Top Crete Nature and Wildlife - page 2

As well as stunning coastal sea views, Crete is where you’ll find several of Greece’s most popular wineries. Set out on a scenic drive to the Manousakis Winery in Chania on this half-day small-group tour and tasting. Learn about the local winemaking process, before sampling five different and unique wines.

Explore the White Mountains of Crete on this group safari tour which takes you to Cretan villages, too. You’ll learn about the island’s history and traditions from your guide, while you have an off-road adventure through orchards and into the foothills. Convenient pickup from your port is provided, so no need to organize this yourself. You’ll also keep costs down by booking this group tour.

The Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s longest canyons and a must-see attraction when visiting Crete. This full-day tour takes you on a hike through the gorge to admire its soaring cliffs and narrow passageways. At the end of the gorge, you are rewarded with a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Agia Roumeli Beach. Then, take the ferry to the port before returning to Chania by bus.

This full-day private tour takes you on a journey through Crete’s flavors, landscapes, and authentic traditions. Begin with a visit to a local honey farm for a sweet start, followed by a scenic stop at the Cave of Agia Sofia for a walk and olive oil tasting. Spend a few hours relaxing at Elafonissi, Crete’s famous pink sand beach, where you can swim, explore, and enjoy nature with umbrellas provided for your comfort. On the way back, you can stop for lunch at a traditional tavern in the mountain village of Elos (optional), before ending the day with a wine tasting at a local family-run winery. With a private vehicle, a friendly English-speaking driver, and flexible timing, this experience offers a perfect mix of nature, gastronomy, and culture.

Driving on winding mountain roads can be a daunting experience—so eliminate the stress and let someone else take care of the driving with this Elafonisi bus tour from Chania. Spend a full day exploring the island's highlights in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. Stops include Elafonissi Beach—with free time to relax and explore it independently and Elos village—known for its stone houses and olive groves.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Visit some of Crete’s best beaches without having to drive yourself when you join a guided day tour from Rethymno. 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. Refuel with a tasty traditional lunch in Plakias (at your own expense).

Explore Crete’s diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches on a full-day Land Rover safari with a guide to reveal the best of the island’s scenery and culture. Rumble along remote roads, passing landmarks like Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, and stopping to swim in the Libyan Sea. Get a taste of Cretan country life when you visit traditional villages like Spili, and enjoy a local tavern lunch with ambience to spare.

Samaria Gorge is the most beautiful National Park of Crete and one of the longest ones in Europe. The flora and fauna of this place is incredible. Enjoy a full day tour that will end at the Libyan sea where you can find the opportunity to enjoy lunch and a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Experience Crete away from the crowds with this guided off-road safari adventure. Visit Crete’s mountainous interior, with its plateaus and forests, in an air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery. Travel ancient Minoan paths through wild nature. Stop at spectacular vistas, including a peak where you can see both the Aegean and Libyan Seas. A traditional Cretan lunch and refreshments are provided on this all-inclusive, full-day outing.

Step into our air-conditioned minivan for a journey to Elafonisi Beach, a stunning destination in Europe, famous for its pink coral sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfectly suited for cruise ship passengers, our tour begins directly at the Chania-Souda port ensuring a seamless start to your day. As we travel through scenic landscapes, our English-speaking driver-guide will share compelling stories and fascinating facts about the local area. Optional stops for snacks and beverages are available to enrich your journey. On arrival at Elafonisi, a protected EU site adored by millions each year, you'll marvel at the unspoiled white and pink sandy beaches facing the expansive Libyan Sea. A multitude of inviting beach spots provide the perfect setting for relaxation and admiration of this magnificent location. Join us to explore this exceptional highlight of Crete and enjoy a slice of Mediterranean paradise. We offer both private and shared tour options to suit your preferences.

Instead of tying yourself to a large group tour with a rigid itinerary, take your time exploring the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos with this private audio tour. Visit the remarkable Palace of Knossos and many other highlights of this archeological site, including South Propylaeum and the West Magazines. Leave the guidebooks behind and learn about the culture and lifestyles of people living in Minoan Crete from your audio guide.

Explore the rugged and wild side of Crete on the off-road adventure tour. Travel comfortably in a Land Rover high up into the Dikti mountain range. By going on an organized tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost in unmarked rural areas and an experienced driver drives with confidence on the mountain roads. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious local Cretan lunch in a taverna is provided.

Explore a side of Crete's mountainous, dramatic countryside that many other visitors overlook—and make your sightseeing seamless—on this full-day tour. After pickup from your area hotel, head off the tourist trail when you take a motorboat to unspoiled Spinalonga Island. Next, discover the Milatos Cave, visit a local producer to sample premium olive oil, and admire spectacular views of the region's valleys, villages, and coastline in between.

Hike Samaria Gorge from Omalos to Agia Roumeli on this full-day hiking tour from Rethymno that includes round-trip transfers by climate-controlled bus. To do the 8-mile (13-kilometer), one-way hike through Samaria Gorge, you need to coordinate transportation by land and sea. By providing round-trip transport from Rethymno, this full-day tour takes the hassle out of planning while leaving you free to hike at your own pace.

Get off the beaten track into Crete's rugged heartlands in small, personalized groups with a driver. See the Sebronas Gorge and hear the village's dramatic history; see an authentic Cretan Samaria Gorge National Park—and maybe even meet the shepherds; taste different Cretan wines; and savor a restaurant lunch. For ease, your day includes round-trip transfers direct from many Chania area hotels.

Spend a day immersed in nature on this private trip to Elafonisi and Agia Sofia Cave. Elafonisi's pink-tinged sand and shallow water make it one of Crete's most visited beaches, but getting there independently involves navigating tricky mountain roads. This private full-day tour picks you up from your hotel, makes a scenic stop at Agia Sofia Cave in the White Mountains, and delivers you to the beach with a sun umbrella included.

Escape the tourist trail and spend a day exploring off the beaten track beauty near Georgioupolis. By traveling in a Land Rover, you’ll be able to access off-road sites that you wouldn’t discover otherwise. Visit incredible archaeological sites, traditional villages, and secluded beaches. If you work up an appetite, you won’t have to research where to eat as a delicious lunch in a family tavern is included. The tour will also take you to a winery, an olive oil factory, a castle, and multiple historical sites.

Make the most of your time on Crete and venture off the beaten path on this half-day off-road vineyard and winery shore excursion. Enjoy convenient port pickup and go off-road through the Vatolakos Hills. Enjoy views of the northern Crete landscape and visit Manousakis Vineyards and Winery for a tour and wine tasting.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from designated areas around Chania via a luxurious bus and reach the starting point of your tour in Omalos Plateau around 7am. The panoramic view of the gorge from the plateau is a photophile's delight, so after short stop for pictures, you will begin descending the 600 wooden steps that will take you inside the Samaria gorge. There will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. The hike will conclude at Agia Roumeli, a beach at the end of the gorge, At around 17:00 you will board a boat to the picturesque village of Sougia, where you will start your trip back to the place where you were picked up from. Time-Table 05:20‐06:10 Pick up 07:15 First stop Omalos Plateau 07:45 Begin hike Xyloskalo 14:00 End hike at Agia Roumeli Village 16:30 Meet your guide at Agia Roumeli 17:00-17:30 Departure from Agia Roumeli to Sougia 20:00‐20:30 Arrival at your Hotel

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.

See a side of Crete that many tourists miss with this private full-day tour to places off the tourist map. Head away from the island’s busy beaches to discover the real Crete, visiting an olive oil producer, traditional wind mills, and sleepy inland villages. The Cave of Zeus is open except on Tuesdays. You have the option to enjoy a local lunch.

Maximize time in Crete with a half-day private tour of Chania and its surroundings. Get picked up at your hotel or chosen location in Chania and set out on a sightseeing tour focused on local history and heritage. See top landmarks including the Old Venetian Harbor, Lighthouse of Chania, Firkas Fortress, and Hassan Pascha Mosque. Get to know Chania's Old Town and the many cultures that influenced its character.