Rethymno attractions

You will travel from Chania through the landscapes of western Crete in a modern, fully air-conditioned coach with a professional driver and a tour escort. Along the way you will stop at the Stathakis Family Honey Experience to taste four varieties of local honey, accompanied by complimentary Cretan wine. Then you will have free time at the famous Elafonissi Beach, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, shallow lagoons and the unique pink sand. A complimentary beach umbrella is included (one per booking, upon request) for added comfort. On the return journey the coach will call at the traditional village of Elos, where you may enjoy an optional lunch or coffee, or take a relaxed stroll among the chestnut trees. The tour is operated by an ISO 39001-certified local company with organised pickup, comfortable transport and a clear commitment to safety. Tour commentary is provided in English, with bilingual German and French assistance available.

Enjoy a calm sunset cruise that moors off Lazaretta island, where you can watch the Cretan sun slip down to the horizon. As the sky changes colour, you'll have relaxed views of the coastline and the glowing sea. The setting offers a peaceful atmosphere for taking in the natural light and scenery. Along the way there is time for a quick dip if you choose, so you may decide to swim in the warm waters while the boat waits nearby. Departure for this trip will depend on the time of sunset.

You will spend a wonderful sunny day at the amazing Balos and Gramvoussa islands, known as the Cretan Caribbean. The experience takes you to two of Crete’s most celebrated coastal spots, where you will have time to soak up the island atmosphere and the views that earned them their nickname. Along the way you will explore Balos and Gramvoussa at your own pace, taking in their contrasting shores and coastal scenery. You will have moments to relax, to take photos and to simply enjoy the sunshine and sea air. As you move between the two islands, you will see the features that make them distinctive and understand why visitors refer to them as the Cretan Caribbean. The day will leave you with a clear impression of these special places and their striking island character.

Elafonisi, at the south‑westernmost point of the island, is a place of exceptional natural beauty set in one of the island’s most unexpected locations. Partly an island and partly a peninsula, you will reach its shallow sandbars by walking through the sea from the beach. Once occupied by pirates, the area is now a very popular destination for day trippers who come to its distant lagoon during Mediterranean holidays. You will explore sand dunes, low trees, bushes, sand lilies and junipers that frame small coves and secluded tiny beaches. The shore is made up of white and pink sand formed from thousands of broken seashells, and the limpid blue‑green waters range from aquamarine to turquoise as you move through them. You can walk across the shallow water to the exposed islet, swim in the warm waters and relax under the summer sun, while the landscape often evokes images of a lost paradise.

Set out on a hiking adventure through one of Europe’s longest and most dramatic gorges. You’ll walk about 16 kilometres amid towering cliffs, ancient forests and dramatic rock formations, passing the famous narrow passage known as the “Iron Gates”. Along the route you may see the rare Cretan wild goat (Kri‑Kri) and will experience the wild beauty of Crete’s national park up close. The hike finishes at the peaceful seaside village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll have free time to relax, swim in the clear Libyan Sea and enjoy lunch at a charming taverna. Afterwards you’ll board a ferry-boat for a coastal cruise to Sougia, taking in Crete’s rugged southern shoreline from the water. From Sougia, a comfortable bus transfer will return you to Chania after a day of striking landscapes, coastal views and natural encounters.

This private boating experience off Crete puts you at the helm of a brand-new 2025 Creta Mare 5.50 boat (Yamaha 30/40hp) — no licence is needed. Before you go, you’ll receive a full orientation and a map showing secret spots so you know where to explore. The trip centres on the turquoise waters of Souda Bay and the hidden coves around Akrotiri, with chances to reach quieter, more private beaches away from the crowds. You’ll have everything you need onboard for a comfortable day: a cooler, snorkelling gear, a GPS tracker and full safety equipment. The boats carry up to six people (maximum 500 kg). If you prefer not to skip the driving, a skipper is available as an option. Along the way you can swim, snorkel and enjoy the coastal scenery of Souda Bay and Akrotiri at your own pace.

You will begin at the island’s riding school, where you’ll receive a brief introduction to riding and be fitted with your equipment. The experience runs with small groups, so you’ll have personal attention from your guides before you set off on horseback. As you ride, you’ll follow ancient paths that date back to antiquity and pass through olive groves. Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the island. The route combines quiet country tracks and panoramic vantage points, offering a calm way to take in the island’s wild landscape. For the horses’ welfare, riders must weigh less than 90 kg (198 pounds).

This excursion offers a close look at traditional Cretan life through its food. You will visit a local bakery to see how Cretan savories such as rusks and bread are made. Along the way you will explore an olive grove, examine the trees and learn about Cretan honey production. The tour also includes a stop at a traditional, multi‑awarded cheese factory. If it is not the cheese‑making period, you will be able to enter the facility; if it is, your guide will explain the cheese‑making process before the tasting. As you move through these places, you will taste a traditional platter that typically includes olive oil, tomatoes, olives, cheese, honey and other local produce. The tasting aims to give a clear sense of Cretan flavours and the island’s culinary traditions. The guide will share background on ingredients and production methods, so you will leave with a better understanding of Cretan nutrition and food culture.

An afternoon cruise on a luxury catamaran lets you escape the peak heat and enjoy the warm, golden light of late afternoon as you sail. You’ll relax on sunbeds or in shaded areas, soaking up the atmosphere as the trip ends with a radiant sunset when the sun dips below the horizon. The boat is stylish and designed for comfort, so there’s always a place to unwind and savour the view. On board, a selection of Cretan bites and appetizers and a variety of sushi rolls are included, together with a welcome glass of Prosecco. Throughout the cruise, espresso, tea, water and soft drinks are available, along with local Greek white wine and beer. Along the way you can try stand-up paddleboarding, explore the underwater life while snorkeling, or simply drift on an inflatable noodle. The iconic pink flamingo float is also on hand for photos and a bit of fun.

A short boat trip takes you to the island of Lazaretta, where you can relax by the water and swim in the clear sea. You can choose to go for a swim or simply stay aboard and take in the coastal scenery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island and time to unwind. If you prefer not to swim, you can sit back and watch a fish feeding show through the boat’s glass-bottom section, giving you a clear view of marine life beneath the hull. The experience focuses on simple relaxation and seaside views, with the option to enter the water or observe the underwater life from the boat.

You will visit Knossos, the island of Crete’s most popular attraction and the legendary palace once associated with King Minos. A local guide will lead you through the archaeological site as you learn about its history, architecture and the myths tied to the Minoan civilisation. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to hear about Cretan history and the significance of the ruins, seeing key remains and imagining how this ancient capital functioned. After exploring the archaeological area, you will also have time to explore the new town nearby, where modern streets and local life contrast with the island’s ancient past. The experience combines guided interpretation of Knossos with a stroll through the adjacent contemporary town, giving you both historical context and a sense of present-day Crete.

An afternoon at Falassarna puts you on a wide white-sand beach beside the Mediterranean sea. You will relax on the sand and soak up the light as the day moves toward evening. As the sun sets over the water, you will watch the sky change colour — a calm way to end a beach afternoon. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters and sunbathe to your heart’s content. There is a choice of water sports available if you want more activity, though these are offered at extra cost. If you prefer something quieter, you will be able to unwind by the shoreline with a refreshing cocktail in hand and simply enjoy the view.

A short trip takes you to the island of Lazaretta where you can relax on the shore and enjoy a swim in clear waters. You’ll have a leisurely time to unwind, sit by the coastline and take in the island scenery. Swimming is an option for those who want to cool off and explore the water around Lazaretta. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sit back on the boat and enjoy the view instead. The boat has a glass bottom and a fish feeding show, so you’ll be able to watch marine life pass beneath you as staff feed the fish. This gives you a calm, seated way to observe sea creatures and the underwater view without getting in the water.

On Crete’s waters you will explore crystal‑clear seas, hidden coves and the vibrant marine life that make the island a top snorkeling destination. The experience will begin with a relaxing, scenic boat ride to the best snorkeling spots. You will snorkel at the Blue Cave and at other stunning locations along the coast, suitable for all experience levels and especially welcoming to beginners. As you move through the coastline, you will take in coastal views and spend time in calm bays and sheltered coves where the underwater scenery is easy to enjoy. This tour is well suited to groups and families. Experienced guides will be on hand to keep the experience safe, informative and enjoyable, and all snorkeling equipment will be provided. The outing will combine the excitement of snorkelling with the ease of a boat trip, offering a balanced day of light adventure and relaxation on the water. Whether you are trying snorkeling for the first time or already comfortable in the sea, this trip will give you a clear and accessible way to explore Crete’s coastline and marine life.

On this excursion from Chania, you'll tackle a challenging trek through Samaria Gorge, one of the longest and likely the best-known gorges in Europe, sitting around 4,000 feet above sea level. The route takes you into the heart of the White Mountains and to Omalos, where you can enjoy breakfast before you begin the walk. The hike will take you over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees, and along a river by fresh-water springs. As you move through the gorge you'll enjoy spectacular views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range, and you are likely to see mountain goats roaming in the wild. You will be accompanied by a professional mountain escort who speaks English, who will guide you along the trail and point out highlights as you go.