Day Trips from Greece to Heraklion

Skip crowded beaches and sail to uninhabited Dia Island or St. George Bay (dependent on tour option selected) on this intimate, small-group cruise, limited to just 10 guests. As you journey across Cretan waters, listen as your captain shares history and local secrets about the area. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to swim, snorkel, fish, sunbathe, or stroll to a charming church, before savoring a freshly prepared Cretan meal and included drinks. Choose between a 5-hour daytime trip with two island stops or a shorter 3-hour sunset cruise to St. George Bay.

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!

This exclusive private wine tour is a journey through the heart of Crete’s wine country, blending elegance, authenticity, and local tradition. You’ll visit two family-owned wineries, each representing a different face of Cretan winemaking — the organic, boutique Stilianou Estate and the historic Titakis Winery, known for its timeless craft. Walk through sun-drenched vineyards, explore cool cellars, and enjoy expert-led tastings of ten distinctive wines made from indigenous grape varieties. Between sips, you’ll hear the stories behind the labels — tales of soil, sun, and generations of dedication. The experience culminates in a traditional Cretan lunch at a beloved local tavern, where farm-fresh ingredients and village hospitality meet over dishes seasoned with olive oil, laughter, and a touch of raki. This isn’t just a tasting tour; it’s a celebration of Cretan terroir and the soulful simplicity that defines life on the island.

*** 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.

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.

What sets this journey apart is that nothing here is staged, polished, or dressed up for show. You move through the island the way Cretans have always done — from the ruins where legends took their first breath, to farms where people still work with their hands, to tavernas where lunch is not an item on a menu but a small ritual. It’s a day stitched together by real voices and real craft, the kind you don’t find in places built for tourists. And because the group stays small, the experience breathes. You hear the stories that don’t make it into guidebooks, you taste olive oil poured by the producer himself, you clink glasses with winemakers who measure life in harvests, not deadlines. It’s a simple recipe — history, land, people — but in Crete, those three have always been enough to turn a day into a memory that lingers.

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.

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.

Start your day with a comfortable pickup with our fully equipped SUV vehicles. After meeting our professional drivers, your adventure begins! Our first stop is a traditional olive oil factory, where you will enjoy a guided tour and learn about the process of olive oil production and its importance to the Cretan lifestyle. Continuing our journey, we visit a preserved section of an ancient Roman aqueduct, a reminder of the island’s rich history. Shortly afterwards, the adventure begins as we leave the main road and start our off-road experience, driving through mountain landscapes towards the Lasithi Plateau. Upon arrival, we visit the legendary Cave of Zeus (Dikteon Cave), believed to be the birthplace of Zeus! Next, we stop at a traditional pottery workshop before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local taverna with authentic Cretan flavors. After lunch, we begin our relaxing return journey back to your accommodation, ending a memorable day of culture, nature, and adventure.

The mountainous, provincial road climbs the eastern slopes of Psiloritis and offers incredible views of Heraklion and the Cretan Sea. Soon we reach Krousonas and through a dirt road, which runs parallel to the homonymous gorge, to the plateau. The place is beautiful with thousands of pear and apple trees scattered all over. The dirt road will lead us tothe plateau of Nida, where we will visit IdaionAndron, the cave where Zeus was raised. From there, we will head to Anogia for a stop in a traditional kafenion. Our trip continues to Livadia and Psiloritis Chalet Retreat where we will have our cooking lesson – preparing traditional cheese and local specialties. Note: This is not a private tour. Other travellers may also participate.

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.

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up and a scenic drive through picturesque villages and mountains of Crete, with stops for photos along the way. Visit the elegant town of Agios Nikolaos to stroll along the lake and marina or relax with sea views, continue with stunning sights of Elounda Bay and the Mirabello Gulf, and arrive in the village of Plaka to board a traditional boat to the historic island of Spinalonga, where you can explore the Venetian fortress and learn about its past as a leper colony. Conclude the day with a mountain drive through Fourni, enjoying panoramic views and authentic Cretan life and cuisine, before returning to your hotel with lasting memories of Crete’s history, landscapes, and hospitality.

Embark on an unforgettable off-road adventure through southern Crete in a modern Land Rover 4x4, guided by an experienced local driver. Explore the historic Monastery of Odigitria and enjoy a coffee at a traditional Cretan village of the South, then traverse rugged mountain paths and olive groves toward the stunning Agiofaraggo Gorge. Enjoy a gentle hike through towering cliffs and caves, ending at the secluded Agiofaraggo Beach for swimming and relaxation. The journey continues to the vibrant village of Matala, where you can wander its colorful streets, browse unique shops, and savor authentic Cretan delicacies. Combining culture, nature, local flavors, and scenic off-road drives, this excursion offers a full day of exploration and discovery!

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.

Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port. After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island. There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons. About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.

Dia Island is an uninhabited nature reserve a short sail off Crete's north coast, and this half-day catamaran cruise anchors in its quiet bays for swimming and snorkeling. Try your hand at fishing or paddleboarding between swims, or simply relax on deck in the sun. Then tuck into a freshly prepared meal on board, served with wine, beer, or soft drinks.

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.

Experience the natural beauty of Crete on a guided tour to Preveli's Beach and Palm Forest . Enjoy a swim and soak in the lush nature of the palm forest on your trip. Visit some of Crete’s best beaches without having to drive yourself .You’ll head to Preveli Beach on the island’s south coast, where you’ll get a chance to swim and relax on the sand. On the way, stop at Kourtaliotis Gorge to admire the view of waterfalls. The tour includes also a short hiking through steps to reach the Palm forest of Preveli therefore please wear comfortable & stable shoes for your safety and carry your open shoes in your backpack . As it's a swimming tour , don't forget to bring your swimsuit , towel or anything else you consider necessary .

Even if you’re not normally a history buff, a visit to Heraklion is a must when in Rethymno. The area’s home to the Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary half-bull half-man Minotaur, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s top museums. On this tour, which includes a guide but excludes entrance fees, you’ll visit both with time to explore Heraklion and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

Visit the former leper colony and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island during this private tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.