor, followed by free time to explore independently. The tour includes: Guided shore excursion with port pickup and return to the ship Itinerary designed to fit cruise schedules Comfortable transportation and guided sightseeing Enjoy a balanced excursion combining history, scenery, and free time.

Travel south through Crete’s scenic mountains on a full-day tour that combines scenic and historical highlights. Stops include St. Anthony Gorge (Gorge of Patsos), Kourtaliotiko Gorge, the Spili botanical garden, and beautiful Plakias Beach, where you’ll have time to swim and relax. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and travel in a climate-controlled vehicle for comfort while exploring a quieter, less-visited region of Crete.

One of the most interesting travel destinations in the attractive central Macedonia . Old neighbourhoods, exquisitely beautiful groves and fine wines. Naoussa is a city with history, interesting sights, special flavours, but also home to celebrated vineyards and wineries, making fine wines. One of the most interesting travel destinations in the already attractive central Macedonia region, gaining it the title “land of Xinomavro”. Nowadays, apart from the Xinomavro, the varieties Negoska, Naousseiko, Sefka, Prekniariko, as well as so-called Local Wines of Imathia are also grown in the area. Younger winemakers are also entering the field, slowly reviving the Naoussa wine-growing zone, which has been registered as a Protected Designation of Origin Zone. Xinomavro, of course, is still the finest red variety in northern Greece, making Naoussa one of the most famous wine-producing areas in all of Macedonia. It also retains the OPAP (Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality) designation.

Visit two legendary areas of Crete on this full-day tour from Rethymnon. Spend 3-4 hours of free time exploring the picturesque alleys and Municipal Market in Chania, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Then, spend about 2 hours of free time exploring Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, located in Mabamba.

Explore the ancient wonders of Crete on this 9-hour tour featuring the legendary palace of Knossos, where the Minoan civilization flourished. Stroll through the ruins of the palace, immersing yourself in the history of King Minos and his court. Visit the renowned Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, showcasing invaluable artifacts from ancient times. Conclude your day with free time in Heraklion, perfect for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. This family-friendly excursion is guided in multiple languages for a richer experience. - 9-hour guided tour exploring Knossos and Heraklion - Multilingual guide providing insights into Crete's history - Free time in Heraklion for food and shopping - Transportation via bus or mini bus with minimal stops

Escape to Elafonisi’s pink sand beach from Chania. Swim in crystal-clear waters, visit the traditional village of Elos, and enjoy complimentary use of a beach umbrella (one per booking, upon request).

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.

This is going to be a very busy day but very interesting. This tour is suitable for visitors from the cruise ships also. It is a private tour and you can decide, where to stop and how much time to spend on each place. With the help of the Experienced Licensed Professional Tourist Guide, who will be with you in the whole tour, you get in touch with the Cretan History, the famous Cretan Hospitality, the Cretan Culture and the Cretan Cuisine. First stop is at the Palace of Knossos. Then you will visit an olive mill where you can have the experience of tasting the Cretan olive oil. Driving through the vineyards and the olive groves we will go to a pottery shop. Next stop is at a winery, where you can taste some of the best organic wines on Crete. Finally in the picturesque village of Archanes, you can enjoy a Greek coffee at a traditional kafeneion or a traditional Cretan meal at a very nice taverna. In this tour you experience many aspects of Crete , so you will look forward to come back

Relax on the paradise-like island of Elafonisi on this family-friendly day trip. Admire western Crete’s hills and traditional villages on a drive to the southwest coast, and stop for coffee at the Cave of Agia Sofia. Then, spend the afternoon on the idyllic protected islet of Elafonisi, enjoying its pink sands and clear seas. Includes round-trip transport plus select hotel pickup and drop-off.

Your journey begins in the beautiful island of Crete, as you board our high-speed vessel for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to the mesmerizing Santorini. Upon arrival at the Athinios port in Santorini, you'll be welcomed by a relaxing, air-conditioned bus that will take you on a picturesque tour of the island. First, you'll visit the charming village of Oia, located at the northern tip of Santorini. This quaint village is built on the rim of the Caldera and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. As you explore this picturesque location, you'll be captivated by the houses nestled along the volcanic rock hillside, creating a stunning visual experience. Next, you'll head to Fira, the vibrant capital of Santorini, also known as "chora." Here, you'll have ample free time to stroll through the charming alleys, admire the unique Aegean architecture, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning view of the island's capital.

Experience a night dedicated to music, dancing, and tasty local food during this Cretan folklore night in Karouzana, a traditional village near Heraklion. Sip on wine and taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, and meat during a buffet meal. Reaching the ancient village after pickup, walk through this magnificent place and experience the locals’ hospitality. At dusk, enjoy a traditional feast. Taste delicious dishes with cheese, virgin olive oil, meat, and other products of Cretan soil. Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan Lyra (Greek musical instrument), and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. Have a good time while still feeling safe: eating and drinking will be individual and sterile as required by law and waiters will wear masks and gloves. The seats and the tables will also have the appropriate spacing in accordance with legal requirements.<

This is a private tour. Experience Crete from a unique perspective on this all-day Land Rover safari, combining mythology, culture, and authentic local flavors. Begin with a hotel pick-up in Heraklion and enjoy a scenic off-road drive through the eastern slopes of Psiloritis, Livadi Plateau, and Nida Plateau, with stunning mountain views along the way. Visit the legendary Idaion Andron cave, where Zeus was rased, and explore the resilient mountain village of Anogia with a traditional Greek coffee. The highlight is a hands-on cheese-making class at Psiloritis Shalet, tasting fresh local dairy and regional delicacies. The day concludes with a comfortable return, leaving you with lasting memories of Crete’s landscapes, traditions, and myths.

Immerse yourself in authentic Crete on a guided tour from Rethymno. Discover Melidoni Cave, Margarites Village, and the Arkadi Monastery, and discover how traditional handmade pottery is made. Explore the northeastern part of Crete on a guided half-day trip from Rethymno. Encounter sights like the Fragma Potamon Dam as you soak up the local atmosphere. Climb onboard the bus and start your trip by heading east to your first stop at iconic Melidoni Cave. Visit the fascinating site and perhaps enjoy a coffee (own expense) while admiring a magnificent view of the valley of Melidoni village. Then, move south to Margarites village and make a stop at a pottery workshop. Have the opportunity to observe how traditional handmade pottery is made. Next, move on to the famous Arkadi Monastery, where you have time for coffee or lunch (own expense). Finally, stop at a vantage point with a magnificent view of the well-known Fragma Potamon Dam for photos. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Discover the magic of Elafonisi Beach on a guided day trip! Enjoy pickup from select hotels in Kolimbari and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Relax on the journey through lush landscapes, impressive gorges, and traditional villages. Our guide will provide you with insights about Crete and the stunning Elafonisi Beach. Upon arrival, walk along the pink and white sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or unwind by the turquoise sea. Explore the sand dunes that are home to the protected caretta-caretta turtles. After 4 hours of relaxation, savor authentic Cretan cuisine in the charming village of Elos. Your return is scheduled around 17:30, to the pickup point. A day filled with breathtaking views, delicious flavors, and unforgettable experiences!Enjoy a unique trip to Elafonisi!

The soul of Crete lies within its rugged interior, in villages and landscapes that can only be reached by 4WD. Skip the drama of rough roads and the hassle of itinerary planning and enjoy this thrilling adventure that takes in villages, the Sfendoni Cave, and Psiloritis Mountain, Crete’s highest peak. Tickets for attractions are at your own expense, but your day includes an authentic Cretan lunch with wine and water.

This private half-day experience blends Crete’s most beautiful beach with an authentic taste of local life. Travel door-to-door from Chania in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with your dedicated English-speaking driver and an easy, flexible schedule. Unwind at award-winning Falassarna—turquoise waters, wide golden-pink sands, plenty of space for a relaxing swim—while we provide beach gear so you travel light. Then visit a family-run farm for a guided tasting of extra-virgin olive oils and pure Cretan honey with local bites, learning how these treasures are made. Admissions for the tasting are included, there are no forced shopping stops, and timing works perfectly for families and cruise passengers alike. Optional seaside lunch and extra photo stops can be added on request—enjoy a smooth, comfortable day that feels truly personal.

Lace up your hiking boots for a guided walk through the Samaria Gorge National Park. With a guide, discover the trails that might be difficult to find alone, taking in the landscapes around the Tara River en route. It’s a long hike, with roughly six hours of walking time, but the route provides some of the most beautiful nature on Crete. Round-trip transport from Heraklion is included.

Join us on a relaxing boat cruise to the stunning coastal areas of Elounda and the historic island of Spinalonga. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing while sailing around the famous “lepers’ island,” admiring its beauty from a unique perspective. We also visit the legendary Pirate Barbarossa Cave, where he once sought refuge before conquering the island. Next, we stop at the beautiful Kolokytha Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and natural scenery. There, our crew prepares a delicious BBQ lunch including two pork souvlaki skewers and grilled bread, served with raki, fresh fruits, a glass of orange juice, or a glass of local wine, accompanied by music and dancing. Finally, we head to Skistra Beach for more swimming and relaxation in a peaceful spot rarely visited by crowds. Our friendly crew promises an unforgettable mini cruise that will be a highlight of your holiday.

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.