Crete Tours

Discover Crete's western wonders with a day trip to Chania, one of its most impressive port towns. Wander through cobbled lanes, shop for leather goods in 'Leather Lane', and enjoy a scenic dinner by the picturesque old Venetian harbour, lined with colourful buildings. Enjoy scenic views, good food and relaxation in a Cretan town that offers a perfect blend of shopping and sightseeing.

This cruise has everything – great scenery, beach time and a helping of medieval history. Everything starts at Kastelli on Crete's northwest coast, where a boat awaits to carry you across Kissamos bay to the Gramvousa peninsula and isles. And to round off the trip, you'll spend a few hours at the beautiful Balos lagoon.

If you're after a great night out, then Alar's Spectacular Show takes some beating. A theatre production focused firmly on fun, you'll enjoy an evening of side-splitting entertainment, talented acrobats and professional singers taking the stage. And to top it off, a delicious four-course feast is included, as well as the chance to meet the performers after the show.

A half-day catamaran cruise that ticks all the boxes with a perfect blend of relaxation and activities. You'll set sail for Agioi Theodoroi, taking in the views and topping up your tan along the way. Then, your captain will drop anchor for a chance to use the paddleboards, snorkels and, of course, the Insta-famous pink flamingo. And if that's not enough, you'll be treated to a tasty dinner with typical Cretan wine, before heading back to watch the sunset.

This action-packed day brings the essence of Crete to life for all the family. Discover Greek mythology as you explore scenic mountain trails on an off-road adventure leading to the Lassithi plateau. There's a chance to have a go at making ceramics and a visit to the Mythological Park, too. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, enthusiastically says, ‘Lassithi plateau is a personal favourite on this tour. You'll be greeted by the sight of dozens of windmills that dot the landscape. They were built in the 19th century to grind grain, and are now a symbol of the region.'Kick off on an off-road trail which climbs into the mountains, following the ancient Minoan path. You'll have a break at a local shepherd's hut where you can try some of the home-made cheese and see various animals. From here we'll make our way to a viewpoint where we can see across the Lassithi plateau, a high, fertile plain that legend states was the birthplace of Zeus.Rumbling down to the plateau, we'll head to a ceramics workshop and olive oil producer. It's a fun stop for the kids who will have plenty of time to have a go at making their own pottery creations. Next up is the Mythological park, where you'll find out all about ancient Greek myths - the special lighting and sound effects alongside the audio tour make the park enjoyable for all ages. Round off the day with lunch in a taverna, before calling in at the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year old plane tree and has a natural spring water source.

Make holiday memories with an experience that the world will thank you for. This evening out at Lyrakis Family Estate showcases the very best of Cretan products and produce. Discover the secrets of sustainable and traditional olive oil soap, before munching your way through a menu of local goodies, with a side order of Greek entertainment. Your journey into the heart of Crete's rich heritage starts with a look into the art of olive oil making. Join your guide at the olive oil mill, where you'll learn the tricks behind production, before watching a demonstration of olive oil soap making. See the creation first-hand and taste freshly-pressed oil, with a chance to buy the products, too.Then, it's time to party. Tuck into an open buffet of quality Cretan dishes, all cooked in wood ovens and open fire. And as the drinks flow, the entertainment starts. Groove the night away with an all-singing, all-dancing show to end a night that not only celebrates the natural resources of the island, but gives back to the locals, too.

When you visit the Carlos Cambelopoulos Foundation on a guided tour, your experience will be so much deeper. Housed in a Venetian Monastery in Chania old town, your guide will show you the highlights of this interesting museum featuring works by the artist Carlos Cambelopoulos, as well as a collection of art and hairdressing tools from different time periods. The museum also includes a library with rare publications on art and architecture.

Ditch the Monday blues and swap sand for sound at Malia's Zig Zag Club. It's one of the hottest spots on the strip, where DJ Jordan Davies – the star from ITV's Ibiza Weekender – drops everything from old school jams to this summer's bangers. With party vibes cranked to the max, grab your squad and bring that sky-high energy straight to the dancefloor. And the bar? Stacked with the coolest drinks to keep your night lit. It's the ultimate kickoff to a week of non-stop partying and raving.

This early morning hot air balloon ride in Crete features a bird's-eye view to beat all others. You'll float through the sky on a 40-minute-long ride over Lasithi Plateau, spotting windmills, caves and more as the sun rises over the Dikti Mountains. After you've landed, you'll be invited to toast your experience with champagne and a Cretan breakfast in a nearby tavern.

Sailing past Souda Bay's islets with the wind in your hair is what holidays are all about. Set off towards the historic Fortezza on Souda islet, then drop anchor at Marathi's family-friendly beaches. There's time for a swim, and an option to have lunch on board. Explore the remarkable Cape Drepano, the Elephant Cave's discovery site, and sea caves only accessible by boat. Return enriched by Souda Bay's beauty and historical wonder.

Malia Live is where it's at – the absolute peak of Malia nights that every party-goer marks in their calendar. Imagine diving into an ocean of booze, with the island's top DJs laying down the soundtrack of your summer. Amid the vibe and the beats, oxygen cannons blast through the crowd, keeping the heat at just the right level of cool as you lose yourself on the dance floor. This is the ticket everyone's chasing.

Summer Love is Malia's newest night out. Every Sunday, LUX club brings you a lineup of top Dutch DJs at the decks, dropping the biggest bangers of the season. Expect floor filling anthems and partying ‘til dawn. It's a night you'll remember long after your tan has faded.

The coastline of northern Crete is an enticing palette of sunny browns and deep greens. You'll explore its rugged beauty from the deck of a luxury catamaran on this full day cruise. What's more, there's lunch and swimming time in Panormo.

Beautiful Agia Pelagia Bay in Crete is a great place to explore by boat. This small group tour kicks off with hotel pickups and sets sail from Agia Pelagia Port for a three hour tour. Marvel at hidden caves, secluded beaches, and vibrant sea life as you navigate around the bay, led by a skilled skipper. Cool off with stops for swimming and snorkeling before returning to the port and being transferred back to your hotel.

Here's a night of Greek dancing with a difference. Go on a journey through time at Anopolis, where myths, legends, and folklore are brought to life through dance, theatre, and live music. You'll dine on a delicious spread of local dishes – washed down with unlimited wine – and watch a fascinating show on a fun-filled night for all the family.

With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.

Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.

Visit Mirabello and admire beautiful landscapes, take a boat to Spinalonga, and meet a local family that produces the olive oil in a chauffeured vehicle.

Enjoy a Speedboat trip to Spinalonga with a 1-hour stay on the island and explore the dark caves of Milatos.

This early morning hot air balloon ride in Crete features a bird's-eye view to beat all others. You'll float through the sky on a 40-minute-long ride over Lasithi Plateau, spotting windmills, caves and more as the sun rises over the Dikti Mountains. After you've landed, you'll be invited to toast your experience with champagne and a Cretan breakfast in a nearby tavern.