Visit the famous Knossos Minoan Palace and see how traditional pottery is produced.
The west of Crete offers up some dramatic landscapes and impressive scenery. First up is the village of Spili and its iconic fountain featuring a series of lion heads. Next, you'll visit the old Byzantine Monastery of Preveli before discovering Argyroupoli's waterfalls and greenery. End the day tasting Cretan wines while watching the sun go down over the Venetian harbour of Rethymno.
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.
Book now a cooking course in Crete, at Kokkiadis Honey Farm, and discover the local tastes of the dishes you've cooked!
Troy is an edge-of-your-seat adventure brought to you by Alar – Crete's very own specialists in spectacular entertainment. Be transported through years of Greek history as you're wowed by performances from dancers, artists, acrobats and more. With the exclusive use of a QR code, you'll feel part of the story. And to top it off, a delicious three-course feast is included.
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.
This late-afternoon catamaran trip is the very definition of sun-soaked relaxation. . Casting off from Rethymnon, you'll sail the cool and clear waters off the coast of Crete to the village of Panormo. A welcome drink of Cretan wine will be served along locally-sourced fruits and cheese, as you settle in to catch a glimpse of a sizzling sunset across the Aegean.
Boutari's Wineries have been producing some of the finest Greek wine for over 140 years. With six different locations, the distinct flavours keep wine-lovers flocking to its vineyards. Head to Scalarea, Crete's Boutari estate where you'll taste a selection of top quality Cretan vino. You'll learn all about the production process, and pair your tastings with a traditional three-course meal.
Embark on a mountainous journey through Crete, starting out from our base in Rethymno. Along the way, we'll traverse natural gorges with impressive archaeological formations and cross shallow rivers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and visit ancient Cretan villages that date back to the 11th or 12th century. Our safari includes several stops, including a visit to a traditional Cretan kafenion, or coffee house.
Join a guided Crete highlights tour passing the Cave of Zeus, Kritsa, Panagia Kera Byzantine Church, and more
Enjoy snorkeling and discover the marine life of the Aegean Sea at Agia Pelagia next to Heraklion in Crete.
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.
Combining inland Crete's rugged landscapes and ancient villages with a visit to a typical shepherd's hut, this small group 4x4 tour is for those who are wild at heart. You'll journey into the mountains to the Halepa Monastery from Rethymnon, venture off-road and stop to enjoy some typical meze. Georgios, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Halepa Monastery is thought to be the oldest on Crete, dating from the mid-16th century. Not only is it a special, spiritual place, but it boasts bird's-eye views over the valley of Mylopotamos.' Passing through areas of lush green landscapes and traditional villages such as Milopotamos, the tour gets off to a panoramic start. We'll wind our way up the slopes of Mount Psiloritis to Halepa Monastery, which was in ruins before the restoration works finished in the year 2000. The ruined structure used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during past civil wars, but now it is as peaceful as it is beautiful. As you continue your off-road adventure, your guide will deepen your understanding of the history and the traditions of the island, introduce you to the locals, and point out the wildlife of Crete. Stop to see an original shepherd's hut – known as 'Mitato' – and taste local honey at a producer. Tracing mountain tracks, keep an eye out for wildlife such as eagles and wild goats as you rumble through the countryside. And with an appetite worked up, you'll take a break to munch on traditional meze.
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.
You'll gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual traditions of Greek Easter on this evening trip to Heraklion for the Good Friday procession. Greek Easter, a cornerstone of cultural and religious life in Greece, reaches its solemn peak on Good Friday, a day marked by mourning and reverence across Christianity.Starting with a walk through the town centre, your destination is the historic Saint Minas Cathedral. See the local community carrying out the ceremonious decoration and veneration of the Epitaph. This sacred icon, depicting Christ prepared for burial, becomes the focal point for the faithful.Participate in the poignant tradition of passing beneath the Epitaph for a blessing, a gesture deeply embedded in Orthodox faith, symbolizing burial and resurrection. The highlight is the evening procession, where the Epitaph is carried through the streets, accompanied by hymns, a devout choir, and a trail of candlelit flowers. Experience the passion and fervor of Greek Easter celebrations.
Explore all the must-see landmarks of West Crete, discover the Venetian city of Rethymno and have lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls.
Evenings out in Crete don't get more traditional than this. You'll travel to the mountainside village of Axos where a whole evening's entertainment is programmed, including a church visit, craft demonstration and a dinner fit for kings and queens. And it wouldn't be Cretan night without some live dancing and music.
Tripening
