Discover the magic of Crete on our Beach Trips. Experience these captivating Beach Trips in Crete. Explore pristine sands, azure waters, and secret coves. Transform your holiday into a Cretan beach adventure today!
This day trip covers the three places most visitors to eastern Crete want to see: Agios Nikolaos with its lake, the former fishing village of Elounda, and Spinalonga, the Venetian fortress island that served as a leper colony until 1957. The boat to Spinalonga leaves from Elounda, and a guide travels with the group throughout. Altino Travel runs it over 8 to 11 hours from €37.80, with a 4.67 rating across 5,734 reviews, it ranks 29th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The coach works east along the Mirabello coast, with roughly 90 minutes at each stop. Three parts make up the day.
First is Agios Nikolaos, built around Lake Voulismeni, a deep inland pool connected to the harbour by a short channel, ringed with cafes and shops. Second is Elounda, once a fishing village and now the anchor of Crete’s luxury hotel coast, where the boat to Spinalonga departs. Third is Spinalonga itself: the Venetian fortifications, the Ottoman town that followed, and the leper colony that operated until 1957, the subject of Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island, which is why the daily visitor numbers run into the hundreds.
Reviewers report approximately 90 minutes at Agios Nikolaos, 90 at Elounda and 90 on Spinalonga.
The route runs along the Mirabello gulf in the Lasithi regional unit.
The fare covers the transport, the guide and the boat, and the island entry is paid separately.
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EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 enter Spinalonga free, on presentation of ID or passport.
We recommend this trip because it solves the Spinalonga problem properly. Getting to the island independently means driving to Elounda or Plaka, finding parking in high season, buying a boat ticket, buying an entry ticket, and hoping a guide is available on the island. This does all of it, and adds the two towns either side.
At 5,734 reviews averaging 4.67, with guiding and transport both at 4.8, the delivery is consistent at scale. Guides are named, Jana appears repeatedly, described as friendly, personable and genuinely informative. A British reviewer summed up the appeal as ticking every box: history, attractive towns, a boat ride and a swim.
Reviewers also praise the variety. One noted all four activities suited everybody in the group, which matters on a family day out where a full day of ruins would not.
Three things to know honestly.
The €20 island fee is a significant addition. It is more than half the tour price again, and it is not in the headline figure. Bring cash or a card and check who in your group qualifies for free entry before you go.
The stops are 90 minutes each and that is tight for Elounda. A Belgian reviewer put it precisely: 1 hour 20 minutes at Elounda when you also want to eat leaves no time to enjoy the village. If lunch matters, eat at Agios Nikolaos instead.
Changing after the swim is awkward. A British reviewer noted there was no room on the boat to get changed, and said that on a fully booked sailing it would have been impossible. Wear your swimwear under your clothes.
If you want the shorter, cheaper version with a longer swim and no coach, the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga sails from the harbour in 4.5 hours.
Budget for the island fee, wear swimwear under your clothes, and eat at the first stop.
Pick-up and drop-off are included, and the day runs 8 to 11 hours depending on your hotel. Bring comfortable shoes and beachwear; pets are not permitted.
The €20 Spinalonga entry fee is paid on the island. To claim free or reduced entry you must show a valid ID card or passport confirming your age and country.
The day runs 8 to 11 hours depending on your pick-up point, with roughly 90 minutes at each of the three stops.
No, entry to Spinalonga costs €20 and is paid separately on the island.
EU citizens under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 enter free, on presentation of a valid ID card or passport.
A swim is part of the day, though reviewers warn there is little room to change on the boat afterwards.
Spinalonga was a Venetian fortress, then an Ottoman town, then a leper colony until 1957, and became widely known through Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island.
About 90 minutes, which reviewers describe as tight if you also plan to eat there.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga day trip.
This cruise leaves Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour and spends 4.5 hours at two islands west of the city: Agioi Theodoroi, a protected reserve for the Cretan wild goat, and Lazaretta, with its two sandy beaches. Manos Cruises runs the Ferryman boat from Akti Enoseos, prices start at €38, and the tour holds a 4.91 rating across 799 reviews with a perfect 5.0 on guiding, transport and value alike.
The boat heads west from the Old Port, makes three stops and returns past the harbour for the view back at the city. Each stop has a distinct purpose.
First comes a 20-minute anchorage off Agioi Theodoroi beside the wreck of a German aircraft from the Second World War, destroyed and lying in clear water. Swimmers go in to see it, this stop is for swimmers only, with no landing. Second, the boat moves to a small gulf on the same island for around 30 minutes, where the kri-kri goats are often visible on the slopes. Third is Lazaretta, a small island opposite Nea Chora, where two sandy beaches and clear water make the longest stop of the trip.
The return leg runs past the Venetian harbour, giving you the lighthouse and the walled fortresses from the water. Homemade raki is poured on the way.
The route covers two islets off the Chania coast, both within sight of the city.
The fare covers the boat, the guiding, snorkelling kit and a light snack, and it leaves out towels and hotel transfer.
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Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
We recommend this cruise as the easiest way to get off the Chania seafront and into clear water without committing a whole day. We rate the stretch west of the Old Port as underused, most visitors look east towards the beaches and never notice that two islands sit twenty minutes from the harbour wall. The wreck stop in particular is the kind of thing you normally need a dive licence to see, and here it is a swim.
The review record is the strongest argument. A 4.91 average across 799 reviews with 5.0 on every measured dimension is close to the ceiling. Reading through them, three things recur. The crew are named personally, Manos and Lucas come up repeatedly, and described as attentive rather than merely competent. The history commentary is mentioned as often as the swimming, so the guiding is real rather than decorative. And several people describe booking it last-minute as a filler and rating it the day of their trip.
Two honest caveats.
GetYourGuide’s own summary of the verified reviews says the included lunch is basic and that travellers would like more substantial snacks and drinking water. The inclusion list is a sandwich, a juice and raki, so treat it as a snack, eat beforehand and bring your own water.
The second is the swimming itself. The first stop has no landing at all, it is a swim-only anchorage, and the second beach is reachable only by swimming or by the tender. One reviewer flagged sea urchins between the rocks. Confident swimmers get the most out of this trip; hesitant ones will spend it on deck.
Bring your own water, wear something on your feet in the water, and take the morning sailing for the calmest sea.
The boat leaves from Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Port waterfront. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a towel.
Two points about access matter when you choose this trip. The first stop at Agioi Theodoroi is for swimmers only, and the second stop’s beach can be reached only by swimming or by taking the tender boat. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out, so book ahead in July and August.
The cruise runs 4.5 hours, covering two stops at Agioi Theodoroi and a longer stop at Lazaretta.
Yes, by swimming to it. The boat anchors for about 20 minutes beside a destroyed German aircraft from the Second World War, in water clear enough to see it from the surface.
A sandwich, juice and raki are included. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would prefer more substantial snacks, so eat before you board.
Non-swimmers see the islands but not the stops. The first anchorage has no landing, and the second beach is reached only by swimming or by tender boat.
The boat departs Akti Enoseos 5 in Chania, on the Old Venetian Harbour waterfront.
Sightings are likely rather than certain. Agioi Theodoroi is a protected reserve for the endangered Cretan goat, and the second stop is positioned where they are most often visible.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat cruise to Agioi Theodoroi and Lazaretta.
For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned bus. The first
stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know
lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore
the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at Matala where you
will have 2,5 hour of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its
beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan
period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 6 0’s and 7 0’s. Many
musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens.
The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of Agia Galini. Here will have 1,5 hours to
explore the village. The small, traditional houses and the harbor make the perfect match for a
coffee οr lunch break. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.
This is the cheapest way to get on the water in Chania and one of the best rated: two hours on a traditional wooden boat from the Venetian harbour, out past the lighthouse to Lazaretta, a small uninhabited islet reachable only by swimming. Snorkelling gear and a glass of wine are included. Manos Cruises run it from €19, with a 4.9 rating across 710 reviews.
Two hours split into a short crossing and a long stop. Three parts make it up.
First is the departure across the old Venetian harbour, which passes the whole waterfront and comes close under the Venetian lighthouse, the shot most people want from Chania. Second is the short run west to Lazaretta, with the crew explaining the islet’s history on the way; it served as the harbour’s quarantine and leper island, which is why it was left alone. Third is about 1.5 hours anchored there for snorkelling and swimming, with masks provided, before the return leg gives you the town and lighthouse from the sea.
The islet has no landing and is reached only by swimming, which is exactly why the marine life around it is worth the trip.
The route stays within sight of the old town.
At €19 this is the least expensive boat trip we list, and the snorkelling gear is part of it.
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We recommend this one without reservation, and the numbers are the reason. A 4.9 average across 710 reviews is the strongest combination of rating and volume on this site, and guide quality scores a straight 5.0 out of 5, we have not seen another tour here hold a perfect guiding score at that sample size.
The crew is what people write about. A Swiss reviewer described the guides as funny and friendly while still making sure everyone was safe. A Canadian guest said the hosts went above and beyond to make sure everyone on the boat was enjoying themselves. A German visitor named Manos and his crew as super organised. This is a small operation and it reads like one.
The value is the second reason. €19 buys two hours, snorkelling gear and a glass of wine, and a Polish reviewer summed it up as a pleasant atmosphere at an attractive price. Value for money scores 4.9.
The snorkelling is genuinely good rather than incidental. Because nobody can land on Lazaretta, the water around it is undisturbed, a New Zealand reviewer reported heaps of fish, an American guest saw a sea turtle in the port and plenty of fish at the islet, and a Belgian visitor noted the crew handing out masks and pool noodles so weaker swimmers could join in.
One criticism, and it is the only one that recurs.
Some people want longer in the water. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers would improve it with a longer swim stop. At 1.5 hours of a 2-hour trip the swim is already most of the booking, so this is less a fault than a sign people enjoy it, but if you want a half-day at sea, this is not that trip.
Bring a towel, wear something you can swim in, and look for the wooden boat.
The boat leaves from the old Venetian harbour, close to the Porto Veneziano hotel and in front of Taverna Neoria. There is no transport to the harbour included, but the old town is walkable.
Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. High-heeled shoes, oversize luggage and large bags are not permitted on board.
The trip runs 2 hours, of which about 1.5 hours are spent anchored at the islet for swimming and snorkelling.
Masks are provided, along with a glass of wine and guided commentary, at no extra cost.
No, the islet is reached only by swimming, which is why the marine life around it is so undisturbed.
Lazaretta served as the quarantine and leper island for the old Venetian harbour, and the crew explain its history on the way out.
From the old Venetian harbour in Chania, near the Porto Veneziano hotel, look for the white wooden boat named Ferryman.
Yes, towels are not provided, and neither is food.
Check dates and prices for the Chania boat trip to Lazaretta island.
Kick off your shoes and come onboard an elegant yacht on a private sailing tour. Embark on a full-day or half-day private cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshment.
Benefit from optional pick-up from your hotel or apartment, and then relax on a 1-hour sailing cruise to Dia Island on a luxury yacht only for you and your family or friends.
After dropping anchor in the romantic Gulf of Saint George, spend your day discovering an idyllic location with great history, such as the underwater ancient Minoan port, which was one of the favorite destinations of the explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Enjoy fishing, swimming in the crystal clear water, swim ashore and walk among the wild nature of the island, or just relaxing in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Snorkeling and fishing equipment are provided for your comfort and convenience by the attentive crew, along with unlimited refreshments and seasonal fruits.
Depart from Dia Island and journey back to Heraklion, where a transfer to your hotel or cruise ship is provided if requested.
Embark on an unforgettable voyage through the crystalline waters of Crete aboard a luxurious catamaran. Departing from the enchanting Kissamos Port, prepare to indulge in a day of unparalleled adventure and relaxation as we set sail towards the mesmerizing wonders of Balos Bay and Gramvousa Island.
Step aboard the state-of-the-art catamaran, where opulence meets comfort, and allow our experienced crew to pamper you with impeccable service throughout your journey. As you glide gracefully across the azure Aegean Sea, soak in the panoramic views of the rugged coastline and vibrant landscapes that adorn the horizon.
Your first destination, the breathtaking Balos Bay, beckons with its idyllic white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Dive into the refreshing sea or bask in the Mediterranean sun on deck as you immerse yourself in this natural paradise.
Continuing your voyage, navigate towards the legendary Gramvousa Island, crowned by its majestic Venetian fortress perched atop rugged cliffs. During your stop at Gramvousa Island, indulge in a sumptuous lunch featuring the freshest seafood delicacies, meticulously prepared by the talented onboard chefs. Savor the flavors of the sea while taking in the unparalleled beauty of your surroundings.
Throughout the day, savor delectable gourmet cuisine and refreshing beverages served onboard, ensuring that every moment of your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. For those seeking further adventure, take advantage of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards (SUP), and fishing equipment. Dive beneath the surface to discover the vibrant marine life, glide atop the waves on a paddleboard, or try your hand at fishing in the azure depths.
This day trip crosses Crete from Georgioupolis to the south coast, then reaches Preveli by water taxi rather than by the cliff staircase. The day gives you two hours at the palm beach, free time in the village of Plakias and a photo stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge on the return. BALLOS TRAVEL AGENCY run it from €28, with a 4.25 rating across 121 reviews.
The route runs south by coach, switches to a boat, and comes back through the gorge. Four stages make up the day.
First is the coach, roughly an hour from Georgioupolis across the island to a small bay on the Libyan Sea. Second is the water taxi, a 20 to 30 minute crossing to Preveli. Third is Preveli itself, about two hours at the beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out through a wild palm forest into the sea. Fourth is the return: free time in Plakias, then a stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where small churches are built into the cliff face.
Arriving by boat is the point. The overland route to Preveli ends in a long staircase down the cliff and the same climb back in full sun; the water taxi puts you on the sand.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back through the mountains.
The €28 covers the coach and the guide. The boat is paid separately on the day.
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Budget €14 per adult in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this one because it solves the hard part of Preveli for €28. The beach is the reason people come to the south coast, and the cliff path is the reason many regret it. Putting the boat in the middle of the day turns a strenuous trip into an easy one, and at this price it is the cheapest way we know to reach the palm forest from the Georgioupolis side.
The reviews are unusually consistent about the running of it. Guides are named again and again, Elena, Alexandra, Alicia, Paul, Jannes, which is what a well-staffed operation looks like rather than a one-good-guide fluke. A German guest praised the timing specifically, saying the stops were not too short and not too long at each location. Transportation scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of the three dimensions, and several reviewers single out the driver on the mountain roads.
Adding Plakias and the gorge to the return makes it a day rather than a beach transfer. A German visitor called the Plakias stop a highlight in its own right.
Three things to weigh, because this rates 4.25 rather than higher.
There is nothing at Preveli. A British reviewer put it plainly: there is not a great deal to do there, and there are no loungers or umbrellas. They still rated it five stars and enjoyed lying on the sand, but if a sunbed is essential to your beach day, this is the wrong trip.
Guiding is the weakest score at 4.1 out of 5. The guide commentary is the part reviewers are least uniform about, even while praising individuals by name.
The boat is not guaranteed. The operator states that in strong wind you may be asked to walk to the beach instead, which means the cliff path, the very thing the boat exists to avoid. Check the forecast.
Carry the boat fare in cash, bring your own shade, and check the wind.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Georgioupolis hotels. The coach leg runs about an hour each way and the boat crossing about 20 to 30 minutes.
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes. Temperatures on the south coast run high, so sun protection matters more here than on the north side. Pets are not permitted, though assistance dogs are allowed.
You travel by coach to a small bay, then by water taxi to the beach, which avoids the cliff staircase the overland route uses.
The water taxi costs €14 per adult, paid separately on the day and not included in the ticket price.
Reviewers report about two hours at the beach, plus free time later in Plakias.
No loungers or umbrellas are available, so bring your own shade if you need it.
Free time in Plakias village and a photo stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where churches are built into the cliff.
The operator may ask you to walk down to the beach instead of taking the boat, so check the forecast before you travel.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach day trip from Georgioupolis.
From Sfakia you can easily explore the south coast all the way along to Agia Roumeli (village at the end of Samaria gorge, no roads!) and also the remote and beautiful beaches and villages (Agios Pavlos, Marmara marble beach, Loutro fishing village again no roads!), Sweet water ‘Glyka Nera’ beach and Illingas beach – the options are many, you will not get bored! You will get all the tips you need and of course a detailed briefing upon rental.
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