Crete Hotels & Resorts

Dive into Crete’s rich traditions and folklore on a trip that also introduces you to some of the island’s most striking scenery. The adventure kicks off in the charming village of Vrisses, with its backdrop of the White Mountains, where you’ll visit a family-run vineyard and learn about the wines as well as olive oil and other local products. Heading eastward through more enchanting settlements, you’ll reach Myriokefala, home to a picturesque monastery dating from the 11th century. The main draw is its ancient frescoes, only rediscovered recently during renovation work, though the cheese pies with honey from a nearby coffee shop – a local speciality – are also well worth investigating. Your next stop was one of western Crete’s most important cities during Roman times, before being destroyed in 828 AD. You’ll find traces of ancient Lappa in what is now the village of Argyroupolis, where you can enjoy lunch in one of the local taverns. On the return to Chania, there’s one last pause: the stunning Lake Kournas, in a beautiful setting backed by hills.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and drinks are not included.

Spend a relaxing day savouring the authentic flavours of Crete, from local wines to olive oil. You’ll begin with a pilgrimage to the cave of St John the Hermit in Marathokefala, a village near Kolymbari, where the saint is believed to have lived for three years and which houses a famous healing spring. Continuing through more sleepy villages, you’ll arrive at Vouves. You’ll stop here to have a look at one of the oldest olive trees in Crete, thought to be 3,000 years old, and drop in at the olive tree museum. The award-winning Anoskeli Olive Mill & Winery is the next destination on the itinerary, where you’ll learn about different types of olive oil and the various stages of its preparation before enjoying a guided tasting. From here, you’ll head to the winery for the second part of the tour, an in-depth discovery of the five Anoskeli wines made here, including a chance to taste them. To round off the day, you’ll halt at a tavern overlooking some olive groves, where you can opt to try some typical Cretan dishes or just sip a reviving coffee.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 3.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch, drinks and the entrance fee to Marathokefala cave are not included.

Rethymno is the focus of this enchanting day spent exploring Crete’s fascinating history and culture. Its well-preserved old town is like something from a fairytale, complete with an atmospheric old harbour lined with Venetian and Ottoman buildings, and a Venetial citadel from whose hilltop setting the views are a delight. Before you arrive, you’ll stop at Margarites, a village in the foothills of Mount Ida that’s known for its classic pottery, and in Rethymno itself, you’ll visit a bakery owned by one of the last traditional filo masters in Greece. Seeing the superfine pastry being made by hand is quite an experience, as is tasting some of the delicious sweetmeats made from it, such as baklava and kataifi. The final destination is Argiroupolis, a charming village now known for its springs and cascades, which in Roman times was the bustling city of Lappa.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and entrance fees are not included.

Uncover a sanctuary of ancient stories and whispers as you take to the historical site of Knossos. Famous for its ancient Greek ruins, Knossos may be dominated by time-honoured architecture, but these primordial structures still cut an imposing silhouette. An all-knowing guide will lend an expert insight into those age-old city walls, delving deeper into the captivating mythology of the many Minoan artifacts before retreating back to the centre of Heraklion for a guided tour through the beating heart of the city.

• Duration: Half day
• Private experience

Good to know
Specialist guides are available at Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum for an extra fee.

If you love Rethymno’s small-town charm, you’ll be just as enchanted with the unspoiled countryside of its hinterland. It’s an area packed with fabulous scenery, glorious villages and other impressive sights that are just made for visiting in your own chauffeur-driven Land Rover. Among the many quaint villages that you’ll see en route is Giannoudi with its appealing Venetian-style architecture; Spili, whose famous lion-head fountain is fed by ice-cold water from mountain springs, and pretty Armeni, surrounded by olive, orange and avocado groves. Then there are the dramatic landscapes, from the wonderfully wild gorge of Prasses – home to rare vultures – and the equally ravishing gorge of Kourtaliotis to the picture-perfect beach at Preveli. Naturally, the day also includes a pause at a traditional tavern where you’ll have a chance to catch your breath over a lunch of Cretan cuisine at its most authentic and a glass or two of the local wine.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Spend a fascinating day soaking up the sights in Chania and the rugged Akrotiri peninsula. From the city’s bustling Souda port, you’ll make the short trip to the Suda Bay War Cemetary, set on a small plateau overlooking the sea. This poignant site is the last resting place of around 1,500 Commonwealth servicemen, most of whom lost their lives in the Battle of Crete in May 1941. From here, the route takes you inland to another supremely atmospheric spot, the monastery of Agia Triada Tsangarolon, built towards the end of the 17th century. It’s a tranquil and photogenic complex, with elegant Venetian-style architecture and courtyard gardens filled with bougainvillaea and oleander. Afterwards, you’ll return to Chania for the rest of the day, pausing to drink in the view across the city from the Venizelos graves, the burial place of one of Greece’s most significant politicians. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful Old Town and colourful local neighbourhoods, before finishing with dinner overlooking the historic Venetian harbour.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The entrance fee at Agia Triada is not included.

Pilot your own jeep on a fun-filled driving adventure through some of Crete’s most stunning landscapes. With your hands on the steering wheel, you’ll cruise through a lush, steep-sided gorge to the village of Therisso at the foot of Lefka Ori, or the White Mountains. After a short briefing from your guide, you’ll head off-road and upwards along dirt tracks towards the village of Lakki, the perfect spot to pause for iced coffee, a stroll around the quiet streets and photos of the fabulous views. After that, you’ll drive on to Nea Roumata for lunch in a traditional Cretan tavern, before tackling some tricky dirt roads on the way to the mountain village of Sempronas and then picturesque Palaia Roumata, where you’ll stop again for coffee, photos and view admiring. The road back to the start point passes through the stunning Mesavlia gorge, a superb finale to a thrilling day.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You will need to bring your driving license.

The Chania area is blessed with some of the island’s best beaches, and those warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters make this an excellent destination for a relaxed snorkelling adventure as well. Your day begins at a dive centre where you’ll be kitted out with a shortie wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel and given some handy tips on making the most of your time in the water. Then it’s time to hop on a speedy RHIB – as in rigid-hull inflatable boat – for a 20-or-so-minute zip across the waves to your first guided snorkelling session. With superb visibility, you have a good chance of seeing starfish, sponges, crabs and an array of fish, and maybe even glimpsing an octopus. After a reviving snack, you’ll be off to the second, equally breathtaking snorkelling site for the day, where you’ll have another opportunity to discover the marine life of the Mediterranean.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll need to be able to swim, but otherwise the trip is suitable for all.

Pull on your hiking boots and embrace a day of adventure as we set out to the scenic Samaria Gorge. Wearing the crown for the longest gorge in Europe, you’ll journey 18 km south before winding up at the mouth of Crete's sparkling south coast. For a soul-soothing end to the day, take to the glistening waters of Agia Roumel for a refreshing paddle before regrouping and relishing a restful coach ride back to Corfu. 

• Duration: Full day
• Departs: Tuesday
• Operates: 15th May - October
• Group experience

Soak up an endless series of cinematic panoramas on this day-long trip to Dia. An uninhabited isle flanked by the rolling waves of the azure Mediterranean, clamber over 5km of pearl-grey rockery before hunkering down to soak up those majestic golden hour vistas. For the history buffs, an insight into the mythology of Dia is bound to score a big thumbs-up, while a suite of sailing trips welcome you to cruise the cobalt deep at your own leisurely pace.

• Duration: Full day
• Daily departures
• Operates: April - October
• Group experience

Rest, recuperate and recharge your batteries on our leisurely day cruise to Mirabello. A must-do for any serenity-seeker, our journey commences at the yacht-lined marina of Agios Nikolaos, before crusading the crash and curl of the azure waves and finally anchoring in majestic Mirabello. Savour every second spent soaking up the rays as you sip and socialise on the sundeck and stay suitably fuelled with an offering of ice-cold pours and flavour-filled Greek cuisine.  The whisper of the whirring ocean waves serves a soul-soothing soundtrack to your getaway, while the majestic outlook over Spinalonga’s ancient venetian fortress is guaranteed to capture your gaze. 

• Duration: Full day
• Daily departures
• Operates: 15th May - 15th October
• Group experience

Set off on an evening enriched with enchantment as you course the rolling Mediterranean waves by sunset. The ideal opportunity to unplug and disconnect, this trip begins in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, before setting sail across the cobalt ocean and finally anchoring in the pristine waters of Kolokitha. Storied by a tapestry of jaw-dropping vistas, be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you want to catch a glimpse at the ancient venetian fortress. Kolokitha will instantly win you over with its untouched beauty, while the opportunity to swim, snorkel and paddle will keep you endlessly energised and entertained. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hop back on-board and indulge in a flavour-filled gourmet Grecian feast mounted by a mesmerising ocean panorama.

• Duration: Half day
• Daily departures
• Operates: 16th May - 15th October
• Group experience

History, culture and ocean views come together in harmony on this full-day adventure from Santorini to Heraklion. Oia is our first stop, where white-washed architecture and epic ocean vistas take centre-stage. Two hours will give you plenty of time to take it all in, before you jump back on the buses and make a beeline for Santorini’s postcard-perfect capital, Fira. Dramatically perched right at the cliffedge, the unique beauty of this Cycladic town will take the breath right out of your lungs, before making a play for your heart. Uncover a peppering of ancient buildings, low-lit bars, swanky boutiques and authentic tavernas and find peace in Fira’s famously plush presence. If you’re yearning for a little extra adventure, you can always visit the Volcano of Santorini for a jaw-dropping climax before cruising back to the beating heart of Heraklion.

• Duration: Full day
• Daily departures
• Operates: 15th April - 31st October
• Group experience

Witness the wonders of the Cave of Zeus for yourself on this exclusive Land Rover Discovery tour. Placing you right at the heart of the action, our adventure begins in the cosmopolitan city of Agios Nikolaos before journeying west to historical Krista. A guaranteed hit with the history buffs, this traditional Greek village plays home to a lattice of religious monuments, archaeological sites and glistening gorges. You’ll wander a rugged path canopied by verdant Pine forestry before arriving at Katharo Plateau and journeying onwards to the impressive Lassithi Plateau, The Dikteon Cave and beyond. 

• Duration: Half day
• Private experience

Framed by a backdrop of jaw-slacking natural beauty, our adventure to Richtis Gorge beckons you to unearth your inner nature buff and course through a tapestry of awe-inspiring vistas. Yank on your hiking gear and succumb to the demands of the craggy terrain before arriving at the thunder and crash of the sparkling waterfall. Be sure to have your camera at the ready if you want to come away with some Insta-perfect snaps, and take a moment to truly appreciate the majesty of this untouched utopia. Our trip concludes at the shimmering shoreline of a breathtaking blue flag beach, lending a refreshing point of contrast to the spectral shadows of the jagged gorge.

• Duration: Half day
• Private experience

Tucked deep within the spires of towering rock formations, this breathtaking oasis is a far cry from the hectic hustle and bustle of everyday life. Call upon a bevy of beautiful villages, including historical Krista, before relishing a much-needed cool-down in the freshwater gorge. Animal lovers will relish the opportunity to get up close and personal with the native wildlife, while serenity-seekers will find their calm at the shimmer and glimmer of those crystalline waters. There’s even the chance to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, so if you’re looking for a trip that packs plenty in, then this is it! Simply slather on the suncream, grab a towel, charge your camera and you’re good to go!

• Duration: Full day
• Private experience

A lesser-known wonder flanked by eye-popping panoramas, Spinalonga wears the crown for the ultimate hidden gem. From Elounda, you’ll cruise over the sparkling curl of the Aegean before arriving at the intriguing island of Spinalonga. Steeped in history and framed by a backdrop of awe-inspiring ocean vistas, what Spinalonga lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in charm and beauty. A seasoned tour guide will share all that there is to know about Spinalonga’s moving history, while crystal-clear waters serve the ideal spot for a refreshing plunge. You’ll also be treated to a gourmet lunch, as well as unmissable stop-offs in picturesque Saint Nicholas and enchanting Neapolis.

• Duration: Full day
• Private experience

Spotlighting the many marvels of Cretian culture, this highlights tour offers an immersive insight into all that makes this Mediterranean island so uniquely magical. From your hotel pick-up, you’ll’ll crusade to the rocky terrain of Mylon Gorge, before swapping mighty mountains for a cultural catapult back in time at the Holy Monastery of Agia Irini. A catalogue of workshops including Hieroglyphics, iconography, weaving and embroidery offer immersive experiences not to be missed, while a checklist of stop-off points grant plenty of time to snap photographs, grab coffee and indulge in a tasty bite. 

• Duration: Half day
• Private experience