Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon

Crete's august full moon celebrations

As the August full moon rises over the hills of Crete, the village of Manoliopoulo opens its doors for one of the summer's most anticipated local celebrations. Just a short drive from Platanias, olive groves and orange trees frame the journey to a village where traditions are proudly kept and shared. The rhythm of celebration drifts through the streets as live Cretan melodies fill the village square and traditional dances bring generations together. Alongside residents, you'll be part of a festive atmosphere that reflects the island's love of music, food and good company. This year, a celebrated Cretan artist joins the line-up, adding even more excitement to the evening. Come hungry - there's plenty to tuck into, with traditional food and local drinks available throughout the celebrations, from grilled souvlaki to local favourites and refreshments. Organised entirely by village residents, the event also helps fund projects that protect Manoliopoulo's heritage, making your evening part of something that lasts long after the celebrations.

Chania Highlights, Agia Triada Monastery and Stavros Beach tour

Tracing Crete's story from ancient civilisations to more recent history, this full-day tour blends archaeology, local traditions, time to unwind by the sea and a visit to a wartime memorial. Between museum visits and cultural landmarks, you'll have the chance to spend time at Stavros Beach, where soft sands and clear waters provide a change of pace from the island's historic sights. Kicking off at the Archaeological Museum of Chania, you'll explore exhibits that showcase Crete's journey from prehistoric settlements through the Minoan era, Roman rule and Byzantine times. From here, you'll head to Agia Triada Monastery on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Built in the 17th-century, it's one of Crete's finest examples of Venetian architecture, with elegant courtyards, peaceful gardens and a shop stocked with olive oil, wine and honey made by the monks. After that, you'll swap history for sea views in the coastal village of Stavros, where there's time to swim, stretch out on the sand or pop into a waterfront taverna for lunch. Before heading back, you'll stop by the Commonwealth War Cemetery above Souda Bay, a beautifully maintained memorial dedicated to the Allied servicemen who lost their lives during the Battle of Crete.

Rethymno daytrip from Matala and Agia Galini

Rethymno lies pinched between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the White Mountains on Crete's northern coast, and if its history doesn't have you making a beeline for it, its looks will. Its reputation as one of Greece's most beautiful towns is well deserved. You'll get some top tips from the guide on your bus to Rethymno, but after drop-off, the full day is yours to explore. Wander through a honeycomb of cobbled alleyways, find the three-lion-headed Rimondi Fountain in the heart of the old town and keep an eye out for the scattering of domes and minarets which hint at the town's Ottoman influence. But no visit to Rethymno is complete without visiting the harbour, then climbing the Paleokastro Hill to look out to sea from the Venetian Fortress – the pride of the town.

Tripiti beach 4x4 full-day tour with lunch from Matala and Agia Galini

Drive deep into Crete's wild south on this full-day 4x4 safari. From the village of Zaros and a tasting stop in Vasiliki to panoramic views over Tripiti Gorge, every stretch of the journey reveals a different side of the island. There's time to visit the cave church of Panagia, then head to Tripiti Beach for a swim and a seafront taverna lunch before a stop in a traditional rural village. Expect off-road adventure balanced with local culture, coastal scenery and authentic Cretan cuisine.

Crete’s Samaria Gorge hike from Agia Galini and Matala

Hiking through the Samaria Gorge takes you right to the rugged heart of Crete. You'll begin with a drive along the coast to Chania, then up into the White Mountains to the Omalos Plateau. In this protected national park, you'll start your descent through Europe's longest gorge that's carpeted with wildflowers and pine forests. With sheer walls as high as 700 metres and the narrowest section at just three metres wide, this hike isn't for the faint-hearted, but the scenery is worth the effort. You could even spot the endangered Cretan Goat, the Kri-Kri. Cap off your adventure with a visit to the fishing village of Agia Roumeli and a relaxing dip in the Libyan Sea, followed by a scenic boat trip along Crete's dramatic south coast.

Full-day 4x4 tour to Mount Psiloritis with lunch from Matala and Agia Galini

Rolling mountain roads, remote landscapes and traditional villages shape this full-day 4x4 adventure to Mount Psiloritis. Travel with a professional driver, stop at Arkadi Monastery to discover its story, then wander through the peaceful Patsos Gorge. A traditional lunch in the village of Spili and free time to explore at your own pace round off the day before returning south.

Knossos all-inclusive full-day tour with Minoan theatre show

Travel through 4,000 years of Cretan history in a single day. Explore the Palace of Knossos with your guide, then wander Heraklion's old town, where Venetian landmarks, local markets and the old harbor offer a glimpse into everyday life. Round off the day with an open-air Minoan theatre performance, where music, dance and Greek mythology bring one of Europe's oldest civilizations to life.

Full-day Imbros Gorge hike and Frangokastello Beach visit

High up in Crete's White Mountains, Imbros Gorge serves up big scenery without the challenge of its famous neighbour, Samaria. The eight-kilometre route winds between rugged cliffs, cypress trees and rocky passages, including one spot so narrow you can almost touch both sides at once. After around two-and-a-half hours on foot, there's a well-earned break waiting at Frangokastello Beach, where you can cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.

Crete sunset sailing cruise with local snacks and drinks

Hop onboard for a laidback sunset sailing experience. After a friendly welcome and a quick safety briefing from the crew, you'll set sail and let the wind do the work. You'll cruise along picturesque stretches of coastline framed by cliffs and quiet beaches, taking in Crete's scenery from the water. Along the way, a selection of local snacks and drinks is served, too. Plus, if the conditions are right, there may even be the chance to cool off with a swim or a spot of snorkelling.

Crete sailboat trip from Matala and Agia Galini

Let the wind catch your sails and guide you around some of the prettiest spots on the Cretan coastline. You'll meet at Agia Galini Port before casting off on a sailboat. Your experienced crew will take good care of you, sharing stories about the islands and beaches you pass, like Agios Georgios, Komos Beach and the Paximadia islets. There's plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim or snorkel – the gear is included. And after you've worked up an appetite in the sea, you can tuck into lunch onboard – a Cretan feast with wine included. You'll return to port in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day to savour that just-back-from-sea feeling.