Top Heraklion How to Get Around - page 2

Half a day on land is still plenty of time to pack in the best of Heraklion and its surroundings. Skip taxi lines and public transport for time-efficient transfers to Knossos Palace—once the home of the ancient Minoan civilization—complete with a guided tour. Next, explore the Old Town of Heraklion, before convenient drop-off back in port.

This private tour is built around understanding Spinalonga within its mainland setting, connecting Agios Nikolaos and an authentic olive mill into one well-paced day designed for travelers who value understanding over rushing between sights. Choose whether to visit Spinalonga Island itself or enjoy time in Plaka while learning its history and setting. Continue to Agios Nikolaos for a relaxed walk around the lake and harbor, with free time to enjoy the local atmosphere or lunch by the water. Between main locations, travel through traditional villages and landscapes connected to the region’s daily life. When timing and interest allow, the day may also include a quiet monastery visit or a traditional Greek coffee stop. Hosted by a knowledgeable local driver, the experience remains fully private, flexible, and adapted to your interests — ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors to Crete. Heraklion to Spinalonga Tour, Day trip from Heraklion to Spinalonga, East Crete

Spinalonga, an island once used to isolate people suffering from leprosy, has become more popular since Victoria Hislop's novel The Island reimagined it. Visit this historic island, plus the Agios Nikolaos resort town with Lake Voulismeni, and Elounda, known for luxury hotels and beaches, on this guided day trip. Admission to Spinalonga is not included.

Known for its pretty pink sand and clear aquamarine waters, Elafonisi is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Spend the day at this idyllic location, without having to worry about transport, with this day tour with transfers from the Heraklion, Malia, and Hersonissos area. Soak up the scenery on the way there and enjoy plenty of free time at the beach.

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.

Discover in one day, Balos, the most beautiful beach and Chania, the most beautiful town of Greece. Enjoy a magical boat trip through the westernmost point of Crete and admire the crystal-clear waters of Balos. Walk across the white sand shore and find yourself enjoying the sun in one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. Experience the charming town of Chania, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique Venetian old harbor of this town

Discover Heraklion from a local’s perspective on a guided eco e-bike tour through the city’s historic streets and hidden corners. Ride alongside a native Cretan as you explore lesser-known neighborhoods, hear the stories behind the people who shaped the city, and stop at favorite local spots to sample regional snacks and drinks. It's an engaging way to experience Heraklion beyond the usual tourist route.

Skip the tourist food, and get a real taste of Crete with a tour that's created and led by locals. In a small group capped at just eight people, you'll visit two locations to sample olive oil and wine, and learn how to create some Cretan specialities with help from a local cook. Enjoy included lunch with wine and hotel transfers for a seamless experience.

Taste your way through some of Crete's top wines on this full-day, small-group tasting tour. Led by your guide, and with round-trip hotel transfers included, this tour makes it easy to head off the tourist trail and explore beyond Heraklion’s usual landmarks. Visit two top wineries, enjoy tastings with nibbles, and indulge in a 3-course meal at a gourmet restaurant.

• Amazing Gorge • Iconic Beaches • Scenic Drive • Seamless • Memorable • Uncompromising Experience a perfect mix of Adventure and Sightseeing, fully customized to your pace and preferences for a truly Unforgettable day. Your Private Day Trip begins with a breathtaking drive through Crete’s diverse landscape to Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we escort you to the waterfalls. Swimming is optional, waterproof phone cases are provided, and your belongings remain safely supervised during the water sections. After the gorge, you choose your beach experience: Kalypso Beach, a secluded cove with deep, clear waters ideal for swimming, or Preveli Beach, known for its river and palm forest. Please note that only Preveli Palm forest was affected by a fire on July 29, 2026. Preveli Beach remains an option; however, for 2026 season, we recommend Kalypso as the preferred beach experience. Then, we can pause for lunch at a cozy taverna, enjoying delicious local flavors and warm hospitality.

A great excuse to explore the outdoors, this tour takes you on a full-day walking adventure through the Samaria Gorge from the Heraklion area. This 11-mile (18-kilometer) adventure starts at Xylo kalo and takes you to the Samaria Gorge, showcasing Cretan flora and fauna. Traverse through rocky terrain, visit the deserted village of Samaria, and see majestic Iron Gates before enjoying a meal at a tavern in Ayia Roumelis.

Spend the day exploring southern Crete with this full-day guided tour of Gortys (Gortyn) and Matala. After pickup from designated locations around Crete, travel by air-conditioned bus to the Gortys archeological park, the former Roman capital of Crete. Afterwards, head to the coast and Matala, where you will have four hours of free time to spend how want.

Forget the tourist tavernas and eat the way locals do on this small-group foodie walking tour through Heraklion. Choose your vibe—tapas-style snacks to share, or a full 3-course meal with beer or wine—and head to authentic local spots to work your way through some of the island's most beloved flavors.

This private day trip stands out because it respects both the landscape and your time. You travel at your own pace through Crete’s dramatic south, reaching Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we escort you to the waterfalls and provide waterproof phone cases so you can enjoy the experience without worry. No rushing, no crowds—just raw nature handled properly. After the gorge, you choose how the day continues: the river and palm forest of Preveli Beach, or the deep, crystal-clear waters of Kalypso Beach, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. We can then stop for lunch at a local seaside or mountain taverna, enjoying simple, honest Cretan flavors. Cruise-friendly, fully private, and seamlessly planned—this is a full-day experience designed to feel effortless and genuinely memorable.

Explore the ancient land of the Lasithi Plateau and discover historic old towns and villages, Orthodox monasteries, and the grand stalactites and geological formations of the Cave of Zeus. See the Monastery of Vidiani and wander the small streets of Krasi. Then visit an olive mill and farm, where you can see how everything from olive oil to olive soap.

From the Knossos Palace to the 2,400-year-old plane tree in Krasi Village, the Lasithi Plateau is home to some of Greece’s most historic sights. Combine a walk through history with a cultural adventure on this full-day private tour. Visit olive groves, pottery studios, traditional villages, and the legendary Cave of Zeus while sampling traditional Cretan foods and wine before exploring archaeological marvels at Knossos Palace.

Spend a day sailing on the glimmering waters around Crete on this leisurely cruise to Spinalonga Island. Climb aboard your boat and sail across Mirabello Bay as you make your way to “the island of tears” known as Spinalonga where you take a guided tour and then enjoy free time to explore. Then, head to Kolokytha where you enjoy a fresh lunch and plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.

Join this group tour to see the best sights of Santorini Island, which you wouldn’t get to on your own. Your tour operator will organize your entire day, including hotel transfers, the boat to Santorini, and a tour of Fira. You’ll keep costs down by booking this group tour, but you will have free time to explore at your own pace.

Celebrate all things olive oil with this Olive Oil Festival experience in Sisi, Crete. Enjoy pickup from many areas of the island and transfer to Sisi Village by air-conditioned vehicle. At the village, enjoy workshops on different topics, such as olive oil production, honey making, raki, and soap making. Sample wine and a variety of dishes based on olive oil and enjoy a live show with music and dancing.

Why choose this tour? Because we don't just show you Heraklion; we let you taste its soul! In a city of tourist traps, our Authentic Food & History Tour stands out by combining monumental landmarks with "hidden" culinary gems. A Complete Feast: Go beyond snacks! Enjoy Handmade Bougatsa at Lions Square, world-famous Gyros at Hovoli, and a sit-down Farm-to-Table feast at the prestigious Arismari & Varsamo. The Local Secret: Explore the 1866 Central Market as a local. Taste aged Graviera cheese, mountain herbs, and premium olive oil. Culture & Views: Balance your appetite with history at St. Minas Cathedral, St. Titus Church, and the majestic Venetian Walls for 360-degree Aegean views. Intimate Experience: Small groups ensure personalized stories about Cretan longevity and the secrets of Raki. All tastings included. Come hungry, leave as a local!

Crete is an island full of treasures you need a lifetime to discover. It is also one of the safest places in the world. With this tour you get in touch with the rich Cretan History, the famous Cretan Hospitality, the local Culture, the Cretan Cuisine, which is the base of the Mediterranean Diet. This tour is suitable for visitors with 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 our Experienced Professional Licensed Tourist Guide, who will be with you during the whole tour, you will travel back in time, as far as the 7th Millennium BC, visiting the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. Then you will explore the Old Town of Heraklion and admire the signs of all the different civilizations that stopped by the island through the ages. With this tour you take home nice feelings, beautiful impressions and you look forward to come back.

Staying on Crete doesn't mean you have to miss out on visiting Santorini, though it can be difficult to do independently. This day trip makes it easy to check out the famously beautiful Cyclades island, with round-trip coach and ferry transport from Crete, along with preplanned visits to Oia and Fira. Ample time for beach lazing and sightseeing is factored in.

Experience traditional Greek vineyards alongside a certified sommelier on this private excursion by SUV. Venture into the countryside and learn about the winemaking traditions of Crete, including a visit to a 500-year-old wine press. Your tour includes a wine tasting of 12 premium wines paired with local snacks and culminates with a delicious 3-course Cretan meal in the middle of the vineyards.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos’ to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.