Day Trips from Heraklion to Malia

See a side of Crete that many tourists miss with this private full-day tour to places off the tourist map. Head away from the island’s busy beaches to discover the real Crete, visiting an olive oil producer, traditional wind mills, and sleepy inland villages. The Cave of Zeus is open except on Tuesdays. You have the option to enjoy a local lunch.

Visit a olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil production and we get to taste different kind of olive oil . Visit the village of Mochos and Krasi and walk through the old narrow streets, Enjoy a coffee at the main square. Visit the Cave of Zeus ( OPTIONAL) Enjoy the ride with our comfortable air conditioned vehicles while learning about local traditions, history and myths. Visit a family pottery workshop ( OPTIONAL) Stop at a family restaurant up on the mountain to taste a few local dishes ( OPTIONAL) Dive into the Minoan civilization while exploring Knossos Palace .( OPTIONAL) Experience the Greek Myth with us and create memories that will last for ever. We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs so just let us know. We can pick you up from Heraklion port and Region . From Agios Nikolaos Port and Region, From Elounda , From Rethimno Region we can pick you up only if you book the PRIVATE OPTION.

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.

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.

A tour that includes both the Lasithi Plateau and the Palace of Knossos stands out because it blends nature, culture, history, and authentic Cretan life in one unforgettable day. Here’s what truly makes it unique: Two Completely Different Worlds in One Tour. Knossos Palace offers ancient history, Minoan legends, and archaeology. Lasithi Plateau gives you mountain scenery, traditional villages, fertile farmlands, and real Cretan hospitality. Few tours combine both—making this itinerary richer and more balanced. Deep Cultural Experience, Not Just Sightseeing You don’t only see landmarks—you interact with local life. Village stops, meeting locals, visiting traditional workshops, or tasting products from the plateau add authenticity you can’t get in standard city tours. Stunning Nature and Peaceful Mountain Landscapes After exploring the busy archaeological site of Knossos, the quiet, green and panoramic beauty of Lasithi Plateau provides the perfect contrast.

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

You are the whole day, with your guide, inside the countryside of Crete. The roads are almost all off road, the chance to see the real inland of Crete! We drive through the mountains towards the grape yards of the wine areas, passing small villages, through a river bed, sheltered by bamboo, a lot of nature. Crossing the river where we may have some water flowing in the months April, May and again from half of September. One of the highlights is a visit of a cave. We stop in a very authentic mountain village, on the square next to the church, for a coffee. We continue our trip along several small villages, on dirt tracks and through the green nature and herbs, passing olive groves and grape fields. We stop for lunch in a very small mountain village with a spectacular beautiful view. After lunch we drive through a mountainous area. On the way down we see a magnificent view of the north coast of Crete. Join us!