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If you’re looking for an amazing Greek island vacation, look no further than Crete. Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands and offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches to ancient ruins, Crete is a must-see destination.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best Crete tours from Chania.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing on the beach, we have a tour for you!
Day Trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach destination, look no further than Elafonissi island. This Greek island is known for its dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters, and soft sandy beaches.
But what makes Elafonissi beach truly unique is its pink sand. The sand is actually made up of thousands of tiny shells, which give it its distinctive rosy hue.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities on the island, from swimming and sunbathing to windsurfing and kitesurfing.
And of course, no trip to Elafonissi would be complete without indulging in some traditional Greek food.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, be sure to add Elafonissi island to your travel list.
The day trip to Elafonisi Island includes traveling to the island on a bus with a guide, spending 4 hours relaxing on the famous beach with the pink sand, and a stop at a local tavern for lunch on the way back (the lunch is not included in the tour price).
To get to the Elafonissi beach you’ll be traveling through Topolia Gorge with amazing views and many traditional villages.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek
Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and for good reason. The gorge is a stunning example of nature’s raw beauty, and hiking through it is an unforgettable experience. But what exactly is Samaria Gorge, and what makes it so special?
Samaria Gorge is a chasm that was carved out by a river over millions of years. It is located in the southwest of the island of Crete and stretches for a distance of 16 kilometers. The walls of the gorge reach up to 600 meters high in places, and the river that runs through it is clear and fresh.
Hiking through Samaria Gorge is an amazing experience. The scenery is simply stunning, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the view. The hike can be challenging at times, but it’s well worth the effort. And when you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and a visit to the charming traditional village of Agia Roumeli.
You can organize this hike on your own if you have a rental car, or you can simply go on a guided tour.
In the afternoon after visiting Cretan village Agia Roumeli, you will catch a boat to Sfakia village. From there you can either return to your car via public transportation or use the bus provided by the guided tour company to return to your accommodation in Chania.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
From Chania: Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour
Gramvousa Island, located off the coast of Crete, is a haven of tranquility, offering stunning views and a chance to relax in unspoiled natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the island’s sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, or hike to see the island’s famous abandoned Venetian fortress.
With its unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Gramvousa Island is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the stresses of modern life.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach destination, look no further than Balos Bay. This idyllic spot is located on the north coast of Crete and is known for its gentle waves, turquoise waters, and sandy shores. Balos lagoon is a truly stunning location and looks great in the travel photos as well.
Visitors can also enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. It’s also possible to cross the bay between the Balos beach and the nearby island to have a kind of hike, only in water.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about crowds as Balos Bay is relatively unknown compared to other popular beaches.
You can visit both of these places on a day trip from Chania. It’s possible to either go on your own or book a guided tour.
To get to the Gramvousa Island you’ll need a ferry. If you are going on your own, check out this ferry offer. The boats depart from the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi). If you can drive in a rental car or by public transportation there, you don’t need to book the guided tour, you can get to the boat tour on your own.
However, if you don’t want a hassle, there is an organized tour option where the bus takes you from your hotel, drives you to the ferry, collects the money from you to skip the waiting line for the ferries and buy the tickets, and in the evening returns you back to the hotel.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour from Chania Area
Knossos Palace is a must-see for any history buff visiting Greece. This ancient site was the capital of the Minoan civilization, and it is thought to be the birthplace of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
The palace complex is vast, and it includes everything from housing to storage facilities to religious shrines. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the scale and sophistication of this ancient city.
And who knows, you might even come away with a new appreciation for Greek mythology!
Knossos Palace is located near the capital of Crete – Heraklion. You can see the impressive archaeological museum in Heraklion that will only enrich the experience that you had from visiting Knossos Palace. There is also more information and artifacts from the Minoan Crete, that come from other places on the island than the Knossos Palace.
Heraklion is also a lively city to explore. You can walk around the Old Town, do some shopping, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants. This is a great way to get to know more about the Cretan culture and maybe even taste some Cretan wine.
It’s possible to go on this day trip on your own if you have a rental car. Just go to the Knossos Palace first, and then find some parking spot near the center of Heraklion to explore the city on foot.
Or if you don’t want the hassle or don’t have a rental car, there is a guided tour. The advantage of the guided tour is that there will be an actual guide to tell you more about the Knossos Palace and Heraklion, so you’ll have a richer experience.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
Day Trip From Chania: Imbros Gorge Hike
One of the most stunning places on the island of Crete is the Imbros Gorge. This narrow canyon was carved over the years by a small river that flows through it. The walls of the gorge are steep and covered in vegetation, making it a cool and shady place to escape the heat of the summer sun.
It runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. It’s a bit shorter (only 8.5 kilometers are suitable for hiking) and may be open even at times when Samaria Gorge is closed due to the weather conditions. So if you have already hiked the Samaria Gorge, or want to hike something a bit less challenging, then Imbros Gorge is the best choice for you.
The best time to visit the Imbros Gorge is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. However, it is worth visiting at any time of year to experience its beauty and tranquility.
Don’t forget to wear non-slippery footwear and bring some sunscreen and a hat!
If you are going to the Imbros Gorge in a rental car, you can do the hike in two ways.
First, you can hike down the gorge, relax, have a swim in the Libyan Sea, and then hike back up the gorge to get to your car. The one-way hike takes about 2,5 hours.
Second, you can use the taxi option for about €20 per vehicle. If you fill the car with 4 people it’s actually €5 per person, which is not that expensive.
Or you can book a tour that picks you up from your hotel, drives you to the gorge, offers time for a hike, a swim in the Libyan Sea, and a Cretan cuisine lunch in a local tavern, and after the hike drives you back to your accommodation.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
From Chania: Full-Day Trip to Santorini
Santorini is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. The island is most famous for its dramatic landscape, which includes cliffs, volcanic beaches, and whitewashed buildings.
Santorini is also a popular tourist destination, due to its many luxury hotels and resorts.
Here are just a few reasons to visit Santorini:
1. The scenery is simply breathtaking. From the moment you arrive on the island, you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic views. Whether you’re exploring the caldera or relaxing on one of the black sand beaches, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Santorini is a foodie paradise. The island is home to many excellent restaurants, serving everything from traditional Greek dishes to fresh seafood. You’ll also find plenty of wineries producing world-class wine.
3. Santorini is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning setting, Santorini is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
For a bit steeper price than other day trips from Chania, you can actually experience the essential things that Santorini has to offer in just one day.
The tour includes:
- Speedboat to and from Santorini Island
- Sightseeing tour of Santorini in an air-conditioned bus
- Stop for views from the famous village of Oia
- Swim on a black sand beach in Perissa
- Boat trip to the caldera of a volcano
- Free time in the island’s capital Fira
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Crete
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!
From Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling & Stand-Up Paddling
No visit to Crete is complete without a day on the water. This 3-hour tour has everything to make your first sailing, snorkeling, and stand-up paddling experience great.
On the tour, you’ll be swimming on the coast of Almyrida. There in the crystal clear waters, you’ll see the marine life typical for Crete, and even get some photos of your adventure later in the email.
The experienced instructors will help you to learn to snorkel and try out stand-up paddling.
Check the price and available dates for the organized day trip here!