Top Crete Outdoor Activities

Explore the rugged and wild side of Crete on the off-road adventure tour. Travel comfortably in a Land Rover high up into the Dikti mountain range. By going on an organized tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost in unmarked rural areas and an experienced driver drives with confidence on the mountain roads. Highlights include reaching Lassithi Plateau and exploring Zeus Cave. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious local Cretan lunch in a taverna is provided.

Go to hidden-away corners of Crete few travelers get to see with this guided all-terrain vehicle tour. Follow your guide off-road to quiet tracks far from the traffic and crowded resorts. Explore the near-abandoned ghost village of Achlada, where only a few locals still live, and Fodele, the birthplace of El Greco.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete, Chania and Rethymno. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.

Go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete's northern coast on a ATV adventure from Rethymno. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle that can access tucked-away reaches surrounding Maroulas Mountain. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek coffeehouse and medieval villages that date to the 11th century.

Walk one of Europe’s longest canyons on this full-day hiking experience through the Samaria Gorge from Chania. With an experienced guide, hike the 10 miles (16 kilometers) through this breathtaking gorge, part of the Samaria national park in Crete’s White Mountains. Walk between towering cliffs, pass abandoned villages and absorb the awe-inspiring natural scenery and tranquility. Keep a steady pace during the 6-hour hike, sometimes over rocky terrain, and finish with time for a swim and lunch at Aghia Roumeli village. Numbers are limited for a more personalized, small-group experience.

The whole family will enjoy this fun snorkeling activity, which is both relaxing and adventurous. With a small group of no more than ten travelers you'll be taken on a boat ride to two different snorkeling spots. Experience the difference at the open ocean and sheltered spots, both with an abundance of sea life. Snorkeling gear will be provided so you don't need to bring your own.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Explore Crete’s rugged interior on a full-day off-road buggy trip from Hersonissos. Drive or ride a 4-wheeler and travel through picturesque villages and countryside up to the Lasithi Plateau, framed by the Dikti Mountains. Follow black-topped roads and off-road trails, traverse olive groves and mountain slopes, and stop for photos and to visit the Kera Kardiotissa monastery (own expense). Traditional taverna lunch, driving instructions, and port and hotel drop-off in the Hersonissos area included.

Visit the family mountain home of a local Cretan for a completely authentic evening of cooking, eating, and cultural exchange. Begin your visit with a walk through the vegetable gardens, where you harvest ingredients to use in your recipes. Learn traditional dishes from your hosts, and hear the stories behind each dish. Enjoy a walk through the mountain paths with views of the Aegean Sea. Sit down to a meal you helped prepare, including local wine and a sweet dessert.

Travelers to Crete tend to stick to the well-worn paths between major towns and attractions, like Knossos and Rethymnon. This tour, operated using a four-wheeled all-terrain-vehicle, unlocks the Cretan backroads and off-road trails. See parts of Crete that most visitors to the island miss, steal a glimpse into local life away from the main tourist routes and learn how the storied past of the Melidoni Cave stretches back through time.

With traditional villages and plenty of warm Mediterranean sunshine, the Samaria Gorge is the longest of its kind in Europe—but it’s also a challenging and rewarding hike, considered by many to be among the toughest in Crete. This adventurous full-day combination bus and hiking tour from Chania takes you deep into the gorge itself, where large boulders lie beneath soaring limestone cliffs. Follow a 10-mile (16-km) route though the Samaria Gorge and experience the best of the Crete countryside with a guide.

Cruise from Crete to Dia Island aboard a luxury boat, for a lazy day of sea, sun, and swimming. While the capable crew take care of the boat, you’ll kick back on deck with freshly prepared Greek food and drinks, or just have fun in the water; snorkel gear, fishing rods, a stand-up paddleboard, and even an inflatable unicorn are among the toys for grown-ups and kids alike.

Explore the diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches of Crete on a full-day Land Rover safari. Rumble along remote roads in the gorgeous Rethymno region, passing landmarks like Prasses Gorge and Potamon Dam and stopping to swim in the Libyan Sea. Get a taste of Cretan country life when you visit traditional villages like Spili, and try local cuisine with included lunch at a tavern. Skip the hassle of a rental car and let a sturdy 4x4 and guide show you the best of the island’s scenery and culture.

Maximize time in Crete with a half-day private tour of Chania. Get picked up at your hotel or the location of your choosing in Chania and set out on a sightseeing tour focused on local history and heritage. See top landmarks including the Old Venetian Harbor, Lighthouse of Chania, Firkas Fortress, and Hassan Pascha Mosque. Get to know Chania's Old Town and the many cultures that influenced its character.

Spend a full day exploring Crete with a local guide. Visit Psychro Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, and a platanus tree that is according to local legend, the oldest tree on the island. You’ll also tour the villages of Mochos and Krasi and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a local restaurant.

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea with this 3-hour guided snorkeling trip from Chania. All equipment is provided. Swim in the crystal blue waters in Almyrida Chania and explore reefs, caves and see the Elephant Cave of Crete.

The best way to explore Crete is by boat and this half-day cruise from Hersonissos visits St. George's Bay and the small towns of Sissi, Malia, and Stalis. Set sail aboard a traditional pirate ship; stop to swim and snorkel at the island’s beaches and bays; spot dolphins and sea turtles along the coast; and tuck into a delicious BBQ lunch on-board.

Escape the hum of bustling Crete and get into nature on this full-day tour of pristine Elafonisi, a small island famed for its beautiful pink sands. Soak up the Grecian sun as you explore this protected wildlife sanctuary, enjoying a walk on the sand, or swim in the clear, azure waters of Elafonisi's paradise-like beach just a stone’s throw from the southwest corner of Crete.

Maximize time in Crete with a full-day combination guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel and set out on a coach sightseeing tour focused on archaeology and culture. See popular landmarks including the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Dikteon Cave, and the Palace of Knossos. Admire panoramic views from Seli Ambelou Lasithi Plateau, visit an olive oil factory, and go inside a ceramic workshop to see a potter at work.

Taste the bounty of ancient Cretan vineyards and olive groves on a delicious, full-day wine tour from Heraklion. Travel with an oenophile and chef guide through the island’s fertile heartland, visit a winery for a vineyard tour and tastings of different varietals. Sample some of the Mediterranean's finest olive oil at a family domain, and indulge in a gourmet chef’s lunch at a local restaurant, complete with plenty of wine! Tour size is limited to 8 for a more personalized, small-group experience.

Spend a day at Acqua Plus, the most popular water park on Crete. The park is divided into two sides, one for all ages and one for adults only. Facilities are clean, well-run, and safe, with multiple lifeguards on duty at all times. In addition to the many games, slides, and water rides inside the park, there is a beautiful garden in the center with Cretan flowers and trees, exotic flowers, weeping willows, palm trees, bougainvilleas,  French marigolds and more greenery, making for a nice escape form the heat and sun.

Getting to know the real Chania is difficult without a guide to show you behind the tourist sights. This small-group tour delivers: introducing you to its foods, customs, people, and wines in ways only a local can. Stroll around Chania’s lanes, churches, and monuments; meet townsfolk, visit authentic spots, and sample staples such as sesame bread, cheese, and Cretan honey before a wine-tasting. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

When you're staying on the island of Crete, discover the island's eastern stretches where traditional villages, storied monuments, and authentic culture awaits. With a local driver-guide for your group, you'll explore with ease, visiting the landmarks you want to see. The Cave of Zeus, Knossos Palace, and the Lassithi Plateau are a few of the sites that can feature on your private tour; just note that entry fees are extra.