Best 41 Urban Exploration tours and activities on Crete Island

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.  

Discover Chania: Guided Bike Tours with Ride Around Chania

Join our 2-and-a-half-hour Chania bike tour and uncover more of this enchanting city than you ever could on foot. From historical landmarks to hidden gems, this guided bike tour is the perfect way to explore Chania.

Experience Chania’s Landmarks and Hidden Treasures:

See Chania’s famous landmarks like the Firkas Fortress, the Cathedral of the Virgin Maria, the Giali Tzamisi, and the Venetian architecture. Our unique bike tours guide you through the narrow, twisty streets of the old city, leading you to hidden spots that show the real heart of Chania – places loved by locals and often missed by visitors.

Dive into the Rich History of Chania:

Chania’s history spans from the Prehistoric era through the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Domination, Ottoman era, and Cretan State. Our guided bike tours offer an in-depth exploration of both old and modern Chania, providing insights and visual imagery into the culture, customs, and traditions of our beloved city.

Safe and Secure Touring:

We’ve thoughtfully planned our bike tours to take you through areas free of heavy traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

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.

Since its first settlement in the Neolithic period, Chania has been a prized location for many empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans. Its strategic position has led to a rich and tumultuous history, making Chania a city with an enthralling story.

Join us on a laid-back walking tour of Chania to explore what makes this cultural capital so extraordinary. We’ll visit some of the Old Town’s best sights, famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems, including the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!

We begin our tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), the boundary between the old and new town. Established in 1913, the year of Crete’s unification with Greece, the Agora hosts over 70 family-owned businesses selling local groceries and products. Sample local delicacies, discovering why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.

After satisfying your taste buds, we’ll stroll through the old town district, navigating hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering secret gardens. Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists, and learn how Chania has been a crossroads between the West and East for centuries.

Next, witness local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories and maybe even test your skills!

We’ll then meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighborhoods, learning how multiculturalism has shaped the lives of the locals over the centuries.

After walking along the historic harbor’s promenade, you’ll relax at a local favorite spot, enjoying a delightful table of Cretan mezedes (local tapas).

Our tour concludes here, the perfect place to continue your exploration of the city, or we can escort you back to the starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more tips on making the most of your trip to amazing Chania.

Local Impact — How You Help the Community

Meet local shopowners and family-owned businesses selling Cretan-only products.
Visit one of the last remaining workshops for traditional handmade Cretan knives and hear stories from the knife maker.
Sample locally sourced food from Crete’s villages, farmers, and stock-breeders.

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.

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.

Vist areas such as the Old city, Venetian Harbor, Nea Chora, Kum Kapi and Splantzia on this tour. Arrive at the office 15-20 minutes before your tour begins to be geared up with headsets and helmets, followed by a brief safety training from your tour leader and practice driving a Segway before you go, so that you can feel safe and relaxed. Then it’s time to enjoy your tour and have fun!

Discover all the historical information about the monuments we visit on the way in your chosen language. Enjoy having a personal guide that will take you around the Old City, showing you its secrets and providing you with insider tips.

In the days that follow your tour you will receive a link to download your tour photos. The tour ends back at the office.

Embark on a captivating day tour that seamlessly combines comfort, history, and exploration, all from the convenience of a bus equipped with air conditioning, led by a professional driver. Starting from the picturesque region of Rethymnon, journey towards the heart of Cretan civilization in Heraklion.

Knossos Palace, 2 hours of free time (without a guide):
The first stop on our tour is the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, where you can freely explore the echoes of history at your own pace. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the complex labyrinth-like structure, storied frescoes, and archaeological wonders that have intrigued visitors for centuries. This self-guided visit to Knossos allows you to immerse yourself in the world of the Minoans and uncover the myths and realities of Europe’s oldest city at your leisure.

Archaeological Museum (optional)
We provide an optional stop for those interested in visiting the museum on their own. Alternatively, you can choose to head directly to the town if you prefer. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience to your interests. Following the footsteps of history, the journey continues to the vibrant town of Heraklion, where the Archaeological Museum awaits. The museum, one of the most significant in Greece, houses an extensive collection of Minoan artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of the civilization you just explored at Knossos. Wander through exhibits displaying pottery, jewelry, frescoes, and more, each piece narrating its own story of the island’s rich heritage.

Heraklion Town, free time for 3 hours:
After immersing yourself in ancient history, enjoy some leisure time in the bustling city center of Heraklion. Here, you’re free to explore at your own pace, whether that means savoring local Cretan cuisine at a quaint taverna, strolling through the lively streets and squares, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of modern-day Crete amidst its historical backdrop.