Day Trips and Tours in Crete

Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos. What is the itinerary for this experience?The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:00am to 9:30am – pick-up from your hotel (the exact time depends on your location)- 10:00am – arrive at the Knossos Archaeological Site for a 120‑minute guided tour- 12:00pm – depart from Knossos towards Heraklion- 12:20pm – short walking tour in Heraklion city centre- 12:45pm to 3:45pm – free time for shopping or lunch before departure Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Full-day tour of Loutro Village with a typical Cretan lunch

Accessible only by boat, Loutro is an idyllic seaside village where you can completely disconnect. Journey from Sfakia to Loutro by boat for a day of exploration at your own pace, enjoying lunch at a local taverna and time to recline under the bright Cretan sun. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘Loutro is the hidden jewel of southern Crete, a magical place of unbelievable blue, light blue, almost green crystal-clear water – and with no sign of cars or traffic.'This exclusive excursion kicks off with a scenic drive to Sfakia, stopping along the way at Askifou plateau for a Greek coffee overlooking the majestic White Mountains. Then, you'll hop into a boat for the quick 20-minute mini-cruise to Loutro – a remote picturesque fishing village with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Here, you'll have plenty of free time to stroll along its cobbled streets, admiring whitewashed houses straight from a postcard. It's also a great opportunity to grab a souvenir and help the local economy.Plus, there's a lunch at a traditional family-owned seafront taverna overlooking the bay, savouring what Rena calls ‘the aromas of the south'. You'll enjoy tasting specialities from the region such as local Cretan salad, tzatziki and more, with local fruit and dessert to finish. Afterwards, you can recline on the beach, take a dip in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and watch the world go by. With no traffic, it's your chance to unwind in peaceful surroundings.

Pirates of Crete half-day family boat trip

Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need all hands on deck to help track down their long-lost treasure. But first, you'll have to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a pirate. Yannis, a local guide, explains that there's something for everyone on this trip, “it's full-on fun for the little ones, as the crew really get into character and bring energy and smiles as pirates. But you also get this wild, natural backdrop to the day as you sail past tucked away beaches and swim in sparkling clear waters under the towering cliffs of St Georges Bay.”Setting sail from Chersonissos Port, our shipmates will make sure you get into the pirate spirit, with face painting and exciting themed games for the little scallywags, and challenges for the older crew members. Plus, there's a treasure map and clues to follow, so make sure you have your sharpest seafaring instincts at the ready.Then, to take a break from all the swashbuckling fun, you'll drop anchor at St. George's Bay for a dip. This quiet spot is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the views of the sea caves cut into rocky cliffs and the surrounding greenery. It'll feel like you're a million miles from Malia. You'll have around an hour here to stretch out on the fine golden sand and swim in the calm shallow waters that make it a winner for families. You'll arrive back at the port in the mid-afternoon – with plenty of time still to chill by the pool after your pirating adventure.

Half Day Boat Tour to Souda and Marathi Beach

Experience a leisurely boat trip in the north of Crete, navigating the calm expanse of Souda Bay. The bay extends several kilometres between the Akrotiri peninsula and Cape Drapano, Explore Souda Island's intriguing rock formations and white cliffs, and stop for a cooling swim and snorkel in the clear Aegean Sea. Finish your journey in Marathi, known for its shallow beaches, fine sand, and plentiful seaside cafes.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Discover Cretan Farm Life

Small-scale, family-run farms are integral to the Mediterranean diet that Crete is so famous for. A local family will welcome you to their Mitato, a small farmhouse, where you'll be greeted with the genuine warmth of Cretan hospitality. Listen to the local farmer tell the intriguing tale of King Minoas who watched from his observatory, and alerted locals to incoming pirates. Greetings over, it's time for a hands-on bread-making lesson, learning the techniques for typical Cretan bread, made with wheat and barley flour. Then, witness their cheese-making skills using goat's milk from the farm. Next, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, helping out with daily farm tasks like feeding the goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and tending to the gardens. The adventure continues with a snail hunt over the mountainside, exclusive to National Geographic travellers, peeking under rocks, and among shrubs and flowers. As the day unfolds, your collected treasures, including snails, eggs, fruit, and vegetables, become the ingredients for lunch. Alongside the family, you'll prepare a feast of local delicacies, all made from the products of your day's work. Finish off the experience with a taste of Crete's spirit, Raki, and why not sing along to their traditional Cretan ‘Mantinades,' - traditional Cretan couplets that express sentiments about Cretan daily life.

Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour

This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.

Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour

Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil

Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion 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.

Exclusive Half-Day Shopping to Agios Nikolaos

This half-day experience is perfect for those who love to shop and explore. Exclusive to Robinson Club guests, you'll travel to Agios Nikolaos with a local expert, learning all about the area's history along the way. Then, it's up to you how you spend your free time. Roam the streets at your own leisure, grab a souvenir or two, or simply kick back and relax in a café.

Half-day Ultimate Catamaran Cruise from Heraklion

Make some magical holiday memories with this family-friendly catamaran cruise. Casting off from Heraklion, you'll sail the shores of Crete to Dia Island Bay, where there'll be fun for everyone to enjoy. Don your mask for a snorkelling session, get active on a paddle board or simply kick back to impressive views. Choose from a morning trip – perfect for little ones – or an afternoon sailing with the added bonus of a sunset.

Half-day family fun botanical garden visit in Crete

An oasis of tranquillity, Crete's botanical gardens provide a respite from the bustling beaches. On this morning tour, you and your group will follow a guide around the colourful gardens and teach you about the local plants and wildlife. You'll also get to prepare and try one of Greece's most popular mezze dishes.When you arrive, you'll have a chance to mingle with a welcome drink, before a short intro to the tour. Afterwards, you'll set off around the gardens with your guide. Learn all there is to know about native flora and fauna, as well as exotic species from around the world. But that's not all. Family fun is the name of game here, so expect interactive games, face-painting, bingo sessions and quizzes to spice up your time here. What's more, the grounds have been designed carefully with the environment in mind – ensuring your visit is sustainable. Once you've finished admiring the greenery, there's a short cooking workshop where you'll learn how to prepare a Cretan speciality, ‘tzatziki'. You'll also get to taste the dip, which is popularly served with bread. It's the perfect appetiser to keep you going before lunch.

Full-day tour with Cretan caves, olive oil and pottery from Plakias

Get a glimpse of Cretan tradition on this full-day tour. You'll start your adventure at Melidoni Cave for a look around, before stopping for a coffee. Then, call in at an olive mill to learn all about how olive oil is made, from hand-picking to bottling. Plus, you'll get to taste different varieties and pick up some tips for your cooking. Swing by a honey museum afterwards for a tasting session, before wrapping up your tour in the village of Margarites, a pottery hub with Venetian roots that's known for its centuries-old ceramic-making heritage.