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.

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.

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 scenic villages and dramatic gorges on this fully customizable tour of the Rethymno region. A typical day might begin with Spili village, the Kortialotiko Gorge and the Church of St. Nicholas of Kortialoti. Next, head to the Holy Monastery of Preveli and Preveli Beach with its natural palm forest. Finally, explore Rethymno’s Venetian old town. Your package covers door-to-door private guided transfers: meals and tickets are at your expense.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Say goodbye to the tourist trail and hello to a world of organic produce when you book this private door-to-door food tour of Crete’s less-visited interior. Your program is customizable, depending on date, but typically includes two winery visits, with tastings, a bakery stop for sweet treats and coffee, and a 3-course taverna lunch. Opt to explore an olive oil factory or cheese and herb shops instead of one winery.

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.

When you're staying on the island of Crete, discover the island's eastern stretches where traditional villages, storied monuments, and authentic culture awaits. With a local driver-guide for your group, you'll explore with ease, visiting the landmarks you want to see. The Cave of Zeus, Knossos Palace, and the Lassithi Plateau are a few of the sites that can feature on your private tour; just note that entry fees are extra.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hike the Samaria Gorge and focus on the scenery while a guide takes care of the logistics. This day trip from Heraklion covers everything you need: round-trip transport direct from your hotel, a guide to walk with you on a preplanned route, and even a swim stop at Agia Roumeli beach. Note that the hike route is rocky and steep in places, but the valley views make the effort worthwhile.

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.

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!

Hop on an eco-bike for a locals' tour of historic Heraklion, minus any emissions. With a native Cretan as your guide, you'll visit Heraklion's lesser-known corners as you learn about the characters who have shaped the city that you see today. The sightseeing tour also visits some locally loved hangouts where regional snacks and drinks await.

Cruise from Heraklion to uninhabited Dia island on a spacious yet intimate sailing catamaran, with a maximum of nine other travelers. Sail to a beautiful bay, then swim, snorkel, fish or stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy finger food, fruit and drinks. As you sail back to port, capture gorgeous sunset shots as the sun tints the Aegean bronze and purple: onboard Wi-Fi means you can share as you go.

See a side of Crete that many tourists miss, with this private day trip to the places off the tourist map. You’ll head away from the island’s busy beaches to discover the real Crete, visiting an olive oil producer, traditional wind mills, sleepy inland villages, and even the Cave of Zeus, where the Greek god was rumored to have been born. Note that entry to the cave is extra.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, Crete is a great place to turn your dream into reality. During this three-hour introductory course you’ll start by learning the theory of diving and how to use the gear. Then, you can enjoy a dive for a maximum of 45 minutes. This is a fun way to get started in the sport.

Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair on this leisurely sailing catamaran cruise from Heraklion to the uninhabited island of Dia. Enjoy activities from snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) through to fishing and sunbathing in a group no larger than 17. As well as onboard Wi-Fi, your package includes a Mediterranean lunch with drinks: online booking means there’s no need to negotiate terms.