Best 22 Educational tours and activities on Crete Island

Join a guided tour of Knossos, a complex of more than 1500 interlocking rooms, once an astonishing palace built for a mighty king of the Bronze Age. Knossos is considered Europe’s oldest city.
As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, get the chance to see the original throne of ‘’Minos”, the mystifying sanctuaries, the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family, Crete’s treasures pantries, and the water-management systems.
The first palace of Knossos was erected soon after 2000 BC. In 1700 BC, a catastrophic earthquake destroyed the Palace. A new palace was built immediately, the most monumental of all, and for over 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 in four storeys, impressive storage areas, specialized workshops, and spacious courts hosting ceremonies and feasts.
Learn how during the last decades of the 14th century BC, a series of earthquakes led to the final destruction of the palace. 

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.

Travel through stunning natural landscapes up into the mountains of the Kissamos region on this 7-hour tour from Chania.

Stop at a traditional family winery, established in 1993, and learn about the varieties of wine they produce and their ideas for modern farming processes and wine production.

Taste award-winning local Vidiano, Muscat of Spina and some international varieties such as Grenache rouge, Syrah and Mourvèdre that each have a unique taste due the local terroir.

Next you’ll visit a traditional village and see the oldest olive tree in the world, with an estimated age of 3,000 years.

This is a day filled with tasting different wine expressions of noble grapes and a variety of delicious foods.

Head to another winery in the Kissamos region to taste a special local blend of white wines with Vilana, Vidiano and Assyrtiko varieties.

Walk through the idyllic landscape of the vineyards and visit the family’s olive oil factory. Learn about extra virgin olive oil production. The wine tasting here will be accompanied by a tasting of extra virgin olive oils and local pure products, creating combinations your palate will never forget.

You’ll also learn the Cretan way of saying goodbye drinking the award-winning Tsikoudia.

Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Crete through our exceptional cooking class, where authenticity meets healthy organic ingredients. Immerse yourself in the flavors of the region, featuring extra virgin olive oil, locally sourced meats, aromatic herbs, and freshly harvested vegetables.

Begin your culinary adventure with a leisurely stroll through our vegetable garden, connecting with the raw produce and gaining insights into the diverse array of herbs. Discover the secrets of Cretan cuisine as you embark on the preparation of a traditional meal, guided by local expertise. Take a scenic mountain walk to a shepherd’s enclave, where the captivating story of olive harvesting unfolds.

Return to our culinary haven to savor the exquisite flavors of Cretan cheese and wine, setting the stage for the creation of appetizers like ntakos and tzatziki. Elevate your culinary prowess with a delightful dinner, skillfully paired with regional wines. Conclude this gastronomic journey with the sweet notes of traditional jar desserts, leaving your palate satiated and your heart filled with the warmth of Cretan hospitality. Immerse yourself in a truly authentic and memorable experience, where every dish tells a story of the vibrant culinary tapestry of Crete.

On this 1-hour tour you’ll enjoy a total olive oil experience at Terra Creta, located in the heart of the Kolymvari region. Visit the innovative, state-of-the-art facility and learn about the process from harvesting to production.

The mill operates only from October to February. Information and tips about best use and storage are provided by the highly skilled personnel.

Enjoy a guided tasting of 3 different olive oils and sample a variety of appetizers. Afterwards, browse the store and purchase high-quality Terra Creta olive oils of different labels, as well as balsamic vinegar and Greek olives in travel-safe packaging.

Get back to nature and look for wildlife by 4WD jeep as you drive into the White Mountains. Cross a valley full of orange groves, avocado trees, and vegetable gardens, pass through rural villages, and experience life on the island away from the beach resorts.

Break for a coffee or cup of mountain tea far from the crowds. Then continue uphill to discover a typical shepherd’s hut (mitato) in a remote area that other vehicles can’t reach. Learn about the local graviera cheese and what life is like as a shepherd. Keep a look out for eagles and wild goats, and then venture along a rocky road to get panoramic vistas from 1,350 meters above sea level.

Return towards Chania via the village of Therisso, where you will stop to try the local produce at a traditional family-run tavern. Next, follow the road through the amazing Therisso gorge to arrive back in Chania.

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 World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler’s Operation Mercury.

Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops.

Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.