Top Heraklion Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hi there! I'm Alex, a native Cretan guy. I'm a bicycle enthusiast who totally loves Heraklion City. We will explore the city with my ecobikes (pedal free) and will lead you away from the crowds to lesser-known corners of the city. We’ll share some of our favorite places to eat, dance, and hang out. It will be a great way to start your visit or even explore the best monuments around! -If you looking for something unique -You are in the right place!!!

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 a sailing 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.

Perfect for adventurous travelers, this full day 4x4 Jeep Safari tour puts you behind the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle. Led by two expert guides, your group convoys from downtown Crete into the more rugged parts of the island, passing olive groves, traditional villages, and dramatic scenery. Have lunch in Kastelli, then go for an exhilarating off-road ride to Gournes Beach on the north coast before driving back to town.

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.

Spend a day relaxing on Chrissi Island just off Crete on this cruise trip. Lounge on deck as you sail to this uninhabited islet off Crete’s southern coast and enjoy ample time to do as you please on arrival. Laze on the coral sands, swim or snorkel or explore the woods and Chrissi’s church. Boat transfers and pickup and drop-off at selected Crete hotels are included, with the island entrance fee at your own expense.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a day that combines nature with beautiful lush landscapes along with history and time to relax. An excellent opportunity to discover the real character or Crete. The excitement to discover is second to none, Try it!

This excursion is a trip back in time since it carries the sensation and the feel of another era… Our excursion starts from the beautiful harbor of Elounda where we will get on board to visit the bay of and the beach of Kolokitha. Here you have time for swimming at the crystal clear waters and to relax under the scorching sun.

Find yourself on a bus tour towards the west edge of Crete, where your sailing trip begins to the “Pirates Island”, Gramvousa. Swim in the lagoon of Balos and enjoy a relaxing nevertheless unique experience of a natural beauty point of interest.

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.

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.

Tour at village Fodele, Rethimnon and Arkadi.

Explore Crete, with all your senses! Best of Crete (3-Days Tour package). The tour is executed ONLY from Heraklion district, with the assistance of your private professional tourist guide. • Day 1:The Minoans - We visit Knossos palace, the Archaeological Museum and walking the historical city of Heraklion. • Day 2:Wild Crete - City of Rethymno, its landmarks, culture and character. You will continue the tour of the city of Rethymno through the narrow Venetian streets you also have the opportunity to taste smell virgin olive oil, spices and herbs…Cretan old-style wine is a thing unto itself. We continue to visit the beautiful traditional village of Margarites one of the ancient pottery centers of Crete! • Day 3:Coastal Crete - The Eastern side of Crete, enjoy the mountain ridges, beautiful countryside and sea on route. Seeing Elounda, Spinalonga island and Ag.Nikolaos.