Crete Tours

The calm, warm waters off Crete are ideal for snorkelling. Departing from Hersonissos at midday and stopping at two secluded beaches, including St. George's Beach, you'll have around 45 minutes at prime locations to snorkel, swim or float on inflatable lilos. It's the perfect addition to your Cretan getaway.

This sunset safari takes you off the beaten track in more ways than one. You'll follow scenic trails in your off-roader to explore hidden landscapes that few visitors see. Get ready for panoramic views of Rethymnon as you traverse traditional villages on the way to the Amari Dam reservoir. Eleni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Away from the coast, Cretan traditions are still strong, and many people make a living from the land. Olive groves, fields of vines and citrus orchards represent the most important crops – though avocados are now becoming a popular fruit on our farms.'Leaving Rethymnon, you'll soon be heading towards the hills. Rumbling through the tranquil hill villages of Pigi, Adelle, Saint Dimitrios and Harkia, we swap the bright lights for unpaved off-road routes, wild vegetation, and peaceful vistas. You'll get a close-up view of the real Crete, and gain insight into the heritage of the island. Eleni says, ‘Crete is one of the few islands in Greece that would still have a self-sufficient economy without tourism. Agriculture is still a very relevant industry here.'You'll climb further into the hills to a fabulous viewpoint where your gaze will sweep from the coast to the mountains, with a lovely view over Amari Dam reservoir just below. Sunset spots don't come much better than this. To round off your tour, you'll stop at a family-owned taverna, where you'll be able to try a platter of locally sourced Cretan meze specialities with a glass of wine.

Experience a leisurely boat trip in the north of Crete, navigating the calm expanse of Souda Bay. The bay extends several kilometres between the Akrotiri peninsula and Cape Drapano, Explore Souda Island's intriguing rock formations and white cliffs, and stop for a cooling swim and snorkel in the clear Aegean Sea. Finish your journey in Marathi, known for its shallow beaches, fine sand, and plentiful seaside cafes.

Southern Crete's coastline is full of unexpected surprises and on this exclusive-to-TUI tour you'll find yourself in the middle of a tropical paradise. You'll enjoy a boat tour from Damnoni to Preveli Palm beach and visit the springs in Kourtaliotiko gorge as you explore the ever-changing terrain of the south coast.

When you visit the Carlos Cambelopoulos Foundation on a guided tour, your experience will be so much deeper. Housed in a Venetian Monastery in Chania old town, your guide will show you the highlights of this interesting museum featuring works by the artist Carlos Cambelopoulos, as well as a collection of art and hairdressing tools from different time periods. The museum also includes a library with rare publications on art and architecture.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a Cretan sunset, but nothing quite beats a 4x4 safari into the White Mountains as day turns to night. You'll rumble down unchartered tracks to places few visitors go – stopping for plenty of photos along the way – and toast in the evening with a wine-tasting session in a winery.

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.

Explore some of the oldest Byzantine Monasteries, Churches, and Cathedrals in Crete during this private tour.

Enjoy this private tour of Western Crete and explore ancient villages and Byzantine monasteries.

Discover Knossos Palace and the Cave of Zeus from Heraklion and Elounda during this tailored-made private tour.

Once you've packed your bathing suit and sun lotion, you'll be ready for a day of fun in the sun at Watercity Waterpark, Heraklion. There's everything you need for an action-packed day out, and all the space you need to stretch out on a sunbed and top up that tan.

The volcanic island of Santorini lies north of Crete. And this daytrip by fast cat is a great chance to take a close-up look at it. Curved around a colossal, sea-filled caldera that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago, it's all black cliffs, whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. It's picture-postcard Greece.Once you're on dry land, you'll take off on a scenic tour, exploring many of the island's attractions and learning about its history. Explore a town where whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and tavernas cascade down the cliff-face in steep terraces.You'll spend about 90 minutes in Oia – the village with the most magnificent views on Santorini. From its lofty clifftop perch, the panorama over the volcanic caldera is pure wow-factor. Then it's on to Fira, the island's capital. You'll have an hour or so to snap up treats in the quaint shops and boutiques.

Book this day trip to Richtis Gorge from Agios Nikolaos! Enjoy a swim under the waterfalls, a hike through the forest, and stop at the ruins of Azoria.

The rugged mountaintops, sun-kissed plains and rustic villages of Crete are the stars of this 4x4 tour. Go off-road with visits to a winery, Vosako Monastery and an olive oil producer. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A winery owner in Panormos will welcome you before leading a tour and tasting experience. You also find out about Cretan olive oil – another staple of local cuisine. Your hosts will help you unravel the secrets behind why Cretans live longer than the average Greek.'First up, we'll hop into our 4x4s and head to a family-run winery in Panormos. Enjoy a guided visit and learn about indigenous Cretan grape varieties such as vidiano, vilana and kotsifali. These grapes are well-suited to the island's climate and soil, resulting in unique flavour profiles. After a tasting, we'll rumble through the traditional villages of Dafnedes, Apladiana and Agridia towards Vosako Monastery. Steeped in history, it was once used as a refuge where Cretans could escape civil unrest. Panoramic mountaintop views make it a great place to snap some epic photos.The rest of the morning is spent driving by sprawling vineyards en route to visit a traditional olive mill. Learn all there is to know about the ancient versus modern harvesting and production of olive oil on the island, and try some for yourself. Finally, you'll experience Cretan hospitality with a meal of tasty local dishes in the village of Melidoni before heading back to Rethymnon.

Embark on a mountainous journey through Crete, starting out from our base in Rethymno. Along the way, we'll traverse natural gorges with impressive archaeological formations and cross shallow rivers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and visit ancient Cretan villages that date back to the 11th or 12th century. Our safari includes several stops, including a visit to a traditional Cretan kafenion, or coffee house.

An oasis of tranquillity, Crete's botanical gardens provide a respite from the bustling beaches. On this morning tour, your guide will show you around the vast gardens and teach you about the local plants and wildlife. You'll also get to prepare and try one of Greece's most popular mezze dishes.On arrival, you'll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink of homemade lemonade. A short introduction to the tour will be given in the amphitheatre and then you're free to explore. You'll have the chance to walk around the vast and verdant gardens with a guide. Learn all there is to know about native flora and fauna, as well as exotic species from around the world. What's more, the grounds have been designed carefully with the environment in mind – ensuring your visit is sustainable.Once you've finished admiring the greenery, there's a short cooking workshop where you'll learn how to prepare a Cretan speciality, ‘tzatziki'. You'll also get to taste the dip, which is popularly served with bread. It's the perfect appetiser to keep you going before lunch.

Visit the historic Melidoni Cave, the charming village of Margarites, learn about its traditional pottery-making techniques, Kournas Lake, and more.

Buy this audio tour of Spinalonga Island downloadable on your smartphone! Explore at your own pace, listen to fascinating stories, and gain great insights into the island!

Falassarna isn't just a beach; it's a slice of paradise where relaxation isn't just promised – it's guaranteed. This sandy stretch is celebrated not only as the best beach in Crete but also as one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe. And on this night out you'll get to experience it in all of its glory. Take a stroll, watch a Mediterranean sunset, and tuck into dinner with a view at a beachside restaurant. What's not to love?

Get ready for some serious serenity with a sunset cruise along Saint George Bay in Hersonissos. Savour a glass of wine while you watch the tranquil colours of the setting sun, accompanied by the gentle lull of the waves lapping against the boat. Let the warm breeze and impressive views create a moment of pure relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience.