Day Trips from Greece to Crete

This cruise has everything – great scenery, beach time and a helping of medieval history. Everything starts at Kastelli on Crete's northwest coast, where a boat awaits to carry you across Kissamos bay to the Gramvousa peninsula and isles. And to round off the trip, you'll spend a few hours at the beautiful Balos lagoon. You'll sail past steep cliffs and caves before docking at Imeri Gramvousa isle – ‘Imeri' means ‘Tame'. Once a pirate hideout, this massive chunk of rock is crowned by a half-ruined Venetian fort. Here, you can stay sunbathing on deck, take a swim or trek up to the castle to drink in the views. Next, your boat will make its way back to Tigani on the peninsula. Lapped by the fluorescent turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon, it's a beach that looks like something from the Caribbean. Laze on the white sands, take snaps of the views or splash about in the warm water – it's really shallow and stays knee-deep for a long way out.

Join us on a journey through history and nature! Meet your tour leader at Cretan Spiti Travel terminal in front of Hari’s Creperie, at 08:30, or at the Heraklion Port at 09:00 for cruise ship guests. Our first stop is the archaeological site of Phaistos, a key city of the Minoan civilization. You'll have 45 minutes of free time to explore and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. Next, we head to the village of Matala, with its golden sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and the famous caves carved into the cliffs. Spend 1 hour 45 minutes swimming, relaxing, or strolling through village’s colorful streets, full of history and character. At 13:45, we arrive in the village of Zaros, known for its fresh spring water and natural beauty. Here, you’ll have 2 hours to enjoy an optional lunch of local specialties, take a walk by Lake Votomos, and visit the traditional watermills that mark the area’s heritage. We return to Heraklion, arriving at the meeting point by 17:00.

See more of Crete on your vacation, and take a tour of island’s southern stretches with a private guide. Perfect if you have a day free but no transport, this excursion takes you through the Messara valley to visit the archaeological site of Gortyn and two Orthodox monasteries — sites that would be tricky to find alone. Time for swimming at Matala Beach and a coastal dinner complete the experience.

Begin your winter day trip with a visit to the Arkadi Monastery, one of the most important historical sites in Crete. This sacred place is a symbol of freedom and faith, famous for its role in Cretan history. Walk around the peaceful courtyard, admire the beautiful church, and feel the calm and inspiring atmosphere that surrounds the monastery. After the visit, continue to Rethymno, one of the most picturesque towns in Crete. Enjoy about three hours of free time in the old town, where every street has a story to tell. Wander through the narrow alleys, explore the Venetian harbor, and admire the charming old buildings and small local shops. You can also relax in a cozy café, taste Cretan sweets, or enjoy a warm meal in a seaside restaurant. Even in winter, Rethymno is full of color, life, and friendly people. This half-day small-group tour is a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxation — a simple and comfortable way to discover the real Crete during the peaceful winter months.

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.

Explore Chania and Kournas Lake without handling the logistics on this full-day guided tour from Rethymno. Stroll Chania's Venetian alleys with a professional guide. Afterward, head to Kournas Lake, where you can enjoy lunch at a taverna (own expense), admire the scenic views, and look for wildlife in the wetlands.

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!

Get outside and admire the beauty of Crete by going on this action-packed day trip to Imbros Gorge and the Libyan Sea. Take the stress out of organizing transport, and benefit from the convenience of having Rethymno area hotel pickup and drop-off included. Enjoy a guided hike that passes many stunning rock formations, narrow passages, and scenic viewpoints.

Up to the south-westernmost point of the island, in one of the most spectacular and unexpected locations on the island is where we will spend the day. Elafonisi is a place of exceptional natural beauty, something between an island and a peninsula, as you have to walk through the sea to reach it. Once occupied by pirates, today it is a very popular destination for day trippers who flood there to faraway lagoon, whilst having a Mediterranean holiday. Elafonisi is a paradise on earth – a heaven of unparalleled beauty. It is covered with sand dunes, low trees, bushes, sand lilies and junipers. You can get there on foot from the beach by passing through shallow aquamarine and turquoise waters. The white and pink sand made of thousands of broken seashells, the limpid blue-green waters, the little coves and the secluded tiny beaches remind the travelers of a paradise lost. Take a swim in the warm tropical waters and relax under the hot summer sun!

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.

Discover a small picturesque fishing village in southwestern Crete on a full-day guided tour. Explore Loutro village either on foot from short walking trails or by boat. Travel to Skafia and start with the beach in Marmara either by walking for 2 hours or by taxi boat.

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Samariá Gorge and journey to Agia Roumeli by boat. Hike among the rich flora and fauna of Europe's longest gorge, looking for wildlife like the "kri-kri" goat along the way. Swim in the clear waters and more.

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.

Discover the pink-sand beach and lagoon at Elafonisi on a full-day excursion from Rethymno that includes a tour of Agia Sofia Cave (Topolia). Prebooking round-trip transport between Rethymno and Elafonisi takes care of the day’s planning, leaving you free to swim, explore the beautiful beach, and soak up views of the coastal mountains from the shore.

Traverse scenic routes like Faros Armenistis light House , Panormos, and Agios Sostis, then soak up Ano Mera village's traditional ambiance and the Tourliani Monastery's serenity. With stops at Elia to relax and swim and Kalo Livadi & Super Paradise beaches, ornos , agios ioannis beach each moment promises to be picture-perfect. Conclude your adventure with a panoramic view of Mykonos, leaving you with memories to cherish forever.

Starting with a comfortable afternoon departure from your Chania hotel, you'll be immersed in scenic landscapes throughout the drive to one of the island's most pristine beaches. Upon arrival, unwind on the soft white sands and enjoy the crystal-clear waters with all the amenities provided for your comfort, including beach umbrellas and bottled water. This serene environment offers the perfect opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in peace. As evening draws near, indulge in a delightful dinner at a nearby taverna. Savor traditional Cretan dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, enhancing your experience with the rich flavors of the region. Conclude your day with a relaxing return journey, arriving back at your hotel in time to reflect on a day full of relaxation and natural beauty. "Sunset Serenity at Falasarna Beach" is the perfect escape for those seeking a tranquil retreat complemented by the captivating charm of Crete.

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.

Skip the crowded bus tours and stressful mountain drives. Sail from Paleochora to the famous pink sands of Elafonisi and the wild cedar shores of Kedrodasos on a luxury catamaran. We handle everything — your hotel transfer is completely included! Enjoy a nutritionist-crafted menu made from local farm ingredients, an open bar, plenty of water toys, and premium service. This is your perfect day at sea. All you have to do is relax and soak it all in. Please bring comfortable footwear or water shoes for rocky areas.

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.

One of the most worthy beaches on Crete, Preveli Beach lies about one hour south of Rethymno by car—without realistic public transportation options. On this private full-day tour, let someone else take care of the driving and tour the beach on a boat. Your driver takes you to Damnoni Beach—spend a few hours there, board your boat, and head to Preveli Beach, where you’ll spend about three hours before returning to Rethymno.

Bask on Elafonisi Beach on this day trip in Crete. Venture southwest through the White Mountains to Chrissoskalitissa, and climb the ‘Golden Step’ to this medieval religious retreat, perched high above the sea. Afterward, continue to Elafonisi to laze on its pink-white sands, swim, and wade through the shallows to nearby Elafonis Island, sometimes known as ‘Deer Island.' Transport and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.

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.