Top Heraklion Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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)

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.

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.

The minibus picks you up outside your hotel and takes you to the port in Heraklion, where the boat leaves at 10 o'clock. During the trip to the Island Dia the captain will explain some of the history and secrets about the protected Island Dia. Reaching the Saint George bay it is time to walk to the little church or just enjoy the silence by snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing. Then it is time for lunch and to try the delight Cretan food that is prepared by the skipper. After lunch we sail of again to a second hided bay to relax and enjoy. Around 17 the boat slowly sails back to the port of Heraklion where you can see the city from a new point of view. In the port the minibus is waiting to bring you back to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

Go off the beaten track and explore the rural Lassithi Plateau on this adventurous jeep safari. Spend the day away from Crete’s busy resort towns in the north and head inland, visiting rustic mountain villages and driving through grand alpine vistas. Explore a Greek Orthodox monastery, see how olive oil is made in a local factory, and try some traditional Cretan cuisine, made with local ingredients, at a Lassithi taverna.

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.