Milatos attractions

CRETAquarium introduces you to the underwater world of the Mediterranean — a sea that gave birth to many civilizations and attracts millions of visitors each year. The exhibits reveal a familiar yet little-known marine realm, presented so you can move through different habitats and gain a clear sense of how life varies beneath the surface. As you move through the tanks, you will explore a range of sea ecosystems and be introduced to creatures of the seabed. Along the way you may encounter immigrant species from tropical waters, meet impressive hunters and watch ghostly jellyfish drift. You will also see more peaceful residents, such as the passive dusky groupers, and other marine life that together illustrate the diversity of the Mediterranean and beyond. The experience is organised to let you learn about these animals and their environments at your own pace, with displays that help you become acquainted with the different forms of life found beneath the waves.

You will visit a traditional Cretan olive grove that has been owned by the same family for generations. As you move through the trees, you will learn about olives and the process of olive oil production. Along the way you will be able to wander around the farm and get a close look at the land and the trees that sustain it. The experience also includes a visit to the on-site snail farm, where you will learn about this traditional delicacy of Crete. Last but not least, you will see the Dragon Fruit Farm, where dragon fruits are cultivated and you will learn about how they grow. A complimentary coffee—Greek coffee or espresso—will be offered during your visit.

Watercity offers people of all ages the chance to enjoy their holiday in a lively amusement park setting. You will be able to explore the park’s attractive grounds, relax by the pools and enjoy the sunshine as you move between attractions. The park aims to make your day as pleasurable as possible. Along the way, you can spend hours on exciting and thrilling games and rides suited to different ages. You will also find many restaurants and bars where you may stop for a snack or a drink, and shops selling souvenirs for your loved ones. Watercity is promoted as the island’s best amusement park, and it provides a mix of relaxation, excitement and refreshment for visitors.

With admission to Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site, you can get a feel for the way of life in the ancient Minoan civilization. You'll explore the labyrinthine preserved ruins, including locations like the Throne Room with King Minos' throne and restored artistic murals. You can also opt for a downloadable audio guide for your phone to offer additional historical insights during your visit.

With pre-booked tickets for your chosen date and time, you can explore the Palace of Knossos at your own pace. The site centres on the Grand Palace, which dates back to around 2000 B.C., and you will have the freedom to wander the ancient courtyards and corridors that shaped Minoan life. As you move through the ruins, you will see the remains of living quarters, workspaces and storerooms that hint at daily life in a city once considered the heart of Minoan civilisation and culture. Along the way, take in extensive restorations carried out in the 20th and 21st centuries, which help to visualise the site as it once was. You will also come across vibrant murals typical of the era and the intact throne room associated with the legendary King Minos, offering a direct view of the palace’s former grandeur. The visit provides a clear sense of both the architectural scale and the cultural importance of this ancient centre.

This day trip takes you through the highlights of north‑east Crete, beginning with the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos and its magnificent lake. You’ll also visit Elounda, a small village on the shore of Mirabello Bay where the views are striking and the boat for the cruise departs. From Elounda the cruise heads to Spinalonga island. As you approach, you’ll see the island that was used historically as a fortress and later as a leper colony. Along the way and on the return journey the boat will anchor, giving you the chance to dive into the refreshing waters before heading back to Elounda port. Throughout the trip you’ll have time to enjoy the scenery and learn about the island’s past as you explore the area.

On this full-day excursion to southern Crete, you’ll travel through scenic landscapes to Preveli Palm Beach, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river tucked between dramatic cliffs. You’ll board a boat to reach this distinctive shoreline, then have free time to swim, relax and explore the riverbank and surrounding area. Along the coast you’ll continue to Damnoni Beach and may also visit the nearby coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi, with opportunities to enjoy more swimming and beach time. Along the way, you’ll admire spectacular views of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The tour operates two different itineraries depending on the day of departure. On Tuesdays, the programme includes free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon. On Thursdays and Saturdays there’s no Rethymnon stop; instead you’ll have extended time at the beaches and coves mentioned above. This experience blends beaches, coastal scenery and a little sightseeing, offering a relaxed way to explore Crete’s south coast in one day.

Spinalonga is a small island known for its Venetian-period fortresses and its powerful history. You will visit a place of legends that became a refuge and a symbol of survival during the early 20th-century leprosy outbreak. Along the way you will see the island’s defensive walls and ruins and learn why it is now valued for both its archaeological finds and its historical importance. Nostos Cruises operates the only fully organised cruise to Spinalonga. On board you will receive detailed information from experienced guides and join guided tours provided in English and Dutch. If you are a French customer, an audio guide player will be provided so you can follow the story in French. The emphasis throughout will be on the island’s fortifications, its social history as a leper colony, and the archaeological and historical evidence that tells that story.

You will travel across the island in a comfortable bus and spend time at Elafonissi, a sheltered beach often described as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Elafonissi is a pristine nature reserve and is protected under the European Union’s Natura 2000 programme, so the surroundings will feel unspoilt and calm. A small island sits just offshore and is linked to the shore by a shallow 200‑metre passage. You can easily walk across that sandbar and wade into the clear, calm sea. The water around Elafonissi will be a striking turquoise, and the shore will show fine white and subtly pinkish sand. For your convenience, the beach area has sun loungers and umbrellas, and a cafeteria where you can buy snacks and refreshments while you relax between swims.

This tour takes you to the west side of the island, starting with a morning bus trip towards the cosmopolitan town of Rethymno. Along the way you will relax on the drive and arrive with time to take in the town’s atmosphere, its streets and seaside setting. You will then visit Chania, often called the little “Venice” of Crete, where you can see the harbour and historic waterfront areas. The day will conclude at the picturesque lake of Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, offering a contrast to the towns you’ve visited. The experience focuses on seeing these key west-side highlights and enjoying the settings they provide.

It is an exciting world below the surface. Passengers of all ages get the chance to explore the magnificent Mediterranean marine life, observe loads of more than 12 species of fish and possibly sea turtles and hear interesting information about underwater life in 5 languages and spend 1.25 hours below and above the waves with fun, but educationally too.

You will visit the seaside village of Elounda and walk among the history of the island of Spinalonga. From there the trip moves to the small bay of Kolokitha, a remote beach with white sand, deep blue water and old olive groves beside the shore. You can swim directly from the boat and will have plenty of time to enjoy the crystal-clear sea. While at Kolokitha you will taste a barbecue served on board. The menu includes pork chop BBQ, Greek salad, feta cheese, bread, wine or Fanta and seasonal fruit. Every Sunday the dinner is in a tavern instead, so there is no BBQ on board that day. After a short respite you will return to Elounda and then continue to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. There you can enjoy a coffee with a view of the magnificent lake, browse the traditional local shops and relax for a while before heading back.

Visit Knossos, Crete’s most famous historical site with a skip-the-line e‑ticket, a downloadable audio tour for your phone and a detailed site map. Located 5 km south of Heraklion, the grand capital of Minoan Crete will unfold around you: evocative ruins and brightly‑coloured frescoes will be explained through the audio narrative, helping you connect the visual remains to daily life and ceremonial practice. As you move through the palace, the cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum will illustrate scenes of everyday life and ritual. You will follow the evolution of Minoan fashion, learn about popular hairstyles and discover the beauty products people used. At the West Magazines, the palace storage areas will reveal the organised bureaucracy that supported the court, the earliest forms of linear writing, and aspects of the Minoan economy and trade networks. Along the South Entrance Corridor you will see a copy of the ‘Prince of the Lilies’ and can gaze out towards Mount Juktas framed by the eroded palace walls. The Queen’s Megaron, with its famous blue dolphins fresco and its bathroom and toilet room, will show you how bathing and hygiene were practiced in the Minoan era.

On a semi‑private morning cruise from Heraklion, you'll travel aboard a sleek, modern catamaran and receive a warm welcome from the crew. As you sail toward Dia Island, you can relax on sunbeds, sip detox water and enjoy a light, fresh brunch while taking in the peaceful sea views. At Dia Island the sea is a playground: you'll have access to water toys such as an inflatable slide, sea scooter, kayak and stand‑up paddleboards (SUPs), and you may float on a pink flamingo or glide across the waves. Back on board you will be served a healthy Cretan lunch designed by a nutritionist, prepared from fresh, organic local ingredients. Seasonal Mediterranean dishes typically include seafood, vegetarian and simple fresh options; children’s meals are available on request and Greek wine or beer can be paired with your meal. After lunch you can relax on deck or swim again in the warm Cretan waters, then sail back to Heraklion feeling rested after a peaceful morning at sea.

At Spiridi Olive Oil Farm, a small family place just outside Agios Nikolaos, you will explore Cretan culture through olive oil and other local products. You can move through the museum and farm areas at your own pace, following a multilingual tablet guide that accompanies the visit. As you move through the ten stops, the guide will provide information on olive oil production, local herbs, beekeeping, wine making, cheese making and more. Every visit ends with a generous tasting of more than 30 homemade Cretan products. You will sample extra virgin olive oil, honey, raki and a range of local delicacies. The overall experience is relaxed, authentic and personal, designed to connect you with the flavours and traditions of Crete.