Top Crete Seasonal & Special Occasions in 2026

Visit the family home of a local Cretan for an evening of cooking, eating, and cultural exchange. Begin your visit in the vegetable gardens, where you harvest ingredients to use in your recipes. Learn traditional dishes from your hosts, hear the stories behind each, and taste local cheeses. Enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains, then sit down to a meal you helped prepare, paired with local wine.

Skip the self-drive stress and indulge as much as you want on this full-day trip to Elafonisi Beach, a 90-minute drive from Chania. Stop at Agia Sofia Cave (subject to conditions), a dramatic cave that contains a historic church, then head to the white sands and turquoise waters of Elafonisi Beach. Enjoy the dunes, the lagoon and facilities such as umbrellas, showers and snack bars (own expense), before heading home.

Explore the unique culinary paths of the Cretan culture. This excursion is a must for a closer look at the secrets of the traditional Cretan way of living where you will explore the traditional tastes of Cretan nutrition. Visit a local bakery where we will have the chance to get a closer look at how Cretan traditional savories (rusks, bread, etc) are made. Visit an Olive grove where we will examine the olive trees and learn how Cretan honey is made. Visit a traditional multi-awarded cheese factory. If it is not the cheese-making period, we will be able to enter, otherwise, our guide will tell you everything about the cheese-making procedure before our superior tasting experience. Get ready for a superb gastronomical experience as you will have the chance to taste a traditional platted with olive oil, tomatoes, olives, cheese, honey, and more that are going to provide you with a first-class experience of the Cretan nature.

Treat your senses to the ancient flavors of Crete on a wine tour from Chania. Travel through the mountains of the Kissamos region and traditional Cretan villages to reach two family-run wineries, where you’ll taste regional wines and olive oils. You'll also stand before one of the world’s oldest olive trees on this relaxed wine tour of northwestern Crete.

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.

Sail with us on board the most luxurious catamaran in Crete (Lagoon 560) . Our journey begins at the Port of Kissamos where our Crew will warmly welcome you on board. After departure you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of Gramvousa cape as you sail along the coastline. Sailing to our destination will take around 1.5 hours. After arriving in Balos Lagoon our yacht will anchor in the middle of the bay so you can dive from our yacht for a quick swim and enjoy the crystalline waters (No disembarkation will be possible). Our crew will also serve you plentiful drinks and snacks from local natural products. During our stop you will be able to try snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding according to the instructions of the captain so feel free to request it from him. You will have around 0.5-1 hour in Balos before we start our sailing back to the port during the golden hour. Sailing back will again last for around 1.5 hours.

The bays along Crete's coast east of Hersonissos are only reachable by boat, and finding the quiet spots takes local knowledge. Join a small-group sunset sail for a hassle-free trip, with stops to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard using the gear on board. Cruise past Malia and St. George Bay, then watch the sunset over the water on the way back to port.

From the Knossos Palace to the 2,400-year-old plane tree in Krasi Village, the Lasithi Plateau is home to some of Greece’s most historic sights. Combine a walk through history with a cultural adventure on this full-day private tour. Visit olive groves, pottery studios, traditional villages, and the legendary Cave of Zeus with a 1-hour stop while sampling traditional Cretan foods, olive oil, and wine before exploring archaeological marvels at Knossos Palace.

Discover the rugged landscapes of Crete's northern coast on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV or quad bike) adventure with transfers from Rethymno hotels. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal solo or tandem quad that can access tucked-away mountain reaches. You’ll need to be at least 18 and have held a license for one year to drive the quad.

Many visitors to Crete stick to the coast and miss out on its stunning mountains and vineyards. Explore the island's hidden heartlands on this immersive culinary tour. Visit an olive mill to learn the ancient craft of olive oil extraction and take a tour of a winery and raki distillery complete with tasting, so you'll leave feeling like a pro. Plus, enjoy a meal of local specialities for an authentic Cretan dining experience.

Experience an off-road safari in Crete on this guided excursion. After crafting an itinerary that suits your preferences and interests and enjoying pickup from your hotel, villa, or apartment, hit the trails in a Land Rover Discovery with room for six. Visit magnificent waterfalls, isolated coves, picturesque villages, and anywhere else you’d like to visit and get to know the authentic Crete. Any entrance fees are at your own expense.

Discover the most authentic and fresh Cretan food in villages between Chania and Rethymno. We will visit traditional villages where we will taste local cheese, honey ,olive oil, smoked meat, fruits, Greek sweets and herbs •We will drink Greek coffee made the traditional way in hovoli (fire that hasn’t been completely extinguished and remains hot) •You will have visit the best cheese factory in western Crete.You will also try the perfect ice cream that my friend makes and the delicious yoghurt. •We will have two meals in two different villages.The first taverna is at a mountain.The second taverna is above lake Kournas and has a fantastic view!Both are family owned and use products from the village or their own! •You will have the pleasure to witness the Cretan hospitality yourselves This is not just a food tasting experience but also a great opportunity to discover the traditional villages of Cretan countryside. The experience can take place also in the morning between 9.00-14.30

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.

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.

Experience traditional Greek vineyards alongside a certified sommelier on this private excursion by SUV. Venture into the countryside and learn about the winemaking traditions of Crete, including a visit to a 500-year-old wine press. Your tour includes a wine tasting of 12 premium wines paired with local snacks and culminates with a delicious 3-course Cretan meal in the middle of the vineyards.

Enjoy an authentic high quality Cretan experience fully guided by a local certified Wine Sommelier. Venture into the countryside and visit an Olive Oil farm and one of the most beautiful Wineries of the island. Your tour includes tasting of extra virgin olive oil paired with local delicacies, tasting of 6 selected premium wines and a delicious Cretan lunch in the middle of the vineyards.

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this full-day group tour of Crete. You’ll visit a range of cultural, historic, and natural highlights, to suit everyone’s needs. Wander through the cobbled streets of the traditional village of Spili, visiting the Folk Museum if you like. Admire the natural amphitheater of Agia Galini, and spend several hours relaxing and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand of Matala Beach.

Visit the most popular attraction of the island of Crete, the famous archeological site of Knossos, the capital of King Minos! In this half day guided tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the Cretan history, as well as to explore the new town!

This tour perfectly blends nature, culture, and authentic Cretan charm in one unforgettable day. You’ll explore Kournas Lake, a rare natural wonder where you can relax or enjoy a peaceful pedal boat ride surrounded by stunning scenery. Then, you’ll discover Rethymno’s Old Town, a beautiful mix of Venetian and Ottoman architecture, lively streets, and local traditions. It’s not just a sightseeing trip — it’s a journey through Crete’s natural beauty, history, and everyday life.

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.

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.

Skip the tourist food, and get a real taste of Crete with a tour that's created and led by locals. In a small group capped at just eight people, you'll visit two locations to sample olive oil and wine, and learn how to create some Cretan specialities with help from a local cook. Enjoy included lunch with wine and hotel transfers for a seamless experience.

Skip crowded beaches and sail to uninhabited Dia Island or St. George Bay (dependent on tour option selected) on this intimate, small-group cruise, limited to just 10 guests. As you journey across Cretan waters, listen as your captain shares history and local secrets about the area. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to swim, snorkel, fish, sunbathe, or stroll to a charming church, before savoring a freshly prepared Cretan meal and included drinks. Choose between a 5-hour daytime trip with two island stops or a shorter 3-hour sunset cruise to St. George Bay.