Best 39 Architecture activities on Crete Island

Explore Crete’s rich history with our 39 Architecture Tours. Discover ancient Minoan palaces, charming Venetian towns, and modern marvels in serene Crete Island.

Chania: City Highlights Small Group Bike Tour
  • Chania
  • 4.92 of 5 ( 75 )

Cycle the Old Harbor of Chania on a 9km small group bike tour, and see the archaeological and architectural wonders of the city. Experience the beauty of the Venetian and Byzantine walls, the Venetian Neoria, and the impressive Firka fortress. Let your guide show you all the spots that only the locals know and glide through the bohemian neighborhood of Splantzia. Admire the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and step inside this Greek Orthodox church. Snap pictures on the most picturesque harbor of Greece and enjoy views of the lighthouse. Sip on ice tea at local hotspot and take in the panoramic views of old harbor while munching on an energy bar. Go for a refreshing dip at Nea Chora beach Ride at your own level, as the route is designed for the average cyclist. Follow your guide to avoid the busy city traffic and find the flattest paths.

  • Chania Regional Unit
  • 4.63 of 5 ( 49 )

Make the most of your time in Chania and discover the wonders of the Old City on this Segway tour through the Kasteli and Splantzia districts. Meet your friendly guide at the local partner’s office and get kitted out with the necessary Segway gear then set out onto the charming streets of Chania where adventure awaits. Head into the Eastern part of Chania’s Old City and discover the remainders of the Ottoman rule as you explore the Turkish neighborhoods here. Glide along traditional cobble streets and narrow alleyways while learning about the fascinating history of the districts throughout the ages. Along the way, see the most iconic sights and landmarks, including the impressive Venetian walls and Koum Kapi.

  • Heraklion
  • 4.89 of 5 ( 46 )

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and enchanting charm of Heraklion with our Ecobike Tour. Discover the city’s ancient treasures and vibrant culture as you pedal through its historic streets. Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey, sharing intriguing stories and insights along the way. During this tour, you’ll explore iconic landmarks. Marvel at the impressive Venetian Walls that once protected the city, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the Venetian Harbor. As you navigate the charming streets, you’ll witness the fusion of past and present, experiencing the authentic essence of Heraklion. Our electric bikes make the journey effortless, allowing you to cover more ground and discover hidden gems effortlessly. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride through the bustling city, capturing memorable photos and creating unforgettable moments. The tour concludes at our central starting point, leaving you perfectly positioned to continue exploring Heraklion’s vibrant neighborhoods, indulge in local culinary delights, or venture out to nearby attractions. Our friendly guide will be happy to provide recommendations and ensure you have a seamless experience. Join us on this Ecobike Tour and uncover the captivating history and beauty of Heraklion. Book now for an eco-friendly adventure that combines exploration, education, and excitement in one unforgettable experience.

  • Chania
  • 4.98 of 5 ( 44 )

Find what makes Crete’s cultural capital so marvelous. Explore some of the Old Town’s best sights, while discovering the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses! Begin at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), which denotes the old and new town boundary. Sample local delicacies while exploring the market and find out why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world. After fulfilling your taste buds, stroll around the old town district by passing through its maze of hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering doors to secret gardens. Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists. Figure out how this city has been a crossroad between the West and East for centuries. Next, you’ll have the unique chance to see local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories, and possibly test your skills. Meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighborhoods and learn how multiculturalism has changed locals’ life through the centuries. Finally, after walking along the historic harbors’ promenade, relax your muscles in a local-favorite spot where you’ll enjoy an enticing table with Cretan Mezedes (local tapas). End the tour here and continue your own exploration through the city or head back to the starting point. Before parting ways, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip in Chania.

  • Heraklion
  • 4.87 of 5 ( 39 )

Explore the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos. Skip the long ticket line upon arrival and you meet your own exclusive guide. This site is home to: the Minotaur, the oldest throne in Europe, elegant wall paintings that inspired art Nuevo works centuries later, huge clay earns, advanced draining systems, and quarters sunk into the earth. Together you will see the oldest civilization unfold before your eyes and you will be able to get the best out of your visit to this magnificent structure. Knossos, a complex of more than 1500 interlocking rooms, was an astonishing palace, built for a mighty king of the Bronze Age. As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, you will have the chance to see the original throne of Minos, the mystifying sanctuaries, the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family, that were, once upon a time, bursting with Crete’s treasures. Knossos is considered Europe’s oldest city. The first palace of Knossos was erected soon after 2000 BC. In 1700 BC, a catastrophic earthquake destroyed the Palace. A new palace was then immediately built and for more than 300 years it represented the pre-eminent center of power in Bronze Age Crete. The new palace was an imposing complex with important architectural innovations, splendid frescoes adorning the walls, hundreds of rooms distributed across four storeys, impressive storage areas, specialized workshops, and spacious courts hosting ceremonies and feasts.

  • Rethymno
  • 4.75 of 5 ( 24 )

See the best of Rethynmo aboard a convenient state-of-the-art Segway. Starting from the seafront next to the marine port, you will meet your guide who will introduce you to your vehicle, after which the fun begins. You will depart on your Segway, soon finding yourself in the heart of the Old Town next to some of the most famous sights such as Mitropolis and Nerazze-Mosqe. From there, your tour advances to the “secret” part of the Old Town. Following that, it will be time for the castle. On the way up to the Fortezza Fortress you can admire the breathtaking views of the city as you feel the breeze of the sea from the other side. On the way down, you can glimpse at Venetian Harbour, as you learn about the myth that hides in the water of the Rimondi Fountain. You will eventually finish your tour finding yourself in the most famous square of Rethymno.

  • Chania Regional Unit
  • 4.67 of 5 ( 18 )

Be picked up in Rethymno between 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM and travel for 1-hour to Chania. Explore Chania on your own for the day. Be picked up at 5:30 PM and travel back to Rethymno. Be dropped off at your hotel.  Visit the Chania Harbor and historic buildings built in Venetian and Turkish styles. Walk through the old town, see the Venetian Harbor and the Turkish Quarters. Enjoy a meal, relax with a drink or check out the shops in the city.

  • Heraklion
  • 4.93 of 5 ( 14 )

Enjoy a tour of the mythological Labyrinth with your own licensed guide who will take you through Knossos, focusing on the highlights of the area and its most prominent features. Afterward, the driver will take your group to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where your private tour will continue. Discover Knossos, the capital of Minoan Crete, considered Europe’s oldest city. Hear about the islands long history from your guide and learn about the peak of the Minoan culture in 2000 B.C. Later visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where you can marvel at the findings of the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans. The tour will guide you through the ages, in a period of time that extends over a 5.000 years, from the neolithic to the roman era.

  • Chania
  • 5.00 of 5 ( 6 )

Live a unique experience of the city of Chania. Floating by the Lighthouse and the beautiful buildings of the harbour, Giali Tzami and the old shipyards. Our meeting point is the beach called Honolulu and there is a bus stop right above it. We will start paddling after a small introduction to sea kayaking. The part of the city where the local tanneries used to be called Tambakaria is our first stop and from there we will kayak to Koum Kapi, and enter the Venetian port. From the lighthouse we will continue to Lazareto island for a small stop fro swimming. We enjoy the beautiful sunset on the way back. Chania is by far the most beautiful prefecture of Crete and surely one of the most beautiful areas in Greece. The coastline is a gem for the area from its rugged and colourful rock formations until the gold sand beaches. On a kayak you are the lucky one to explore the remote areas and the famous spots and beaches escaping traffic, queues and crowds. Chania city can be full of surprises wether wondering around the old city alleys or having drinks with the famous Chania lighthouse (Faros).

  • Chania
  • 4.67 of 5 ( 6 )

Experience the Archaeological Museum of Chania at your own pace with a skip-the-line e-ticket and a captivating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Walk through the museum and hear the many tales and historical facts from the past Receive your ticket by email, download the app and the audio tour on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the glory of some of the most prominent items in the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Put on your headphones and discover The “Master Impression” clay sealing, the Larnax from Chania, and the Discs for the weighing of souls through the power of storytelling, while learning historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from the past. The content of the tour is the result of in-depth research, distilled into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and at any time, before or after your visit. Gain valuable insights into Iberian history and beyond, and relate to the exhibits in the Archaeological Museum of Chania in an entirely original way.

© All rights reserved. Crete Locals