Top Crete Nature and Wildlife Tours

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

Reaching Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island from Falassarna usually means a slow ferry—this speedboat cruise gets you to both in a fraction of the time. Spend 1.5 hours enjoying the lagoon’s shallow turquoise water and pink-tinged sand, before heading to Gramvousa, where a Venetian fortress and panoramic views of the Cretan Sea await during a 2-hour visit.

See some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches on this private tour from Chania. Skip the crowded buses on a private tour and relax on the scenic drive to Balos, a stunning lagoon with white sand beaches. You’ll also visit Falassarna, a beach known for its ideal windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions.

Get to know the wild beauty of this island on the back of a horse! We take a trip along old paths from antiquity. You drive through olive groves and have beautiful views over the island. The tour starts at the riding school where you first receive a brief explanation about riding and everyone gets their equipment. Then the group (always small groups) sets off. For the health of the horses, the rider's weight must be less than 90 kg, 198 pounds. WHAT'S EXCLUDED: entrance stables 35 € pp to pay cash on the spot (total price is 50 € pp)

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.

Elafonissi Beach Elafonissi is located 76km west of Chania in the southwestern most point of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong, which often "breaks" in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonissi is a “Natura 2000” protected area. The island is full of dunes with sand lilies and junipers (like-cedar trees). The endangered turtles Caretta-Caretta and several rare animals nest on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals from the area. Exotic beach with white sand and turquoise waters, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken shells.

Trade Chania’s well-worn tourist trail for the rugged Rodopou Peninsula on this small-group quad safari capped at ten travelers. Ride a two-seater automatic quad from Kolymbari out to the Ancient Diktyna Sanctuary, Menies Beach, and the cliffside village of Ravdoucha—places that are nearly impossible to reach without a local guide and the right vehicle. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless experience.

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.

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.

With its breathtaking senary with the pink sand and blue-green waters Elafonissi is not only one of the most famous beaches of Crete, and of Greece generally – this extraordinary destination has also made the list of the top ten beaches in the world. This is a premium destination for lovers of nature. The island and surroundings are protected as part of the Natura 2000 network.

Skip the expense of car hire and relax with this convenient transfer service for scenic Gramvousa island. Your bus will collect you at one of a range of Chania locations, and drive you to the port of Kissamos. Here, pay for your prebooked tickets and a small municipality fee, board the boat, and explore the island. Catch the boat to Balos Lagoon before returning to Chania by bus.

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.

Why to choose Falassarna afternoon? You will watch the amazing sunset and have fun and choose between a variety of water sports (at extra cost). Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean sea. Sunbathing on a white-sand beach and Relax by the beach with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

Embark on an easy 5-mile (8-km) guided hike through the Imbros Gorge on this full-day trekking tour of Crete. Marvel at Crete’s unique topography as you explore the rocky ravine in the shadows of the White Mountains and pass the mountain villages of Vrisses, Askifou and Imbros. After refueling with a typical Cretan lunch (own expense), pay a visit to the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, then cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.

Go off-the-beaten-path in Crete with a half-day private tour. Enjoy hotel pickup and set out with a private driver on an itinerary customized to your interests. Choose between top historic landmarks, waterfalls, mountains, coves, and more. Meet local people and discover the heritage and culture of Crete during this private tour.

Experience Crete’s coastline from the captain’s seat on a self-drive boat adventure that requires no boating license. After a short training session, follow your guide along the Aegean coast to hidden coves and crystal-clear swimming spots that are difficult to reach by land. Hotel transfers make this an easy way to enjoy a unique day on the water.

Discover a side of Crete that few other visitors get to experience—and enjoy a more personalized way to travel—on this private, full-day Jeep safari tour. After pickup from your Chania hotel, head into nature and off-road as you drive through the White Mountains, spot the Samaria Gorge, and more. In between, visit wine and olive oil producers, discover a 3,000-year-old olive tree, enjoy a traditional local lunch, and more.

Discover the best of South Crete on a full-day trip that blends culture, nature, and authentic local flavors. The experience begins at one of Crete’s top wineries, set among the island’s lush interior vineyards, where guests can enjoy a guided tasting and learn about the traditions behind Cretan wine. The tour continues to the legendary village of Matala, known for its relaxed “hippie” vibe, colorful streets, and stunning turquoise beach. Travelers can swim, sunbathe, or explore the iconic caves carved into the seaside cliffs. A traditional Cretan lunch is served at a local restaurant, prepared with fresh regional products and accompanied by local wine. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and gentle routes, this tour delivers a full day of authentic experiences and the true spirit of southern Crete.

Avoid the hassles of self-driving and set out on a customizable off-road safari across northwestern Crete to Balos Lagoon with a private driver-guide. Admire panoramic views of Kissamos Bay and Gramvousa Island before a short hike down to the white-sand beach and turquoise waters for a swim. Savor an authentic Cretan meal with local wine (at your own expense) and enjoy the relaxing coastal scenery.

Escape in Crete’s amazing beaches of Elafonissi and Falasarna, swim in the crystal waters, explore traditional villages and enjoy an amazing meal in one of the most well known traditional restaurant of Crete in a private all inclusive travel package. There’s something undeniably artistic in the way the Cretan landscape unfolds, from the amazing sandy beaches in the north coast to the rugged canyons spilling out at the cove-carved and cliff-lined southern coastline. In between, orange and Olive tree valleys, traditional villages, and spectacular views of White Mountains. Minimum of 4 booked participants is needed

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos’ to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.

Go beyond the resort restaurants and taste Crete’s produce where it is actually made. This full-day tour takes you by 4x4 off-road vehicle to an olive mill, a working winery, and the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves—believed to be one of the oldest in the world—before sitting down for a traditional Cretan lunch with drinks. Hotel pickup, tastings, and all entrance fees are covered.

Channel your inner pirate and sail along Crete’s north coast on this pirate-themed cruise from Rethymno. Board the 'Barbarossa' replica Spanish galleon, and sail to the pirate caves and Camarola rock arch. After taking photos here, swim and snorkel in Geropotamus Bay before cruising past Rethymno’s Venetian fortress back to port. Onboard bar with drinks (own expense), live onboard commentary, and use of snorkeling equipment and pirate costumes included.

Enjoy an evening to remember in Crete—and immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine, and traditions—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. In the evening, travel via shuttle directly from your hotel to a local olive producer, where you’ll see how olive oil (and olive soap) are made, can taste local products (including Cretan wine), and more. Next, enjoy a generous buffet meal, accompanied by Cretan dance and music performances.