Best 41 Architecture tours and activities on Crete Island

Explore the Old Port of Chania on Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta Island on a history-lover’s boat cruise. Learn about the history of Venetian occupation, and see a German plane wreck from WWII. Take time to relax on the beach and swim.
This activity takes you to two islands connected with ancient mythology and the history of the Venetian occupation. Heading west from the Old Port of Chania, your first stop will be Agioi Theodoroi, an island that was used historically to defend the coast of Crete.
Nowadays, it’s a protected area and haven for kri-kri, an elegant and endangered Cretan goat. Your group will drop anchor close to a German airplane wreck (completely destroyed) dated from WWII, and give you the opportunity to dive into the water to see it for yourself.

After approximately 20 minutes, you’ll head on to the second stop on the same island, inside a small gulf with a nice view and a high possibility of seeing the kri-kri goats. The duration of this stop will be approximately 30 minutes.
Head on to Lazaretto (or Lazaretta) island, a small island opposite Nea Xora. Clear waters rich in marine life combined with two beautiful sandy beaches make this the best place to end your trip.
Enjoy options to swim or relax on the beach until the boat leaves back for Chania. On the way back, you’ll get panoramic views of the Old Venetian Harbour with its famous lighthouse and walled fortresses—an excellent view of what the city looks like from the sea.

Discover Chania: Guided Bike Tours with Ride Around Chania

Join our 2-and-a-half-hour Chania bike tour and uncover more of this enchanting city than you ever could on foot. From historical landmarks to hidden gems, this guided bike tour is the perfect way to explore Chania.

Experience Chania’s Landmarks and Hidden Treasures:

See Chania’s famous landmarks like the Firkas Fortress, the Cathedral of the Virgin Maria, the Giali Tzamisi, and the Venetian architecture. Our unique bike tours guide you through the narrow, twisty streets of the old city, leading you to hidden spots that show the real heart of Chania – places loved by locals and often missed by visitors.

Dive into the Rich History of Chania:

Chania’s history spans from the Prehistoric era through the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Domination, Ottoman era, and Cretan State. Our guided bike tours offer an in-depth exploration of both old and modern Chania, providing insights and visual imagery into the culture, customs, and traditions of our beloved city.

Safe and Secure Touring:

We’ve thoughtfully planned our bike tours to take you through areas free of heavy traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Since its first settlement in the Neolithic period, Chania has been a prized location for many empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans. Its strategic position has led to a rich and tumultuous history, making Chania a city with an enthralling story.

Join us on a laid-back walking tour of Chania to explore what makes this cultural capital so extraordinary. We’ll visit some of the Old Town’s best sights, famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems, including the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!

We begin our tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), the boundary between the old and new town. Established in 1913, the year of Crete’s unification with Greece, the Agora hosts over 70 family-owned businesses selling local groceries and products. Sample local delicacies, discovering why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.

After satisfying your taste buds, we’ll stroll through the old town district, navigating hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering secret gardens. Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists, and learn how Chania has been a crossroads between the West and East for centuries.

Next, witness local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories and maybe even test your skills!

We’ll then meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighborhoods, learning how multiculturalism has shaped the lives of the locals over the centuries.

After walking along the historic harbor’s promenade, you’ll relax at a local favorite spot, enjoying a delightful table of Cretan mezedes (local tapas).

Our tour concludes here, the perfect place to continue your exploration of the city, or we can escort you back to the starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more tips on making the most of your trip to amazing Chania.

Local Impact — How You Help the Community

Meet local shopowners and family-owned businesses selling Cretan-only products.
Visit one of the last remaining workshops for traditional handmade Cretan knives and hear stories from the knife maker.
Sample locally sourced food from Crete’s villages, farmers, and stock-breeders.

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.

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 alleys 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.

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.

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.

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.