Papagianades

Day Trips

Boart the pirate-themed boat "Captain Hook" at marina port of Rethymnon. Set sail on a five-hour cruise and take some time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring the beautiful views. Sail west and enjoy the views of the Venetian port of Rethymnon. Traveling along the coastline of Crete, pass Gerani Bay before the boat anchors at the Bay of Kevalas. Enjoy some time swimming or snorkeling from the boat for approximately one hour. Next, enjoy a lunch of tuna salad with fresh local vegetables, followed by more time for swimming and sunbathing. On the return leg of the journey, admire the views of the caves of Kefalas before returning to the harbor of Rethymnon.

Start your day at the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk through the rising rock walls and admire the incredible natural scenery, before you reach the lonely chapel in Agios Nikolaos. Listen to the ethereal sound of the wind, created by its movement through the gorge. Reach the springs of Kourtaliotis, where you can purchase rare herbs, which only grow in the mountains, from the locals. Arrive at the exotic coastal resort of Kalypso, an old pirate shelter. Relax on Karavos beach, which has recently become a national park. Clamber across the towering rocks and dive into the turquoise water of the Libyan Sea. Travel to the village of Mariou and enjoy a delicious local lunch, complimented with their traditional drink, raki. Finish your adventure at the stunning village of Spili, carved into the heart of the mountains. Escape the sun as you relax under the trees and view the famous Lion Fountain. 

Your tour starts with a drive down a beautiful off-road track that will lead you away from the city. After an hour of driving, arrive at a small village and take a walk to visit a Byzantine church and old primary school. Here, you will enjoy some Cretan hospitality as you are welcomed into a 500-year-old Cretan home. You will be served Greek coffee and a local pastry handmade by the beloved ‘Aunt Soula’ before continuing your adventure. After coffee, get back in your jeep and head to the south coast of the island. You’ll follow an adventurous route with mesmerizing views all the way to the beach. Hop in the water for a refreshing swim before sitting down for a delicious Cretan buffet. Your last stop will be the popular beachfront center of Plakia. Enjoy some free time for shopping or a coffee, before heading back to Rethymno through the breathtaking "Kourtaliotiko" canyon - where you can take some of the most amazing photos of the day.

Start with pickup from your hotel and travel by spacious bus through small towns to the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Then, board a privately booked traditional wooden fishing boat which will take you on a short cruise to the island of Spinalonga. Hear as your professional guide will share insights and stories of a former leper colony and the history of Spinalonga Island. After a guided walking tour on the island, board the boat and sail to the beautiful village of Plaka. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialties in a traditional Greek tavern with a cozy atmosphere. Choose between fresh fish or chicken, enjoy some local wine, and enjoy the views of the coastline. Next, visit a local herb plantation where a variety of natural plant products are cultivated. Learn about the various essential oils produced at the site and then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the large gardens. Finally, visit the town of Agios Nikolaos for some time for further exploring and shopping. At the end of the tour, the bus will take you back to your pickup point near your hotel.

Discover the southern coast of Crete in a Jeep and enjoy a genuine adventure through old towns and past impressive olive fields and vineyards. Visit the picturesque town of Spili and indulge in a little break with a refreshing drink from the town's freshwater spring. Continue to the beautiful palm tree-lined beach of Preveli. Enjoy a typical Cretan lunch in a traditional taverna on the beach, then take a dip in the crystal clear water of the Libyan Sea or relax in the shade of the palm trees. Continue your tour in the afternoon and take a look at the unique landscape around the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, then head back to Rethymnon on the old main road.

After pickup from your hotel, drive to Chania in the West of Crete. According to ancient writers, it was the “mother of the Cretan cities”, and an important Minoan city. Explore the Old City and see elements from all the civilizations that flourished here in the past: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, and Venetian fortresses. See dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, and the Lighthouse. You can enjoy lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora, a market hall that is home to small traditional shops and taverns. Next, the bus will take you to the quaint Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on the island. Admire the area's lush vegetation, steep hills, and rare species of fish and birds, like eels, moorhens, and two-color turtles. Here you can enjoy a swim in the lake, or take a leisurely afternoon walk. Continue to Rethimnon, the third biggest town in Crete, where monuments of the ancient Greek, Ottoman, and Venetian eras coexist. Explore the small alleys in the old town, see the Turkish minarets, and visit the Venetian fortresses. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy a Greek coffee at the vibrant old port. You will then board the bus for the return journey back to your hotel.

Start with pickup from your hotel and first pass the Selinari monastery with its impressive gorge, and reach the small town of Neapolis. Visit the Vassilakis Estate, one of the oldest and most successful olive oil producers in Crete. Enjoy a detailed tour of their production facility and learn how olive oil is made. Continue to the provincial capital of Agios Nikolaos where you can admire the shimmering blue waters of the bay of Mirabello. Walk along the harbor and over the bridge to the freshwater Lake Voulismeni. Visit a local market and browse for specialty local products such as honey, olive oil, and spices. After a Greek coffee in one of the cozy cafes, continue to Kritsa, one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Admire the views of the whitewashed houses of the village located below a steep rocky slope. Take a break for some lunch at your own expense, followed by a stroll through the village. Finally, travel to Amazonas Park and discover a sanctuary for the conservation of endangered species. Take a guided tour of the sanctuary and see a variety of colorful parrots and curious monkeys. See rare parrot species which will eventually be released back into their natural habitat, and enjoy the fantastic views of the foothills of the Dikti Mountains.

Spend a special evening with a local family on the beautiful grounds of their olive oil factory. First, see how virgin Cretan olive oil is produced onsite. Then discover the origins of famous Cretan honey with a beekeeping demonstration. After discovering the grounds, enjoy a traditional Cretan buffet meal, with plenty of local wine. Enjoy live Greek music and a dancing performance after your meal in beautiful scenic surroundings.

Start with pickup from your and meet your guide for the day. Drive up into the White Mountains to the famous Askifou Plateau. After a short coffee break, travel along ravines and gorges to the village of Chora Sfakion, a former rebel stronghold against Venetian and Turkish occupations in centuries past. Following the rugged south coast, enjoy the views of Gavdos, the southernmost island of Europe. Arrive at the picturesque village of Plakias and enjoy some free time for relaxation and swimming in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea. On the way back along the north coast, stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk down approximately 200 steps to the bottom of the gorge and enjoy the views of a beautiful waterfall. Finally, be returned to your hotel.