Top Heraklion Day Trips

A day trip that combines relaxation and history gives you the chance to visit the highlights of the Northeast part of Crete, where the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos with the magnificent lake can be found. Elounda, a small village on the shore of Mirabello bay with spectacular views, is where the boat begins the cruise heading to Spinalonga island, a small uninhabited island used during the history as a fortress and later on as a leper colony.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

Spend a full day exploring Crete with a local guide. Visit Psychro Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and a platanus tree that is according to local legend, the oldest tree on the island. You’ll also tour the villages of Mochos and Krasi and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a local restaurant.

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

Go beyond Heraklion to visit the island of Spinalonga on a day trip by coach and boat. Offering an easy way to get from the city to the scenic Elounda Gulf area, this excursion covers transport direct from your hotel, a boat ride, and a barbecue lunch, along with ample free time to explore the island, Kolokitha Bay, Elounda, and postcard-perfect Agios Nikolas.

Maximize time in Crete with a full-day combination guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel and set out on a coach sightseeing tour focused on archaeology and culture. See popular landmarks including the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Dikteon Cave, and the Palace of Knossos. Admire panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau, visit an olive oil factory, and go inside a ceramic workshop to see a potter at work.

If you’re visiting Crete for the first time, get an engaging introduction to the island’s culture and history on a small-group sightseeing tour that’s limited to only eight travelers. You’ll travel in a 4x4 vehicle, so you can go off road where traditional tour vehicles can’t—visit the sunken village in Aposelemis Dam, the Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau, and the Cave of Zeus.

Discover a serene side of Crete with a full-day private tour to Elafonisi. Get picked up at your hotel or the location of your choosing in Crete and set out on a scenic tour. During the journey to Elafonisi Beach, check out top landmarks including Topolia Gorge. Skip the hassle of a rental car and let your driver do the navigating to the pink-sand beach at Elafonisi. Swim, sunbathe, and relax during this private excursion.

Travel on the north-east coast with a boat ride on the picturesque bay of MIRABELLO. Visit the small fortified island of SPINALONGA. Accompanied by a professional tour guide you will stroll through the streets of the Venetian castle and get acquainted with the interesting history of the island. Continuing the sea voyage, the ship docks in the bay KOLOKITHA where you have free time for swimming in the crystal clear waters. Then you will head to the next stop, the town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS. You can enjoy walking on your own in this beautiful place, have a coffee or beer with the view to the famous lake VOULIAZMENI. *Pick-up (from the specific bus stops outside of your hotel) is arranged after booking. From villages of the North Heraklion region (Agia Pelagia, Gouves, Hersonissos,etc).

Step back in time and learn about Crete’s Minoan history as you embark on a tour of Heraklion city and Knossos. Join a private guide and visit the archaeological site of Knossos to see the ruins of the great palace as well as temples, villas, and sanctuaries. Then, head back to Heraklion for a tour of the Venetian walls, the fortress, the St. Minas Cathedral, and much more.

Exclusivity: We operate the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travellers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! In addition, our boat is the only one that makes a stop at the beach of Kolokytha and give participants the time to swim and enjoy a BBQ lunch there. This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress and a unique stay on the beach of Kolokytha for a BBQ and a swim stop. Our participants will enjoy a cruise through Mirabello bay, the crystal clear waters of Kolokytha beach, and the historic island of Spinalonga.

Transfer from Herakleion airport to your hotel in HERAKLION CITY OR PORT   area. From 1 to 6 clients , transport is with a mini Van. Transfer is a transportation service which meets and brings you exactly where you asked: our driver meets you at the airport (as close to the Arrivals as possible), at the hotel reception or at the exactly given address, helps you with your luggage and brings you fast- track to your destination. You can pre-order inexpensive taxi transfer to the city center or to the airport, comfortable car transfer for the family with children, Economy minivan for a tourist group or a Luxury transfer. The transfer cost from Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is fixed at the time of pre-order and never rises: either when the driver is waiting for the passenger, when the stop is necessary, or because of traffic jams.

Immerse yourself in Crete’s delectable, rustic cuisine—and leave the bustle of the city behind—when you sign up for this private, hands-on cooking class. Pick a time that works best for you, and meet your driver directly at your Heraklion hotel which then takes you to the village where you meet your guide. It’s a quick drive into the hills, where you’ll cook amidst the Mediterranean scenery. With your guide’s instruction, learn to prepare a number of traditional dishes, from dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) to lamb with artichokes. Then, sit down to enjoy your multi-course meal, complete with wine.

Exclusivity: It is the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travelers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress, and a visit to Kolokytha bay where travelers can swim in its crystal clear waters by diving from the cruise boat. Our participants will enjoy a 1-hour long cruise through Mirabello bay, and lunch will be provided onboard.

Check through Heraklion's sights by open-top double-decker bus and create your own sightseeing itinerary on this hop-on hop-off tour. Settle aboard the yellow double-decker, don the headsets, and listen to the audio commentary as you ride to attractions like Heraklion Fortress, the Natural History Museum, Knossos, and more. Disembark at any of the nine stops or stay aboard for a 60-minute city overview. Your ticket gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours.

Spend an unforgettable day on a boat, sail the Libyan Sea and visit an uninhabited Greek islet, Koufonisi. Explore its with their golden sand and swim in the crystal clear waters. On the island, ancient ruins cover its surface and can be dated from the Minoan civilization and the post-Byzantine era. Koufonissi is the ancient island of Lefki (means “White”), because of its white rocks and sand. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Due to this years official announcement of local authorities and until further notice, the boats are not allowed to take participants to the shore on the island for environmental protection reasons. The boat will stop at a point 30 meters away from the shore of Koufonisi, and travellers will be able to use the ship ladder to dive, swim in the crystal clear waters or swim to the island.

Nature and history lovers will enjoy this action-packed day tour to Gramvoussa and Balos. Visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, watch birds on the uninhabited island of Gramvoussa, and cool off with a swim in the lagoon at Balos. Learn about the history of Gramvoussa and find out why it’s nicknamed Pirates’ Island.

Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s top attractions and the longest gorge in Europe. Embark on a full-day excursion to the western part of Crete and enjoy a walking tour of the great gorge. Spend your day ascending steep inclines, visiting the old village of Samaria, seeing the church that the gorge is named after, and ending at the refreshing sea in Agia Roumeli.

Starting early, heading west and after a short breakfast stop near Rethymnon, driving past Chania, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a one hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex­-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. It is a protected biotope and is host to more than 400 plant species and over 100 birds species. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. Here the crystal­ clear, azure coloured sea water in combination with the white sand makes this place unique.

Discover the beauty of Elafonisi Island during this daytrip from Heraklion in Crete. Get picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and head out for a full-day trip to Elafonisi. Relax during several hours of independent leisure time and soak up the unspoiled beach atmosphere. Swim in the clear waters, sunbathe in the sand, or explore the shoreline of the pink sand beach.

You are the whole day, with your Eye Travel guide, inside the countryside of Crete. The roads are almost all off road, the chance to see the real inland of Crete! We drive through the mountains towards the grape yards of the wine areas, passing small villages, through a river bed, sheltered by bamboo, a lot of nature. Crossing the river where we may have some water flowing in the months April, May and again from half of September. One of the highlights is a visit of a cave. We stop in a very authentic mountain village, on the square next to the church, for a coffee. We continue our trip along several small villages, on dirt tracks and through the green nature and herbs, passing olive groves and grape fields. We stop for lunch in a very small mountain village with a spectacular beautiful view. After lunch we drive through a mountainous area. On the way down we see a magnificent view of the north coast of Crete. We end this interesting day with a swim in the refreshing sea. Join us!