Add dates

Chania Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Chania Outdoor activities

From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion

1. 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 Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

2. 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.

From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

3. From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

Travel to the southwest corner of Crete on a guided day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Island, with hotel transfers included. Spend a relaxing day swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the pink sand beach, and soaking in the unique landscape of Elafonisi. Start with a hotel pick up and take in the lush green landscape en route to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many traditional villages. Stop to purchase coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. After arriving at Elafonisi, enjoy 4 hours of relaxing on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local tavern (not included). Situated just off the island of Crete, Elafonisi is easily reached by walking through the shallow waters. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty.

From Chania or Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike

4. From Chania or Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike

Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim.  Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains. Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos. Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk. Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.

From Chania Areas: Gramvousa Island Day Trip and Balos Beach

5. From Chania Areas: Gramvousa Island Day Trip and Balos Beach

Leave Chania behind and head on a day trip to Kissamos on a guided tour. Enjoy a boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Beach and admire the landscape and panoramic views. Your day starts with a pickup from your hotel or at a specific pickup point with the bus. Depending on the option you choose, enjoy pickup from Chania, Kalyves, or Almyrida. Drive towards the west side of Crete in order to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After receiving all the necessary information about the cruise from your escort, arrive at the port where the Gramvousa ferry awaits you to start the cruise. Your escort will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices. If you've chosen the option leaving from Kalyves and Almyrida, your boat ticket and Fortress entrance are included. At about 10:40 AM, set off for the island of Gramvousa which takes approximately 45 minutes. Help yourself to the ferry kitchen with self-service dishes, meals, or snacks (at your own expense). You can sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge. During your cruise, see the elevation of the land along the cliff edges of Crete. This elevation has happened for over 2000 years. The history of the island is explained through microphones in different languages. Once you arrive at the island of Gramvousa, you can either swim or take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. There you have 2.5 hours before you continue to the lagoon of Balos which is 20 minutes away. Enjoy 3 hours at the lagoon. You may go back to the boat to purchase food at any time or hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. After a swim and relaxation at the lagoon, the boat will take you straight back to the port of Kissamos. This is a great photo opportunity as the sun will be behind you as you look out to the scenery of the island. At 6:00 PM the ferry arrives at the port and the journey comes to an end. Return time to your starting point in time for dinner.

From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup

6. From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup

Spend 4.5 hours enjoying Elafonisi Island. Don't forget your camera, as you'll definitely want to capture this island's pink sandy beaches and clear Aegean waves. The day starts with pickup from a meeting point near your resort. Travel 4 hours to Elafonisi, taking in views of canyons, valleys, and hidden villages on the way. Learn more about Crete and its history from the local guide. Take 20-minute stop to stretch your legs or grab a quick breakfast before arriving to the destination. Once on the island, guests are free to take a swim in the clear waters, soak up the sun on the sandy beach, or chill and grab a drink at the snack bar. At the end of the visit, meet at the bus for the return trip to Heraklion. The journey will take approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic and your drop-off location.

Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food

7. Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food

Discover Chania's Old Town on a private or shared group guided tour with a local. Learn about local history, and taste delicious Cretan street food as you explore. Meet your guide in Chania’s bustling market, then set off into the historic Old Town. Unravel the history of Chania as you stroll around the streets and admire the impressively well-preserved architecture. Stroll along the cobbled narrow paths of the city, and learn about Chania’s Venetian past, renaissance heritage, and Ottoman influences. Pass by famous landmarks and soak up the charming atmosphere as you mingle with the locals. As you explore, discover the flavors of Cretan cuisine, stop at colorful food shops and taverns, selling wine, olive-oil, cheese, herbs, spices, and more, and enjoy street food samples along the way.  

From Crete: Santorini Full-Day Tour by Boat

8. From Crete: Santorini Full-Day Tour by Boat

Visit Santorini on this full day-trip from the island of Crete. After pick-up from your hotel, head to the harbor and begin your sightseeing boat tour on the Cretan Sea. Upon arrival, see the white houses of Fira that lie high above the edge of the crater, and decide whether you would like to spend more time on this volcanic island. Wander the small town of Fira or visit the picturesque town of Oia. Enjoy the leisurely Greek lifestyle and visit a taverna or two. Relax on the beach, enjoy the day by the sea, and simply leave your cares behind.

Chania: Elafonisi and Milia Mountain Retreat Tour with Lunch

9. Chania: Elafonisi and Milia Mountain Retreat Tour with Lunch

Join a semi-private tour to explore a part of southwest Crete. Get plenty of time to admire the clear blue waters, pink sand, and unique landscape of Elafonisi beach. For lunch, relax at Milia Mountain Retreat. Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds at Elafonisi beach. A part of the Natura 2000 nature reserve, this beach is famous for its pink sand that was created from seashells over thousands of years. As you walk around the beach, get an insight into life in Cretan villages, olive oil production, local wine, honey-making, and the distillation of Cretan grappa. Learn about the regional culture, cuisine, history, and traditions from your guide. Then, tucked away in the lush mountains of western Crete, visit the eco-friendly paradise of Milia Mountain Retreat. Once a deserted 17th-century settlement, this restored property is your stop for a delicious local lunch paired with wine or beer.

Chania: Private Sailing Cruise with Snorkel, Lunch & Drinks

10. Chania: Private Sailing Cruise with Snorkel, Lunch & Drinks

Classic Sail Yacht 40feet long* Full Day PRIVATE Cruise out of the old venetian harbor of Chania Check in: 10am Check out: 5pm Description: A Sailing cruise around the gulf of Chania will give your vacations a different view of the city! We set sails every morning at 10am in the Old Venetian Harbour of Chania making a cruise around the gulf of Chania. We will make two stops, anchoring for swimming and relaxation, one at the nearby island of Ag.Theodori which is a protected area of "Natura" as it hosts many birds as well as the wild Cretan goat named "KRI-KRI", and the second stop will be in a secluded beach named "Maherida" and has beautiful turquoise waters. During the stops we will offer you traditional Cretan snacks, season fruits, drinks from the open bar and of course lunch that will be prepared onboard. snorkelling equipment will be provided as well to those who wish to explore the seabed!!! At about 5pm we will be back to the old Venetian port for disembarkation!!! Destination: Sailing around the gulf of Chania making stops for swimming and relaxation, anchoring at Maherida bay and the nearby island of Ag.Theodori. Icluded: snacks (Cretan traditional dakos), fruits, drinks (soft drinks, beverages, wine and bottled water) and lunch onboard (home-made cooked, based on the local Mediterranean cuisine) Must have: Have with you, your swimsuits, sea towels and your very best mood. Leave the rest to us!!! *Maximum participation 8people

111 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 7

Other Sightseeing Options in Chania

Want to discover all there is to do in Chania? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Chania

Wow this trek will forever stay in our memories! This is a very challenging hike (saying this as 27/30 year old couple who regularly go to the gym) with a very early wake up call (4:30am), quite a long bus journey there and back to the hotel, then 70% of the hike is just going down rather than on a flat surface so you'll feel your knees and ankles will be swollen. You need lots of snacks, sandwiches and water (though there are water fountains on the way). I wouldn't recommend this to anyone with little fitness or little children, also the heat gets to you (in September 31 degrees). You need to keep up with the pace, the guide tells everyone what time they should reach each station (don't expect any cafes etc) as you also want to dip in the water (a must!!) before getting on a ferry back. The guide was very nice and made sure everyone was okay though you loose track of him if you don't keep up with the pace. I wouldn't do it again but it's a great lifetime experience!

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.

Kelly was a great guide. We ate well, she shared both historical and current info about the island, and went above and beyond on giving us ideas for spending the rest of our days on Crete. After a couple of hours with her, we were set for the week.

great and thorough guide, incredible scenery, you feel like you've really accomplished something at the end, but isn't for the faint hearted, it is a tough but rewarding day, make sure the rest up the day after!

Make sure you are up for this!!! needs fitness..it'll hurt the next day..