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.

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 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.

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.

The gorge of Imbros is one of the deepest and narrowest gorges of Crete and the second most popular for visitors after the gorge of Samaria. It ιs located in the South East part of the White Mountains, with 7km length, and has slopes up to 300m high. There are some spectacular sections, especially several very narrow passages. It is famous due to the rare flora and the amazing landscape all over the area. The scenery is beautiful and the low difficulty makes the descent of Imbros ideal for families. This walk takes about 2 ½ hours, at the end of the gorge at the village Komitades you can take a rest and enjoy a cold drink or a coffee You will then drive down to the seaside village of Chora Sfakion where you will have free time to relax at one of the little café/taverns on the water front overlooking the sea or enjoy a dip in the cool Libyan sea. You will be returned to the same point as the morning pick up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Certified divers looking for a new adventure won’t want to miss the opportunity to dive by night in Crete. Alongside a maximum of seven other travelers—a group size which guarantees personalized attention—take to the waters off Agia Pelagia or Mononaftis Beach for an intimate evening observing marine life after dark and navigating by flashlight.

Enjoy a challenging trek through one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. On this excursion from Heraklion you’ll marvel at natural wonders throughout the day, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and more. Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you the tickets for the entrance and ferry boat. Entrance fee : 5€ (children up to the age of 15 years old are free of charge). Ferry fee : 11€ ( Sougia ferry). These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival. After your breakfast you enter the Samaria Gorge. At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.