Top Crete Holidays in 2026

Combine a visit to the only freshwater lake on Crete with tastings of local olive oil on this private tour. Travel by private vehicle to Lake Kournas, where you can swim or enjoy a pedalo ride. Then visit a family-owned olive oil factory to sample products and learn about their production. This tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, offering a relaxed pace and personalized experience.

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.

Keen foodies, and anyone who enjoys a good craft beer, will love this evening tasting tour of Chania. Timed to coincide with the beautiful sunset, this small-group walking tour will guide you through Chania’s Old Venetian Port. Learn about the local culture and cuisine with a food and Greek craft beer pairing session and plenty of samples. Ideal as the start of an evening out in Chania, or as a standalone activity.

Explore Crete’s mountains and countryside by Polaris ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on a 4-hour buggy expedition from Rethymno. Traveling on- and off-road, rumble up mountains and through gorges and shallow rivers to experience the island’s wild side. Pause for photos, visit medieval villages, look for wildlife, and stop for snacks, including coffee at a lakeside coffee house. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with equipment, instructions, and central Rethymno or Rethymno hotel pickup included.

Delve into the rich culinary heritage of Greece with a meticulously crafted food and wine pairing experience. Enjoy five delectable courses, including a dessert, each thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from Cretan and Greek vineyards. Under the expert guidance of a knowledgeable sommelier, savour the harmony of flavours as you explore contemporary Greek cuisine. This culinary journey not only tantalizes your taste buds but also educates you on the art of pairing food and wine, making it a truly immersive experience.

Discover the enchantment of our Rethymno Sunset Tour. Embrace nature's wonders as you journey through hills, villages, and valleys. Experience Cretan hospitality in the Venetian Pikris village, glimpse the past at Arkadi Monastery, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset with a glass of wine from the top of the mountain. Indulge in a Cretan-style riverside meal (vegetarian option available) at Limnokastro taverna, surrounded by ancient trees. A blend of culture, history, and flavors await. Join us for a truly unforgettable Rethymno sunset experience.

Pedal through picturesque vineyards and olive groves on this e-bike tour from Heraklion to the charming village of Archanes. Along the way, take in stunning views of the northern coast before enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna. Afterward, visit a family-owned winery for a tour of the vineyards and cellar, followed by a tasting of exquisite Cretan wines. The return journey features a mostly downhill route, ensuring a relaxing ride back. - Duration: 6 hours with a distance of approximately 38 km (600m altitude gain & loss) - Perfect for foodies and wine lovers seeking authentic experiences - Includes lunch at a local taverna and a winery tour with tastings - Scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with pick-up available on request Please bring sunscreen and appropriate clothes & shoes for cycling. Load limit 105 kg / 230 lbs per e-bike. Rider's minimum height 150 cm / 5 feet.

Douloufakis vineyards are located just a few kilometers outside the city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Become one with nature, as you walk among the vines and taste grape varieties that have centuries of tradition in Crete. Escape the noise and traffic of the city for a day. Feel the emotion of knowing up closely the plant that produces the wine you have in your glass. Experience the traditional cretan hospitality and learn details about the organic way of cultivating the vineyards. Live the whole cretan experience by combining wine tasting with wonderful, extra virgin olive oil tasting. ** Minimum group size: 2 people. Bookings for fewer participants may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Please note that in case of bad weather, “ARISMARI” will be cancelled, but you could always participate in the "YAMAS" Estate Wine Tasting, in the cellar of Douloufakis Winery.

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Crete with an authentic wine-tasting experience that highlights the island’s culinary heritage. This journey features a selection of four distinctive Cretan wines, each paired with a local bite designed to enhance its unique character. Enjoy thoughtfully crafted pairings that balance aroma, texture, and taste while using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each wine is accompanied by a traditional mezze, specially selected to perfectly complement and elevate its flavors. With options catering to various dietary preferences, this relaxed setting invites both wine enthusiasts and curious food lovers to discover the rich traditions of Cretan gastronomy.

Opt for a private wine tasting experience on the island of Crete, and avoid the tourist tipples that you might find elsewhere. You’ll try a range of wine varietals that are created locally, meet the producers themselves, and hear the stories behind the labels. Up to five varietals of Cretan wine are included, or you can opt to sample more by upgrading locally at the winery.

Located in the midst of a vibrant green forest, our delightful village, Tsourouniana, provides an idyllic setting for a remarkable wine-tasting adventure. Enter our exquisitely decorated venue, embellished with handcrafted furniture made from olive wood, which fosters a cozy and welcoming ambiance that harmonizes flawlessly with the breathtaking allure of our environment.

Get a taste of Cretan life in the island’s mountain villages with this private tour. You’ll travel alongside a guide who brings his ancestral homeland alive with island stories and guaranteed good food. A farm-to-fork lunch, wine from the barrels, and homemade honey (produced by your guide) are a few of the treats.

Visit the former leper colony and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island during this private tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.

Celebrate all things olive oil with this Olive Oil Festival experience in Sisi, Crete. Enjoy pickup from many areas of the island and transfer to Sisi Village by air-conditioned vehicle. At the village, enjoy workshops on different topics, such as olive oil production, honey making, raki, and soap making. Sample wine and a variety of dishes based on olive oil and enjoy a live show with music and dancing.

Nestled amidst a lush green forest, our charming village, Tsourouniana sets the stage for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Step into our beautifully adorned space, adorned with hand-built olive wood furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the natural beauty of our surroundings.

Start your day with a scenic drive to the beautiful Askifou Plateau, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Highlights: Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas of the plateau and surrounding mountains. Turkish Fortresses: Optional short hike to historic fortifications over 150 years old. Askifou War Museum: One of the largest private WWII collections in Crete. Traditional Cretan Lunch: Savor local dishes at a charming tavern.(MEAL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE) Winery Tasting: Guided tour and tasting of local wines and in welcoming cellars. A full day of history, culture, and Cretan flavors awaits! SPECIAL NOTES PLEASE NOTICE DURING WINTER MONTHS THE SCHEDULE COULD BE ALTEERED DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Wine tasting (2 white dry wines, 1 rose semi dry wine, 1 red dry wine). Winery and cellar tour. Duration 1:00 - 1:15 hour.

This private day trip stands out by visiting Knossos, a local winery, and the village of Archanes—a rare combination. Tour the Knossos Archeological Site with a guide, gaining insight into the history of the former heart of the Minoan Civilization, taste local wines at a family-owned winery, and have lunch of Cretan dishes in a traditional tavern before returning to your accommodations.

The best way to explore Crete is by boat, and this half-day cruise from Hersonissos visits St. George's Bay and the small towns of Malia and Stalis. Set sail aboard a traditional pirate ship, ideal for younger travelers; stop to swim and snorkel at the island’s beaches and bays; spot dolphins and sea turtles along the coast; and tuck into a delicious BBQ lunch on board.

Step aboard the 'Mikros Naftilos' for a private cruise to the islands of Gramvousa and the Balos Lagoon. With a well-established local operator as your skipper, you'll relax on a carefully planned route that showcases the area's coastal highlights. Enjoy a lunch of regional dishes and unlimited drinks as you cruise, and stop for cool-down dips in the sea along the way.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

What makes this activity unique is that it offers an intimate journey through the real, working heart of Crete — far from the usual tourist routes. You won’t just watch demonstrations; you’ll stand beside the artisans themselves — stirring natural soaps, tasting olive oil fresh from the press, and sipping wines that never reach supermarket shelves. Every stop is family-run, every handshake genuine, and every taste born from generations of care. It’s an afternoon steeped in authenticity — fragrant with herbs, olive wood, and fermenting grapes — where you learn not from guides, but from the makers themselves. By sunset, you’ll understand why Cretans say their island’s treasures are handmade, heartmade, and meant to be shared.

Your Eye Travel guide picks you up by minibus in which we drive up in the mountains to a village for an out- and indoor guided production tour. At an amazing place surrounded by the olive trees we start with a the wine tasting where we try 7 PREMIUM Cretan wines. Every wine guided with a professional explanation so you will really experience the full flavours. Or you like more privacy and tasting 4 EXCLUSIVE wines, also tasting selected Cretan cheese and 6 of Cretan delicacies?