Top Crete Day Trips

Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Take a day out from Crete to visit Santorini on this day trip, which saves you the hassle of moving to different accommodation while showcasing the island's highlights. Admire this famous volcanic island, known for its sea-filled caldera (crater) and black cliffs, away from the crowds as you sail. Cover more sights in less time on a bus tour to visit Thira and Oia to admire the whitewashed houses perched high on the cliffs, with free time to explore both towns.

Full-Day Santorini Island Trip from Crete

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Bask on Elafonisi Beach on this day trip in Crete. Venture southwest through the White Mountains to Chrissoskalitissa, and climb the ‘Golden Step’ to this medieval religious retreat, perched high above the sea. Afterward, continue to Elafonisi to laze on its pink-white sands, swim, and wade through the shallows to nearby Elafonis Island, sometimes known as ‘Deer Island.' Transport and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.

Elafonissi Beach Crete Day Trip

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private Sail in Chania

Price varies by group size

Explore the wild beauty of western Crete on a private tour that combines stunning landscapes, rich tradition, and intriguing history. Visit the famous pink sands of Elafonissi Beach, where you can swim in crystal clear waters and bask in the sun. Discover the impressive stalactites of Agia Sofia Cave, known for its remarkable rock formations, and stroll through the charming village of Topolia, where authentic Cretan life thrives. This customizable tour ensures you travel at your own pace in a comfortable vehicle while enjoying traditional Cretan snacks. - Visit iconic Elafonissi Beach with its unique pink sand and clear waters - Explore the mystical Agia Sofia Cave with its fascinating rock formations - Discover the traditional Cretan village of Topolia and its local culture - Enjoy a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and pace

From Chania Private Tour to Elafonissi Beach and Agia Sofia Cave

From Chania Private Tour to Elafonissi Beach and Agia Sofia Cave

7 hours 8 minutesFree Cancellation

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)

All included Private Tour to Winery and Kourna Lake from Rethymno

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Explore the stunning landscapes of southern Crete on a full-day adventure that combines nature, history, and local culture. Start your journey at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where towering cliffs and powerful winds create a dramatic backdrop. Next, relax at Preveli Beach, a beautiful spot where the Libyan Sea meets a lush palm forest, offering swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Conclude your exploration in the charming village of Spili, known for its Venetian lion-head fountains and authentic local experiences like olive oil and honey tasting. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, showcasing the best of Crete in one day. - Full-day tour exploring Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach - Relax at the unique Preveli Beach with a palm forest and freshwater river - Visit the picturesque village of Spili for local culture (Lunch break-optional) - Perfect for nature lovers and those interested in authentic Crete experiences

Private Full Day Tour to Kourtaliotiko, Preveli Beach & Spili

Private Full Day Tour to Kourtaliotiko, Preveli Beach & Spili

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover one of Crete’s most famous natural treasures on a full-day excursion to Elafonisi. Travel through traditional Cretan villages and the impressive Topolia Gorge before reaching a paradise of turquoise waters, white and pink sand, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Enjoy plenty of free time to swim, relax, and explore the unique lagoon-like landscape before stopping at a traditional village on the return journey for an authentic taste of Cretan culture. Tour Highlights Scenic drive through traditional Cretan villages. Passage through the impressive Topolia Gorge. Approximately 4 hours of free time at Elafonisi Beach. Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Walk across to the famous Elafonisi islet. Optional stop for traditional Cretan food in Elos Village. Comfortable round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach.

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Elafonisi Beach Tour

$52$49

Discover everyday life in Crete through a mix of marine discovery, local culture, and city exploration. Visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe, experience a traditional open-air market full of local products, and explore the vibrant capital of Heraklion with its rich Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. This tour offers a perfect balance of education, culture, and free time in the heart of the island. Tour Highlights Visit to Cretaquarium Experience the traditional Pateles open-air market Free time in Heraklion city center Optional sightseeing of Venetian and historical landmarks Insight into real local life in Crete Comfortable round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach

Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium

Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium

6 hoursFree Cancellation

This daily trip is a perfect combination of 2 of the most popular areas on Crete island and we assure you that you will enjoy it! The famous Kournas Lake is a worth visit place for people that love nature and water. It is the only one natural lake with fresh water in Crete and it is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Crete island. The lake’s maximum depth is 22 meters and it lies approximately 20m above sea level. The green, blue and turquoise waters of the lake, the sun above them and the White Mountains create a stunning combination that all the visitors love! Rethymno, and especially the Old Town is similar to Chania in a smaller scale. Narrow streets, lovely atmospere and the avra of this city will fascinate you. Rethymno city is a well known destination, blending history, culture and modern amenities. Do not forget to visit the famous Fortezza (fortress) with stunning panoramic views of the city and the Rimondi Fountain.

Discover Kournas Lake and Rethymno Old Town from Chania

Visit the vibrant seaside village of Matala on Crete’s southern coast, famous for its colorful streets, bohemian atmosphere, and iconic cliffside caves once inhabited by 1960s hippies. Relax on the organized sandy beach beneath the historic caves before continuing to the unspoiled Kommos Beach. With its golden sands, natural dunes, tamarisk trees, and crystal-clear waters, Kommos offers a peaceful escape surrounded by natural beauty. This day trip perfectly combines history, culture, creativity, and stunning coastal scenery in South Crete.

Day Trip to Matala and Komos beach

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion

Experience the allure of Voulisma Beach. Located on a brief journey from Heraklion, Voulisma is located near the urban city of Agios Nicolaos. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy four hours immersing yourself in the beach’s beauty at your leisure. Whether you wish to soak up the sun, swim in the refreshing waters, or discover the local area, the time is yours. Relish the local flavors at beachfront bars and tavernas, indulging in the authentic tastes of Crete. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your accommodation.

Experience Voulisma Beach

10 hoursFree Cancellation

$37$35

Discover the picturesque capital of Milos, Plaka, with its traditional Cycladic architecture and unique natural beauty. Visit the small shops that offer unique handmade and traditional products, and enjoy local flavors in the traditional taverns and cafes. Next, head to Sarakiniko, one of the most impressive and unique beaches in the Cyclades. Sarakiniko is characterized by its lunar landscape, with white volcanic rocks that create an impressive contrast with the blue waters of the Aegean. Natural caves and crevices in the rocks offer incredible opportunities for exploration and photography. Finally, visit Pollonia, a picturesque fishing village on the northeast coast of Milos. With its beautiful sandy beach, seaside taverns serving fresh fish, and small cafes, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy authentic Greek hospitality. The traditional houses, the white architecture that reflects the sunlight, and the blue, crystal-clear sea, create a magical setting.

From Rethymno Full Day Trip Milos Island Plaka Sarakiniko

From Rethymno Full Day Trip Milos Island Plaka Sarakiniko

12 hoursFree Cancellation

$204$194

The beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows. It is certainly the most famous beach in South Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. The bus will stop at a parking lot, the closest to the beach, where there is a path descending down to the beach. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, where you can take some fantastic photos. To reach the beach walk the footpath (app. 300 stairs) that takes about 15 minutes. After, approximately 4 hours of free time at the beach, the day will come to an end and we will return back

Full Day Tour to Preveli Beach from Heraklion

Full Day Tour to Preveli Beach from Heraklion

$46$44

Discover the allure of Vai Palm Beach in Sitia—a slice of the Caribbean nestled within Crete’s shores. Swaying palm trees, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters transport you to a faraway island paradise. The lush palm forest, native to the area for over 2,000 years, adds an exotic touch. Pirates once planted these palms, and their legacy remains. Advertisers even featured Vai’s enchanting palm forest in a Bounty chocolate bar commercial, highlighting its irresistible appeal. Spend blissful hours lounging on soft sands, soaking up the sun, and listening to the gentle lapping of waves. Vai Beach invites you to unwind and escape. Explore hidden coves and coastal nooks—the secrets of this tropical haven. Whether you’re swimming in the cool sea or strolling along the shore, adventure awaits. 12.15 Arrival at Vai Beach (short stop between) 16.15 Departure from Vai Palm Beach 19:00 Arrival in Malia (short stop between) ROUTE: 150 km DURATION: 10 hours STAY IN VAI PALM BEACH: app. 4 hours

Crete and Heraklion Areas Direct Day Trip Vai Beach

Crete and Heraklion Areas Direct Day Trip Vai Beach

$37$35

Private transfer to Chora Sfakion Spend a day in the stunning landscapes of the Samariá Gorge.Upon arrival, board the ferry to Agia Roumeli, and reach the south end of Samariá Gorge, where you can take some spectacular hikes through the rocks. Benefit from the opportunity to walk up to the Iron Gate at the narrowest part of the gorge, and enjoy some free time for a refreshing swim and to enjoy lunch on arrival. You can walk as much, or as little as you want, making it suitable for families with children as well as adventurous travelers. Hike through breathtaking landscapes, keep an eye out for the rare kri-kri goat, and take a break to swim in the inviting waters followed by free time to relax before returning by ferry. - Private luxury minivan transfer from your hotel to Chora Sfakion - Scenic hike through Samaria Gorge with breathtaking views - Opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunch - Suitable for families and adventurers, with flexible hiking options

Crete : Samaria Easy way Gorge from Sfakia with Private Transfer

Crete : Samaria Easy way Gorge from Sfakia with Private Transfer

Price varies by group size

$238$226

Those walking boots will get a good workout during this hike through the Samaria Gorge. This 16km-long ravine is the longest in Europe. So it's a serious – but spectacular – five to six-hour trek that's not for the unfit or faint-hearted. You'll start by driving through the White Mountains to your starting point – the Xyloskalo staircase, which zigzags some 200 meters down into the gorge. You'll pass tiny chapels, walk between the high ravine walls and maybe spot some of Crete's wild ‘kri-kri' goats. The highlight though, is the ‘Iron Gates' – the narrowest section of the gorge where the 300-metre-high walls stand just 3 meters apart. At the end, you'll reach the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, where if you've made good time, you can take a swim or relax in a taverna. Then, when everyone's ready, you'll catch a boat along the coast to where your coach awaits. Great for outdoor types.

Samaria Gorge Tour from Heraklion

$102$97

Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !

GRAMVOUSA and BALOS, boat included!

14 to 15 hoursFree Cancellation

Learn more about traditional Cretan culture during a fun small-group day tour. You’ll visit the charming village of Alikianos, near Chania, where you’ll learn about Cretan history and legends over coffee. Then, get dressed up in traditional clothing and learn the steps and rhythms of local dances. Get active and have fun while experiencing a part of Greek culture that many tourists miss.

Traditional Cretan Dancing Lessons – Day Tour In Chania

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka. What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees. Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve.

Preveli Palm Beach and Plakias from Chania

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Enrich your knowledge about olive oil production and beekeeping in Crete. During this trip you will also have the chance to discover the secrets of wine in Crete by visiting a wine museum with a long tradition. In ultramodern facilities, passion, experience and culture meet technology in order to create products of high quality. In the next stop, you will visit Ano Vouves village to admire one of the oldest olive trees in the world. An interesting fact about this olive tree is that its exact age is not yet determined; scientists have estimated it to be 4000 years old but it still produces olives today! This excursion ends in a Cretan restaurant where you can taste the Cretan cuisine with a panoramic view.

Cretan tasting Tour from Chania

Souda Bay Escape Swim Explore and Discover

9 hoursFree Cancellation

$23$22

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of Crete’s most impressive natural wonders. Walk through a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, flowing springs, and the crystal-clear waters of the Kourtaliotis River. Experience the unique atmosphere of this legendary gorge, where nature, wildlife, and stunning scenery come together. Complete your adventure with a visit to the famous Preveli Beach and its iconic palm forest for an unforgettable Cretan experience.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfalls Escape From Heraklion

Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfalls Escape From Heraklion

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Must-Dos in Crete

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What are people saying about Crete

Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat

Lynda_M, Oct 2026

Best Day Ever

What an incredible experience my son and I had on this very unique and outstanding tour. From the wine and olive oil tasting, the experience of the ancient olive tree, off road driving through the gorgeous Cretan countryside to the spectacular lunch at Milia. But most of all, our guide, Nikolas. He is so knowledgeable, fun and caring. My son and I will never forget this experience nor him. We are so grateful. Thank you!

From Chania:Elafonissi Beach Day Trip, Elos, Honey & Wine Tasting

Shannon_C, Oct 2026

Lovely Beach Day

We had a lovely day at the beach. Linda provided clear details of the day as well as helpful information along the way to pass the time as we drove. We rented beds at the beach for 20€ so we did not use the complimentary umbrellas offered as part of the tour, but saw several other guests did. As we were such a large group, the wine & honey tasting was kind of disorganized as anyone could choose or do it or not, and it was a self-serve tasting. It was very tasty and we had just the right amount of time for a coffee and pastry, bathroom break, and shopping before continuing on. We did not stop anywhere where there was a cave (or maybe I missed that explanation?) but our goal was the beach anyway. It was shallow, not windy, comfortable temperature, and there was indeed some pink sand throughout. It was like a Caribbean beach with some pink sand washing up in some areas. Overall a great day.

All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania

Glen_C, Oct 2026

A great day

The entire experience was incredible. We were taken to places we would never have found in own. Maria was awesome, full of great stories and enough history to keep us engaged. We have been fortunate to take many tours and she was truly the best guide we have had.

Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages

Louise_B, Oct 2026

I can’t think of a more...

I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to start our Greek adventure. Yannis was a wonderful host and made us feel incredibly welcome. The people we met and the places we visited made us feel so at home. Such a great way to experience the culture of Chania.

Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania

Grace_W, Sep 2026

Elafonissi beach

Great trip, beautiful Elafonissi beach. Amazing scenic drive on Tuesday (round trip). Our guide Silvana was amazing, very well organized with mamy pick ups on the way. She provided a lot of information about the island, history, customs. Very helpfull answered our questions. Our driver #1 driving a big bus though the mountains.

5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch

Sabrina_L, Sep 2026

An absolute must!!

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our Crete safari tour! The tour was family-run, and you could truly feel the care and pride they put into what they do. From start to finish, the staff was incredible—extremely organized, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. They went above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable for everyone in our group. At the end of the tour, they surprised us with snacks, water, and traditional Greek liquor, which was such a thoughtful and fun way to finish the day. But what really stood out to us was how they helped our group afterward. We were having trouble getting a taxi, and they simply told us, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out.” They ended up personally driving us back to our hotel! That level of kindness and hospitality was truly exceptional. You can tell that this family genuinely cares about their guests and wants everyone to have a wonderful experience. We would highly, highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Crete, and we would absolutely do it again! 🇬🇷❤️

Balos & Gramvousa: Cruise with Meals, Drinks & Transfer

Cassie_D, Sep 2026

Amazing boat excursion!

This was one of the best boat excursions we have ever taken. The boat was beautiful. We purchased the VIP ticket so we had access to the top deck and our own sun lounger. Worth every penny. The chef was great and food was amazing. The whole team onboard was so friendly and fun. We loved being able to paddleboard in the Mediterranean. It was the best and most beautiful experience!

Samaria Gorge Hiking from Chania with Professional Hiking Guide

Magdalen_L, Sep 2026

It's worth it!!!

My husband and I were a bit apprehensive to book after hearing how crowded and long this hike would be, but we are SO glad we booked this tour. It's very rocky/slick for a portion of the hike, so wear some shoes with grip. We both wore sneakers because we didn't want to pack our hiking boots, but they definitely would've been more helpful. Absolutely recommend renting at least one hiking pole from the guide when offered to help navigate the steeper sections. Despite being sore for a couple of days after, we were so happy with our experience. The views are worth the long day!

Full-Day Knossos Palace - Lasithi Plateau - Cave of Zeus

Dan_J, Sep 2026

An amazing tour!

This tour was fantastic and greatly exceeded our expectations. Kostas was friendly, knowledgeable, and humorous which is what made the trip so great. We learned so much about Cretan culture, mythology, and the food! Kostas took us to the best restaurant we visited in our 11 days in Greece (which included Athens and Santorini). We highly recommend this tour!

Private Full-Day East Crete Tour from Heraklion

Jason_V, Jul 2026

Kostas was a great tour...

Kostas was a great tour guide. We took his private tour of East Crete. He was friendly, talkative and very knowledgeable. He took us to an olive oil factory, Zeus Cave, Knossos Palace and many other sites. The tour seems to be customizable, so let him know if there are specific sites that you wish to see. The tour included lunch at a traditional Cretan restaurant and was amazing. Kostas also had traditional Cretan treats for us to try at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Full-Day Small-Group Tour in Crete with Zeus Cave Visit

Amy_L, Jul 2026

A fun day in the mountains

1. Our guide, Michelangelo (Mikel) had a great sense of humor and knowledge of Cretan history. The guides are integral to the entertainment of the tour, as they narrate and demonstrate each stop on the way. 10/10 for our guide. 2. The stops include views of beautiful mountain, lake, and ocean vistas for photos. Because there were only 8 people in the Land Rover, we had time to take a lot of photos. Our guide also took photos for us. Most of the vistas were isolated. We don’t have to compete with other tourists for the best spot. 3. First stop was to a traditional farm house to sample homemade raki, goat cheese, bread and olive oil. We got to grind wheat in a grindstone and milk a female goat. 4. The best stop of all was to see Zeus’ Cave. The entrance fee of €15 is not included in the tour price. The line to pay at the window took about 5 minutes. One had to hike 15 minutes uphill to the to the entrance. Once inside, there are well-constructed steps (200 down, 200 back up) and railing for the large cave. The visit takes about 10 minutes. Outside of the hills are also nice cafes and souvenir shops selling local crafts. 5. Lunch at a taverna in the mountains was simple but very tasty. I elected for a baked 1/4 chicken with lemony potatoes, Greek salad, green beans, bread with olive oil, and local red and white wine. The off-road experience in an old Land Rover jeep was a lot of fun, but the car did not have air-conditioning. We were picked up at our hotel at 8 AM, and picked up two other groups before starting the journey. We were home by 4 PM. One other annoyance was that as I tried to book this tour, I was unable to use my Viator credits. Viator also did not respond to my email or text inquiries.