Day Trips in Crete Greece

By Katia Luz

Small Group Hiking Trip to Samaria Gorge - this is a 14 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. Easy.

We like this tour because it takes all the pain of logistics away and helps you focus on the awesome power of nature and your hike.

4.4 / 5 | 152 Reviews

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.

We love Elafonisi because it is away across on the other side of the island, remains undeveloped and is totally natural with crystal clear waters. It is totally possible to get away from it all on the low lying islets, and be with mother earth.

4.4 / 5 | 1696 Reviews

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.

This is another tour we love because it takes care of all logistics. No need to drive along the rocky road or struggle for parking along the peninsula. Just get picked up in Chania and surrounds, bus to the boat dock and the cruise is all organised.

4.2 / 5 | 963 Reviews

Agia Irini Gorge with Private Guide - Embark on a captivating journey through the mythical landscapes of Agia Irini Gorge & Sougia, where natural wonders converge to create an unforgettable experience. This  carefully curated tour offers a glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this remarkable region. This adventure begins in the small village of Agia Irini which is located in a valley along the winding road that leads from Chania to Sougia in southwest Crete. From the South end of the village of Agia Irini, at an altitude of around 560 m, the gorge of Agia Irini is a deep cut along the western edge of the White Mountains which will take you all the way down to the shores of the Libyan Sea at Sougia, a hidden coastal gem nestled amidst rugged mountains and the azure waters of the Libyan Sea.

We love Agia Irini because it is a little known gorge, much less crowded than Samaria. It is still a very impressive hike with extraordinary scenery. Feel the heartbeat of Crete away from the sandy beaches.

8 hours

Rating 4.7 / 5

Preveli Beach Day Trip - visit two beaches on this relaxing trip to the south coast; Preveli, Damnoni. Drive through scenic gorge country and get the feel for the wide outdoor life of Crete. This full-day 9 hour day trip is full of sun, sand and sea.

We love the south coast of Crete because it is so undeveloped and wild. We especially like the crossing through the gorges to get here, because it shows you the tough country of Crete and helps explain the island's character - wild, independent and free.

4.2 / 5 | 52 Reviews

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.

Matala is a busy beach with plenty of tavernas and cafes, hotels and B&Bs. Tourist shops abound. Yet all this attention is warranted, because it is simply one of the most astonishingly unique beaches on Crete, with its ancient burial caves, rocky peninsula diving into the sea, and hippie past. We love it for its free loving past and its magical clear waters.

4.5 / 5 | 229 Reviews

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.

These rural areas of Crete show you how the locals live and harvest the land. The vineyards are beautiful and Heraklion produces some of our favourite wines. We love learning about the local flavours and matching wines, and appreciating the hard work of the vitners that blends into every drop.

4.9 / 5 | 92 Reviews

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. 5.5 hours.

We love Elounda Bay, it is just so eye-poppingly gorgeous. It is a protected bay with lovely calm beaches. Snorkelling here is a delight. Spinalonga is a favourite because its history is interwoven with the history of Crete. Allow the stones to whisper their stories.

3 / 5 | 8 Reviews

Mirabello Bay Afternoon Sailing Cruise & Meal - sail from Agios Nikolaos and enjoy views to Spinalonga island, snorkelling and a delicious Mediterranean meal with white wine and fresh fish in the cool hours of the evening. 5 hours.

We love Mirabello Bay because of its wide expanse and views across to the mountains in the east. Sailing is relaxing and one of the best ways to see wildlife including one of our favourites, the Caretta caretta turtle.

4.9 / 5 | 12 Reviews

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.

Crete is such a dry limestone and rocky island that it is a relief to find a lush green forested gorge. This satisfies our soul search for nature, and we trust you will love it too.

4.8 / 5 | 119 Reviews

Athens to Heraklion Flights

Athens to Chania Flights

Athens to Heraklion Ferry

Athens to Chania Ferry

Santorini to Heraklion Crete Ferry

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

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team
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