Top Heraklion Nature Walks

Experiencing the Cretan Farmers Brunch under the olive trees allows you after our tour in the olive grove and the Dragon Fruit farm is a unique experience. You can feel exactly as the local farmers during work in the farm, as you enjoy your rich brunch under the olive trees. All the tastes, images, smells and sounds of the field unify. This Brunch completes the experience of olive oil tour as you get all the vibes of the farm relaxing and even you can hear the sound of then sea that is about one kilometer away

Hop on an eco-bike for a locals' tour of historic Heraklion, minus any emissions. With a native Cretan as your guide, you'll visit Heraklion's lesser-known corners as you learn about the characters who have shaped the city that you see today. The sightseeing tour also visits some locally loved hangouts where regional snacks and drinks await.

Samaria gorge is the longest in Europe and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. Follow the path through this famous gorge, marvel its natural landscape, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and the river across it. At the end of the path, you will find the village of Agia Roumeli, where people can swim, relax at the beach, or find a tavern to have lunch within full view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

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.

It's all about Crete's wild side on this tour. You'll come face-to-face with monkeys, meerkats, lemurs, and more at Amazonas Park Nature Reserve and see a world below the waves with a glass-bottom boat trip. And in between, there's free time to chill out in Agios Nikolaos. Your destination for the morning is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge where you'll get up close to some of the world's most unusual, beautiful, and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments and how we can help with conservation efforts. At Agios Nikolaos town, you'll have a couple of hours to shop or grab lunch overlooking Mirabello Bay. Next, hop on a glass-bottom boat for a trip in the bay. You'll glide out into the bay aboard a semi-submarine, which features windows beneath the surface. Kids and adults will have a great time spotting the likes of loggerhead sea turtles and multicolored fish darting around the rocks.

Hike the Samaria Gorge and focus on the scenery while a guide takes care of the logistics. This day trip from Heraklion covers everything you need: round-trip transport direct from your hotel, a guide to walk with you on a preplanned route, and even a swim stop at Agia Roumeli beach. Note that the hike route is rocky and steep in places, but the valley views make the effort worthwhile.

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.

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

You’ve spent time in Greece’s best cities and along the coast—now it’s time to experience Crete’s inland nature. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll travel to a hidden gorge for a serene hiking adventure, getting to know the island’s wild side. Over 3.5 hours, your local guide highlights the area’s flora and fauna, leading the way along craggy rock formations and to a moment away from it all.

After a ride in a modern, air conditioned bus transportation from Heraklion to Preveli Beach, you are free to go to explore this stunning area. While driving learn about the geology and history of South Crete. The bus will stop at a parking lot, the closest to the beach, where there is a path descending to the beach. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, where you can take some fantastic photos. To reach the beach descend the footpath (app. 400 stairs) that takes about 15 minutes. Wander the Palm Forest, full of Theophrastus palm trees and tropical flowers, animals, plants and the inkomparable atmosphere. Take a photo of the rushing Grand River and towering Kourtaliotikos Gorge cliffs and have a bath under the small waterfall at the end of the gorge. Return to the beach by walking in the river and have a refreshing drink at the bar of Preveli. After approximately 4 hours of free time at the beach, the day will come to an end and you return to Heraklion.