Top Crete Car Tours in 2026

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08:30 and drive 5km to southeast off the city to visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and they continued for 35 years. After the visit of the site we return at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 11:30.

A unique experience to explore Cretan Countryside for a day, if you don't feel like going to the beach! We offer two hiking options: 1) hike the Meskla Gorge or 2) hike the botanical gardens . After your hiking choice we stop at the caffe inside the gardens for a refreshing break. Then we are driving to the scenic village of Zourva to enjoy the amazing views. Later we head to the historic village of Theriso where you have lunch at the traditional taverns with authentic cretan dishes. Last, we return to Chania from the picturesque way through Theriso gorge. Please note: -Admission fee for the Gardens is not included and it's 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for children aged between 6 and 12 years.Entry for children under 6 years old is free. -Food and coffee stops are not included in the price. -We provide water and fruits. -ALL TRIPS START FROM CHANIA. For any other location you will have to contact us. -Minimum persons per booking x4 -Starting hours can be changed upon request.

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.

We believe the best way to experience Crete's ancient heart isn't from the window of a crowded tour bus or rushing with a large group, but at your own pace surrounded by luxury, history, and genuine warmth. When you book this experience, you gain far more than transfers—you get a dedicated local host and a private, climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz vehicle tailored entirely to your day. From the legendary Knossos Palace to discovering 5,500 years of Minoan treasures inside the world-renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and strolling through the vibrant Venetian alleyways and Lions Square in Heraklion Old Town, every transition is effortless. We handle all the timing, logistics, and VIP comfort behind the scenes so you can simply immerse yourself in the birth of European civilization.

Make your transfer between Chania and Heraklion more than just a ride with a private journey that includes a 2-hour sightseeing stop in the charming town of Rethymno. Whether you're headed east or west, enjoy a relaxed, scenic trip with your English-speaking driver, who will pick you up directly from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and bottled water. Halfway through the ride, explore Rethymno’s Old Town, a picturesque mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, stroll along the Venetian Harbor, and take in views of the Fortezza Castle. After soaking in the culture, continue your smooth journey to Heraklion or Chania, arriving refreshed and with a few extra memories of Crete.

Discover the soul of Cretan Wines, all-inclusive wine tasting tour from Rethymno or Chania. Led by a passionate local wine expert. You can choose to taste 6 or 11 distinct indigenous Cretan wine varieties, visit 1 or 2 family-owned wineries, a vineyard and indulge in a traditional tavern lunch pairing with Cretan Wine. Enjoy stress-free hotel pickup and drop-off on a journey through 3,500 years of winemaking history.

Explore the serene beauty of Lake Kournas, Crete's only freshwater lake, where relaxation awaits. Enjoy a coffee at a local taverna, paddle around the lake, or take a refreshing swim with the turtles. The adventure continues at a traditional olive oil factory, where a guided tour reveals the art of producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, ending with a delightful tasting of local products. Conclude your day at a charming winery, learning about Cretan winemaking and enjoying a guided tasting of five local wines, with the option of a flavorful lunch to enhance your experience. - Visit the tranquil Lake Kournas for relaxation and swimming - Tour a traditional olive oil factory with tastings included - Discover Cretan winemaking secrets at a picturesque winery - Taste some traditional Greek lunch (optional)

Your private escort-driver will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable off-road vehicle for an exciting sightseeing tour through North-Western Crete lasting approximately 1.5hours. Enjoy panoramic views and hear local stories as you travel. After passing Kissamos, you’ll take an off-road route along Gramvousa Peninsula, reaching a spot above Balos Lagoon. From there, a 30-40 minute hike down the mountainside leads you to the stunning Balos Lagoon. Spend two-three hours relaxing on the white sandy beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and exploring the area. The return hike offers plenty of chances for incredible photos of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. This private tour combines off-road adventure with breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable experience.

Explore the spiritual and natural beauty of Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula on this half-day hiking adventure. Visit the historic Gouverneto and Agia Triada Monasteries, and trek through the stunning Katholiko Gorge. Encounter ancient sites like Bear Cave and the Cave of Saint John the Hermit, before unwinding at Avlaki Beach for a swim in the clear waters. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour combines cultural insights with stunning coastal views, ensuring a memorable experience. - Hotel pick-up and drop-off included for convenience - Guided hike through Katholiko Gorge, with visits to ancient caves - Optional speedboat return for a unique coastal experience - Free time at Agia Triada Monastery with local product shopping and wine tasting

Explore the wonders of ancient Crete with a premium tour of the renowned Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This small-group experience, limited to 12 travelers, is designed for comfort and ease, allowing you to navigate the busy summer crowds effortlessly. With organized shuttle transportation and expert guidance, you'll delve into the rich history and mythology of the Minoan civilization without the hassle of long lines or parking issues. Enjoy a refreshing break between visits to recharge before continuing your archaeological adventure. - Visit the iconic Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in one day - Skip the long entrance queues with pre-arranged timed-entry tickets - Relax with convenient shuttle transportation and dedicated check-in assistance - Ideal for cruise passengers and those staying in Heraklion, with a licensed guide to enhance your experience

Be a Local for a day. Enjoy a real Cretan eating adventure while strolling the beautiful streets of Heraklion with your private guide. On this tour you enjoy local products finger food, Raki and wine amidst Venetian monumental buildings. The best example of the world famous Mediterranean diet is found in Crete. Discover with us the secrets of Cretans longevity. Follow our 2 hours Heraklion Tasting and Walking Tour. Let’s feed our body and mind. Next the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important museums in Europe in its field. This museum provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to marvel at the remnants of the first of civilization in Europe, the Minoans. This tour will guide you through a period of time that extends over a 5000 years, from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Find out how Cretan people used to live, their occupation, religion, architecture, travel, arts and more. Tour limited to 16 people.

Discover the Beauty of Agia Lake, Meskla, Zourna & Theriso Experience an authentic journey through Crete's hidden gems!

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Crete on this 7-hour adventure that combines nature and tradition. Begin your journey with a luxury pick-up and stay connected with onboard WiFi and complimentary bottled water. Visit the stunning Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where steep cliffs and serene waterfalls create a tranquil atmosphere. Then, immerse yourself in the charm of Kalypso, a timeless Cretan village with narrow alleys and friendly locals. Sip coffee or raki in the village square and soak in the authentic Crete experience before a relaxing drop-off back at your accommodation. - 7-hour guided tour through Crete's natural beauty and culture - Visit Kourtaliotiko Gorge and enjoy its scenic walking paths - Discover the traditional village of Kalypso and its warm hospitality - Includes luxury vehicle transport, WiFi, and bottled water during the tour

Round-trip, hotel pick-up. Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, the heart of Minoan civilization, with insights from a knowledgeable licensed guide. Enjoy skip-the-line entry, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating tales of King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur without the stress of waiting in queues. This small group tour, with a maximum of 12 guests, ensures personalized attention and a richer experience, complemented by provided headsets for clear communication. The convenience of round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off from Heraklion makes this tour a hassle-free option for history enthusiasts. - Discover the mythical Archaeological site of Knossos with an expert guide - Enjoy a small group size (max 12 guests) for a personal touch - Skip-the-line entry to save time and enhance your visit - Round-trip hotel transportation from Heraklion city hotels included

A day of adventure awaits at the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, accessible with private door-to-door transfers. Enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern SUV from your accommodation to the Omalos entrance, where you can start your hike with ease. Benefit from an experienced guide accompanying you through the gorge ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Take your time as you explore this stunning natural wonder, equipped with trekking poles, bottled water, and a light snack. After your trek, relax knowing your private transfer will be waiting in Chora Sfakion or Sougia for your return journey.

Discover the authentic flavors of Crete on a private culinary journey from Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, or Milatos. Unlike typical wine tours, this experience combines three essential elements of Cretan gastronomy: premium olive oil, indigenous wines, and traditional home-cooked cuisine. Visit **Politakis Olive Mill** for an olive oil tasting, then explore the renowned **family-owned Lyrarakis Winery**, where you'll taste five wines made from native Cretan grape varieties. Complete your journey with a delicious home-cooked lunch in a traditional village, away from crowded tourist restaurants. With **private transportation, genuine local producers, and a relaxed, personalized atmosphere**, this is more than a tasting tour—it's a chance to experience Crete's living traditions, meet its people, and discover the flavors that have shaped the island for generations.

We start our tour driving to the city of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Venizelos Graves at the historical location of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri where the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos lays. We continue to the city of Chania where we will visit all the main highlights of the city, historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port with the Lighthouse Faros. During your tour of the picturesque alleys of the old town, you will come acrosss unique monuments such as the Rimodi Fountain, the Neradze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein) with its high minaret, churches and squares. Have lunch (optional) and free time for shopping. At the way back we will stop at the resort city of Georgioupolis, popular for its fine beaches, for a relaxing stroll and a coffee break.

Discover Crete’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes on a 6-hour tour that combines history and nature. Begin with a visit to the Monastery of Arkadi, renowned for its heroic past, where your expert guide narrates tales of endurance and sacrifice. Next, explore the serene beauty of Patsos Gorge, where gentle streams and lush trees create a peaceful atmosphere. The tour also includes a stop at Potamon Dam, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing drink at the unique 'Gidospito'. Enjoy personalized pick-up and drop-off in a luxury vehicle for a truly relaxing experience. - Visit the historic Monastery of Arkadi and learn its poignant history - Explore the picturesque Patsos Gorge with its natural wonders - Enjoy stunning views at Potamon Dam with a refreshing drink - Includes luxury vehicle transport with WiFi and bottled water

Explore the two most spectacular beaches in Crete in a single, unforgettable day on this private tour to Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi Beach. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of a fully customizable itinerary guided by a professional local driver. This ultimate coastal adventure combines breathtaking panoramic views, traditional local product tastings, and the unparalleled chance to relax on the island's most famous pink-sand shores and pristine turquoise waters. Duration: Approximately 10 hours with flexible pick-up times, allowing plenty of time for both destinations. Dual Destinations: Experience the majestic beauty of Balos Lagoon and the world-famous pink sands of Elafonisi Beach. Authentic Flavors: Enjoy traditional local tastings, including premium olive oil, pure honey, and Cretan raki along the scenic route. VIP Comfort: Private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, with bottled water and child seats available upon request.

Explore the rich history and flavors of ancient Crete on this intimate private tour. Begin at the Palace of Knossos, where you’ll wander through the impressive ruins of the Minoan civilization, admire the vibrant frescoes, and delve into the legends of King Minos and the Minotaur. After your archaeological adventure, visit a local olive oil farm for an immersive tasting experience, sampling exquisite oils and local delicacies while learning about traditional production methods. This tour beautifully blends history with culinary exploration, providing a unique perspective on Crete's cultural heritage. - Private tour allows for personalized attention and flexibility - Explore the iconic Palace of Knossos and its significant ruins - Participate in an olive oil tasting at a local farm - Discover the culinary heritage of Crete through local delicacies and oils

Explore the area of Rethymno, which also played a vital role during the Battle of Crete, both in the battlefield sector & during the evacuation of the troops towards Alexandria. After a short while, we make a stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a gorge of impeccable beauty, being used for the evacuation of the troops during the battle. Our historian tour guide explains hidden aspects of the Battle of Crete and WW2 in Greece. After a while, we reach our main goal the Monastery of Preveli and the Palm Grove of Preveli which was used as an evacuating spot for the Allies during WW2. We make our way towards the artefacts of the monastery, and we understand its strategic spot, as well as learn about unknown myths and traditions of the Battle of Crete. We continue having a lunch break in a tavern that treats us with traditional Cretan specialities and delicacies, before reaching the Australian War Memorial in the city of Rethymno, and the HILL A crucial to the Battle of Crete on Rethymno side.

We begin your journey at a unique botanical garden created with love by a small-scale local farmer, home to a rich collection of endemic Cretan plants. Through playful, hands-on activities in the nature, families discover local herbs and their medicinal and edible uses, taste fresh fruits straight from the trees, and experience the island’s biodiversity in an interactive and engaging way. The visit ends with delicious Cretan treats prepared from the garden’s ingredients. We delve into Crete’s ancient past with a visit to a Minoan site, where we learn about the island’s first great civilization through engaging storytelling. We conclude at the impressive Fortress of Aptera, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views while exploring the layers of history that have shaped Crete over the centuries. This day guarantees a perfect blend of play, exploration, nature and history in the beautiful Cretan countryside.

We start our tour driving to our first stop Margarites, a small traditional village located in the prefecture of Rethymno and known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture.Afterwards we reach the Arkadi Monastery, which constitutes a landmark of architecture and civilization considering the magnificent facade of the church, the highly developed spiritual tradition as well as the flourishing development of fine arts. However, the holocaust, which took place in 1866, gave the monastery an eminent place in history, elevating it to an eternal symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide. We will visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno and have lunch (optional). At the end we will visit the Venetian stronghold of Fortezza which is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates

A unique experience exploring the hinterland, passing through traditional villages of wild beauty, and ending up at the tropical beach at Elafonisi. The experience begins by traversing the hinterland and the mountain from north to south. The route through the gorge of Topolio and the visit to the cave of Agia Sophia, the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa on the top of a rock overlooking the Libyan sea and the tropical beach at Elafonissi, which is a Natura 2000 protected area with rare bio-communities, with pink sand, clear blue waters, dunes with rare lilies create an unforgettable life experience. All the above in combination with conversations with local people and tasting local flavors close a great day with countless memories on the way back