Chania Regional Unit

Photography Tours

The boat departs from the Old Venetian Harbor and heads out onto the Gulf of Chania. Pass by the island’s famous lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later modified by the Egyptians in 1839. The boat continues to sail west towards Lazaretta Island, a small island close to Chania which provides the best views of the sunset across the Kissamos Mountains. The island has a vast history that predates the Venetian occupation. Listen to your guide share lively commentary about the history of the island and its former inhabitants as you watch the sunset and the sky change color. Relax on deck as you marvel at the sunset against the Kissamos Mountains, then enjoy a traditional Greek raki. As the boat begins the return journey back to Chania, admire the harbor’s glistening lights reflecting against the water as evening turns to night.

Cycle the Old Harbor of Chania on a 9km small group bike tour, and see the archaeological and architectural wonders of the city. Experience the beauty of the Venetian and Byzantine walls, the Venetian Neoria, and the impressive Firka fortress. Let your guide show you all the spots that only the locals know and glide through the bohemian neighborhood of Splantzia. Admire the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and step inside this Greek Orthodox church. Snap pictures on the most picturesque harbor of Greece and enjoy views of the lighthouse. Sip on ice tea at local hotspot and take in the panoramic views of old harbor while munching on an energy bar. Go for a refreshing dip at Nea Chora beach Ride at your own level, as the route is designed for the average cyclist. Follow your guide to avoid the busy city traffic and find the flattest paths.

Start your day of discovery with a pick-up service. Right after you board your comfortable, air-conditioned bus, you will journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day on the pink sand beaches on the small island of Elafonisi. Take in the lush green landscape on the way to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many old and very typical villages. Stop for a coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. Upon arrival at Elafonisi, get at least 4-hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize. Situated just off the shore of the main island, Elafonisi can be reached by walking through the water. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty. Depart by bus at approximately 4:00 PM and return to Heraklion for an estimated arrival time and hotel drop-off at around 7:30 PM.

Your full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge begins with pickup in Heraklion and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you begin your hike. The trek will take you over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river by fresh-water springs. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range, and you are also likely to see mountain goats roaming in the wild. You will be accompanied by a professional mountain escort who speaks English, German and Greek. Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you with the tickets for the entrance and ferry. After your breakfast you will enter the Samaria Gorge, where you can walk at your own pace as your guide waits at the end of the group to help you out if you need them. At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. You can enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where your bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.

Move between different attractions in Chania as you solve riddles during this interactive scavenger hunt and self-guided walking tour. Go at your own pace as you spot sights such as Firkas Fortress, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, and Chania Old Town. To get started, simply download the app on your mobile device (download instructions received via email after booking) and go to the Aviation Memorial Monument to begin your adventure. Navigate between attractions using the map, follow the clues to complete each challenge, and unlock the next location as you go. Explore your way by pausing the app at any point to do some sightseeing or take a break. The tour route includes the Aviation Memorial Monument, Sabbionara Rampart, Mosque Kucuk Hasan, the Maritime Museum, Firkas Fortress, Talos Square, the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, Trimartiri, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, and Chania Old Town.

Start your day at Elafonisi beach, with its shallow water and fine white sand. Relax on the shore for 2 hours or explore your surroundings in one of the most beautiful, remote locations in Crete. Dip your feet in the turquoise lagoon or simply stroll along the shore fringed with pink coral sand. Then, get ready for the wild road to Cape Vouxa. Ride 8 kilometers up a dirt track to the national park in a comfortable 4x4 bus. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around you. Finally, arrive at your destination. Step out and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Balos Bay and Gramvousa.

From its jaw-dropping villages to its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, Crete is a feast for the senses. The stunning beauty of Samariá Gorge National Park is an important part of the island’s attraction. On this full-day excursion you’ll be picked up in Chania and travel by comfortable bus to the park. Get ready to be wowed by the gorge, as high limestone cliffs and quaint village create the background for a great hike. The walking tour from one end of Samaria gorge to the other is a challenging 18 kilometers. The terrain in the gorge is rough, rocky, and uneven and the hike is not suitable for anyone who has heart problems or is unfit, or for pregnant women. There are a number of stopping points along the route, where you’ll find toilets and drinking water. At some points the gorge is only 3 meters wide and you may have to climb over boulders. You’ll reach the end of the gorge at Agia Roumeli, and stop for a break and a bite to eat (the price of the food is not included). You’ll return by boat to Sougia where you’ll be picked up by the coach.

Enjoy a full-day excursion with pick-up and drop-off service from the Rethymnon and Chania areas. Your professional guide will accompany you as you depart from the port and cross the bay of Kissamos, passing through Tarsanas, a cave believed to be an ancient shipyard. You will sail the turquoise water around Agria Gramvousa and Vouxa Cape before arriving at Gramvousa Island, where you can visit the Venetian Castle and have time to sunbathe and cool off in the sea. If you choose to spend your time on the island exploring rather than relaxing, you can admire the spectacular views from the top of the fortress. The next stop is the famous lagoon of Balos, Tigani. Enjoy the incredible beach known as one of the most beautiful locations on all of Crete. You will also enjoy a meal on board and be able to rest in the air-conditioned underdeck of the boat, whenever you feel to. After arriving back at Kastelli the air-conditioned busses are waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotels.

Enjoy a private road trip with a local guide. Get picked up from your accommodation in Chania and the surrounding suburbs on the West side of the island. Your driver and host will take you to the peninsula of Gramvousa. Drive along the coastal dirt road with beautiful views to the Aegean Sea, where you'll reach a small parking spot.  From there, begin an easy 15-minute trek that leads to the breathtaking views of the world-famous Balos lagoon. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos. If you want, you can hike 20 minutes down to the beach and swim or explore further.  If you don't opt for the hike to the seaside, then continue the drive through local roads and magnificent olive oil groves toward the next stop: the extraordinary Falassarna beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, it has wonderful fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the beach and you can also enjoy lunch at one of the taverns. Your driver will tell you stories about each location and will help you take memorable pictures. In the afternoon, return to Chania and get dropped off at your accommodation or your preferred point along the way.

Admire an array of exotic species of flora and fauna at the Botanical Park and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the quaint streets of Chania on this full-day trip. Start your adventure early in the morning and head to the Botanical Garden and Park of Crete. Wander into the park from the small path and see a variety of trees, exotic plants, and a small artificial lake. Once inside this natural paradise, admire the range of animals who call this park home. Next stop: Chania, the city of Zorbas. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the winding Venetian streets and capture incredible photos of city highlights like the famous Lighthouse. As you explore, visit the Turkish market in the center, and admire the traditional crafts on sale. Stroll along the harbor or stop at one of the many cafes and marvel at the breathtaking views of the sea.