Museums & art galleries in Crete
Arkadi Monastery and Margarites Village tour
Pretty ports, coastal views and ancient ways of life – northern Crete is packed with little gems. This tour takes you to two of its favourites. First up is Arkadi Monastery, then it's on to the village of Margarites, which is known around the island for its pottery heritage. Arkadi Monastery is one of Crete's most meaningful landmarks. It's been around for more than eight centuries and has long been a hub of learning, craftsmanship and culture. You'll wander through its courtyards, explore the old stone buildings and see the church at the heart of the complex. Inside the small museum, you can also check out historic artefacts and learn about the monastery's role in Crete's fight for freedom during the 1866 uprising. After that, you'll head to Margarites, a village known for its pottery. You'll see local craftsmen in action and learn how traditional pieces are made. There's even a little workshop for kids – perfect if you've got little travellers in tow. You'll also have free time to wander the villages narrow lanes, shop for ceramics and grab a coffee before heading back.
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Knossos Palace and Heraklion from Plakias
If there's one must-see in Crete, it's the UNESCO-rated Palace of Knossos. It's the island's most popular attraction. And for good reason – it's fascinating. Learn all about Minoan civilisation and enjoy a guided walk in the history-steeped old town of Heraklion too.After a scenic drive taking in sights of Rethymnon and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, you'll arrive into the Cretan capital, Heraklion, for a guided walk. See the Venetian lion fountain, the loggia and more before some free time for shopping or an optional visit to the archaeological museum.Knossos was the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur lurked in a labyrinth. Your guide will give you the lowdown on its myths and kings as you discover the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more.
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Archaeological Museum of Chania self-guided audio tour
Discover the most precious gems of the Archaeological Museum of Chania with an audio tour on your smartphone designed by a certified expert.
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Archaeological Museum of Chania entrance ticket with audio tour
Enjoy a hassle-free visit with an e-ticket to the Archaeological Museum of Chania plus an engaging self-guided audio tour on your smartphone.
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Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon
Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.
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E-tickets and audio tours for Minoan gems of Heraklion
Enjoy a visit to the the Palace of Knossos and to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with a combo e-ticket and 2 audio tours on your phone
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Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
'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. 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 centre. 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. What is the itinerary for this experience?The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:00am to 9:30am – pick-up from your hotel (the exact time depends on your location)- 10:00am – arrive at the Knossos Archaeological Site for a 120‑minute guided tour- 12:00pm – depart from Knossos towards Heraklion- 12:20pm – short walking tour in Heraklion city centre- 12:45pm to 3:45pm – free time for shopping or lunch before departure Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day
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Popular experiences in Crete
Crete - Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge
Make your wait at the airport a breeze with our VIP airport service. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check-in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Greeted at Heraklion Airport's departure terminal, the VIP service sees you sail through check-in and security with our fast track pass – giving you more time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi and access to TV, magazines and newspapers, allowing you to relax right up to take off.
Crete - Spinalonga self-guided audio tour on your phone
Buy this audio tour of Spinalonga Island downloadable on your smartphone! Explore at your own pace, listen to fascinating stories, and gain great insights into the island!
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Crete - Chania self-guided audio tour on your smartphone
Leisurely stroll through the old town of Chania with an audio guide on your phone. Listen to fascinating stories and discover the highlights of the city.
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Chania - Falasarna sunset from the beach with transport and driver guide
Relax on the transport and on the award-winning beach. See the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city. Plus, marvel at the sunset considered the best in all of Crete.
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Crete - Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.
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Crete - Limnoupolis Water Park from Chania
The beach isn't the only place for watery fun in Crete. Limnoupolis Water Park is jam-packed with slides, chutes, rivers and pools that'll have you whizzing from one to the other. From the scary Giant Slide to the chilled Lazy River, there's something for everyone and every mood.
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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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - 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.
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Crete - Malia access summer pass ticket only
This is your all-in-one ticket to the biggest clubs and hottest nights in Malia. With four of the most banging nights on the island included you'll hit the best parties at the best value. Whether it's thumping deep house, urban beats or the sounds of international guest DJs you're after, this is it. Your pass to the perfect party holiday.
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Crete - Dia Island motor yacht trip with sunset option
Zip across the Med on the Navan S30 with an expert skipper leading the way, spending your day diving into clear bays, giving snorkelling or paddleboarding a go, and unwinding on deck with premium drinks, fruit and a freshly prepared snack menu. You'll stop at both Agrilia Bay and St. George's Bay on Dia Island, each with time to swim, relax and soak up the vibe before heading back to Marina Rodias. There's even a sunset option available.
Crete - Heraklion coastline one-hour sailing tour
The coastline of Heraklion takes centre stage on this one-hour sailing escape from the Venetian Harbour. With the sea breeze in your hair, take in sweeping views of Crete's capital from the water. As you sail, your skipper brings local legends to life with tales of the Sleeping Zeus and the mysteries of Dia Island, adding an extra layer to the scenery. Unlimited refreshments keep things relaxed, while the small-group setting makes this a great choice if you're short on time or simply after a scenic break.
Crete - Hidden-caves motor yacht cruise in Crete
Join this motor yacht cruise and slip into Crete's hidden side. You'll hop aboard a 2025 yacht and cruise through hidden caves, quiet coves and dreamy turquoise bays far from the crowds. With only ten guests onboard, there's plenty of space to stretch out on a sunbed or relax in the shaded lounge area. There's even time to give snorkelling and paddleboarding a go. You'll also enjoy unlimited drinks, fresh fruit and light bites under the Aegean sun. How's that for a perfect Cretan escape?
Crete - Morning catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with lunch
From Ierapetra Marina, you'll cruise over to Chrissi Island for a leisurely day on the water. Onboard, you'll be welcomed with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, plus a light brunch to get you started. Once on the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try your hand at fishing. There's loads of deck space to stretch out, too, with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic lunch to tuck into. And, with free onboard Wi-Fi, staying Instagram-ready is a breeze.
Crete - Afternoon catamaran cruise to Chrissi Island with dinner
Departing from Ierapetra Marina, you'll sail to Chrissi Island for a leisurely afternoon on the water. You'll be greeted on board with a tea, coffee, protein cocktail or detox water, along with a light meal to ease you in. Once you reach the island, the fun's all yours. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or even try a spot of fishing. There's loads of deck space to unwind, too, along with unlimited drinks and a fresh organic dinner. Plus, you also get free onboard Wi-Fi, so staying Instagram-ready is an absolute breeze.