Top Heraklion Outdoor Activities

See a side of Cretan food that most travelers miss on this private tour of a traditional olive grove. Wander through the trees as you learn about how olives have been cultivated on the island for centuries and how traditional techniques are used to produce olive oil. Then, find out how dragon fruit is grown and why it's important to local farmers.

Join a small-group sailing adventure from Heraklion to the beautiful, unspoiled Dia Island. With a maximum of 10 guests on board, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, semi-private atmosphere as you cruise along Crete’s stunning northern coast. Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel, try paddleboarding, or simply relax and sunbathe on deck. Enjoy a freshly prepared Cretan lunch including seafood or vegetarian pasta, Greek salad, and fruit salad, paired with unlimited local white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The friendly local crew will make you feel at home, sharing stories, laughs, and even singing to dolphins if they appear! Choose to meet at Heraklion Port or add optional transfers from nearby areas like Malia, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Gouves, and more. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, this is a truly authentic and unforgettable way to experience the sea, nature, and heart of Crete.

Crete's back roads and coastal villages are hard to reach and easy to get lost on without a guide. Follow a lead rider off-road past vineyards and olive groves, stopping at an olive oil factory, Milatos Cave, and the fishing villages of Milatos and Sissi before lunch in Malia. Ride solo or share an ATV (quad bike) with gear and transfers sorted. One booking covers the route, the equipment, and the meal.

While on Crete, take time to explore the amazing underwater ecosystems of the Mediterranean with a visit to the shoreline CretΑquarium. Marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures representing 200 different species like sting rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and scorpionfish. Learn about the abundance of life found deep within the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds, and support the aquarium's educational and wildlife rescue programs.

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.

Reaching the scenic islands that dot the coastline around Crete requires a boat and local knowledge—two things new visitors lack. Join a local crew to journey across the water to Dia Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. Sunbathe on deck, hop overboard to snorkel, or simply enjoy the view.

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

Escape the crowds and see the countryside of Crete on this adventurous safari tour with hotel pickup. Choose from a quad bike, buggy, or Jeep ATV. After a safety briefing and instruction on operation for beginners, jump on your vehicle and follow your guide around the countryside, past villages, olive groves, historic sites, and panoramic viewpoints.

Go where cars can't and explore the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas on horseback on this riding trek. Ride up rugged slopes, taking in the fresh air and stunning scenery. Admire the panoramic views and refuel with refreshments at the mountaintop, and then return to the stables to enjoy a traditional lunch with house wine and say goodbye to the horses. Suitable for novice and experienced riders, with lunch and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.

There's no better way to experience Crete's stunning coastline than by gliding through crystal clear waters on a yacht. Take a cruise to the uninhabited island of Dia, where you can explore and make the most of the beautiful sea with equipment provided for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and fishing. There's also the option to sunbathe as your comfortable yacht gently bobs in the turquoise waters. Plus, you'll feel pampered with a delicious lunch of Greek food, fresh fruit, and drinks.

Spend a magical day on this amazing Cruise around the unhabited island of Chrissi, this exotic natural landscape which shores are surrounded by the Mediterranean's Libyan sea. The island is protected by Natura 2000 Networking Programme, as an "area of intense natural beauty’’. Enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and get the most of your day in this unique destination!

Explore the charming streets of Heraklion on a delightful tuk tuk tour that showcases the city's rich history and vibrant culture. A 2-hour adventure designed to offer unique insights into iconic landmarks, museums, and local shops. Enjoy a zero-emission ride while immersing yourself in the stories that each building tells. This tour is perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking to discover Heraklion in an innovative and fun way. - Discover Heraklion's historical sites and bustling streets in an electric tuk tuk. - Visit museums, shops, and enjoy local culture while minimizing your carbon footprint - Suitable for all travelers who wish to explore urban tourism sustainably

Sail to Dia Island: A Boutique Yacht Experience in Paradise Sun, blue waters, and good food—these are the things that define Greece, and Crete in particular. What if you could have them all at once? This all-inclusive, compact experience truly has it all. ✔ A true vacation-like islet with crystal-clear waters, sheltered bays, and the colors of the Mediterranean. ✔ The liberating feeling of real sailing as you glide across the Aegean. ✔ Fun on the water with snorkeling and even a spot for fishing for enthusiasts. ✔ A warm, freshly cooked dinner with a view, along with unlimited refreshments. Step aboard and be part of the journey. Come join us!

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.

Discover the mountains of Crete and explore off-road trails on a quad safari with a visit to a Byzantine monastery. Head and marvel to the Minoa Palace in Maliaat and drive through olive groves. See an ancient oak tree and a 16th-century monastery. Savor a traditional Greek lunch in a cozy tavern and tour an olive mill. Bask in the sun and cool off with a swim in the sea at the end. Then, and continue to the village of Sissi. Cross a forest and pass through olive groves on your way up to the mountains to stop for a memorable photo at an 800-year-old oak tree. Afterward, visit Vrahasi village and navigate its narrow streets as you head up a steep road to the Monastery of Agios Georgios Vrahasiotis. This monastery dates back to the 16th century. Next, go to the village of Latsida and eat a traditional local lunch in a tavern. Enjoy a tour here and then continue to Sissi to relax on the beach and swim. Finally, return to the starting point and then transfer back to your accommodation.

Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair on this leisurely sailing catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island. Enjoy activities from snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), fishing, and sunbathing in a group no larger than 20. Onboard Wi-Fi and a Mediterranean lunch with drinks are included, with online booking to simplify your experience.

Skip the stress of planning logistics and check off the best of Crete in one seamless day on this small-group tour. Begin at Knossos Palace (entrance extra), once the center of Minoan civilization. From there, head into the countryside for a behind-the-scenes look at a local olive oil estate. Continue to a family-owned winery and raki distillery for tastings. Finish the day at a traditional village taverna to dine on a typical Cretan lunch.

Spend a beautiful time at the sea with family and friends! Get on board and meet our local fisherman where he gonna show you fishing techniques and help catch amazing fishes! Let your spirit relax and be enchanted by the deep blue waters of Elounda Bay. It's a nice opportunity to dive into the sea, cool off and explore the seabed with the equipment we provide to you! The most beautiful thing about this experience is that you will be able to taste the fish you caught. The captain will take care of cleaning and cooking the fish. Enjoy a beautiful meal accompanied by fresh fish, salads and refreshing drinks you will have a beautiful meal on the boat looking out over the Cretan sea.

• During this tour you will travel in a comfortable bus across the island and enjoy swimming on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. • Elafonissi is a pristine nature reserve protected by the European Union's Natura 2000 programme. • A small island located just offshore, connected to land by a shallow passage 200 meters long, easily crossed on foot into the calm sea. • Crystal clear turquoise water combined with fine white and pinkish sand create a landscape of unsurpassed beauty. • For your convenience, the beach has sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as a cafeteria where you can buy snacks and refreshments. • Depending on the meeting location, tour duration varies from 11 to 14 hours.

Get a little wild on Crete thanks to this full-day excursion exploring the island’s unpopulated mountains, small villages, legendary caves, and forgotten paths. Travel off road by 4x4 as you traverse the rugged mountain terrain, stopping to visit a shepard’s ‘mitato’ (inn), tasting local cheese, and exploring the agrarian ways of life on the isolated Lassithi Plateau. Round-trip hotel transport and 3-course lunch are included.

Crete rewards those willing to venture beyond the resorts, but navigating between palaces, mountain plateaus, and villages on your own takes planning. This small-group tour with a private option handles logistics with a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Benz and a local guide. You'll cover Knossos Palace, the Lasithi Plateau's windmills, the Psychro Cave, and an olive oil factory where you can taste local products and snacks.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, Crete is a great place to turn your dream into reality. During this three-hour introductory course you’ll start by learning the theory of diving and how to use the gear. Then, you can enjoy a dive for a maximum of 45 minutes. This is a fun way to get started in the sport.

Visit Spinalonga Island and Elounda on this day tour. Your driver will pick you up and take you to Elounda Port, where you'll catch a boat out to Spinalonga for a guided tour. You'll then sail back to Elounda, where you'll sit down to an included Cretan lunch and have a bit of time to swim before returning to your hotel via the village of Agios Nikolaos.