Monument visits in Crete
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.
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Rethymnon and Lake Kournas Tour
There's something about the old town of Rethymnon that makes you want to keep on exploring. And you'll have a whole morning to wander it at your own pace before spending the afternoon at nearby Lake Kournas. It's up to you to do as you wish – just follow your inner compass and go with the flow.Rethymnon old town is pretty compact and bursting with activity. A maze of narrow alleys links the old harbour to the Fortezza citadel. Everything in between dates from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. As well as tavernas and shops, you'll encounter churches of all styles and mosques. The Veli Pasha mosque was recently renovated and is now a palaeontological museum – it's well worth a visit.Then, it's on to Lake Kournas. Protected under the Natura 2000 project, it's a dream for all things green. Surrounded by the imposing White Mountain range – and the only freshwater lake in Crete – you'll have just over an hour to soak in the fresh mountain air, swim in the calm waters or kick back and relax on the sandy beach.
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The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle the islet. You'll sail to Spinalonga from Elounda, a 25-minute cruise.On arrival at the islet – which is no more than 435m long and 230m wide – you'll find yourself immersed in its history straight away. Over the years, Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'.A guided walk will show you around the Venetian fortress and the leper colony – which closed in the 1950s. See the main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. And look round the old hospital and graveyard. After fascinating if poignant visit, you'll board the boat and sail back to Elounda.
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Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city.Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan salad, meatballs and local pastries. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.
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Excursion to Knossos Palace from South Crete
Boasting one of Europe's most important archaeological sites, Crete's capital sets the scene for Minoan greatness. On this tour, you'll discover the Palace of Knossos, a spot veiled in mystery. Uncover this ancient civilisation and the legendary King Minos with your expert guide. Check out alluring artefacts and get in-depth historical knowledge before heading back to Heraklion for some free time.
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Spinalonga Island Tour from Southern Crete
The tiny isle of Spinalonga is one of the top things to do in Crete. Take a tour of this former leper colony and discover the centuries of history packed within the walls that encircle it. What's more, you'll also visit the seaside resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for a spot of swimming and the chance to find lunch.Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. A guided walk will show you around the fortress and the colony – which closed in the 1950s. Spinalonga is one of Crete's best-known features and a location in Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel, The Island.Later, you'll sail back to Elounda. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine, or watch the world go by at a café. You'll also have lunch in a local taverna. And rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a chic seaside town sheltered by two offshore islets.
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Spinalonga is one of Crete's most talked about sights. It was Europe's last leper colony and scores of lepers lived here, in exile from the mainland, until 1957. Sail to this eerie island just 15-minutes from the mainland and explore this relic of the past.Arriving at the island, you'll find yourself immersed in its history right away. Over the years, it's been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and most notoriously, a leper colony which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'.A guided walk will show you around the Venetian fortress and the main street lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. You'll get to look round the old hospital and graveyard, too. Later, you'll sail back to Elounda where you can swim in the sea, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at a waterside café. There's also free time to find lunch in a local taverna and a visit to the chic resort of Agios Nikolaos.
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Spinalonga Island Guided Tour with Lunch
The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a true local on this full-day tour of its must-see monuments.
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Popular experiences in Crete
An excursion that gets better and better as the day goes on. Enjoy some sightseeing before an afternoon relaxing in Elafonisi, an idyllic island off southwest Crete. You'll also visit the village of Voulgaro and the Agia Sophia cave.
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Crete - Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave
The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.
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Crete - Gramvousa Islands Boat Cruise
This cruise has everything – great scenery, beach time and a helping of medieval history. Everything starts at Kastelli on Crete's northwest coast, where a boat awaits to carry you across Kissamos bay to the Gramvousa peninsula and isles. And to round off the trip, you'll spend a few hours at Balos lagoon.
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Crete - Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life
Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.
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Crete - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.
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Crete - Tour of Western Crete with Winery and Olive Oil Estate
Western Crete boasts wonderful local produce and spectacular beaches. This excursion showcases the area's best bits, with a wine tasting at the Karavitakis winery, sampling delicious local olive oil at Biolea estate and some relaxation on the white sands of Falassarna beach.
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Crete - Cretan 4x4 Experience from Chania
This full day 4x4 tour is for designed especially for adventures. You'll journey along dirt roads, mountain passes and through Crete's charming villages as you explore the island's hidden gems and vast panoramic scenery.
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Crete - Chania Boat & Snorkelling Cruise
The warm waters surrounding Crete are home to a fascinating array of marinelife – making it nothing short of snorkelling heaven. Sailing from Kolymbari, you'll admire the beauty of the Chania coast before diving into the Mediterranean to see shoals of exotic fish, colourful coral and more.
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Crete - Rethymnon and Lake Kournas Tour
There's something about the old town of Rethymnon that makes you want to keep on exploring. And you'll have a whole morning to wander it at your own pace before spending the afternoon at nearby Lake Kournas. It's up to you to do as you wish – just follow your inner compass and go with the flow.Rethymnon old town is pretty compact and bursting with activity. A maze of narrow alleys links the old harbour to the Fortezza citadel. Everything in between dates from the Venetian and Ottoman eras. As well as tavernas and shops, you'll encounter churches of all styles and mosques. The Veli Pasha mosque was recently renovated and is now a palaeontological museum – it's well worth a visit.Then, it's on to Lake Kournas. Protected under the Natura 2000 project, it's a dream for all things green. Surrounded by the imposing White Mountain range – and the only freshwater lake in Crete – you'll have just over an hour to soak in the fresh mountain air, swim in the calm waters or kick back and relax on the sandy beach.
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Crete - Limnoupolis Water Park from Chania
The beach isn't the only place for watery fun in Crete. Limnoupolis Water Park is jam-packed with slides, chutes, rivers and pools that'll have you whizzing from one to the other. From the scary Giant Slide to the chilled Lazy River, there's something for everyone and every mood.
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Crete - Acqua Plus Water Park Premium Ticket with Transfer
From adrenaline-filled hair-raising rides to kids' splash zones and sun lounging areas, Acqua Plus Water Park provides the very best in watery fun. This excursion is an ideal day out for relaxed family fun and thrill-seeking adults alike.
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Crete - Acqua Plus Water Park with transfer from Heraklion & Rethymno
Some call it ‘the spinner', others ‘the toilet' – it's actually the Spacebowl. Whatever you call it, you're in for an experience that'll leave you feeling flushed. Acqua Plus is that sort of waterpark. If you're looking for adrenaline-pumping fun or some rest while the kids go wild, this is the place for you.
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Crete - Cretan Night with Dinner & Dancing
Cretans are renowned for throwing a great party night. And there's no better way to find out just how good they are than by dropping into one at a local taverna. You'll enjoy rousing live music and dancing, with free-flowing wine and dancers in folk dress. A full-on Greek night.
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Crete - Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport
'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.
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Crete - Mountains of Crete 4x4 Tour with Taverna Lunch
Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.
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Crete - Chersonissos Bay Cruise with Black Rose Pirate Boat
Once the clock strikes midday, it's all aboard the Black Rose pirate boat for a voyage out in the Cretan Sea. You'll enjoy the high seas as you sail out to St George's Bay from Hersonissos. You'll have a couple of hours of swimming, while back on board a light lunch will be ready for everyone to tuck into.The Black Rose will be cruising towards St George's Bay, and as soon as the anchor's down, you'll have a couple of hours to swim in the cool, calm waters that make this bay so special.The boat's crew will have prepared lunch for all before casting off towards Malia where the next stop is scheduled. Meanwhile, there'll be music to keep everyone entertained. An afternoon of hi jinks on the Cretan Sea.
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Crete - Scene Lux and Candy Boat Party
Gather your crew and hit the Malia Party Boat for an epic party at sea. Imagine jamming to top DJs on the lit decks, snapping Insta-worthy moments with a backdrop of Crete, and sipping cool drinks from the bar. Dive into party games and hit the dance floor, then take a swim break to cool off. It's the ultimate mix of sun, sea, and beats.
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Crete - Rethymnon Town & Market Tour
With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, this morning trip to the romantic town of Rethymnon is as relaxing as they come. You'll journey along the west coast of Crete to Rethymnon where you'll discover history, architecture and charm by the bucket-load.
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Crete - Dia Island Boat Cruise
Legend has it that the gods created Dia Island and there's certainly something heavenly about it. On this trip, you'll set sail to the mythical isle whilst enjoying all-inclusive drinks and a tasty lunch onboard. What's more, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling and even a spot of fishing too, this trip really gets the holiday vibes going.
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Those walking boots will get a good workout during this hike through the Samaria Gorge. This 16km-long ravine is the longest in Europe. So it's a serious – but spectacular – five to six-hour trek that's not for the unfit or faint-hearted.
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