CRETE · DAY TRIPS
The ones worth setting an alarm for.
The 15 most-booked crete day trips, all done in a single day and back by evening. Each one comes with the pickup point, how long you are away, what it costs and the company that runs it.
Cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda and Spinalonga for fort history, seaside views, and a guided day that runs on time.
Most Popular“No problems well organised all very punctual Guide friendly and helpful”
Chania to Elafonisi pink sand beach with hotel pickup, Topolia Gorge views, guided stories, and 4 hours to swim in clear water.
See Rethimno and Chania in one long Crete day, then unwind at Kournas Lake. Air-conditioned guide-led trip for $45.
“The time allocated for Chania was not sufficient. I believe it would be more beneficial to remove Kournas Lake from the plan and add that time to Chania instead. A short 15–20 minutes would be enough for the lake.”
Rethymno day trip to Preveli, Damnoni and Plakias with palm-forest river swims, gorge waterfalls, boat ride, and canyon views.
“The tour guide was very polite, friendly, and clear in both languages (German and English). The whole trip was worth the money”
Chania day trip from Rethymno with hotel pickup, a guided intro, 5 hours in the old town, and time by the Venetian Port.
“It was a nice day trip to Chania, convenient because we did not rent a car but wanted to go to Chania. It would be nice if during the bus ride the guide could provide more information on Crete, past and present.”
A long, guided boat day from Rethymno to Santorini with Oia and Fira, caldera views, and air-conditioned touring included for $243.
“Here's what you should know: 1) PRINT your email confirmation & take photo screenshots. YOU WILL NEED to give info at dock & need to know bus number on arrival in Santorini. 2) Arrive at dock BEFORE 7:30am, at 7:30am were nearly last to arrive. 3) Seats are NOT assigned on boat, ignore ticket seat.…”
Heraklion to Santorini by highspeed boat with a guided bus on the island, plus Oia and Fira. Caldera views in 11 hours.
“Onze gids kon Nederlands en was heel aardig en vertelde enthousiast veel over het eiland. Oia zelf was heel erg druk zoals verwacht. De 2e stad vonden wij persoonlijk veel gezelliger en leuker om te winkelen. Jammer was wel dat de optie voor vulkaan bezoek van de tijd zou gaan dus hierom hebben wij er…”
One day from Rethymno to Knossos and Heraklion: skip long lines, get a guided tour of Minoan sites, then explore the city freely.
“The guide (Anastasia) and the driver (Kostas) were both super friendly ond professional. We really enjoyed the day.”
Full-day Knossos and Heraklion from Chania with a licensed English guide, guided Knossos and museum options, plus free time in the city.
A 10-hour Crete day trip to Preveli’s palm beach: bus pickup, boat ride on the Libyan Sea, gorge walk, and swim time.
“One of our best experiences in Crete (trip made on 16/4). Received a confirmation msg from the provider via the app/WhatsApp the night before your trip about the pick up time and precise point. We were the first to be picked up. The coach was on time (just before 8am) and looks new and clean.…”
Bus and ferry from the Heraklion area to Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress and Balos Lagoon’s white sand, with guided sea views.
“It is amazing how beautiful this world is, and Crete is truly stunning! As an honest review, it was a full day — a bit tiring, but absolutely worth it. The day started with the driver picking us up, then we boarded a boat to Balos and Gramvousa (order depends on the weather). On the…”
Full-day bus tour from Rethymno to Knossos and Heraklion with optional guided tours, museum time, and myth stories for about $25.
Sun-and-sea day in Matala from Heraklion: free beach time, hippie town strolls, and optional cave entry for about $37.
“super, guide chauffeur au top”
A 6-hour coach day trip from Rethymno to Chania Old Town and Lake Kournas, with harbour views, free time, and pedalo fun.
“Loved the lake swim! It was great to go in the morning as was much less crowded. We arrived at 9am and left at 11am and then it started getting busy. Chania was beautiful - lovely lighthouse and historic old town; and great spots to eat!”
Direct day trip from Heraklion to Elafonisi for pink-sand beaches, easy walking in shallow water, and time to swim and snorkel.
“Nice to experience a different side of Crete, the beach was nice but felt disappointed by the pink beach as was made out that it’s very pink when it is isn’t! Too long travel time…”
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