Experience the best of Crete on these handpicked tours that showcase the island’s stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and renowned hospitality. Take a journey through time as you visit the ancient Minoan palace at Knossos or explore the beautiful countryside and discover the secrets of Cretan cuisine with local guides. From hiking through the Samaria Gorge to cycling through Rethymno’s countryside on an electric bike, these tours offer something for every type of traveler. Immerse yourself in authentic Cretan hospitality, learn about local traditions, and indulge in delicious local food on these unforgettable tours.

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Rethymno: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat

Experience serenity and unwind on a tranquil sunset cruise aboard the Captain Hook, a traditional wooden pirate boat that departs from Rethymno’s picturesque port. As you sail into the sunset, admire the breathtaking views of the city and the majestic Cretan mountains. Take in the beauty of Fortezza Castle, the Venetian Port, and the stunning city of Rethymno, all illuminated in the soft twilight, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Relax and bask in the splendor of the surroundings while enjoying a refreshing soft drink or a cold beer.

From € 22 per person Website: www.cretanholidays.gr

Rethymno: Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

Embark on a Mediterranean adventure and feel the warmth of the sun, wind, and waves on a catamaran sailing tour departing from Rethymno. Indulge in a delectable Greek meal or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Experience the beauty of the Cretan coastline on an all-inclusive yachting tour and explore the native marine life while snorkeling around the catamaran sailing yacht. Keep the kids entertained with flamingo and unicorn floaties for a fun-filled family day on the Mediterranean.

This super yachting experience starts at Rethymno harbor with a welcome breakfast. After the captain provides essential safety tips and rules, you’ll set sail into the blue horizon. You’ll be treated to a traditional Mediterranean meal with grilled fish, fresh seasonal veggies and fruit, and then relax to the serene sound of the waves.

From € 150 per person Website: https://daneriyachts.com

Georgioupolis Full-Day Land Rover Safari Experience

Traverse the rugged Cretan countryside in a 4×4 Landy. Along the way, visit an old village with a Byzantine Church and a café stocked with traditional local products including wild herbs, raki, and honey. Swim in the cool South Cretan Sea, explore a castle, and stop by a traditional winery.

You’ll get a glimpse into Crete’s past with visits to museums and an old olive oil factory. You’ll drive to the dizzying height of 1,200 meters and experience the quietness of the White Mountains, while being on the lookout for vultures and other large birds of prey.

From € 72 per person Website: www.georgioupolissafari.gr

From Rethymno: Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

Explore the stunning mountainous landscapes of Crete on a half-day ATV safari. Choose from morning or afternoon tours, with pick-up available from Rethymno, Bali, or Georgiopoulis. Start your adventure from Rethymno town, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing and all necessary equipment. You;ll motor through shallow waters and impressive canyons filled with amazing archaeological structures. Reach the summit for a 10-minute break to take in panoramic views and continue on to a traditional kafeneion for coffee. Refuel with a snack in the picturesque village of Prassies before returning to Rethymno to end your dusty adventure.

From € 55 per person Website: https://discovery-safari.gr

From Chania or Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike

Embark on a guided hike through the Samariá Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge, and witness the rich flora and fauna of this stunning natural wonder. Encounter the rare Cretan “kri-kri” goat while enjoying panoramic views and crystal-clear spring waters. Following a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, journey through the mountains to the start of the gorge. Begin your 6-7 hour, 16-kilometer hike, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. After finishing the hike, take a refreshing swim and enjoy a traditional lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.

From € 35 per person Website: www.travelpath.gr

Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Rethymno

Experience the unique tastes and culture of Crete with a winery and olive mill tour from Rethymno. Begin your day at Klados winery in Panormos for a wine tour and tasting. Continue through picturesque villages and areas with lush vegetation and stunning views until you reach the historic Halepa Monastery. You’ll get to marvel at the breathtaking views of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area before continuing on a panoramic off-road route.

You’ll also visit a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village and learn about olive harvesting and production. End the day with a delicious Cretan meal at a small village tavern in Melidoni. The return drive to Rethymno via an easy asphalt route.

From € 89 per person Website: www.unchartedescapes.com

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Knossos/Photo: Unsplash
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Chania/Rethymno: Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum

On this tour, you’ll embark on a journey through time with a full-day trip to the Minoan palace at Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Once at Knossos a guide will take you around the spectacular archaeological site and the palace of the legendary King Minos Then for a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, considered one of the finest museums of its kind to tour its galleries filled with historic frescoes, jewelry, statues and more. There’s adequate free time for coffee, lunch, or souvenir shopping in the city center of Heraklion before heading back to Rethymno.

From € 26 per person Website: www.travelpath.gr

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Rethymno/Photo: Unsplash
Rethymno/Photo: Unsplash

Rethymno: Old Town Walking Tour with Meal & Phyllo Workshop

Explore the authentic corners of Rethymno’s Old Town on a guided walking tour. Taste Cretan honey, olive oil, and raki like a local at a local café. Learn the secrets of making phyllo dough and enjoy a traditional meal in a beautiful garden. Your tour starts at a Greek-style kafeneio café for breakfast, followed by a visit to a phyllo handmade workshop. Then, feast on a Cretan meal under a lemon tree in an Ottoman-style inner garden. Reflect on how the past connects with modern Cretan life with your host.

From € 75 per person Website: www.ecoevents.gr

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Rethymno/Photo: Unsplash
Rethymno/Photo: Unsplash

From Rethymno: Guided E-Bike Tour to Myli Gorge with Lunch

Don’t miss the chance to explore Rethymno’s countryside on an electric bicycle and experience the natural beauty of Crete on this guided tour. Hike through Myli Gorge with a local guide, and enjoy a delicious Cretan lunch with hospitable locals. Cycle uphill through picturesque olive groves to Halevi Monastery and admire the church of Panagia and the renovated ruins of the monastery building. Visit the Military Museum at Villa Clodio in Chromonastiri village before continuing to the Myli Gorge for a short hike through the diverse flora and fauna to the abandoned village of Myli.

After you’ll get to relax in Roussospiti village and take in the panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast as you savor a selection of traditional dishes at a family-run taverna. Learn about the history of the Aghia Irini monastery from the nuns before making your way back.

From € 65 per person Website: www.ebikesrethymno.com

From Rethimno: Private Tour of Traditional Crete & Cuisine

Experience the customs and flavors of Crete on a private tour from Rethimno. Meet the living nun at Vossakos monastery, learn goat-herding and beekeeping from the experts, and indulge in delicious Cretan cuisine. Begin your tour in the countryside of Crete, away from the city center. Visit the historical Vossakos monastery and meet the only living nun there. Taste the sweet loukoumi and learn about the stories behind the holy walls.

Visit a local pasture and meet Mr. Andreas, the resident shepherd, who will detail his daily routine of taking care of the goats and producing milk. Then you’ll indulge in the delicious flavors of traditional Cretan appetizers and enjoy the breathtaking views. Learn the family secrets of beekeeping from Mrs. Eleni and taste the honey. Be welcomed into the home of Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni for a traditional lunch made with local organic products. Finish the tour in the ancient village of Apladiana, crossing through a field of orange trees and reveling in the citrusy breeze.


From € 160 per person Website: www.ecoevents.gr

From Rethymno: Sfendoni Cave & Psiloritis Day Trip with Meal

Experience authentic Cretan hospitality, village culture, and traditional life on a multi-stop trip from Rethymno. Explore the impressive Sfendoni Cave, one of the most important caves in Greece, before heading to a traditional farm in the Psiloritis Mountains. Meet Priest Andreas, a shepherd who will share his life story, milk the goats, and make your own cheese. Collect fresh produce from the garden and indulge in a traditional Cretan meal, including a unique lamb dish prepared via the special cooking method called Antikristo. End the day with dinner surrounded by unbeatable views. This trip provides a glimpse of real Crete, away from the tourist crowds, and is sure to leave lasting memories.

From € 60 per person Website: www.travelpath.gr

Rethymno: Explore Shepherd’s Hut and Cheese Making Process

Embark on a cultural day tour and learn about Cretan history, traditions and cuisine. Visit a honey factory, drive through traditional villages and explore a shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” with a small group of 6-8 people. Marvel at the unique panoramic views from the Halepa Monastery, and spot wild eagles and goats along the way. Discover the cheese-making process and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a tavern in Axos village. The tour ends with a drive back to Rethymnon on an asphalt road. Experience the renowned Cretan hospitality and immerse yourself in the wildlife of Crete. Enjoy the guided tour and tasting at the Apithano Honey factory.

From € 95 per person Website: www.unchartedescapes.com

Read also:

A Spectacular Cave Open to the Public on the Island of Crete

The Gastronomy of Rethymno: Flavours and Aromas of the Mediterranean

The wines of Greece – Rethymno: The climate, the wineries, the varieties, the labels