elafonisi island tour tui

Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave

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The uninhabited islet of Elafonisi in southwestern Crete is bursting with natural beauty and cultural riches. Topolia Gorge, Agia Sophia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and a beach many consider the best on the island are among the star turns of this day trip. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘This tour combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink-sand beach of Elafonisi on the south coast.'It's a laidback start to the day, with a pit stop for coffee in a family-run taverna in the farming hamlet of Voulgaro. From here, a dramatic drive south through the Topolia Gorge awaits. The views on the deep ravine to your left are epic. We'll then visit the cave of Agia Sophia, which is famed for its stalactites. Linked to a variety of legends, it's said that the hoof print of St George's horse can be found here. And if you look hard enough, you'll find what looks like a horseshoe print in a rock.Next up is the Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. Built on a hill overlooking the coastline, this 1,000-year-old retreat offers timeless charm. Its name means ‘golden steps' and it's steeped in myth. According to some, one of the steps is golden – but is only visible to the religious. The last port of call is nothing short of postcard-perfect. Rena says: ‘You can reach Elafonisi islet walking through a shallow stretch of water from Elafonisi beach.' Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing and taking in the top-tier views, then we'll finish the day at Paleochora fishing village.

• Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Food and drinks not included
• Admissions not included
• Bring bathing gear and sunblock
• Bring a hat
• Bring a towel

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A Visitor's Guide to Elafonisi Beach in Crete

Paolo Cordelli / Getty Images

• Best Things to Do

What to Expect From the Beach

Where to eat and drink, the best places to stay, the best time to visit, how to get there, elafonisi lagoon.

Not long ago, Elafonisi Beach was a well-kept secret known to very few locals on Crete . Or at least it was until 2014 when it was named one of the world's top beaches. Now more than seven years later, this beautiful sandy beach​ is the target destination for everyone from young backpackers and svelte sun worshippers to families with buckets and spades.

Go in the high season and you'll find this once empty beach, connected by a sandbar to an island nature reserve, crowded and covered with beach loungers. But, if you go very early in the season you can still enjoy the remarkable pink sands, the wildflowers, and strange rock formations in relative peace. 

Things to Do on Elafonisi

While most are familiar with the famous beach on Crete (spelled Elafonissi), Elafonisi is actually an entire island, separated from the southwest coast of Crete by a shallow, warm lagoon and a sandbar that is submerged under about one meter of water at most during high tide. The beach on mainland Crete and a portion of the sandbar that always stays above water populated by hundreds of beach chairs and umbrellas and thousands of tourists in the high season. 

Walk Across the Ocean: Visitors looking to dodge crowds and see some stunning scenery can leave the crowded shores of Elafonissi and wade out to sea. Thanks to the low water level, travelers can walk along the sandbar all the way to the island of Elafonisi. The small island is an internationally classified nature reserve and is like another world with its gorgeous pink sand, clear water, and lush vegetation. There's little to no shade on the island and because beach chairs and umbrellas are prohibited, fewer people make their way to it. Even in the busiest season, it is possible to find quiet little coves and pockets of sandy beach occasionally popular with nude bathers. 

View Rare Flora on a Hike: The island is a mile long, ending in a rocky outcrop and weird, freestanding towers of rock formed over centuries by the wind and water. It's home to more than 100 rare plants including summer sea daffodils that look like white cups surrounded by spiky white petals and bloom in the summer. Even rarer is the winter-flowering bulb  Androcymbium rechingeri . This bloom is so rare it doesn't even have a common name and is found nowhere else in the world. To protect its rare plants, specific walks are laid out on the island, and, of course, removing any plants or animals from the island is forbidden and punishable by big fines.  

Watch for Sea Turtles: The wide, shallow lagoon is a shelter for rare loggerhead sea turtles . You'll be lucky to spot one because they are very shy. But if you do, give them a wide berth as they are a protected species.

Enjoy a Fabulous Sunset: If rare wildflowers and wildlife aren't enough to get you to visit Elafonisi, then maybe a picture-perfect sunset will. The views from the island as the sun sets in the western sea are truly spectacular and visitors would be remiss to skip a sunset here. Just bring a layer to protect you from the evening chill after the sun sets.

The island is a nature lover's paradise but there must be something about the mainland beach itself that draws so many visitors to itself every year. There are four reasons, actually:

• Pink sand:  Most of the time the sand here is composed of the remains of tiny pink shells that line the sea floor. When Elafonisi is pink, it is very pink, especially around the lagoon and along the sandbar to the island. But be warned: not everyone finds the beach pink when they arrive. Wind, the motion of tides, the season and the microbes the shelled creatures eat influence how pink the sands will be during your visit.
• Sand as soft as dust:  In a part of the world where shingle or pebble beaches are the norm Elafonisi stands out for its incredibly soft, powdery sand.
• Warm, shallow waters:  The water to the right of the sandbar is calm, warm, and shallow. Those conditionares are ideal for children, making this part of Elafonisi popular with families.
• Steady winds ideal for windsurfing:  The prevailing winds blow pretty steadily making this a great beach for windsurfing. Windsurfers populate the waters to the left of the sandbar, away from all the families and toddlers splashing in the shallows.

What to Expect From the Facilities

Considering how remote Elafonisi is, 75 kilometers (47 miles) southwest of Chania, Crete over difficult and occasionally hair-raising roads, it has surprising well-organized amenities. There are sunbeds and beach umbrellas, two small beach bars, toilets, and even lifeguards in season. There's also a hut where you can rent a kitesurfing kit.

Don't get complacent about finding everything you need, though. Visitors have report that the toilets are dirty to the point of abysmal. The beach bars, one on the beach and the other in one of the free parking areas, are small and basic. In fact, they are too small to serve the hundreds of tourists disgorged from the tourist buses that arrive throughout the day.

​If you don't arrive early, you may have difficulty finding beach umbrellas or sources of shade. Bring cover-ups and sunhats, just in case. And if this is a family visit with children who require an endless supply of drinks and snacks, plan on bringing a good supply of those as well.

There are two basic beach bars near the beach. Canteen Kukurakis on the edge of the eastern parking area has snacks, ice creams, toilet facilities, and cold drinks. Further up the unpaved road away from the beach is Panorama . It's a simple bar with a similar offerings as Canten Kukurakis, plus alcoholic beverages.

When the beach is crowded, you will have to wait a long time to be served at either of these bars. Few recommend the very average food at Panorama, but this bar is worth a daytime visit because of its terrific panoramic views. Stop here for a drink on the terrace and take in a wide-angle view of the beach, the lagoon, and the island beyond.

If you are looking for more substantial food (and cleaner restrooms), head to the Taverna Kalomirakis Family . It is part of the Elafonisi Resort  and is popular for its seafood and traditional Greek food. It's a bit further afield, located around a half a mile from the beach, or roughly a 10-minute walk. Travelers also recommend Innachorion , a restaurant with rooms about a kilometer (2/3 mile) from the beach for a traditional Cretan meal. 

A mini-market just across the road from Innachorion is a good place to pick up snacks, drinks, basic groceries, suntan lotion, and beach toys on your way to the sand.

Because Elafonisi is quite remote—the town of Chania is at least an hour and a half or more by car—you might want to stay overnight instead of just visiting for the day. After the last crowds from the tour buses leave, it's actually a rather quiet destination, ideal for a family vacation.  

The Elafonisi Resort by the Kalomirakis Family caters well to family groups. It has rooms above their taverna and in several other buildings scattered around an olive grove and among their citrus trees. The rooms have kitchenettes and air conditioning.

The ideal time is the early autumn. In September and October, both the weather and the waters of the lagoon are likely to be gentle and warm. Exploring the nature reserve on the island is still possible in November, but you may have to wade through cold, knee-deep water to get there. The beach is exposed to strong winds in the spring, so if you go early in April and May, you'll likely have powder-fine sand blowing in your face which can be unpleasant. No matter when you visit the beach will likely be crowded but during the height of the summer season, the beach is packed until the day trippers and coach tours leave.

• By Car:  The routes from Crete's bigger towns on the north coast are narrow and winding. They alternate between mountain roads passing along some of Crete's scenic gorges and gentler stretches that go through olive groves. In some places, there are no safety barriers on the road so drive with extreme caution. If you have a head for heights, don't mind blind hairpin turns, and are willing to take the extra time (90 minutes to two hours from Chania), the roads that pass over Crete's central mountain ridge to the beaches on the southwest coast are incredibly scenic. But if you do go by car, either stay overnight in Elafonisi or leave the beach well before sunset. These are not roads you want to tackle at night.
• By Bus:  Supraregional public buses serve Elafonisi and other West Cretan villages from Chania. You can find the timetable for Elafonisi buses at Reythmons official website. Keep in mind that the buses only run during the high season. If it's the off-season nothing will appear among the variously complicated timetables. So there's little use searching out of season. 
• By Coach Tour:  Several companies run frequent coach tours of the western villages that include Elafonisi along with other sightseeing spots. Organized tours from Chania or Rethymno are operated by Elafonissos Travel  and Odeon Travel.
• By Boat:  Boats from Palaiochora and along the coast to the east run beach excursions. They leave around 10 a.m. and depart from Elafonisi at about 4 p.m. Because the waters around Elafonisi are shallow, boats will drop you off at a landing stage, about a 10-minute walk from Elafonisi beach itself. Like a lot of travel suppliers on the Greek Islands, the boatmen of Palaiochora are mostly independent businessmen and schedules tend to be informal and changeable. The best way to arrange a boat trip is through one of the travel agencies in the bigger towns of Western Crete. Palaiochora, by the way, is the only place with boat excursions to Elafonisi. Since Palaiochora is pretty much as hard to reach as Elafonisi itself, these boat trips are only worthwhile if you happen to be staying nearby.

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Elafonisi Beach, Greece: The Ultimate Travel Guide

09/13/2023 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

This is a guest post by Sarah Pasiuk.

If you’re island-hopping through Greece , you’ll hear about Elafonisi Beach before long. It’s one of the best in Crete and one of the most beautiful destinations, with a glistening lagoon, dramatic cliffs in the distance, and soft, rosy-pink sand where the land meets the ocean. 

Elafonisi is arguably the most beloved place for locals and travelers in Crete, Greece’s largest island. It’s an easy day trip from Chania City, too. 

Once you arrive, you’ll find a developed shoreline with a lively atmosphere, calm waters, and an islet that seemingly stretches into the horizon.

In this post, I’ll show you why Elafonisi Beach is worth visiting, how to get there, and the best things to do to make the most of your day!

Table of Contents

Elafonisi Beach is technically a long islet leading to Elafonisi Island. Usually, it’s separated by a small, shallow lagoon (about 3-4 feet deep).  

There are sunbeds with thatched umbrellas for people just looking to chill, and a huge lagoon and island with historical sights for people who like to explore. The water stays shallow for a few hundred meters, so families with small children won’t have to worry while their kids are playing or snorkeling in the lagoon. 

There are also plenty of facilities, including a snack bar, showers, and changing areas to clean the salt and sand off at the end of the day.

Is Elafonisi Beach worth visiting?

Yes. While it can be busy in the summer, it is still worth visiting for all types of travelers, from luxury solo travelers to adventure enthusiasts and families. The views are breathtaking, and there is so much more to the beach than meets the eye. 

How to Get to Elafonisi Beach

The beach is on the southeast corner of Crete. Although it’s in the Chania region, it’s 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Chania City, which takes about two hours by car. So you will need to think about how you will get to the beach ahead of time and set aside a day of your itinerary to make the trip there and back. 

There are three options: You can rent a car, take a public bus, or join a tour group. 

Renting a car

Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Crete. It gives you total freedom and flexibility and is affordable, too. You can usually find a rental car for $20-30/day, even in peak season.  

Complete flexibility means you can get to Elafonisi Beach before all the tour groups and the public bus and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere for the first few hours of the day, or stay into the evening, when people start filtering out. 

It’s easy to find a car rental in Chania , Heraklion, and other large towns in Crete. However, the easiest way is to book one online ahead of time and pick it up from either of the island’s international airports. 

There is only one bus from Chania to Elafonisi each day (from April to October). In the winter, the buses are even less common. 

The Chania–Elafonisi bus departs from Chania Bus Station at 9:00am, takes about two hours to get to the beach, and then returns to Chania at 4:00pm. 

The ticket costs €10 each way, and you can buy one in person or using this website . 

Take a day tour

If you’d like to take the guesswork out of the equation, I’d recommend booking a day tour to Elafonisi. These usually leave in the morning from one of the major cities in Crete, providing all transportation, a local guide, and free time at Elafonisi. 

From Chania: Day trip to Elafonisi Island (with hotel pickup)

A day tour from Chania to Elafonisi Beach/Island is arguably the most popular such trip in Crete. This tour is super affordable, with hotel pickup and transportation in an air-conditioned coach bus and a local guide for about $30 (which is just $10 more than a round-trip public bus ticket). 

You’ll get four hours to enjoy Elafonisi Beach, and then on the way back, the bus will stop at a tavern for those who are hungry to try some Cretan food for lunch! 

From Heraklion: Day tour to Elafonisi Beach (with central pickup)

If you’re staying in Heraklion, you can still find day tours to Elafonisi, but the drive is a little over three hours each way, so a tour from Heraklion is slightly more expensive.

This tour by Cretan Odyssey is the top-rated one to Elafonisi from Heraklion. It provides a hassle-free experience, with transportation in an air-conditioned bus (Crete gets hot in the summer) and then 4.5 hours at the beach, enough time to explore a little and relax on a sunbed. 

Note: There is no hotel pickup but rather a central meeting point in Heraklion. 

5 Things to Do at Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is beautiful, so you shouldn’t skip it. Many people come just for the view, but here are the five best ways to spend your time here. 

1. Grab a sunbed 

I don’t know about you, but I get excited when I get to a beach and there are sunbeds with umbrellas to rent. It’s much more comfortable than the sand! 

Like most beaches in Greece, Elafonisi has plenty of those lined along the shore. You can reserve a sunbed for the day for just €8 (two for €15) and alternate between shade and rays all afternoon. 

Many sunbeds are next to the beach bar, but if you’d like to rent a more secluded one away from the crowds, walk further to the northwest (right-hand) side of the beach. 

2. See the pink sand

Elafonisi’s claim to fame is that it has pink sand, but it’s not as intense as most people expect. It has more of a pinkish hue rather than the vibrant color you see in pictures across the internet that are heavily edited. The color’s intensity also depends on the time of year, the tide, and how the sun hits the sand.

Believe it or not, the most significant factor is what the microscopic pink shellfish eat before washing up on shore (which is why it’s pink)!

Still, the sand near the lagoon undoubtedly has a pink hue, and seeing it in person is very cool!

And even though the lack of vibrant color leaves something to be desired, the beach is still stunning and would be worth visiting even without the pink sand.

3. Go snorkeling

Elafonisi Beach consistently ranks as one of Crete’s best places to go snorkeling. The water is warm, ever calm, and shallow, and almost always has up to 30 meters of visibility!

If you go snorkeling at Elafonisi, swim about 100 meters from the tourists to where the ocean gets deeper. It takes extra time and effort, but it’s worth it! Here, you’ll see more diverse marine life and even more cool rock formations. 

4. Hike to Kedrodasos Beach

If Elafonisi Beach is too crowded, you should hike (or drive if you have rented a car) to Kedrodasos Beach. It’s less than three kilometers (1.8 miles) and takes about one hour to hike each way, due to a little elevation. 

Kedrodasos Beach is like a separate world from Elafonisi Beach. There are no cafés, shops, cars, or sunbeds, and hardly any tourists. It’s a scenic part of the E4 long-distance trail that cuts across the entire island. 

But the beach offers the same beautiful lagoons, views, and soft sand, plus a juniper forest along the coast. It’s a great place to go during the middle of the day when Elafonisi Beach gets crowded. 

5. Water sports

For those wanting to get out onto the water, you can easily rent a paddleboard or a kayak for the afternoon at Elafonisi Beach. 

The typical prices for watersports are as follows: 

• Single kayak = €10
• Double kayak = €20

Many paddle over to Kedrodasos Beach, but in my opinion, there is more to explore around Elafonisi Island. If you kayak toward the end of the landmass, there are some secluded coves, small historical landmarks, and the best view of Elafonisi Beach. 

There are also some small shops where you can rent Jet Skis or learn how to kite-surf. 

Where to Stay Near Elafonisi Beach 

Most people take a day trip to Elafonisi, so if you can instead stay near the beach and get there shortly after dawn, you’ll experience the beautiful scenery without all the crowds.

It’s even empty during peak travel season, as long as you arrive before 9 a.m.

There aren’t many options for guesthouses near Elafonisi, but here are some highly rated lodgings near the beach: 

Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family

This is less than a two-minute stroll from the famous islet and just over one mile (1.6 kilometers) from Kedrodasos Beach. While it’s not exactly a “resort,” it does have over one thousand 10/10 ratings, and people can’t say enough about this guesthouse! 

Another great thing you’ll notice if you spend the night at Elafonisi Beach is how beautiful the sky is without light pollution from the cities. You’ll have unparalleled stargazing experiences each evening right from your balcony.

Glykeria Hotel

For something near Elafonisi but a little closer to basic amenities like convenience stores and local tavernas, you should stay about 10 minutes north, in Moni Chrisoskalitissis.

Glykeria Hotel is the best value for your dollar in town, with speedy internet, a private balcony, and complimentary breakfast each morning at the house restaurant. If you stay at Glykeria Hotel, you’ll have full access to the private pool and sun loungers with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean (or Libyan) Sea. 

Into off-the-beaten-path adventures? Walk down to the shore from the hotel, and you’ll have Voulolimni Lagoon all to yourself!

Best Place to Stay in Chania City: Porto Antico

If you’d like to stay somewhere with more of a city atmosphere, you should book a room in Chania. This is where I recommend staying, because there is so much more to see and do in the evening. Chania is a charming coastal town with many restaurants and shops, nightlife, and beautiful Venetian ruins throughout.

If you’d like to base yourself here, Porto Antico is one of the best accommodations right on the harbor without spending a fortune. The boutique hotel has rooms with a view of Chania Lighthouse and the port, and it’s easy to walk to the heart of Old Town. The staff is accommodating and takes pride in making guests feel at home. 

Final Thoughts

Elafonissi Beach is a place that you really shouldn’t skip when taking a trip to Crete. It’s probably already on your Greek bucket list, but if not, I hope this article showed you why it’s worth putting near the top! 

The nice part is that there are several ways to get there, and it’s easy to find once you arrive. Most travelers simply book a day tour from Chania, like this one . 

But if you’re comfortable driving a car in Greece, I highly recommend renting one. Not only does this let you take your time at Elafonisi Beach, but you can also explore other lesser-known parts of Crete for the rest of your trip. 

I hope you have a blast and read more about how to make the most of your island-hopping in Greece ! 

About the author: Sarah Pasiuk is the creator and co-founder of The Pazook Travel Journal, an adventure-travel blog for couples who want to make this a more significant part of their lifestyle. She and her husband, Caleb, live in Columbus, Ohio, but recently spent a couple of months on the Greek Islands, including Crete. You can read about more of their adventures on their website, The Pazook Travel Journal .

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Terrie Salisbury says

09/18/2023 at 3:12 pm

Best blog ever❤️

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Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave

Do this because

• Soak up the sun on the pink sands of Elafonisi beach, one of Crete's top beaches
• Discover popular myths and beliefs at the coastal Chrissoskalitissa Monastery
• Admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites at the cave of Agia Sophia
• Enjoy a drive through the jaw-dropping scenery of the rugged Topolia Gorge
• Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Crete and its countryside

Why choose TUI Collection

We've carefully designed our experiences to help you get the most out of every trip.

Exceptional experiences

• Designed by us - a trusted travel leader
• Led by our friendly expert guides and crew
• Highly rated by customers

Created with care

• Meets our high sustainability standards
• Supports local communities
• Suppliers approved by us

Best value guaranteed

• Unbeatable value with no hidden costs
• Covered by our Value Guarantee
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

What to expect

The uninhabited islet of Elafonisi in southwestern Crete is bursting with natural beauty and cultural riches. Topolia Gorge, Agia Sophia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and a beach many consider the best on the island are among the star turns of this day trip. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘This tour combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink-sand beach of Elafonisi on the south coast.'

It's a laidback start to the day, with a pit stop for coffee in a family-run taverna in the farming hamlet of Voulgaro. From here, a dramatic drive south through the Topolia Gorge awaits. The views on the deep ravine to your left are epic. We'll then visit the cave of Agia Sophia, which is famed for its stalactites. Linked to a variety of legends, it's said that the hoof print of St George's horse can be found here. And if you look hard enough, you'll find what looks like a horseshoe print in a rock.

Next up is the Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. Built on a hill overlooking the coastline, this 1,000-year-old retreat offers timeless charm. Its name means ‘golden steps' and it's steeped in myth. According to some, one of the steps is golden – but is only visible to the religious. The last port of call is nothing short of postcard-perfect. Rena says: ‘You can reach Elafonisi islet walking through a shallow stretch of water from Elafonisi beach.' Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing and taking in the top-tier views, then we'll finish the day at Paleochora fishing village.

Important to know

• Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Food and drinks not included
• Admissions not included
• Bring bathing gear and sunblock
• Bring a hat
• Bring a towel

What’s included

Coffee stop and local snack

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

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What people say about this experience

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Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number : +1 208-744-6464

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The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

Tour of Western Crete with Winery and Olive Oil Estate

Western Crete boasts wonderful local produce and spectacular beaches. This excursion showcases the area's best bits, with a wine tasting at the Karavitakis winery, sampling delicious local olive oil at Biolea estate and some relaxation on the white sands of Falassarna beach.

Cretan 4x4 Experience from Chania

This full day 4x4 tour is for designed especially for adventures. You'll journey along dirt roads, mountain passes and through Crete's charming villages as you explore the island's hidden gems and vast panoramic scenery.

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided Tour with Transport

'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. There'll even be a chance to see the Labyrinth, where the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as Minotaur was said to have lurked. 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. 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.

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Mountains of Crete 4x4 Tour with Taverna Lunch

Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.

Spinalonga Island Guided Tour with Lunch

The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a true local on this full-day tour of its must-see monuments.

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Western Crete Tour with Agia Triada Monastery and Chania

Crete's western corner offers up some fantastic history and scenery. And this daytrip is great for taking it all in, from a monastery winery to a picturesque lake.

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Elafonisi Island Tour with Monastery and Agia Sophia Cave

• Soak up the sun on the pink sands of Elafonisi beach, one of Crete's top beaches
• Discover popular myths and beliefs at the coastal Chrissoskalitissa Monastery
• Admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites at the cave of Agia Sophia
• Enjoy a drive through the jaw-dropping scenery of the rugged Topolia Gorge
• Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Crete and its countryside

Perché scegliere TUI Collection

Abbiamo ideato le nostre esperienze con cura, per aiutarti a vivere al meglio ogni viaggio.

Esperienze uniche

• Ideate da noi - leader di fiducia nel settore viaggi
• Condotte da guide esperte e amichevoli
• Molto apprezzate dai clienti

Create con cura

• Soddisfano i nostri alti standard di sostenibilità
• Supportano le comunità locali
• Con fornitori approvati da noi

Miglior rapporto qualità-prezzo

• Valore imbattibile con prezzi trasparenti
• Politica del Valore Garantito
• Cancellazione gratuita fino a 24 ore prima

Questa esperienza soddisfa i criteri del Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Scegliendo questa esperienza potrai proteggere i luoghi che ami, prenderti cura dell'ambiente e sostenere le comunità locali.

Cosa aspettarsi

The uninhabited islet of Elafonisi in southwestern Crete is bursting with natural beauty and cultural riches. Topolia Gorge, Agia Sophia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and a beach many consider the best on the island are among the star turns of this day trip. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘This tour combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink-sand beach of Elafonisi on the south coast.'

It's a laidback start to the day, with a pit stop for coffee in a family-run taverna in the farming hamlet of Voulgaro. From here, a dramatic drive south through the Topolia Gorge awaits. The views on the deep ravine to your left are epic. We'll then visit the cave of Agia Sophia, which is famed for its stalactites. Linked to a variety of legends, it's said that the hoof print of St George's horse can be found here. And if you look hard enough, you'll find what looks like a horseshoe print in a rock.

Next up is the Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. Built on a hill overlooking the coastline, this 1,000-year-old retreat offers timeless charm. Its name means ‘golden steps' and it's steeped in myth. According to some, one of the steps is golden – but is only visible to the religious. The last port of call is nothing short of postcard-perfect. Rena says: ‘You can reach Elafonisi islet walking through a shallow stretch of water from Elafonisi beach.' Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing and taking in the top-tier views, then we'll finish the day at Paleochora fishing village.

Non hai ancora trovato l'esperienza giusta?

• Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Food and drinks not included
• Admissions not included
• Bring bathing gear and sunblock
• Bring a hat
• Bring a towel

Cosa è incluso

Coffee stop and local snack

Politiche di cancellazione

Ricevi un rimborso del 100% annullando la prenotazione fino a 1 giorno prima dell'inizio dell'attività.

Commissioni di prenotazione

Buone notizie! Non sono applicate commissioni di servizio a questa prenotazione.

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Cosa dicono le persone di quest'esperienza

Hai bisogno d'aiuto.

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Orari di apertura: Siamo a disposizione dalle 10.00 alle 18.00 CET

Numero di telefono : +39 02 8148 0657

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Nat Geo Day Tour: Opplev gårdslivet på Kreta

Små, familiedrevne gårder er en viktig del av middelhavskosten som Kreta er så kjent for. En lokal familie ønsker deg velkommen til Mitato, en liten gård, der du blir møtt med ekte kretisk gjestfrihet. Hør den lokale bonden fortelle den spennende historien om kong Minoas, som holdt utkikk fra observatoriet sitt og varslet lokalbefolkningen om innkommende sjørøvere. Etter hilsningen er det tid for en praktisk leksjon i brødbaking, der du lærer teknikkene for å lage typisk kretisk brød av hvete- og byggmel.Senere får du prøve deg på å lage ost av geitemelk fra gården. Deretter er det på tide å brette opp ermene og hjelpe til med de daglige gjøremålene på gården, som å mate geiter, griser, høner og kaniner og stelle hagen. Eventyret fortsetter med en sneglejakt i fjellsiden, eksklusivt for National Geographic-reisende, der dere kikker under steiner og blant busker og blomster. I løpet av dagen blir de innsamlede skattene, som snegler, egg, frukt og grønnsaker, ingredienser til lunsj.Sammen med den lokale familien tilbereder du et festmåltid med lokale delikatesser, alle laget av produkter du har samlet gjennom arbeidet ditt. Avslutt dagen med en smak av Kretas brennevin, Raki, og hvorfor ikke synge med på deres tradisjonelle kretiske "mantinades" – tradisjonelle kretiske strofer som uttrykker følelser om det kretiske dagliglivet.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Olivenoljens tusenårige historie

Med årtusener av erfaring i bagasjen er det ikke rart at Kretas befolkning produserer noe av den fineste olivenoljen i verden. Du vil sette pris på det tidløse båndet mellom kretere og de ærverdige oliventrærne når du følger den lange tradisjonen med olivendyrking på øya. Like utenfor landsbyen Kritsa i åsene på Øst-Kreta følger du Nikos Plevritakis på en kort spasertur til olivenlundene hans, der noen av trærne er 600–800 år gamle, og lærer om olivendyrking fra en ekte spesialist.I skyggen av oliventrærne kan du smake på lokal raki, kjent som "tsikoudia", og spise oliven mens du diskuterer den kulturelle og samfunnsmessige betydningen av olivendyrking på Kreta.Deretter er det på tide å besøke en lokal kooperativfabrikk for å se på nært hold hvordan oliven blir til olivenolje i verdensklasse. Tilbake på olivenveien kan du smake på ferske fikener, mandler og druer, se hva lokalbefolkningen dyrker og lære mer om kretisk livsstil og kosthold.På en olivengård kan du smake på oliven, ferske tomater og raki før olivenoljesmakingen begynner – en flott mulighet til å lære å smake på oljer som en profesjonell og sammenligne smaksprofilene til ulike varianter.Avslutt dagen med en matlagingsleksjon om ulike måter å bruke olivenolje på i det kretiske kjøkkenet. Autentiske retter som tzatziki og gresk salat vil bli tilberedt, og du vil få vite hvorfor det tradisjonelle kretiske kostholdet er så gunstig for helse og lang levetid.

Vestre Kreta med besøk på en vingård og en olivenoljefabrikk

Vestre Kreta har alt fra fantastiske lokale produkter til postkortvakre strender. Denne heldagsturen viser områdets beste steder, med vinsmaking på Karavitakis vingård, prøvesmaking av nydelig lokal olivenolje på Biolea-eiendommen og litt avslapning på den hvite sanden på Fallasarna-stranden. Vasso, en av våre erfarne lokale guider, sier: "Dette er en av mine favorittutflukter, siden den gir et innblikk i mange aspekter av kretisk natur, livsstil og monumenter. Du får besøke en olivenoljefabrikk og en vingård som produserer noen av de beste vinene på Kreta".Vi starter dagen med litt vinkultur på en guidet omvisning den familiedrevne Kravitakis-vingården. Gled smaksløkene dine med å prøvesmake lokal vin og lokale snacks på det topp moderne besøkssenteret. Deretter går turen videre til Biolea Estate, en familieeid olivenoljefabrikk som spesialiserer seg på håndverksproduksjon av økologisk olivenolje. Her får du vite alt du trenger om produksjon av olivenolje, alt fra hvordan oliven vokser til hvordan oljen presses og tappes på flaske. I tillegg bidrar besøket ditt til en lokal virksomhet og hjelper øyas økonomi i bred forstand.Deretter spiser vi lunsj på en tradisjonell kretisk restaurant ved havet, der maten tilberedes med lokale råvarer. Bruk resten av ettermiddagen til å slappe av på den lyse sanden på den vakre Falassarna-stranden, som ifølge Vasso flere ganger er kåret til en av de beste strendene i Europa.

Øya Elafonissi med kloster og Agia Sophia-grotten

Den ubebodde øya Elafonisi er riktignok liten, men den er full av naturlig skjønnhet og kulturelle rikdommer. Topolia-ravinen, Agia Sofia-grotten, Chrissoskalitissa-klosteret og en strand mange anser som den beste på øya er blant høydepunktene på denne utflukten. Rena, en av lokalguidene våre, sier: "Denne turen kombinere det beste fra det kretiske høylandet med den idylliske rosa sandstranden Elafonissi på sørkysten". Det blir en rolig start på dagen når vi stopper for en liten kaffepause i en familiedrevet bodega i landsbyen Voulgaro. Deretter fortsetter vi med en kjøretur sørover gjennom Topolia-ravinen. Utsikten over den dype ravinen til venstre for deg er episk. Deretter besøker vi grotten Agia Sofia som er kjent for sine dryppsteiner. En rekke legender sier at hovavtrykket til St George-hesten finnes her. Hvis du ser godt etter, vil du finne noe som ser ut som et hesteskoavtrykk i en stein. Neste stopp er Chrissoskalitissa-klosteret. Det er bygget på en høyde med utsikt over kysten, og dette 1000 år gamle klosteret byr på tidløs sjarm. Navnet betyr "det gylne trinn" og er gjennomsyret av legender. Ifølge noen er ett av trinnene gyllent, men det er bare synlig for de religiøse. Det siste stoppet er like vakkert som et postkort. Rena sier: " Du kan nå Elafonissi-øya ved å gå gjennom en grunn vannstrekning fra Elafonissi-stranden". Vi tilbringer ettermiddagen med å bade, slappe av og nyte den fantastiske utsikten, før vi avslutter dagen i fiskerlandsbyen Paleochora.

Knossospalasset, Rethymnon og Heraklion

Der Europas første sivilisasjon begynte ligger Knossospalasset, en av UNESCOs verdensarver og en av de viktigste antikke stedene på Kreta. La en kunnskapsrik guide vekke historien til liv når du utforsker øyas mest populære arkeologiske perle. Denne utflukten inkluderer også tid på egen hånd i feriebyen Rethymnon, samt en rundtur i Kretas hovedstad, Heraklion. Andreas, en av våre dyktige lokale guider, sier: "Minoerne var svært avanserte, og palasset i Knossos viser arkitektoniske teknikker som bygninger i flere etasjer og et sofistikert dreneringssystem som var forut for sin tid."Vi starter dagen i Rethymnon der du får tid på egen hånd til å nyte en spasertur i byens labyrint av gater eller dra ned til havnen. Havnen i Rethymnon, som slynger seg rundt den lille bukten, er like vakker som den er gammel. Utsikten over Fortezza fra den venetianske epoken og utover havet er en fryd for øyet.Neste stopp er Kretas hovedstad Heraklion. Her får du en guidet tur til byens beste steder, som den venetianske løvefontenen og loggiaen. Du får også tid på egen hånd til å utforske byen i ditt eget tempo.Etter besøket i Heraklion fortsetter vi til Knossospalasset for en guidet omvisning her. Beundre skatter som tronsalen, de kongelige leilighetene og de fantastiske freskene. De gamle freskomaleriene som viser scener fra hverdagslivet, religiøse ritualer og mytiske skapninger er spesielt imponerende. Du får også oppleve labyrinten, der legenden forteller at det fryktinngytende vesenet Minotaurus, halvt menneske, halvt okse, holdt til.

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Landsbyen Loutro med kretisk lunsj

Kun tilgjengelig med båt, er Loutro en idyllisk kystlandsby der du kan koble helt av. Turen går fra Sfakia til Loutro med båt og du kan nyte dagen med å utforske stedet i ditt eget tempo, spise lunsj på en lokal taverna og slappe av under den kretiske solen. Rena, en av våre lokale guider, sier: "Loutro er en skjult perle på sørlige Kreta, et magisk sted med utrolig blått, lyseblått, nesten grønt krystallklart vann – og uten tegn til biler og trafikk".Denne eksklusive utflukten starter med en naturskjønn kjøretur til Sfakia, med et stopp underveis ved Askifou-platået for en gresk kaffe og utsikt over de majestetiske hvite fjellene. Deretter går vi om bord i en båt for en rask 20-minutters tur til Loutro – en liten pittoresk fiskerlandsby med et vakkert fjell som bakgrunn. Her får du god tid til å spasere langs brosteinsbelagte gater og beundre hvitkalkede hus som er som tatt rett ut fra et postkort. Det er også en god anledning til å kjøpe en suvenir og bidra til den lokale økonomien.Det blir servert lunsj på en tradisjonell familieeid taverna ved havet med utsikt over bukten og du kan nyte noen spesialiteter fra regionen, som ostepai, stekt squash, gresk salat og lokal vin. Etter lunsj kan du slappe av på stranden, ta en dukkert i det klare vannet og bare nyte livet. Her er det ingen trafikk, så du kan slappe av i rolige omgivelser.

Øya Spinalonga – guidet tur med lunsj

Den lille øya Spinalonga ligger bare et steinkast fra Kreta, men et besøk på øya er som å ta et skritt tilbake i tid. Århundrer av historie er inneholdt i veggene rundt øya. Opplev alt gjennom øynene til en lokal på denne eksklusive heldagsturen, som også besøker to kystbyer på Mirabello Bay. Veta, en av guidene våre, sier: "Du besøker den vakre fiskerlandsbyen Elounda og kystbyen Agios Nikolaos. Du får også prøve tradisjonell kretisk mat på en taverna."Øya Spinalonga har vært mange ting opp gjennom årene, blant annet en venetiansk utpost og en osmansk by. Den var til og med en koloni for spedalske, noe som har ført til at den har fått kallenavnet "tårenes øy". Du får se festningen og kolonien som stengte på 1950-tallet på en guidet rundtur til fots. Vi ankommer tidlig og unngår de store folkemengdene. Etter denne opplevelsen, seiler vi tilbake til kystbyen Elounda. Her får du tid til å utforske i ditt eget tempo. Ta en dukkert, slapp av i solen eller sett deg ned på en kafé. Vi spiser lunsj på en lokal restaurant. Dagen avsluttes med et besøk i Agios Nikolaos, en elegant liten badeby som ligger skjermet av to øyer.

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Jeepsafari i solnedgangen

Det finnes mange måter å nyte solnedgangen på Kreta, men det er lite som slår en safari med firehjulstrekker gjennom White Mountains mens dagslyset sakte svinner hen. Vi kjører langs ukjente veier til steder få mennesker besøker, med mange fotopauser underveis. Det blir vinsmaking på en lokal vingård, og her kan dere hilse kvelden velkommen.

Off road-safari fra Chania

Denne heldagsturen med off road-kjøretøy er designet spesielt for eventyr. Vi kjører langs grusveier, krysser fjelloverganger og gjennom Kretas sjarmerende landsbyer mens vi utforsker øyas bortgjemte skatter og nyter panoramautsikter over den vakre naturen.Vi begynner med en kjøretur gjennom fjellene ved Lefka Ori, på vestre Kreta, der de svingete fjellveiene slynger seg gjennom landskapet, forbi glitrende elver og søvnige landsbyer. Vi stopper på en kafé i en av landsbyene.Deretter er det tid for lunsj på en lokal taverna. Hele veien vil du oppleve Kreta på sitt beste mens vi humper nedover grusveier og hopper over de hullete, steinete sporene. Vi gjør også fotostopp på utsiktspunkt med vakker utsikt over øya.