Day Trips in Crete

Relax on the paradise-like island of Elafonisi and visit rocktop Chrissoskalitissa Monastery on this family-friendly day trip. Admire western Crete's hills and traditional villages on a drive to the southwest coast, and visit medieval Chrissoskalitissa, perched on a clifftop and famous for its 'golden step.' Then, spend the afternoon on the idyllic protected islet of Elafonisi, enjoying its pink sands and clear seas. Includes round-trip transport plus select hotel pickup and drop-off.

Bask on Elafonisi Beach on this day trip in Crete. Venture southwest through the White Mountains to Chrissoskalitissa, and climb the 'Golden Step' to this medieval religious retreat, perched high above the sea. Afterward, continue to Elafonisi to laze on its pink-white sands, swim, and wade through the shallows to nearby Elafonis Island, sometimes known as 'Deer Island.' Transport and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.

Explore enchanting Spinalonga Island off Crete's north coast on this full-day tour. Start with a visit to the colorful mainland village of Agios Nikolaos, and then travel to the portside at Elounda. Ride a boat to the rocky island, site of an old Venetian fortress and one-time leper village. After a walking tour of the preserved buildings and streets, finish with a barbecue lunch and time for a swim before the journey back.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos' to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.

Want to experience village life in Crete? Spend a day away from the island beaches and discover the charms of the Greek island hamlets instead. The 6-hour day trip includes visits to the historical Agia Triada monastery with its vineyards and olive groves, plus a stop at Koules Fortress to see the Souda Gulf. Explore the charming village of Maheria, visit a ceramic studio, and finish with lunch at a family-run tavern in the mountain foothills.

Embark on an easy 5-mile (8-km) guided hike through the Imbros Gorge on this full-day trekking tour of Crete. Marvel at Crete's unique topography as you explore the rocky ravine in the shadows of the White Mountains and pass the mountain villages of Vrisses, Askifou and Imbros. After refueling with a typical Cretan lunch (own expense), pay a visit to the 14th-century Venetian castle of Frangokastello, then cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete's most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Visit the former leper colony buildings and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island on this 8-hour tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch (own expense) before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.

Experience the golden beaches, ancient cedar forests, and aquamarine waters of Chrissi Island on this full-day tour from Heraklion. Cruise across the Mediterranean to the island, then spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or exploring at your leisure. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.