The rugged hills, rolling olive groves and coastal trails of Crete are best explored in an access-all-areas 4x4 vehicle – and you can be behind the wheel. Head for the north coast of Crete, where you'll explore the countryside to rumble through hidden villages and travel down dirt tracks to discover a world untouched by time.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Malia behind and start your day with a visit to Milatos Cave. As well as framing Cretan countryside views, it holds historical significance as a key site for villagers in the 1823 conflict, where many were killed. You'll find a small church built inside the cave to commemorate them.

After a quick café stop, the real off-road driving begins as you head north to reach the abandoned Monastery of Xera xila for a quick tour. Then you'll start your descent to Mirabello Bay and stop for a swim at Vlihadia Beach while a delicious stone-oven-cooked lunch is prepared for you.

Round off your tour in a traditional village where you'll taste local olive oil and honey. These are the true tastes of the island and you'll get to see the time-honoured ways these goodies are produced before heading back to Malia.

What people say about this experience

4.7/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 10 reviews

Review categories

Staff

4.9/5

Service

4.9/5

Safety

4.9/5

Value for money

4.7/5

All ratings (10)

5 stars (9)

90%

4 stars (0)

3 stars (1)

10%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

C
Chris
Travelled as a couple
20 October 2024
5
United States of America
Really enjoyed this trip, staff, experience, food a must if you want a bit of an adventure! Driving your own 4 x 4 up the mountains felt like doing an episode of the Grand Tour! ????
A
Ali Keyes
Travelled with family
20 August 2023
5
United States of America
A must do trip if you want to really explore. The tour takes you right up to the top of the mountains driving off road. The views are out of this world. The roads are winding but you feel very safe. The tour guides are great. You visit an olive oil factory and shop, a unknown cave and a beach to cool off at the end! Only downside is lunch is very basic - huge chicken legs and wedges but the kids meals are perfect - nuggets and chips! Overall would recommend
K
Kate
Travelled with family
13 August 2022
4.6
United Kingdom
A great family day out and a chance to see the real Crete.. Traveling in convoy, along some windy remote roads, gave a sense of security. Taki the guide was very informative and approachable. The route is very uneven at times and you need a head for heights as you drive up the mountain. Top tip - don’t wear white!! You will come back very dusty!
M
Michelle
Travelled with family
4 August 2022
5
United Kingdom
We weren’t told at booking that one of us should drive so that needs to be made clearer. But what a trip! If you only do one on Crete it has to be this one! You get to see so many aspects of the island, some of which you would never see otherwise. The guide Taki was so knowledgeable and friendly, it really was a perfect day thank you.
M
Mike
Travelled as a couple
24 July 2022
5
United Kingdom
Taki the main guide was very friendly and informative.The whole experIence was great,especially driving the jeeps.The cave experience was probably the weakest part but overall I would recommend it as a fun day out
A
Andre.
Travelled as a couple
4 July 2022
5
United Kingdom
Didn't really know what to expect, but on arrival at the compound everything was explained perfectly. Tour guide was so professional, we were immediately put at ease. Set off in a 16 car convoy which turned out to be one of our best days out ever. We see so much. Mountain tops spectacular scenery. Lunch was simple food but prepared and tasted amazing. We visited some caves, and all the time getting a full professional guide to explain everything. This trip is a must.