Best 23 Churches & cathedrals activities on Crete Island

Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you head uphill through picturesque olive groves and make the first stop at Halevi Monastery. See the church of Panagia with its flame-shaped windows and the ruin of the monastery building, which was recently renovated. Continue to the village of Chromonastiri and visit Villa Clodio where the Military Museum is housed. As you reach the Myli Gorge, a small oasis close to the city, set out on a short hike through a gorge with diverse flora and fauna and visit the abandoned village of Myli.  Stop and relax in the Cretan village of Roussospiti and be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes from a family run taverna. Due to the elevated location you will have a breathtaking panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast. After lunch, ride to the monastery of Aghia Irini to talk to the nuns there and learn more about the history of this place before slowly starting your way back.

Start your day of adventure at your first stop of the trip, a local oil mill. Here you will have the opportunity to see how Crete’s famous olive oil is produced on this fascinating and informative outing. Follow on your journey through Crete and make a quick stop at the watersprings of Argyroupolis. These watersprings are responsible for the rich vegetation that surrounds the village, a truly magical and refreshing experience. Your last stop of the tour, lasting roughly 2,5 hours, will give you enough time to enjoy a swim and eat Cretan delicacies at the many taverns that are located around the lake.

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.

Your day will start with a visit to Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and home of the powerful and mythical King Minos. Wondering around its labyrinthine passages, you will time travel to an era 4,000 years ago and feel what life in the city was like in those days. Admire the monumental architecture, wall paintings, storage rooms, and workshops at the birthplace of European civilization. Next, walk on the Fortifications of Heraklion, the best-preserved city walls in the Mediterranean, in order to have a panoramic view of the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek. Visit the Cathedral of St. Minas, the imposing church adorned with Byzantine wall paintings and the essence of incense. Reaching the Old Town, meander its alleys and pedestrianized city center allowing you to stroll around undisturbed and explore the blending of traditional and modern lifestyles. In the heart of the Old Town, see the Morosini Lions Fountain, constructed during the Venetian era and the typical meeting point for locals. Surrounded by various shops ready to serve coffee, ice cream, and local delicacies, this is a place awake around the clock. Right across is St. Mark’s Basilica, host to the Municipal Art Gallery open to the public almost all day every day. On your way to the Old Venetian Harbour, you will see the Venetian Loggia, the city’s town hall and a masterpiece of architecture. The best-known feature of Heraklion not to missed is the famous Koules Fortress which defended the city from its enemies in the 16th century.

This tour is for those who would like to get to know Cretan culture and traditions while enjoying a four-hour off-road excursion. You will visit a modern olive mill, so that you can see how olive oil is produced, and you can also enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the oils. After this, you will explore some myths and stories hidden After that you will climb 600 metres above sea-level on an off-road route. You will travel through the Lefka Ori woods and you will be stunned by the panoramic views from the trail. Later, you will meet a shepherd who will show you how Cretan cheeses are made and you can try some of the cheeses he makes himself.   Finally, the evening will come to a close with a traditional evening meal. There will be lots of food and traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy, and the evening will leave you with fond memories of your day spent exploring Crete. 

Discover the best of Heraklion in one thrilling day with our Ecobike Full Day Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the city, indulge in a delightful food tour tasting, and savor exquisite wines during a memorable wine tasting experience. This all-in-one adventure allows you to explore, taste, and enjoy the diverse facets of Heraklion. During the tour, you’ll embark on a fascinating historical journey, visiting iconic landmarks and historical sites. Our knowledgeable local guide will share captivating stories and insights, bringing the city’s history to life. Along the way, you’ll stop at local eateries to sample authentic flavors and culinary delights, experiencing the vibrant food scene of Heraklion. As the tour progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to delight your taste buds with a wine tasting experience. Discover the unique flavors and aromas of Cretan wines as you learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. At the end of this immersive adventure, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and flavors of Heraklion. Whether you choose to continue exploring the city’s bustling streets or head back to your hotel, this tour will leave you with a newfound love for Heraklion’s vibrant spirit. Join us on the Ecobike Full Day Tour and experience the ultimate blend of history, food, and wine in the heart of Heraklion. Explore, taste, and enjoy a day of discovery that will create lasting memories.

Enjoy some time away from the beaches and explore a different side of Crete on a guided excursion. See the freshwater springs in the small town of Krasi, visit the Kera and Vidiani monasteries, step into the mythical Psychro Cave, and take part in a traditional ceramics workshop. Get picked up from your accommodation in the morning and take a short drive to the traditional village of Krasi. Gaze at the beautiful freshwater springs and the oldest tree on Crete as you take in the countryside scenery. Up next, stop at two local monasteries. See the Monastery of Kera dedicated to the Virgin Mary, near the town of Kera. Move on to Vidiani Monastery, a small male monastery at the foot of Louloudaki Mountain. Uncover the secrets of the mythical birthplace of Zeus, Psychro Cave, decorated with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Lastly, see how traditional pieces of ceramics are made, before heading over to a typical Cretan tavern with local products and dishes to enjoy lunch at your own expense.

The bus departs around 09:00 from Rethymno for the drive to Crete’s capital city of Chania, the most beautiful town on the island. Settled more than 4,000 years ago, Chania is one of the oldest cities in Europe. On this full-day excursion you’ll have 5 hours to explore Chania, with plenty of free time for a romantic walk through the idyllic old town. Visit historic neighborhoods, churches and museums and take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port for shopping, a cup Greek coffee and lunch (not included in the tour price). At around 16:00 the bus will depart for the return trip to Rethymno.

Discover Lasithi Plateau and its important landmarks on a guided day trip from Heraklion, with hotel transfers included. Visit Krasi village, the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and the Psychro Cave. Participate in a ceramics workshop and end your day exploring the traditional village of Knossos Palace. After a hotel pickup, head to the traditional mountain village of Krasi known for its quaint central square with stone fountains and an enormous plane tree thought to be 2,400 years old. See intimate tavernas and cafes scattered among the streets, small stone churches, and freshwater springs. Next, explore the Eastern Orthodox Keras Monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Then, visit the Vidiani Monastery located at the foothills of Louloudaki Mountain. Learn how it was built in the 19th century by the monk Methodius Peraki, probably on the ruins of an older monastery. Continue to Psychro Cave, the mythical birth place of Zeus. Admire the ancient Minoan sacred cave and its stalactites and stalagmites. Next up, see how traditional ceramics are made from a local. Afterward, stop at a traditional tavern for lunch. Choose from a variety of local dishes made from local products of the Lassithi plateau, homemade wine, and products from the surrounding mountains. Leaving the beautiful region of Lasithi behind, end the tour at the Historical Site of Knossos, Europe’s oldest city. Join a 1-hour guided tour and take photos of this Bronze Age archaeological site. Then, hop back on the bus to return to your hotel.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Rethymno, and then journey by bus to the stone church in Kotsifu Gorge. Marvel at the steep cliffs and dramatic rock formations of the canyon, and then make your way to the historic plateau of Askifou. Stop to take souvenir photos of beautiful Plakias Bay, and then drive up into the mountains to visit the traditional village of Kallikrati. Swim in the deep blue waters of the Libyan sea. Stop for a coffee in the village of Argyroupolis near the Roman site of Lappa and marvel at the waterfalls. Next, go to beautiful Lake Kournas and enjoy a well-deserved traditional lunch in a typical village tavern at your own expense. Get a magnificent view of the lake and mountains before you drive back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel.