Best 191 Sightseeing cruises activities on Crete Island

This private guided tour takes place in Rethymno, and lets you discover the history of Rethymno Region. Unknown historical information and various points of great significance ought to be discovered in this full-day tour. We start this tour by doing various sightseeing stops, to see the valleys and villages of Mainland Rethymno, a prefecture east of Chania Region. After a lovely drive through one of Rethymno’s most beautiful gorges, we finally reach the Monastery of Arkadi with huge historical & Archaeological significance. Free time is given to explore the artefacts of the monastery, pray and meditate, as well as gather in the gunpowder room and learn about the history of self- committed suicide of monks, women and warriors during the Ottoman Rule of the island. We continue our full-day guided tour to visit the Museum of Eleftherna, which hosts many historic artefacts from the recent excavations of the old town and necropolis that dates back to the Homer years. Time is being given free to explore the museum, and interact with the experienced museum staff. As we continue onwards, we may stop for lunch at a lovely tavern that serves traditional and organic Cretan food, or we continue straight to the Arts and Crafts village of Margarites. This Village is famous worldwide for the many art workshops and handmade crafts artists that reside in the village, owning their own shops and producing souvenirs of the highest quality. After a stroll in the village, having bought some unique handmade souvenirs at a bargain price, we continue to visit a unique underground cave with huge historical significance. This underground cave is unique in Crete, and a Must see! Needless to say, this will be the highlight of your excursion to Rethymno, as we stand in awe admiring the numerous stalactites and stalagmites and learning about the history of the Cave, on the Foothills of Mount Ida (Psiloritis Mountain).

Start your tour with pick up in an air-conditioned Land Rover from your accommodations at 10 AM and head into the Dikti Mountain Range. You’ll pass through several traditional and very picturesque mountain villages. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or to have a coffee at a real taverna. At the Lassithi Plateau, you might see eagles and vultures, as both nest around this area. Next, you’ll reach the base of Mount Spathi. The Psychro Cave, the birth place of the Greek god Zeus, is located on the north face of Spathi. You’ll walk 15 minutes up the steep hill to the entrance of the cave and from there follow the path down into the spectacular cave.   Next, enjoy a traditional Cretan meze lunch with local wine. After lunch, you’ll continue around the plateau and then descend taking in views of the north coast and the impressive Aposelemis Dam. You will then visit a 2400-year-old plane tree, the oldest on the island, as well as the Selinari Monastery.

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, taking a walk among the island’s cedar trees, 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.

Join an evening catamaran cruise from the Marina of Rethymno and watch the sunset from the water. Enjoy unlimited wine and beer paired with fresh fruit and cheese as you admire the view. Meet the captain and crew at the Marina and hop aboard the catamaran for a romantic journey on the open seas. Sit back and relax as you set sail, traveling along the coast of Rethymno towards Scaleta. Watch as the sun begins to set, bathing the landscape in warm, golden hues.

Discover Chania’s Old Town on a private or shared group guided tour with a local. Learn about local history, and taste delicious Cretan street food as you explore. Meet your guide in Chania’s bustling market, then set off into the historic Old Town. Unravel the history of Chania as you stroll around the streets and admire the impressively well-preserved architecture. Stroll along the cobbled narrow paths of the city, and learn about Chania’s Venetian past, renaissance heritage, and Ottoman influences. Pass by famous landmarks and soak up the charming atmosphere as you mingle with the locals. As you explore, discover the flavors of Cretan cuisine, stop at colorful food shops and taverns, selling wine, olive-oil, cheese, herbs, spices, and more, and enjoy street food samples along the way.  

Spend the day on the water with friends and family on an afternoon cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island by the premium-class sailing catamaran Nutitech 4.5 Fly*. Explore the bay with included snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and inflatables. Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner onboard**. After taking off from Heraklion, start your trip with a welcome on board. Get to know the team and get briefed by your captain about the safety rules and trip to Dia Island. Sail for approximately 1 hour to one of the most picturesque bays in the area. Stop to swim, snorkel, play with inflatables, or try stand-up paddleboarding. Before the end of the trip, savor a Mediterranean meal with seafood, local drinks, and imported beverages. Cruise back to Heraklion while surrounded by sweeping scenery. * Catamaran model may change, ** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.

Relax & Enjoy We offer our guests the opportunity to visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose between a morning or sunset private half-day cruise, and a full-day private cruise, up to ten persons. Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island’s cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea. Relax on board our sailing boat MARYLINE, enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze!

Cycle the Old Harbor of Chania on a 9km small group bike tour, and see the archaeological and architectural wonders of the city. Experience the beauty of the Venetian and Byzantine walls, the Venetian Neoria, and the impressive Firka fortress. Let your guide show you all the spots that only the locals know and glide through the bohemian neighborhood of Splantzia. Admire the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and step inside this Greek Orthodox church. Snap pictures on the most picturesque harbor of Greece and enjoy views of the lighthouse. Sip on ice tea at local hotspot and take in the panoramic views of old harbor while munching on an energy bar. Go for a refreshing dip at Nea Chora beach Ride at your own level, as the route is designed for the average cyclist. Follow your guide to avoid the busy city traffic and find the flattest paths.

Get an introduction to the best food that Heraklion has to offer by treating your palate to traditional Cretan dishes and exceptional local wines! Go on an unforgettable tasty journey through Heraklion’s local neighbourhoods. After meeting your local guide, start off with a traditional Greek coffee also known as ellinikós kafés. Learn why Greeks love coffee and see it brewed the traditional way in sand and be taught “cup reading”, a centuries-old tradition that reads your future. Enjoy Heraklion’s well-known bougatsa in a family-owned business that has mastered its bougatsa technique since 1922. Consisting of semolina custard, cheese, or minced meat filling between layers of phyllo, bougatsa is a must-taste pastry that you shouldn’t miss while being in the city. Continue to a local market where you’ll meet the local vendors and learn about their products. Sample some of the basic elements of Cretan cuisine such as olives, rusks, and cheese. Become a cheese-tasting expert by receiving local hints and learn how to spot the best local cheeses. Taste the island’s famous olive oil and find out why organic Cretan olive oil is one of the best oils in the world. Sit down for a local organic meat dish or if you want to show yourself how brave you are, sample a dish that is loved by most Cretans: fried snails. Move on to your last stop and taste some local Cretan wines in a family-run shop. Keep in mind that winemaking in Crete has a long history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay.

Enjoy a yachting cruise aboard a catamaran at sunset to Dia Island. Sail the Aegean Sea in the evening and capture romantic and colorful views as the sun goes down. Depart in the evening from Heraklion Harbor and experience a warm welcome aboard by the Captain and Crew. Learn all the safety rules and feel totally at ease as the sun sets in vibrant colors on the sea’s surface. Arrive at Dia Island, and find yourself dipping into the turquoise waters and enjoying its cool and refreshing nature. Try snorkeling along the surface and witness the seabed below. Try out SUP paddling, or leisurely wave along the water on a pink inflatable flamingo. In the meantime, the crew sets the table with delicious food and beverages. Delight in a scrumptious cheese plate and get properly introduced to the world of Cretan cheese, something definitely worth trying. Feel totally satisfied with a great evening out on the sea.