Crete sights and places to visit

Crete tours - Visiting Crete sights

There are many organised bus tours to the most interesting sights in Crete that start from Rethymno.
Other activities include walking tours, scuba diving, biking and yacht sailing.

The following tours run from May till the end of October and are all guided, in English and German and some in French and Russian as well.

1. SAMARIA GORGE - "LONG WAY" (05.30-19.30) Every day, ex. Tue 32 euro

Departure at 05.30, arrival at Omalos, the heart of the White Mountains, at 08.00. Time for breakfast and then,from a height of 1100m or 4000 ft. passing on foot the gorge: 18 km/11 miles walk through the longest and perhaps most beautiful gorge in Europe. The last survived Kri-Kri (Cretan Mountain goats) can be seen up on the rocks. After 5-6 hours walk, arrival at Agia Roumeli at the Libyan Sea, where you may rest, swim or have meal. Then you are transferred by boat to Hora Sfakion where the bus is waiting to take you back to Rethymno. The walk should be avoided by children under 6, pregnant women, or people with health problems. Strong walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat are needed.

2. KNOSSOS, IRAKLION TOWN AND MUSEUM (07.30-17.30) Thu 32 euro

Guided tour to the excavation site of the palace of Knossos, the prosperous Minoan capital of the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. In the afternoon, the bus comes to Iraklion town, where there is free time to see the center of the town and perhaps to visit the Archaeological Museum, where the treasures of the Minoan civilization are assembled. The Museum is currently under restoration and only one hall is open to the public.

3. KNOSSOS, LASITHI PLATEAU (08.00-19.30) Sun 32 euro

The bus first visits the archaeological site of Knossos, 7km southeast of Iraklion town. Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years and it is the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres. After learning about the history and the myths of the site, the tour continues east, towards the wonderful Lassithi Plateau, a part of the three mountain ranges of Crete and famous for its white-sailed windmills. Through beautiful country landscapes, mountains with impressive views and traditional villages in the heart of Crete, the bus arrives at the Dikteon Cave, just outside the village of Psyhro. Here, according to the myth, Rhea hid her newborn Zeus from Cronos. Next, the bus stops at a pottery workshop and then there will be free time for lunch at a tradititional Cretan village restaurant. Last stop will be at the Holy Monastery of Kera Kardiotisa.

4. PREVELI PALM BEACH (07.30-17.30) Wed 20 euro

The tour visits two of the wonderful beaches at the wonderful south coast of Rethymno prefecture. The bus stops first at Kourtaliotiko gorge, the most impressive gorge at Rethymno region, with a unique natural beauty and then continues to the crystal clear Damnoni beach . From there with a boat, along the beautiful south coast, you will arrive at Preveli, one of Crete's landmarks and one of the five natural protected areas in the island. Preveli combines the mountain with the sea, with a wonderful beach, a palm forest along the river, a gorge dotted with caves and small waterfalls. The boat will bring you back to Damnoni and the bus for the way back.

5. FESTOS, GORTYS, MATALA, SPILI (08.00-18.30) Wed 30 euro

Through the Messara plain to Gortys,the former Roman capital of Crete and famous for its ancient legal tablets of stone, its Roman amphitheatre and the church of Agios Titos, the first seat of the archbishops of Crete. Then follows the visit to the impressive excavations of the Minoan palace of Festos, with a majestic view of the Messara plain. The tour continues, for sea bathing and lunch at Matala village and bay with time to visit the famous sandstone caves. On the way back to Rethymno, there is a stop at Spili village for a look to theVenetian fountains.

6. ELAFONISI (07.00-18.30) Tue, Sat 30 euro

Drive to Kastelli town, via Hania, and from there to the southwest coast of Crete. Stop at the green village Elos, at about 10.30 for coffee and at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, just before the enchanting beach of Elafonissi where there is free time for three hours. On the way back to Rethymno, time for visit to the cave of Agia Sofia and then a stop at Potamida village for traditional cheese pies and coffee.

7. GRAMVOUSA ISLAND - MPALOS BEACH (08.00-18.00) Tue, Thu, Sun 28 euro

A trip to one of the five natural protected areas in Crete and one of the resting points for the birds travelling around the world. Following the North coast road towards Hania, the bus takes you to the port of Kastelli. From there, a boat heads to the small island of Gramvousa with its imposing Venetian castle and the majestic view to the Cretan coast and the ocean. After two hours the boat continues opposite, to Mpalos bay, at the most northwestern peninsula of Crete. The colours of the water and the sand are exceptional and the swimming there will be unforgettable. Two hours later the boat will return to Kastelli, for the way back by the bus. Walking shoes are necessary.

8. RETHYMNO - SANTORINI: ONE DAY CRUISE (08.15-20.30) Tue, Sat

A one-day cruise to the crescent-shaped volcanic island of unsurpassed natural beauty.

9. AGIOS NIKOLAOS - ELOUNDA - SPINALOGA ISLAND (07.30-18.00) Fri 32 euro

Visiting the east part of Crete, starting from the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. After visiting the beautiful lake of the town, the bus stops at Elounda, an inviting village in a bay, with time for swimming and lunch, before taking a boat to Spinalonga island; a tiny island which was the last leper settlement in Europe and where we also visit the small Venetian castle

10. KOURNAS LAKE, HANIA (08.00-15.30) Tue 30 euro

First stop is at the beautiul, only one natural lake of Crete, Kournas lake, 20 minutes away from Rethymno town. Then, the bus continues to the Monastery Tsagkarolon, at Akrotiri peninsula, at Hania region, and after to Venizelos -one famous Greek politician- tomb, from where there is a spectacular view to Hania bay and the town of Hania. Last stop is at the town of the beautiful town of Hania, with free time to wander in the picturesque narrow streets of the old town and the old port.

11. PHOTOSAFARI - FRAGKOKASTELO, PREVELI MONASTERY (08.00-18.30) Mon, Wed 30 euro

The tour first visits Georgioupoli, a village in the north coast of Crete. Then we cross the endings of White Mountains, towards the venetian fortress of Fragokastelo, built in the 14th century. Then the trip continues to the picturesque village of Plakias, at the South coast, where there is time to swim and have lunch. After, we visit the Monastery of Preveli, built in the 17th century. On the way back to the hotels, the bus passes through Kourtaliotiko gorge.

12. IMBROS GORGE (08.00-18.30) Sat 30 euro

Drive through the picturesque village of Vrisses and the plateau of Askifou to Imbros village next to the impressive gorge of the same name. There are 61 gorges in Crete. Imbros is one that will refresh you with the beauty of the unspoiled nature and its surprises at the end and does not require some special physical effort. It is 8 km long and the walk takes 2-2/1/2 hours. After, there will be time for swimming to one of the beautiful beaches at the Libyan Sea, to rest and have refreshing drinks/meal in the tavern. Good walking shoes are needed.

13. WATERPARK (09.00-18.30) Mon, Fri

One of the most modern water parks in Europe, covering an area of 40000 m2, with over 10000 plants, flowers, trees and artificial waterfalls. The games and the pools are supplied with 3280 m3 of water, which is filtered every 2 1/2 hours. The visitor can enjoy the games in a very friendly service and take part in an a variety of happy happenings like aerobic in and out of the water, lotteries, swimming lessons free of charge, etc. Fast food restaurant, bars, lockers, shopping area, sunbeds and umbrellas.

14. BOAT TRIPS
Daily

There are short boat trips from one and half hours -visiting caves and offering a short enjoyment of sailing along the coast of Rethymno- to longer trips, for eight hours, offering a day full of the sea, visiting impressive caves and fishing villages, with possibility to swim or, for those who want, to try their luck in fishing. Please ask for additional information for the different programs.

15. COUNTRY WALKING (07.30-15.30) Daily 30 euro

Walk through the country, along mule-paths, down to riverbeds, through olivegroves and along stony mountain-paths. There is a choice of six different walks. Each route shows something of historical interest as well as present-day Crete. The average walking time is around 4 hours. The transport to the start-point of the walk is by taxi or minibus.

16. SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING (09.00-17.00) Daily

Qualified - PADI- and experienced diving instructors will lead you to the underwater world of Crete. There is an extended range of activities for non-divers as well as for experienced divers. You can dive safely for new sensations in the clear and warm water and obtain an internationally recognized PADI license.

17. BUGGY AND QUAD BIKE TOURS (09.00-15.00) / (16.00-20.00) Daily

Two countryside safaris, daily, in the morning and the afternoon, for an exciting and fun experience.

The above prices include the bus transfer from and to the hotels and the guide.
Admission fees to sites and museums as well as boat transfers are not included in the above prices.
The extra fees are:

1. Samaria Gorge -"Long Way": Boat fare: 10,00 euro + Entrance to National Park: 5,00 euro
2. Preveli boat : 10,00 euro
3. Imbros Gorge: Entrance 2,00 euro
4. Knossos - Iraklion Museum: Entrance fee to Knossos site: 6 euro + Entrance fee to Iraklion Museum : 5 euro
5. Festos - Gortys - Matala: Entrance fee to Festos site: 4 euro + Entrance fee to Gortys site: 4 euro
6. Gramvousa: Boat fare: 14,00 euro
7. Agios Nikolaos - Elounda - Spinaloga: Boat fare: 10,00 euro

For all tours half price for children 06 - 12 years old. Children up to 06 years old are free.

For any additional information, please feel always free to ask: e-mail us at ellotia@rethymnoatcrete.com.

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http://www.rethymnoatcrete.com/tours.htm
Last revised: 6 June 2013

1. SAMARIA GORGE - "LONG WAY"	(05.30-19.30)	Every day, ex. Tue	32 euro
Departure at 05.30, arrival at Omalos, the heart of the White Mountains, at 08.00. Time for breakfast and then,from a height of 1100m or 4000 ft. passing on foot the gorge: 18 km/11 miles walk through the longest and perhaps most beautiful gorge in Europe. The last survived Kri-Kri (Cretan Mountain goats) can be seen up on the rocks. After 5-6 hours walk, arrival at Agia Roumeli at the Libyan Sea, where you may rest, swim or have meal. Then you are transferred by boat to Hora Sfakion where the bus is waiting to take you back to Rethymno. The walk should be avoided by children under 6, pregnant women, or people with health problems. Strong walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat are needed.
2. KNOSSOS, IRAKLION TOWN AND MUSEUM	(07.30-17.30)	Thu	32 euro
Guided tour to the excavation site of the palace of Knossos, the prosperous Minoan capital of the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. In the afternoon, the bus comes to Iraklion town, where there is free time to see the center of the town and perhaps to visit the Archaeological Museum, where the treasures of the Minoan civilization are assembled. The Museum is currently under restoration and only one hall is open to the public.
3. KNOSSOS, LASITHI PLATEAU	(08.00-19.30)	Sun	32 euro
The bus first visits the archaeological site of Knossos, 7km southeast of Iraklion town. Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years and it is the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres. After learning about the history and the myths of the site, the tour continues east, towards the wonderful Lassithi Plateau, a part of the three mountain ranges of Crete and famous for its white-sailed windmills. Through beautiful country landscapes, mountains with impressive views and traditional villages in the heart of Crete, the bus arrives at the Dikteon Cave, just outside the village of Psyhro. Here, according to the myth, Rhea hid her newborn Zeus from Cronos. Next, the bus stops at a pottery workshop and then there will be free time for lunch at a tradititional Cretan village restaurant. Last stop will be at the Holy Monastery of Kera Kardiotisa.
4. PREVELI PALM BEACH	(07.30-17.30)	Wed	20 euro
The tour visits two of the wonderful beaches at the wonderful south coast of Rethymno prefecture. The bus stops first at Kourtaliotiko gorge, the most impressive gorge at Rethymno region, with a unique natural beauty and then continues to the crystal clear Damnoni beach . From there with a boat, along the beautiful south coast, you will arrive at Preveli, one of Crete's landmarks and one of the five natural protected areas in the island. Preveli combines the mountain with the sea, with a wonderful beach, a palm forest along the river, a gorge dotted with caves and small waterfalls. The boat will bring you back to Damnoni and the bus for the way back.
5. FESTOS, GORTYS, MATALA, SPILI	(08.00-18.30)	Wed	30 euro
Through the Messara plain to Gortys,the former Roman capital of Crete and famous for its ancient legal tablets of stone, its Roman amphitheatre and the church of Agios Titos, the first seat of the archbishops of Crete. Then follows the visit to the impressive excavations of the Minoan palace of Festos, with a majestic view of the Messara plain. The tour continues, for sea bathing and lunch at Matala village and bay with time to visit the famous sandstone caves. On the way back to Rethymno, there is a stop at Spili village for a look to theVenetian fountains.
6. ELAFONISI	(07.00-18.30)	Tue, Sat	30 euro
Drive to Kastelli town, via Hania, and from there to the southwest coast of Crete. Stop at the green village Elos, at about 10.30 for coffee and at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, just before the enchanting beach of Elafonissi where there is free time for three hours. On the way back to Rethymno, time for visit to the cave of Agia Sofia and then a stop at Potamida village for traditional cheese pies and coffee.
7. GRAMVOUSA ISLAND - MPALOS BEACH	(08.00-18.00)	Tue, Thu, Sun	28 euro
A trip to one of the five natural protected areas in Crete and one of the resting points for the birds travelling around the world. Following the North coast road towards Hania, the bus takes you to the port of Kastelli. From there, a boat heads to the small island of Gramvousa with its imposing Venetian castle and the majestic view to the Cretan coast and the ocean. After two hours the boat continues opposite, to Mpalos bay, at the most northwestern peninsula of Crete. The colours of the water and the sand are exceptional and the swimming there will be unforgettable. Two hours later the boat will return to Kastelli, for the way back by the bus. Walking shoes are necessary.
8. RETHYMNO - SANTORINI: ONE DAY CRUISE	(08.15-20.30)	Tue, Sat
A one-day cruise to the crescent-shaped volcanic island of unsurpassed natural beauty.
9. AGIOS NIKOLAOS - ELOUNDA - SPINALOGA ISLAND	(07.30-18.00)	Fri	32 euro
Visiting the east part of Crete, starting from the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. After visiting the beautiful lake of the town, the bus stops at Elounda, an inviting village in a bay, with time for swimming and lunch, before taking a boat to Spinalonga island; a tiny island which was the last leper settlement in Europe and where we also visit the small Venetian castle
10. KOURNAS LAKE, HANIA	(08.00-15.30)	Tue	30 euro
First stop is at the beautiul, only one natural lake of Crete, Kournas lake, 20 minutes away from Rethymno town. Then, the bus continues to the Monastery Tsagkarolon, at Akrotiri peninsula, at Hania region, and after to Venizelos -one famous Greek politician- tomb, from where there is a spectacular view to Hania bay and the town of Hania. Last stop is at the town of the beautiful town of Hania, with free time to wander in the picturesque narrow streets of the old town and the old port.
11. PHOTOSAFARI - FRAGKOKASTELO, PREVELI MONASTERY	(08.00-18.30)	Mon, Wed	30 euro
The tour first visits Georgioupoli, a village in the north coast of Crete. Then we cross the endings of White Mountains, towards the venetian fortress of Fragokastelo, built in the 14th century. Then the trip continues to the picturesque village of Plakias, at the South coast, where there is time to swim and have lunch. After, we visit the Monastery of Preveli, built in the 17th century. On the way back to the hotels, the bus passes through Kourtaliotiko gorge.
12. IMBROS GORGE	(08.00-18.30)	Sat	30 euro
Drive through the picturesque village of Vrisses and the plateau of Askifou to Imbros village next to the impressive gorge of the same name. There are 61 gorges in Crete. Imbros is one that will refresh you with the beauty of the unspoiled nature and its surprises at the end and does not require some special physical effort. It is 8 km long and the walk takes 2-2/1/2 hours. After, there will be time for swimming to one of the beautiful beaches at the Libyan Sea, to rest and have refreshing drinks/meal in the tavern. Good walking shoes are needed.
13. WATERPARK	(09.00-18.30)	Mon, Fri
One of the most modern water parks in Europe, covering an area of 40000 m2, with over 10000 plants, flowers, trees and artificial waterfalls. The games and the pools are supplied with 3280 m3 of water, which is filtered every 2 1/2 hours. The visitor can enjoy the games in a very friendly service and take part in an a variety of happy happenings like aerobic in and out of the water, lotteries, swimming lessons free of charge, etc. Fast food restaurant, bars, lockers, shopping area, sunbeds and umbrellas.
14. BOAT TRIPS		Daily
There are short boat trips from one and half hours -visiting caves and offering a short enjoyment of sailing along the coast of Rethymno- to longer trips, for eight hours, offering a day full of the sea, visiting impressive caves and fishing villages, with possibility to swim or, for those who want, to try their luck in fishing. Please ask for additional information for the different programs.
15. COUNTRY WALKING	(07.30-15.30)	Daily	30 euro
Walk through the country, along mule-paths, down to riverbeds, through olivegroves and along stony mountain-paths. There is a choice of six different walks. Each route shows something of historical interest as well as present-day Crete. The average walking time is around 4 hours. The transport to the start-point of the walk is by taxi or minibus.
16. SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING	(09.00-17.00)	Daily
Qualified - PADI- and experienced diving instructors will lead you to the underwater world of Crete. There is an extended range of activities for non-divers as well as for experienced divers. You can dive safely for new sensations in the clear and warm water and obtain an internationally recognized PADI license.
17. BUGGY AND QUAD BIKE TOURS	(09.00-15.00) / (16.00-20.00)	Daily
Two countryside safaris, daily, in the morning and the afternoon, for an exciting and fun experience.