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Things to do in Crete Greece by Region

Things to do in Crete Greece by Region - to explore and get in touch with the culture of our magnificent island. Choose by location, west to east, or by type of activity. Explore, be in awe and guffaw in the wide open spaces of Kriti.


Map of Crete showing the regions

Chania Region

Arrive into Chania Airport - code CHQ

Explore western Crete to enjoy these experiences.


Samaria Gorge Experience

Small Group Hiking Trip to Samaria Gorge - this is a 12 hour day to enjoy the walk without the hassle of transport and logistics. Walk 16 km from north to south and arrive at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Then take your ferry and a coach back to your hotel in or near Chania. Easy.

4.4 / 5 | 258 Reviews

'It was very well organised, the guide made it fun on the coach and the gorge walk was beautiful, even if challenging, we were able to go at our own pace.'


Balos Lagoon Experience

A Day Tour to Balos Lagoon - this helps with logistics of coach ride - boat ride and return coach ride. Make a full day of visiting paradise, this is a 14 hour tour, depending on your pickup and drop off point. This tour includes a visit to the castle at Gramvousa islet and swimming at Balos Lagoon.

4.2 / 5 | 988 Reviews

'The trip was amazing. The guide and the driver were very nice and everything was well organized. You have enough time to enjoy the lagoon of Balos and Gromvousa Island. I recommend.'


Elafonisi Beach Experience

Take a day tour to Elafonisi Beach - because sometimes you just want to relax. Visit this pristine, undeveloped beach. This 12 hour experience includes a visit to Topolia Gorge, the historic Chrissoskalitissa nunnery and lunch with a view at Amygdalokefali. One of our favourites in Crete - highly recommended.

4.4 / 5 | 1977 Reviews

'The trip was amazing, full of adventure and beautiful landscapes. Our guide gave us a lot of information about all the places we passed by on the bus, and the driver drove very well on those narrow roads. We highly recommend this experience!'


Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food

Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food - visit the local food markets and walk for 4 hours through the gastronomic highlights of this fascinating historic town, visit the old Jewish and Ottoman quarters and stop at colorful food shops and taverns, selling wine, olive-oil, cheese, herbs, spices, and more, and enjoy street food samples along the way.  

4.9 / 5 | 379 Reviews

'A pleasant and knowledgeable guide, she was great. She sent us recommendations and photos after our tour. Highly recommend this tour.'


Food and Wine Experience

Chania: Wine Tasting in Fres Village - Fres is the perfect example of a traditional village, just 25 minutes from the center of Chania city. The wine tasting is taking place in the beautiful square of Fres.
As a chemist and winemaker your host has the knowledge and the experience to give you a full aspect of wine history and production of the wines of Crete.

5 / 5  |  31 Reviews

'We had a great experience with the guide. He was very passionate and explained very well the different wines and history. I recommend.'



Things to do in Crete Greece by Region
Rethymno

Arrive into Chania Airport - code CHQ or Heraklion Airport - code HER

Explore the Central West of Crete and discover the culture of Crete with these experiences.


Rethymno: Old Town and Food Tasting Private Tour

Rethymnon: Old Town and Food Tasting Private Tour - treat yourself to a 4 hour gastronomic exploration of this cosmopolitan town, with food and beverage tastings, hidden spots not in the guidebooks all through the old zone. A 4 hour walk.

4.8 / 5 - 5 Reviews

'We did this wonderful tour and it could not have been better! We learned a lot about the old town’s history and the culture of the Cretan people. We stopped at true authentic Cretan locations that are real hidden gems where the locals would go. We had the most exquisite and delicious Cretan food along the way, and we got to appreciate the way of life in old town Rethymnon. I highly recommend this tour!'


Rethymno: Old Town Walking Tour with Meal & Phyllo Workshop

Rethymnon: Old Town Walking Tour with Meal - this walking tour of the old town of Rethymnon will show you the city the way locals see it. Enjoy a Greek coffee, breakfast, tales from history and understand the architecture all around you, enjoy a meal and learn how to make phyllo. 4 hour walk.

4.9 / 5 | 73 Reviews

'We did this tour on our first full day in Rethymno and are very glad we did! Our guide was so lovely and insightful, with plenty of knowledge about the town and history. The food was delicious and we really felt the tour gave us the inside info needed to navigate the better spots for food and shopping and avoid the touristy bits.'

Rethymno Experience tile with pottery

From Rethymno: Arkadi, Melidoni, and Margarites Tour - explore the village of Margarites and admire the local pottery. Discover the Melidoni Cave. Explore Arkadi Monastery, the oldest monastery on the island. Enjoy lunch at a family-run tavern and listen to live traditional music of Crete. Visit an olive oil factory. 10 hours. 

4.9 / 5 - 198 Reviews

'Absolutely brilliant trip - the guide and our driver were exceptional - their passion and love for Crete is inspiring. We learnt so many fascinating stories and experienced real Cretan culture. The tour is an amazing blend of history, culture, food and scenery.'


Preveli Beach Full Day Experience

From Rethymno: Preveli Palm Beach and Kourtaliotiko Day Trip - visit the south coast of Rethymnon:

  • Pass through the Kourtaliotis Gorge
  • Enjoy Damnoni Beach
  • Take a boat to Preveli Beach
  • Relax at Preveli Beach & Palm Forest
  • 10 hours

4.1 / 5 | 85 Reviews

' We were the first boat / group to arrive to Preveli, which was fantastic! We had plenty of time to get a coffee, climb up for a view of Preveli, and wander around the palm forest before getting back on the boat back to Damnoni. It was very busy by the time we left at noon. Loved the structure of this tour — tons of free time.'



Things to do in Crete Greece by Region
Heraklion

Arrive into Heraklion Airport - code HER

Explore the Central Crete with these activities.


Take a Knossos Palace Tour

Take a Knossos Palace Tour - choose your tour from all the guided experiences available.

We recommend a Skip The Line entry ticket with a guide for 90 minutes.

Another great tour is a 12 hour day tour which includes Knossos and Lasithi Plateau.


Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Gortyn Day Trip

Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Gortyn Full Day Trip - this 9 hour trip takes in the best of the Heraklion region - swim and sunbathe at the beautiful Matala Beach with its famous hippie caves, clear water and sandy beach. On the way visit Gortyn ancient site, uncover the history of Crete.

4.6 / 5 | 315 Reviews

'Very beautiful beach, visit to Gortyn on the way to Matala is also nice and pleasant detail. Guide speaks all languages that exist, impressive. Highly recommended.'


Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch

Heraklion: Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch - visit some of the best wineries in the Peza and Archanes regions of Heraklion, taste 15 wines presented by a professional sommelier, then enjoy a gourmet lunch highlighting the best cuisine of Crete. 9 hours.

4.9 / 5 | 105 Reviews

'Fantastic tour. We had an excellent guide who was extremely knowledgeable about Crete as well as the food and wine. Lots was included in the price - three wineries with very different styles and approaches. The lunch at Lyrirakis was delicious and there were spectacular views as well. The wine regions are absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommended!'



Things to do in Crete Greece by Region
Lasithi

Arrive into Heraklion Airport - code HER or Sitia Airport code JSH

Explore the Eastern Crete in these magic spots.


Island of Spinalonga Experience

Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

Visit the Island of Spinalonga by boat from Agios Nikolaos, with departures also from Elounda. Enjoy a swim and a BBQ at Kolokitha Bay, as well as an interpretative visit to this island full of stories. 4.5 hours.

4.4 / 5 | 2935 Reviews

'The swim stop was fantastic on the way over to Spinalonga - the water was beautiful and so clear. Once we got to Spinalonga the guide talked us through the history of the Island which was very informative and then we had our free time to explore it ourselves. Enjoyed walking around the island and stepping back in history. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.'


Sailing to Spinalonga Experience

Agios Nikolaos: Spinalonga and Kolokytha Catamaran with Meal - enjoy the cool wind, crystal waters and try endless water activities. Sail around Spinalonga island and be stunned by the scenic views! Explore the most exclusive hidden swim spots in Kolokytha bay and Schistra. Relax with a premium menu and unlimited drinks. 5.5 hours.

4.8 / 5 - 326 Reviews

'The trip was a highlight of our holiday in Crete. The food was excellent and the facilities for swimming were great. Great music and atmosphere on board. Small number of guests on board meant you did not feel crammed in like on other boats. Crew were very friendly.'


Richtis Waterfall & North Coast Experience

Richtis Waterfall and North Coast Tour - take a day to explore the east including the beautiful leafy Richtis falls walk, a mountain drive off the beaten track and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local taverna. See a monumental olive tree over 1000 years old. Depart from Elounda and surrounds. 7 hours.

4.9 / 5 | 33 Reviews



Activities in Crete Greece
7 Villages Experience

Villages of Apokoronas

See, feel and taste the villages of this region on the Seven Villages of Apokoronas taste local spirits, cheese and understand our history and folklore.

Enjoy lunch and coffee and beautiful natural surroundings all with your knowledgeable local guide.



Getting Here

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.


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We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

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