Best 25 National Parks tours and activities on Crete Island

Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim. 
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains.

Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos.

Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk.

Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.

Explore the famous Samaria Gorge on a trip along the northern coastline of Crete and through the White Mountains up to the Omalos Plateau. Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and today, it is the last natural refuge for the Cretan goat species known as Kri-Kri.

Depart early in the morning and board a coach which will pick you up from your hotel. After a comfortable drive, arrive at the plateau of Omalos for a small break before heading to the entrance of the gorge. The start of the hiking trail through the gorge is at a height of 1200m. On the route, pass by rich vegetation and through the tall rock walls known as the “Iron Gates”. Fill up your water bottle at one of the springs in the gorge.

At the end of the 17km walk, reach the Libyan Sea. There, at the beach of Ayia Roumeli, enjoy a refreshing swim or sit at one of the taverns until a ferry takes the group to Chora Sfakion where the bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel. 

Your full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge begins with pickup in Heraklion and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains. Enjoy breakfast before setting out on your challenging 10-mile (17 kilometer) hike.
The trek will take you over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river by fresh-water springs. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range, and you are also likely to see mountain goats roaming in the wild. You will be accompanied by a professional mountain escort who speaks English, German and Greek.
Your escort will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you with the tickets for the entrance and ferry. After your breakfast you will enter the Samaria Gorge, where you can walk at your own pace as your guide waits at the end of the group to help you out if you need them.

At the end of the trek you’ll visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. You can enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. Late in the afternoon you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where your bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point.

Begin your journey with a comfortable hotel pickup or directly in the charming Heraklion Old Venetian harbor, depending on the option you choose. Before you board your sailboat, soak in the sight of the ancient fortress.

The trip to Dia Island takes about an hour, depending on the weather. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins while listening to fascinating stories about the island’s legend and history. If you wish, you can participate in the sailing activities.

After you arrive at Dia Island, enjoy free time to explore the crystal-clear waters. Go snorkeling, try your hand at fishing, go paddleboarding, or go for a hike on the island. If you prefer, chill out on the deck with a drink.

After about an hour, enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal. Feast on fresh Greek salads, tasty appetizers, and seafood pasta. Wash it all down with wine, beer, or soft drinks.

After lunch, you’ll have plenty of time to swim and enjoy some delicious fruit paired with a traditional drink called raki before heading back to Heraklion. If you take the afternoon tour, admire the stunning colors of the sunset as you cruise home.

Start your day at Spili, a small and beautiful village very popular for the lion head fountains, by relaxing under the trees while enjoying a Greek cup of coffee. Try honey and olive oil from local producers. Visit the folks museum and learn about the Cretan history.

Then explore the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk through the rising rock walls and admire the incredible natural scenery, before you reach the lonely chapel of Agios Nikolaos. Listen to the ethereal sound of the wind, created by its movement through the gorge. Reach the springs of Kourtaliotis, where you swim under the waterfalls.

Arrive at the exotic coastal resort of Kalypso, an old pirate shelter. Relax on Karavos beach, which has recently become a national park. Walk across the towering rocks and dive into the turquoise water of the Libyan Sea.

Explore the historic sites and local culture of Crete on a drive to sights such as the dam of Aposelemis, the village of Avdou, and more. See a stunning sunset from the Minoan settlement, Karfi, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Your first stop is the village Potamies – a guided tour of a traditional animal ranch where you’ll experience the culture as the locals go about their daily tasks.
Enjoy the aroma of fresh fruits and vegetables as you wander through the gardens of the village to the dam of Aposelemis, the largest water supply project in Crete. Here you’ll see the curious village of Sfendili, whose old houses are slowly fading into the water of the dam.
Then it’s on to the village that perhaps most embodies Crete: Avdou. Characteristic of the settlement, all the buildings are well-preserved and have descriptions of the area’s history. 
We continue the drive uphill on dirt roads to the gorge of Embassa, where you’ll see the impressive mountains and wildlife of Crete. You’ll even have the opportunity to collect some of the fresh local herbs.
It’s then time for the dazzling sunset at the historical Minoan settlement, Karfi, accompanied by cool Prosecco and fresh seasonal fruits. Finally, you’ll finish your day with a dinner of local delicacies.

Book a private rigid inflatable boat (RIB) vessel and an experienced skipper to explore the western parts of Crete with your family or friends. Departing from Kissamos Port, board your boat and ride the waves to the famous Balos Lagoon and to the historic Gamvousa Island. The skipper will take you on an adventurous or relaxed ride (according to your preferences) and provide drinks and snacks on the way.

At your first stop, Balos, you’ll anchor and explore the area’s white sand beaches and vivid turquoise waters for 1.5 hours. You’ll then head to Gramvousa, an island with a medieval fortress at the top of the hill. There, you can sunbathe, snorkel, and swim for another 1.5 hours before returning to Kissamos.

Begin your cruise 10:30 AM with a group of up to 8 people, and enjoy a full-day sailing trip around the magical island of Crete. Along the way, you will make stops at the usual destinations, such as the coasts and islands located near Chania, Theodorou, and Machairida Bay. 
You will also have the opportunity to sail the yacht yourself with an experienced skipper on board to teach you everything you need to know about sailing the boat.

This tour includes lunch, soft drinks, fresh fruits, and dessert. Feast on rich Cretan flavors, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. As well, make stops to swim, sunbathe, or relax on deck, all at your request.
You can experience the wonderful underwater world with complimentary masks, snorkels, and fins, which will be readily available onboard for your use. 

Finish your cruise at 6:30 PM, at which point you will be transported back to the sailing dock.