Top Crete Shore Excursions

Explore Crete’s rugged interior on a full-day off-road buggy trip from Hersonissos. Drive or ride a 4-wheeler and travel through picturesque villages and countryside up to the Lasithi Plateau, framed by the Dikti Mountains. Follow black-topped roads and off-road trails, traverse olive groves and mountain slopes, and stop for photos and to visit the Kera Kardiotissa monastery (own expense). Traditional taverna lunch, driving instructions, and port and hotel drop-off in the Hersonissos area included.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea with this 3-hour guided snorkeling trip from Chania. All equipment is provided. Swim in the crystal blue waters in Almyrida Chania and explore reefs, caves and see the Elephant Cave of Crete.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete, Chania and Rethymno. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea near Chania with this exciting scuba dive for beginners. Learn how to dive from an experienced instructor and then head under the water to explore the sea life in the Aegean.

Our bus will pick you up early in the morning! We will have a short stop to see a cave. Our second stop will be at Elafonisi beach (4 hours) where you will have the chance to swim! On the way back we will have an 1 hour stop at Elos village for lunch! We will be back around 18:00.

Relax on the waters of Mirabello Bay on this full-day sailing trip from Agios Nikolaos. Settle aboard a classic wooden sailboat and cruise across the scenic bay to Pseira Island. After a swim stop here, drop anchor off remote Agriomantra beach to admire and swim in the cliff-framed bay. Then, enjoy a final swim stop before sailing back to dock. Ideal for families, couples, and anyone keen to enjoy Crete’s coastal waters and scenery.

Enjoy some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches without the self-drive hassles on this guided small-group tour. Travel direct from your door to Kissamos, where you board a boat for Balos Beach and Lagoon, then savor the soft white sands. Next, ride a boat to Gramvousa Island (own expense), swim in the clear waters, and opt to hike to the 16th-century fortress. Your guide will drop you directly to your door.

Chania’s Old Town is being inhabited since the ancient ages of the Minoan Civilization from 5000BC. Since then it has always been a vivid place of prosperity and growth, influenced through the ages by the various cultures, Romans, Arabs, Jews, due to its geopolitical place in the Mediterranean Sea and those who invaded it particularly in the late years, such us the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. We will stroll through the historic alleys and pinpoint the Byzantine and the Venetian/Ottoman Walls and Fortifications, then walk through the main streets and see the emergence of history from the Ancient Ages from the archeological excavations inside the Old Town to the Medieval and Recent Ages through the old buildings, the churches, the synagogues and the mosques. Also we will visit the Orthodox, the Muslim and the Jewish Quarter and how people lived together through times with peace or turbulence. There is an optional wine tasting for 30 minutes, 12 euro per person.

Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor. Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea-breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake. There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for the discerning travelers who pursue experiences at their own pace. On the road trip across West Crete rely on our top local insider to immerse in a true adventure by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. This is your relaxation rhythm. Take things slower, breathe deep & luxuriate in your freedom

Explore Santorini’s top attractions on this guided excursion. After setting sail from the port of Athinios aboard a speedy catamaran, enjoy activities that include touring the volcanic island by bus, exploring the picturesque village of Oia, strolling through the alleys and streets of Fira, and taking a refreshing swim at a black sand beach or traveling by boat to a crater lake.

Sightsee around the scenic villages of Crete in the company of a local guide in a private luxury vehicle Choose an itinerary tailored to your interests and specifications Zero hassle! Your personal guide will arrange everything Visit the top wineries of the region to discover unique and hard-to-find wines Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches of Greece Visit archaeological sites that give an insight to a civilization lost since the remote antiquity. Sample Itinerary : The tour will start at the seaside traditional village of Armeni, and continue to the region of Alikambos, where we’ll walk in olive & citrus groves of unparalleled beauty, where the rows of fruit-bearing trees point toward the sea. Last, we’ll visit Limni Kourna, a gorgeous, untouched lake of great geological and ecological significance. After a walk by the the azure waters of the lake, you can visit the village of Kournas, the seat of the Cretan Revolution of 1866.

There still exists a purity of experiences in this world, and you can find it here in East Crete. Have the inside track from our top local insider unearthing gateways to an unseen world by the comfort of luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal. Venture from village to village to see the island through the eyes of a local. Get off the beaten track & follow archaic trails across the Minoan mountains embraced by ancient forests. From a perfect mountainside peak take in the bird’s eye panoramas of the Libyan & Aegean Seas. Then lose yourself in the deep veins of magnificent gorges that host wild beauty with a soft heart. Somewhere between heaven & earth, discover a secret paradise of our forefathers nestled within an oasis of towering-aged trees & perennially flowing waters. Revel in genuine tastes of Cretan cuisine with local cooking techniques on a wood oven or open fire. Looking for stories that define people & culture, we want to give you access to Crete’s best-kept secrets.

The first references of wine and olive oil in Crete date back to 5000BC during the Minoan civilization. 7000 years later, Cretans produce wine, beer and olive oil on the same land, with the only changes the enhancement of production through technology and the optimization of crops. In this tour we will visit a winery, a beer and an olive oil factory. All three have high standards of production, marrying the old traditions with modern technology and processing. In each location we will spend around one hour touring the facilities and tasting. We can be flexible and eat in a local restaurant, visit a 5000 year old olive tree, nearby monastery, Maleme airfield and the WW2 military cemetery. Tour times in each location can be modified depending on the travelers' starting time and the date. Before confirming each tour, I have to double check that the tours will be available. Each location has 3-4 time slots available.

Our daily sailing trip in the crystal clear waters of southern Crete is far from the crowds and noise, you will be wondering why we are totally alone wherever we go.

Grab your proper shoes and get ready for the 16km hike! Get ready for a lifetime experience and be ready to have your breath taken away by the astonishing view. The descent of the gorge will start early in the morning and it will last about 5-6 hours (depending on the visitor). Along the length of the gorge you will cross a wonderful landscape with little lakes, huge rocks discovered by the bed of the torrent. All together we will get on the boat with destination the city of Sfakia the CHECKINCRETA’s bus will waiting for us to take us back to the hotel. It’s necessary to have with you a hat, sunscreen, a bottle of water and some fruits. All along the way of the Gorge, you could find water spot as well as toilets. The guide of our agency CHECKINCRETA, will follow you all along the day and will stay with the last persons of the group. Pregnant women as well as persons with health problems are not allowed to do this excursion.

Exploring Chania’s Old Town and Venetian Harbor without a guide can mean overlooking sights. This small-group Segway tour ensures you discover all the must-sees and hidden corners without getting lost. Get instructions and ride your Segway personal transporter behind a guide along the alleyways and waterfront to view the landmarks. Learn about the sights via the audio guide and get your guide’s tips on local things to do and see.

This Private tour in Crete is a unique opportunity to feel the Cretan hospitality You will walk at the narrow streets of old town of Rethymno, at narrow alleys, kiosks (prominent wooden windows), amateur lyres, mantinadas, smell of fresh bread from wood ovens and tsikoudia flavor. In other words, one of the latest authentic magical tour in Crete. You will visit the Lake of Kourna, that the landscape is lovely and relaxing, whether you want to go for a walk in the countryside with unique natural beauty. You will have memorable photos here. Our next stop will be at the Arkadi Monastery, as it is the most historic monastery of Crete and it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. Finally, we will reach at the most traditional village in Crete, located in picturesque green rolling hills the village is well known for its pottery, called "Margarites". Being the most important center of ceramics industry in Crete this is the must-see. The duration of the tour is 8 hours

Don a helmet and take a segway through the old part of Chania for two hours. A detailed audio guide provides an introduction to Chania. Learn more about the monuments you see, enjoy cruising on Segways, get views across the harbor. Travel from western waterfront taverns to eastern exterior walls, soaking up history on the way.

Come with us on a journey along East Crete reveling in the endless luxuries of Lassithi Plateau that is basked in allure forests & fertile land dotted with iconic windmills. From the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal, our knowledgeable local insider will ensure you experience the best of the whole itinerary. Discover quaint villages, local lifestyle, storied monuments, Byzantine Monasteries & Cretan art. Tuck into a culinary odyssey & savor genuine tastes loved by our legendary forefathers. It’s our job to hook you up with only the most authentic eateries. Amble in the footsteps of gods to the Cave of Zeus. Plunge into the mythical birthplace & sense the sanctity of this ancient site. When in Knossos Palace, luxuriate in the eternal magnificence of the Minoan ruins & frescoes. Succumb to the personalized service of a top history-archaeology guide & let us stimulate you with eclectic information by ensuring a stress-free pace in all archaeological areas.

Escape to the Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia (“Hospitality”). With a chauffeured premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, you will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy. Your private local insider guide will enrich the day with a visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo) and friendly locals. Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses. Don't forget that among Crete's iconic gems like Elafonisi beach, Chrissi island, Knossos Palace, and safari there are so many other things to explore!

Learn more about the culture of Crete through this hands-on cooking class in a local home. Try your hand at recipes that have been passed down through generations, and learn the tips and techniques necessary to reproduce these delicious dishes at home. Get a glimpse into ordinary life in Crete, as this cooking class is held in a traditional village near Rethymno.

Chania’s sights and waterfronts stretch either side of its Old Town, so covering them on foot means extended walking. Admire the harbor, town, and beach views more easily on this bike tour. Pedal from west to east of the town, and occasionally delve into the town's lanes to see churches and monuments. Plus hear about the sights' history via an audio guide system and guide, and stop for an ice-cream.

The Greek islands boast a rich history dating back to the days of antiquity, but exploring independently means missing the hidden secrets they hold. On this private tour of Crete, delve into the island’s colorful past with your guide—with round-trip transport from your Crete hotel or the port included. Travel back 4,000 years at the Palace of Knossos, and learn of ancient civilizations at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area. The pinkish sand has taken this particular color from millions of crushed shells. Near the peninsula, the seawater does not exceed 1m in-depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite side of the peninsula because the water is very shallow there. On the return we will visit a restaurant. There is an option to visit an oil factory, winery or Chrisoskalitisa monastery.