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Things to do in Crete

Meander between coastal villages, colorful old towns, and idyllic beaches on Greece’s largest island.

Our most recommended things to do in Crete

Heraklion: Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and Meal

1. Heraklion: Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and Meal

Sail to the exotic Dia island on our modern and large sailing yachts! Explore the 2 most beautiful bays of the island and spend 6 hours of pure relaxation and joy. Sailing to Dia takes approximately 1 hour so there is 4 hours to spend on the island swimming, enjoying our delicious menu and trying our endless water activities before setting sails to return to Heraklion enjoying 1 more hour of relaxing sailing. You can choose between the morning or the afternoon trip with the sunset view. Below we give you the timetables of the 2 trips. Morning Sailing Trip: 9:00 AM : Departure from the Port of Heraklion. As we sail you can enjoy the sun, the wind or have some drinks or even learn how to sail and be the captain yourself! 10:15 AM : We arrive to the exotic Dia island. Time for swimming, exploring and trying our water activities. 11:30 AM : Time for a break to enjoy our delicious menu. 12:00 PM : Time to visit a different beautiful bay of the island. 12:30 PM : Arrival to the next bay and more time to spend swimming, sunbathing, relaxing or trying our water activities. 13:45 PM : Time to say goodbye to the beautiful scenery and the crystal waters and set sails once again to head back to Heraklion full of joy and great memories! 15:00 PM : We arrive to the Port of Heraklion and we wish you farewell hoping to see you again in one of our trips! Afternoon Sailing Trip: 15:00 PM : Departure from the Port of Heraklion. As we sail you can enjoy the sun, the wind or have some drinks or even learn how to sail and be the captain yourself! 16:15 PM : We arrive to the exotic Dia island. Time for swimming, exploring and trying our water activities. 17:30 PM : Time for a break to enjoy our delicious menu. 18:00 PM : Time to visit a different beautiful bay of the island. 18:30 PM : Arrival to the next bay and more time to spend swimming, sunbathing, relaxing or trying our water activities. 19:45 PM : Time to say goodbye to the beautiful scenery and the crystal waters and set sails once again to head back to Heraklion admiring the magnificent sunset, full of joy and great memories! 21:00 PM : We arrive to the Port of Heraklion and we wish you farewell hoping to see you again in one of our trips! We look forward to welcome you on board for an unforgettable day!

From Crete: Santorini Island Guided Tour

2. From Crete: Santorini Island Guided Tour

Enjoy a roundtrip tour to Santorini. Travel comfortably on a modern boat and in air-conditioned buses while learning about this island's history and mythology. Capture pictures of Santorini's famous Aegean architecture and narrow, winding streets.  Travel to Heraklion port where you will depart on a high-speed boat for Santorini. Enjoy ocean views on the 2.5-hour cruise to the island and pickup a snack from the bar onboard.  Arrive at Port Athinios and hop aboard the bus for the guided tour. Travel 40 minutes to Oia, where you will admire the blue and white houses built over the cliffs. Learn about the city before enjoying free time to admire the volcanic caldera at your own pace. Next, travel 30 minutes to Fira, the main town of Santorini, built on the edge of a 300-meter cliff. Check out its narrow streets, white vaulted houses, and bright blue domes. Have the option to take a cruise from Fira in a wooden boat to the volcano and hot springs (for an additional charge) or spend more time exploring the city. Return to Port Athinios where your guide will help you board the return ferry.  Take in the late-afternoon views on the boat before arriving at Heraklion port.

From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion

3. From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion

Embark on a full-day guided trip to the Samaria Gorge from Chania. Arrive in Omalos in the heart of the White Mountains, and enjoy breakfast before trekking along the longest gorge in Europe — 4,000 feet above sea level.  After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace with your English speaking guide at the end of the group to help out if you need them. Hike over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river, passing by fresh-water springs along the way. Enjoy views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range and see mountain goats roaming in the wild. Feel the exhilaration of challenging yourself with a long hike. At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point about 730 PM.

From Chania: Elafonisi Bus Trip with Free Time

4. From Chania: Elafonisi Bus Trip with Free Time

Known for its sandy pink beaches and clear waters, Elafonisi is a stop you won't want to miss. Located 76km west of Chania, in the South-West tip of Crete, this peninsula forms part of a protected area and is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle as well as other rare plants and animals. The day begins with pick up from specific points in Chania. Then, travel approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to arrive at Elafonisi beach. At the beach, you'll have the chance to explore the area on your own. Wander through sand dunes or just enjoy a relaxing swim. Those traveling with children will enjoy the shallow lagoons, which are perfect for wading and exploring. Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll want to get a picture of the pinkish sand – a color it gets from the millions of crushed shells. In the mid-afternoon, the bus departs for the return trip to Elafonisi.

From Rethymno: Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

5. From Rethymno: Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

Choose from a morning or afternoon Quad Bike safari, and benefit from a hotel pick-up from Rethymno, Bali, or Georgiopoulis. Journey to the base in Rethymno town and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Listen to a detailed briefing before you set off for some serious off-road fun. Journey up into the mountains of Maroulas, and head for the summit for a 10-minute break to take in the panoramic views. Then, continue on your bike for another 20 minutes to reach a spot where you can relax over coffee at a traditional kafeneion (Greek coffee house). Soak up the peace and quiet of Café Gidospito overlooking beautiful Lake Potami before making your way to the picturesque village of Prassies for a quick snack to refuel after your Quad Bike experience. Return to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel to relax and freshen up after your dusty adventure.

Crete: Palace of Knossos Ticket with Audio Tour

6. Crete: Palace of Knossos Ticket with Audio Tour

Enjoy an exciting visit to Knossos Palace, Crete’s most famous historical attraction, with a skip-the-line e-ticket, including a compelling audio tour downloadable on your phone and a detailed map of the site. Lose yourself in the audio tour's storytelling and immerse yourself in history as you walk around this iconic site. Visit the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located just south of Heraklion, and see the evocative setting, complete with impressive ruins and brightly-colored frescoes, come alive through an engaging narrative that sheds light on various elements of Minoan culture. The cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum, which depict scenes from everyday life and the ceremonial activities in Minoan Crete, provide a great insight into the aesthetic ideals of the time. Follow the evolution of Minoan fashion, learn about the popular hairstyles of the people, and discover the beauty products locals used to touch up their look. At the West Magazines, where the storage facilities of the palace are located, gain an understanding of the well-organized bureaucracy that supported the palace organization, the earliest forms of linear writing, as well as the Minoan economy and trade networks. Discover the copy of the “Prince of the Lilies” at the South Entrance Corridor and gaze out on Mount Juktas, perfectly framed by the eroded walls of the palace. Visit the Queen’s Megaron, embellished with famous blue dolphins fresco and equipped with a bathroom and a toilet room, where you can find out everything about the bath habits in the Minoan era.

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

7. From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Go on a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon by a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views. Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route. Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard.  At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and spend the next 1.5 hours here. Enjoy the magical environment created by the Cretan nature, the legends, and the area's turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck. See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island, that sits atop a steep rock. You can swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, stay on the ship to relax, or have some fun on the water slide. After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to the Balos Lagoon. Listed as one of the world's best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani. Choose to swim in the turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty, the rocks, and the cliffs rising above you during your 2.5 hours at the beach.

Heraklion: Archaeological Museum & Knossos Ticket with Audio

8. Heraklion: Archaeological Museum & Knossos Ticket with Audio

Experience Ancient Crete at your own pace with a combined e-ticket for the island's top two archaeological attractions, the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Experience two captivating self-guided audio tours on your smartphone. Receive your ticket in a separate email from our local partner, and download the app and audio tours onto your phone prior to your visit. Then travel back in time to experience the grandeur of Crete from the Minoan period to Roman times. Put on your headphones and discover the Palace of Knossos and the exquisite artifacts exhibited in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Through the power of storytelling, learn interesting facts and hear little-known stories from ancient times. The content of the tours is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tours can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into ancient Crete and the Minoan civilization, and to engage with your surroundings in an entirely original way.

Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos

9. Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a fun cruise in the Greek sun with a barbecue by the sea. Explore  Kolokytha Bay and the historical island of Spinalonga. Start your day boarding the boat at the pretty harbour of Agios Nikolaos. Cruise across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello before arriving at the legendary island of Spinalonga.  On Spinalonga island you will have an hour and a half to tour around and explore the Venetian fortifications and old homes of the victims of leprosy. Learn about the history and people who lived on the island during the first half of the 20th century from the printed guide that will be given to you free of charge. Later the boat takes you on the other side of the Kolokytha island and moors at the beach of the same name. Kolokytha is a beautiful bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax, swim and sunbathe while the boat crew prepares a hearty barbecue for you. Enjoy grilled pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, bread, wine and seasonal fruits. 

Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

10. Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

Experience a full-day boat trip to the westernmost part of Crete and visit two of the most famous landmarks, Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island. Spend time paddling and enjoying the sun at Balos Lagoon and have the chance to hike up to the castle on Gramvousa on this day cruise. Be picked up by an air-conditioned bus at a pickup point close to your hotel and you be driven to Kissamos port in Kasteli. There you will board a large comfortable boat with an open deck and a bar-restaurant. Begin your cruise along the coast and see the dramatic rockface from the water. Reach the well-known Balos Lagoon and be fascinated by the white sand which covers the area and the shallow clear waters. Relax here for a couple of hours and enjoy the divine nature. Sunbathe, swim, snorkel or even hike to the hills surrounding the beach and take memorable photos. Next, float over to Gramvousa island which used to be a pirate's cove. Enjoy at least 90 minutes of free time to explore. Choose to hike for 20 minutes to the Venetian castle which is built on a steep 137m high rock. Enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean sea and unique landscape from here. Finally, return to the beach, and take a quick dip before hopping back on the boat to Kissamos port. From here the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel area. Trip Itinerary 10:40 – departure from Kissamos port 11:20 – arrival at Balos Lagoon (or Gramvousa island depending on the captain's decision based on weather conditions) 13:30 – departure from Balos for Gramvousa island (or vice versa) 13:50 – arrival to Balos lagoon 16:30 – departure from Balos 17:45 – Arrival to Kissamos port

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What people are saying about Crete

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 23,195 reviews

Panos (captain) and George (Skipper) were great. They picked us up right in the Chania harbor. They then sailed is out to one near by island where we laid anchor and got out and swam with snorkels and noodles. Then they brought out snacks and refreshments before getting underway. The views of Crete and the surrounding islands were great from the boat. George and Panos made this the perfect evening sail for my Wife and myself on our honeymoon.

the trip was amazing! pick up and drop off from the hotel went smoothly, our guide was amazing and spoke English as well as German perfectly, she also respected when everyone went to sleep on the bus and didn't say anything for that time, it was great. Elafonisi is one of the most beautiful places on earth rest assured, I'd definitely go again. tour was well organised and it deserves a hundred stars! I'd absolutely recommend it to everyone.

I am an archaeology student, and the guide was able to adapt to that, moving beyond all of the basic talking points and going deeper into the history and archaeological practice at the site. She was extremely knowledgeable!

Had a premium exprience. I was the only one on this tour this day and the guide was amazing in making the tour interesting. Definitely coming back in the future with my family! Thanks for the tour!

The palace was beautiful and I enjoyed guided tour because we got some special informations that I am sure we couldn't get visiting on our own. I would highly recommend to visit this palace.