Day Trips from Greece to Crete

Take a break from the busy cities and tourist hordes on a relaxing day trip to Gramvousa Island from Crete. Enjoy the scenic hour-long cruise from Castelli to the uninhabited islets of Gramvousa. Explore the beaches, lookout points, and 16th-century Venetian fortress on the beautiful island. Refuel with a tasty on-board lunch before returning to mainland Crete.

From Rethymno, explore three enchanting destinations, each offering a unique experience. During our visit to the traditional olive oil factory, enjoy a guided tour and learn about the authentic Cretan oil production process, from harvesting to tasting. Perchasing available. Head east to Lake Kournas, Crete's only natural freshwater lake. Paddle its turquoise waters, spot wildlife, or relax at lakeside tavernas. The stunning scenery, with the White Mountains in the background, is perfect for nature lovers and families. Discover Argyroupoli, just 20 minutes away, a lush village built on ancient Lappa. Here, abundant springs, waterfalls, and rich vegetation create a cool oasis. Enjoy fresh trout or roasted lamb in traditional tavernas, and explore Roman ruins and the unique Church of the Five Virgins with an internal waterfall.

Set sail for Loutro Village, a serene coastal gem on Crete’s southern shore. Departing from Chania, enjoy a scenic bus ride and a picturesque ferry journey across the turquoise Libyan Sea to this car-free paradise. Once there, unwind on the beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and wander through charming alleys lined with whitewashed houses. Indulge in local Cretan cuisine at your leisure while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. This day trip is perfect for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a true taste of authentic Crete. - Scenic bus and ferry transport ensures a hassle-free experience - Enjoy 4.5 hours of free time to swim, explore, and relax - Discover Loutro’s unique charm with no cars allowed - Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and tranquil getaway

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.

Begin your day with a visit to Argiroupoli, one of Crete’s most charming mountain villages. Take a short walk to explore both the upper square and the famous natural springs below – a refreshing and scenic start to the day. Continue west and arrive in Chania, the island’s most beloved city. Enjoy 3 hours of free time to wander through its historic alleys, visit the old port, shop local, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. On your return route, stop at Lake Kournas, Crete’s only natural freshwater lake. Take a dip, rent a paddle boat, or just relax with a drink by the shore – the perfect spot to cool off for 2 hours before heading back.

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.

The tour to Elafonisi is once in a lifetime experience. Elafonisi pink beach is a small paradise on earth! The crystal clear turquoise shallow waters combined with the thin white and coral-red sand create a landscape of unparalleled beauty! On the route to Elafonisi, driving through small traditional villages and crossing the Topalian gorge longwise, we reach our first stop. The cave of Agia Sofia. A stunning natural monument with its stalactites, stalagmites and a small chapel at its entrance. You can explore this place for approximately 30 minutes. Then, our next destination is Elafonisi! You are free to relax on the beach and enjoy the splendid surrounding environment. You can rent a sunbed & umbrella, walk towards the small island and swim in the beach’s crystal waters. There are plenty of water sports & activities you can do during your stay. On our way back, we make a stop at the village of Elos, where you can have dinner in the Cretan traditional tavern (optional).

This private full-day tour shows you the real, unexplored Crete! Our historian tour guide takes you to off-the-beaten-path places and unexplored villages, while you have the chance to interact with locals, see the authentic flora and fauna of Crete and eat local, genuine Cretan food!

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.

This tour will be a truly unique experience that will give you the opportunity to understand how the local Cretan live, what they eat and where they go in their daily lives. We start our car tour early in the morning departing from your accommodation in Chania. We will explore 2 villages and then we will be back in the end of the day. ALL TRIPS START FROM CHANIA. For any other location you will have to contact us for a quote. Please note: starting hours can be changed upon request. Minimum persons per booking - 4 persons.

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

Experience an evening of dinner, drinks, and live entertainment at a Cretan village. Stroll around the village, then sit down to at the taverna for dinner, raki, and wine, while being entertained by local dancers in traditional costumer performing a variety of Cretan and Greek folk dances. Includes round-trip transfers between Sissi and Ammoudara.

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.

This experience offers a complete journey through Crete’s Minoan legacy, combining its most legendary archaeological site with the museum that holds some of the civilization’s most important treasures. Rather than visiting Knossos Palace in isolation, the experience follows the story of the Minoans from the palace itself to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where original frescoes, artifacts, and ceremonial objects bring the ancient civilization to life. After your cultural exploration, you can choose to add a relaxed lunch stop at a traditional taverna or seaside restaurant, with Agia Pelagia among the possible locations. With private transportation and flexible pacing, this experience offers a comfortable and immersive way to discover the mythology, archaeology, and history of ancient Crete.

This is a full-day private tour of the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi and the crystal blue waters, with stops and optional lunch in villages and a visit to the great Falassarna beach on the way back. Your guide will be also your driver so seat back, relax and let him take you to all the hidden gems of Western South Crete and tell you about the stories and tales around them. After a swim in Elafonisi beach you will be driven to the nearby Kedrodasos beach. Time to walk into the juniperus forest by the sea. This is one of the purest beaches on Crete! A visit to the Elos village coming next which is very well known to the locals for the great cousine using pure local products! After this relaxing visit to the village, you will be driven to Falasarna beach to end this tour with a swim in one of the most beautiful beaches! What makes this tour unique is the stress-free itinerary that you can customize with your private guide along the way!

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

Explore more of the Samaria Gorge on this long-way hike. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup in Chania and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Omalos, where you can refuel with an optional breakfast (own expense). Then enjoy a 10.2-mile (16.5-kilometer) hike from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli at your own pace, with your escort-guide following behind to ensure your safety.

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.

An unforgettable afternoon at one of Crete’s most stunning beaches! Join us for a magical experience as we journey from Chania Town to the breathtaking Falassarna Beach. Departing at 14:45, our tour is perfectly timed for you to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and witness one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island. You’ll have four full hours to swim in crystal-clear waters, stroll along the golden sand, and soak up the serene beauty of Falassarna. For those looking for a little more excitement, there are water sports available right on the beach! And when it's time to relax, sip on a refreshing cocktail at one of the beach bars while you take in the view. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a breathtaking display of colors — an unforgettable moment that captures the magic of Crete.

The beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows. It is certainly the most famous beach in South Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. The bus will stop at a parking lot, the closest to the beach, where there is a path descending down to the beach. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, where you can take some fantastic photos. To reach the beach walk the footpath (app. 300 stairs) that takes about 15 minutes. After, approximately 4 hours of free time at the beach, the day will come to an end and we will return back

This private guided tour from Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City lets you explore the ancient Minoan Civilization: Trust our licensed professional tour guide and immerse yourself in antiquity! After we arrive at Heraklion City, we start roaming the most famous archaeological site of Crete together with our guide, the archaeological site of Knossos. 1:30 hour will be given to admire the remains of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Our private professional tour guide shows you the most interesting (and hidden!) aspects of the archaeological site, before us continuing this private tour from Chania to Knossos & Heraklion. 15 minutes later, we arrive at the city of Heraklion, where we have 2:30 hours of free time. Our expert private driver will give you valuable recommendations on where to go and where to eat, as well as some hidden spots that will make the tour of Chania to Heraklion City and Knossos Palace private transfer a commendable day trip!

This exclusive private cruise offers a rare chance to explore Crete’s most stunning and secluded western coastlines with comfort and style. Unlike typical group tours, you’ll visit four extraordinary stops—two of which, Gramvousa Island and Chironisia Bay, are accessible only by boat—ensuring an intimate and untouched experience. Swim in crystal-clear lagoons, explore an ancient Venetian fortress, snorkel near a mysterious sunken shipwreck, and relax on pristine, quiet beaches far from the crowds. With personalized service from a local skipper and a curated selection of Cretan delicacies and drinks onboard, this journey combines natural beauty, history, and authentic culture for a truly unforgettable day at sea.

Gramvoussa and Balos are famous for their beauty but can be difficult to reach on your own. Join this action-packed day tour to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, watch birds on the uninhabited island of Gramvoussa, and cool off with a swim in the lagoon at Balos. Learn about the history of Gramvoussa and find out why it’s nicknamed Pirates’ Island.