Top Heraklion Day Trips
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The Greek city of Heraklion, on the island of Crete, serves as an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding Minoan archaeological treasures, hidden coves, historic towns, deep gorges, and soaring peaks. Here are a few of the top day trips you can enjoy from Heraklion.
Santorini—89 miles (144 kilometers) from Heraklion
Romantic rewards await those who take the 2-hour cruise across the Aegean Sea from Heraklion to Santorini. Greece’s premier honeymoon destination boasts soft-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and azure-blue seas—and there are plenty of options for exploration. Take the funicular to the clifftops and visit the white-washed town of Oia, explore the steaming volcano caldera, swim in the Cretan hot springs, or simply lie on a beach and listen to the waves. On your return cruise to Heraklion, capture the often spectacular sunset on camera.
Spinalonga Island—41 miles (66 kilometers) from Heraklion
Heading east along the coastal road from Heraklion, you reach the quaint village of Elounda—and it’s from here that you can take the short ferry journey to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga. Full-day tours from Heraklion include a walking tour of the ruined 17th-century Venetian fortress, a seaside BBQ on the neighboring island of Kolokytha, and free time for a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea. Back on Crete, enjoy a harborside stroll in the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos and watch the sunset before returning to Heraklion.
Chrissi Island—66 miles (107 kilometers) from Heraklion
One of the smallest islands in Europe, Chrissi is a remote landmass off the southern coast of Crete, and day trips here are all about rest and relaxation. Chrissi is home to beautiful beaches, ancient cedar forests, and crystal-clear waters—everything you need to enjoy an escape to nature. Hike along trails beneath the leafy canopy to hidden coves along the shoreline, collect seashells, and enjoy free time to swim in the island’s warm waters at your leisure.
108 results | All Heraklion Tours
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Spinalonga island
66
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From
$40.09
$10.03 savings
From
$40.09
$10.03 savings
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.
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* A traveler said: "Hello, I thinck Very very good excursions and guides... Its fantastics. Tank you vert mutch Virginie and Jacqueline"
Full-Day Land Rover Safari from Heraklion with Lunch
292
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From
$89.49
Price varies by group size
From
$89.49
Price varies by group size
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.
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* A traveler said: "Fantastic day outside of Heraklion and a unique way to experience the life outside of the tourist areas. Beautiful scenery and a greater appreciation for the village culture. Darrel was not only informative but humorous as well, keeping us laughing the entire time."
Relax in Nature - Chrissi Island day Cruise
18
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From
$46.18
$5.13 savings
From
$46.18
$5.13 savings
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.
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Combined Guided Tour to Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace
20
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$42.96
$10.74 savings
From
$42.96
$10.74 savings
Explore with a guided group, the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dikteon Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village to meet a potter in action. Enjoy the panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau and complete your tour to the Minoan Palace of Knossos where civilization history began 4000 years ago.
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* A traveler said: "Was very good expidrence. Guides were very knowligible and we saw a lot in One day. We saw Knossos, had pottery class,lunch in vilige was great."
Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old Wind Mills-Olive Oil Factory-Small Group.
160
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Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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From
$104.03
From
$104.03
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.
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* A traveler said: "Eddie was entertaining and informative. We loved learning from him and the olive factory, Zeus cave snd the small towns and sampling the agriculture, especially the strawberry picking. The lunch in Moxos was delightful. Eddie was especially helpful to us in getting our Covid test. He made us feel like we had a old friend in Greece!"
VIP Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace Full-Day Chauffeured Private Tour
21
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From
$751.75
per group
From
$751.75
per group
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.
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* A traveler said: "They were incredible! 11/10. Marilena was one of the best guides we have ever had. Dimitrios was a fantastic driver and very helpful. I really can’t stress how perfect they were. It was a great day and they both went out of their way to ensure we had a through and authentic experience."
Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip
2
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$72.22
From
$72.22
Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip. Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos’ to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.
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Spinalonga - Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion
11
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$53.70
From
$53.70
Visit the former leper colony and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island during this private tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.
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* A traveler said: "I loved the whole day, so nice, wel done, the BBQ too!. Spinalonga, very, very interesting, you have to listen to the story of this island, super profesional lady. You have free time to walk around of Island, back to the boat. Beautiful vieuws over the sea!. Higly recommended."
From
$286.38
Price varies by group size
Private tours are ideal for immersing into Crete’s culture through the tasting of local dishes, as well as wines, sweets and cheese.
• Trip to the countryside.
• Acquaintance with local traditions and customs.
• Tasting of natural products grown without any chemicals.
• Visiting the best restaurants and pastry factories
• Tasting dishes from traditional Greek food.
Our program:
- Pick-up from your hotel or any other place within North Heraklion region (for other regions of the island extra charges may apply).
- Visit to 2 wineries.
- Tasting of Greek sweets and coffee in Cretan bakery.
- Visit to cheese and herbs shops.*
- Visit to the factory, where cold-pressed olive oil is produced.*
- Lunch with 3-courses of traditional Greek cuisine at one of the most popular taverns of the island.
*Available upon request, instead of 1 winery visit, depending on the date of the tour.
According to your interests and wishes, some extra spots might be added/removed from the program.
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* A traveler said: "This was an excellent tour. Our guides were excel Liam’s very friendly. They took us to many great places--we visited specialty shops, 2 wineries, bakery and an Awesome Taberna for a huge lunch, it was a great day and I would have been very hard pressed to find all of these places without a guide. Highly recommend."
The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area
14
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Face masks provided for travelers
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From
$178.99
From
$178.99
Taste the bounty of ancient Cretan vineyards and olive groves on a delicious, full-day wine tour from Heraklion. Travel with an oenophile and chef guide through the island’s fertile heartland, visit a winery for a vineyard tour and tastings of different varietals. Sample some of the Mediterranean's finest olive oil at a family domain, and indulge in a gourmet chef’s lunch at a local restaurant, complete with plenty of wine! Tour size is limited to 8 for a more personalized, small-group experience.
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* A traveler said: "Great guide who was really building the program around our interests. Very knowledgeable and really nice person. The selected wineries were great as well as the restaurant. It was an all around very nice day"
Private Wine, Olive Oil, and Terroir Tour of Heraklion area with Tastings
28
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Face masks provided for travelers
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From
$178.99
From
$178.99
Discover the culinary delights of Crete on a day tour from Heraklion that includes wine tasting, olive oil tasting, and learning about the island's terroir. Visit a boutique winery and family-owned olive oil producer to sample wine and oil with your group. You'll have lunch at a mezze restaurant and gain insight into a piece of Crete's culture from a guide.
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* A traveler said: "One of the best tours ever, Pierre was spot on and knew not only about wines but the history of Crete. Then he took us to this magnificent restaurant where the chef paired or wines with the dishes."
Full Day Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour
20
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$47.73
From
$47.73
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.
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* A traveler said: "Fantastic trip out! Hotel pick up. Masks worn on the bus which wasn’t too busy at all considering it’s August! When we got to the gorge it was a little busy mainly with Greek tourists not practicing social distancing. The trek is so long that eventually your displaced with other walkers and find yourself walking peacefully with no one around. Plenty of rest places and toilets on the way. Most people wearing trainers. It’s a well trodden trail and pathways wide enough to pass slower walkers where needed. The most arduous part I found was leaving the park and walking to the little tourist town by the beach. You can take a bus for €2 if you wish. Highly recommend this trip for the scenery. Warning your leg muscles will ache the next day!"
From
$390.11
per group
This tour is a unique experience, to visit the most important places in Heraklion City.
The tour schedule is flexible regarding the time spent at its attraction.
Our driver will pick you up from your Hotel or Port in Heraklion City.
The transfer is private and our English-speaking driver will drive you around the sightseeings.
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Guided Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion
8
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$34.60
From
$34.60
Participate in a guided tour to the Palace of Knossos, the political and ceremonial center of Minoan civilization. The tour continues to the town center of Heraklion, completing in a day the historical path of 4000 years.
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From
$47.73
per group
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.
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Heraklion Private Cretan Cooking Class at a Traditional Village
2
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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From
$208.82
Price varies by group size
From
$208.82
Price varies by group size
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.
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* A traveler said: "Amazing experience. Great tour. Lots of fun cooking and eating local food in a beautiful location. Would highly recommend"
From
$536.96
per group
In one day you have a chance to explore Rethymno region highlights from North to South!
During this tour you will visit beautiful Cretan village Spili, then enjoy a route along Kourtalioti gorge by car, where we recommend to stop for an easy walk and visit St.Nicholas Church. Then, you will reach the South coast and admire beautiful view of Preveli beach. You can visit the Preveli monastery and go down by stairs up to the beach to swim and walk in the virgin Palm Forest. Finally, you will explore the picturesque Rethymno town and have a lunch in the old town.
Our professional guides will give you all the information about the route and advise you about the best activities, restaurants and must-see spots.
It is a private tour, so it is up to you, how much time to spend at each destination, the program is flexible. Tell us about your preferences and we will adopt the program for your needs.
We give you options, you choose!
Book now and discover Rethymno region with Status MLB!
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Skip the Line: Heraklion Archaeological Museum Entrance Ticket
13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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From
$11.34
From
$11.34
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Minoan artifacts, making it one of Europe’s greatest and a must-see for history buffs. This skip-the-line entrance ticket is worth prebooking to save you time and hassle in Crete’s capital, and enable you to avoid long ticket-purchase lines. Once inside, you’re free to view the 15,000-plus exhibits from Knossos, Neolithic, and Roman times, as you wish, at your own pace.
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* A traveler said: "We were able to arrive at the museum shortly after opening and were the only people there. Got to see everything in 90 minutes."
Guided Tour to Lasithi Plateau
1
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Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$29.59
$7.40 savings
From
$29.59
$7.40 savings
Explore the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village meeting with a potter in action. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lasithi Plateau from Seli Ambelou and complete your tour to the picturesque village of Krasi, admiring the ancient plane tree.
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PRIVATE Spinalonga, Ag Nikolaos, olive oil factory incl Boat
13
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$137.22
Price varies by group size
From
$137.22
Price varies by group size
Visit the island of Spinalonga, just off Crete's northeastern coast, on this day tour that combines sightseeing with a taste of Cretan culture. With a guide, enjoy a minibus tour and take a boat ride to Spinalonga, plus visit an olive oil factory and more. Breaks will be taken for coffee and lunch (own expense).
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Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Heraklion
3
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$58.47
From
$58.47
Spend a relaxing day on the small island of Elafonisi and soak up the sun on a paradise beach in Crete. Get back to nature on a day trip from Heraklion .Get at least 4 hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize.
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From
$71.59
Great chance to visit the highlights of the Minoan civilisation in this full day tour and learn more about Cretan traditions, enjoy panoramic views of the scenic route in the mountains and visit a fantastic natural sight in the end.
• See the main attractions of the island and learn a lot of interesting information about the customs of the local population.
• Find out how mysterious myths about the Minotaur and the real story are intricately intertwined while visiting famous KNOSSOS PALACE.
• Get the experience of traveling on the beautiful mountain routes to the delightful LASSITHI PLATEAU and marvel at the miraculous icon in one of the most revered monasteries from the locals “KERA CARDIOTISA - Our Lady of Heart”.
• Descend to the bottom of the ritual DIKTAION CAVE where according to the legend the Zeus was born and enjoy the beauty of the underground lake.
At the end of the tour, you will have time to dine in the traditional Cretan tavern or visit a pottery workshop.
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Gramvoussa - Balos
2
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$53.70
From
$53.70
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece on a fantastic cruise to the most western part of Crete. Stop at the island of Gramvoussa, where you can see hundreds of birds and plant species. Go to the lagoon at Balos and swim. Discover an extraordinary geological phenomenon
Sail to the "Pirates' Island" of Gramvoussa
Swim in the lagoon at Balos
Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian castle. Also known as "Pirates' Island," Gramvousa used to be a hiding place for rebels. The broader area of Gramvousa forms one of the most significant hydro-biotopes of the eastern Mediterranean. Here, you can encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species.Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Admire the wonderful colors and take a few photos of the famous shipwreck. Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon, before the return journey to the meeting point.
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Full-Day Small-Group Tour in Crete
52
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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From
$89.49
From
$89.49
Safari Experts Crete jeep tours take you on an off road adventure in all its authenticity, giving you a taste of the Cretan traditional way of life and guide you through the best things you can do in Crete.
We follow trails of history across rugged landscapes, where we’ll witness the island’s natural beauty and wildlife in all its splendor. We will travel back in time, experiencing the genuine hospitality of the locals, who will give you a taste of their everyday life, far away from our modern world.
You will be able to experience yourselves how Cretan villages hold to the traditions while travelling through a gastronomic fairyland that traditional food in Crete has to offer you. After all that said there is only one question left. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience by the best Safari club in Crete.
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