Top Heraklion Nature and Wildlife

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.

Explore the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas on horseback on this riding trek. Climb onto a horse and ride up rugged slopes, enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Admire the panoramic views and refuel with refreshments at the mountaintop, and then return to the stables to enjoy a traditional lunch with house wine and say goodbye to the horses. Suitable for novice and experienced riders, with lunch and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.

Embark on an easy 5-mile (8-km) guided hike through the Imbros Gorge on this full-day trekking tour of Crete. Marvel at Crete’s unique topography as you explore the rocky ravine in the shadows of the White Mountains and pass the mountain villages of Vrisses, Askifou and Imbros. After refueling with a typical Cretan lunch (own expense), pay a visit to the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, then cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.

Pull on your walking shoes for a full-day Samaria Gorge hike in Crete. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, head into Crete’s White Mountains to the entrance to the spectacular gorge, one of Europe’s longest. Ogle the awe-inspiring views as you hike down into, and along, the gorge floor past streams, wild goats, deserted settlements and steep cliffs. Walk at your own pace and finish your Samaria Gorge hike at the beachside village of Aghios Roumeli. Ride a boat from here back to your coach for your return journey.

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.

Join an escorted tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the west Crete, followed by a stop to Omalos plateau. Begin your walk with the group into Samaria gorge and enjoy its unique morphology on your way to the longest gorge hike in Europe. Reach Agia Roumeli south coast, where your sailing trip will bring you to Sfakia.

Climb inside a 4-seater, all-terrain vehicle, and drive in a convoy through the Cretan countryside on this full-day 4x4 safari. Trundle along sandy roads, passing by sleepy villages and stopping frequently to take in the sights and learn more about Crete. Visit Gonies village and revel in the mountain views, then devour a Greek lunch in Kastelli. Cap your tour with an off-road tide to Gournes Beach.

An exciting journey from the North to the South! The route passes through the entire island capturing part of the Psiloritis massif. From the foot of the mountains stretches the delightful beauty of Messara valley, which has been the island's breadbasket for centuries. During the ride you will hear the information about the history of the island and the sights that you will visit. Then, you can enjoy a walk in the preserved part of the ancient Roman capital of Crete Gortis, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sights in Greece. Then you have the unique opportunity to visit 2 of the most ancient Orthodox monasteries on the island: Panagia Paliani and Kalyviani. Finishing the trip, you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Matala beach and dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast. For pick-up from different location than listed, please, contact us.

Get a sense of adventure while in Crete by exploring the Aposelemis Gorge near Heraklion with a local guide. Wander down into the gorge, which is five miles (or 8 kilometers) deep and enjoy the natural splendor of the place, viewing birds of prey and other wildlife. At the end stop into a local tavern for a hearty lunch (included in price)

Experience the golden beaches, ancient cedar forests, and aquamarine waters of Chrissi Island on this full-day tour from Heraklion. Cruise across the Mediterranean to the island, then spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or exploring at your leisure. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

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.

While on Crete, take time to explore the amazing underwater ecosystems of the Mediterranean with a visit to the shoreline CretΑquarium. Marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures representing 200 different species like sting rays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and scorpionfish. Learn about the abundance of life found deep within the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds, and support the aquarium's educational and wildlife rescue programs.

A unique walk through the Samaria Gorge, the largest in Europe, with a length of about 18 kilometers, will allow you not only to admire the breathtaking views and the wildlife, but also to test yourself. Samaria Gorge is located in the heart of the majestic "White Mountains", south of Omalos plateau. Tourist route begins at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level along the trail with wooden fences, laid down the mountainside. The narrowest and probably the most picturesque place called "Portes" - gates, where cliffs rise to a height of 500 meters, while the width of the river gorge at only 3-4 meters. 47 bridges cross the river Tarraios passing through the White Mountains and the valley. You will meet with the inhabitants of the reserve - wild goats Kri-Kri or see rare species of orchids. After 4-6 hours of walking, you will get out to the beautiful Agia Roumeli beach, where you can swim in its crystal waters and have lunch. The boat will take you back to the bus.

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.

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.

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.

Spend three days island hopping around Greece's top spots on this independent trip. Explore Crete, Santorini and Mykonos at your leisure, checking out the local flavor at the tavernas, hitting the beach or visiting the archeological sites. Rather than wasting time worrying about the logistics, this ticket takes care of your 3- or 4-star accommodations, round-trip boat tickets and taxis from your hotel to the ferry. After three days of sun and sightseeing, you will return to your original departure point.

MOUNT GIGILOS is situated on the western side of the famous SAMARIA GORGE and is dominating the landscape around the OMALOS PLATEAU with its impressive summit of 2080 meters. The path that leads up starts just at the opposite of the entrance of the SAMARIA GORGE and takes us along rugged scenery and impressive rock formations. Once we reach the peak we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the entire SAMARIA GORGE, the OMALOS PLATEAU and the range of the WHITE MOUNTAINS.

Driving along the North East coast through the gorge of St George we reach the picturesque town of Elounda. Here we board a boat and Spinalonga Cruise starts. We reach the small sandy bay of Kolokitha, where the boat will be anchored. Here you have plenty of time for swimming at the crystal clear water. We proceed to the small island of Spinalonga. Spinalonga has had a very chequered history and today, although uninhabited, still echoes with ghostly reminders of the past. The Venetians constructed a very impressive fortress with 40 cannons which has been guarding the bay since the 15th century. At the beginning of 19th century human pain and sorrow was scattered around this islet. It became a leper colony, the last active leper colony in Europe, and it remained so until 1957. We then return to Agios Nikolaos where you have time to look at the shop windows and visit the bottomless lake, where the “Lotus Eaters” the well-known film was shot.

This is the best way to explore central Crete with plateaus, ancient Minoan paths, and wildlife. Visit the Aposelemis basin reservoir and an ancient Roman aqueduct, Kastamonitsa, shepherds' Mitato, plateau of Lassithi, Diction cave, the birth place of Zeus. Visit the Lassinthos Eco park where traditional handicrafts and the local way of life can be experienced and Krassi with the famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree and also has a natural spring water source.

Explore the most majestic gorge in Europe and get ready to live a unique experience. Follow the route of the ancient river Taras and discover the longest and hottest trek on Crete the SAMARIA GORGE

Enjoy a day tour to the uninhabited island of Chrissi. Admire this small island with its natural cedar forest and beautiful sandy beaches. Drive to the south of Crete and reach the picturesque old town of Lerapetra. Climb aboard the boat at the port of Lerapetra and travel through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. With luck you will see dolphins, and finally reach Chrissi – also called the Golden Island. Admire untouched nature – a paradise of unparalleled flora and fauna. Stroll through a natural cedar forest, enjoy the incredible tranquility and discover corals and shells, dunes and salt marshes.

Cherries, Churches and the Valley of Amari. A hidden paradise between the mountain Kedros and Psilorites. Explore the beautiful landscape at the springtime. For only a few months the year, the valley open it’s beauty. The first stop is at the ceramic pottery village Margerithes. After you'll visit the hidden valley and see a carpet of flowers, particularly orchids and irises including Orphys mammosa (Breasted orphrys), Orchis pauciflora (Sparsley-flowering orchid), Orchis italica, Orphys tenthredinifera, Iris cretensis, Hermodactylus tuberosus and Romulea bulbocodium. The great profusion of flowers is due to the limestone on which the plateau is situated. One of the highlights of this plateau is the extremely rare Tulipa doerfleri, and it occurs in in such great numbers that the fields are coloured red! Later filled up with the beauty of the flowers you'll have lunch in a traditional taverna After a good meal you'll visit Spili, the heart of Crete bevor heading back.

Enjoy this 6-hour West Crete Tour at village Fodele, Rethimnon and Arkadi. Discover and learn the ancient history and medieval places.