4x4 excursion in the mountains of Crete with lunch in a tavern (2023)

Tourism and daily excursions

Tour western Crete to visit vineyards and olive oil producers.

From great local produce to postcards and some of the best beaches - West Crete has it all. This full-day tour showcases the best of the region, including wine tasting at Karavitakis Winery, organic olive oil tasting at Biole Estate, and relaxing on Falassarna Beach. Vasso, one of our knowledgeable local guides, said: "This is one of my favorite tours as it gives a good insight into many aspects of Crete's landscape, way of life and monuments. You will visit An olive oil mill and a winery that produces some of the best Cretan wine". Begin a day of wine culture with a guided tour of the Karavitakis family winery. Treat your taste buds to local wines and gourmet snacks at the state-of-the-art visitor center. You will then drive to Biolea Estate, a family-run olive oil factory specializing in the artisanal production of organic olive oil. Learn all about olive oil production, from how the olives are grown to how the oil is pressed and bottled. Plus, your visit helps local businesses and, more broadly, the island's economy. You will then have lunch at a traditional Cretan restaurant by the sea, where the food is prepared with local ingredients. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the sparkling sands of beautiful Falassarna Beach, which according to Vasso has been "repeatedly voted the best in Europe" One of the beaches".

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Tourism and daily excursions

Return to Elafonissi to visit the monastery and cave of Agia Sophia

The uninhabited island of Elafonisi in southwest Crete is full of natural beauty and rich culture. Topolia Gorge, Agia Sophia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and what is considered by many to be the best beach on the island are the highlights of this day trip. "This trip combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink-sand beaches of Elafonisi on the south coast," says Rena, our local guide. Follow up with a drink at a family-run tavern in the village of Voulgaro Coffee, a relaxing start to the day. From here, head south through the scenic Topolia Gorge. The view of the deep canyon to the left is fantastic. Afterwards, we visit Hagia Sophia Cave, famous for its stalactites and shrouded in many legends. It is said that there are footprints of St. George's horse here. If you look hard enough, you might find something resembling a horseshoe print in the rock. Then we will visit Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. Built on a hill overlooking the coast, this 1,000-year-old monastery exudes timeless charm. Its name means "golden staircase" and is full of mythology. According to some of them, one of the staircases is golden, but only the faithful can see it. The final destination is unbelievably beautiful. “You can reach Elafonisi Island by walking along the shallow waters of Elafonisi Beach,” says Rena. Spend an afternoon sunbathing, swimming, relaxing and taking in the incredible views before ending the day in the fishing village of Paleochora.

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Tourism and daily excursions

"The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it was the birthplace of the first European civilization," says Vita, one of our guides. Born and raised on the island, she knows a lot about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attractions. You'll spend the day wandering through the courtyards and watching history come to life before transferring to Heraklion and spending some time in the capital. Once the center of the Minoan civilization in Crete, the Palace of Knossos stands in the center of what is believed to be the oldest settlement in Europe. Take a guided tour that includes all the highlights, and see the Throne Room, Royal Apartments, frescoes, and more. You'll even have the chance to visit the labyrinth, where the fearsome half-human, half-minotaur is said to have created fear. Access via fast track, no need to wait in line. Then it's time to head to Heraklion, the capital of the island. On a guided city tour, see the 17th-century Morozini Fountain of the Lions and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia, which still houses the town hall today. We end the day by taking you to the open market where you have some free time. Browse the stalls for handmade trinkets and fresh local produce, or stop for a coffee at a local cafe, where you can watch local life unfold. Other must-sees are the Fortress of Koolle and the Church of Agios Titos.

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Tourism and daily excursions

Loutro village tour with typical Cretan lunch.

Only accessible by boat, the village of Loutro is an idyllic seaside resort where you can completely relax. On this trip by boat from Sfakia to Lutro, you can spend the day exploring the city at your own pace, enjoying lunch at a local tavern and enjoying the Cretan sunshine. Reina, one of our local guides, said: "Lutro is a hidden gem in southern Crete, a magical place with amazing blue, light blue, almost green, crystal clear waters, No signs of cars or traffic.” The tour begins with a drive to Sfakia, stopping at Adelphiko for a cup of Greek coffee and stunning views of the majestic White Mountains. We then boarded a boat for a quick 20 minute sail to Loutro. In this charming little fishing village with beautiful mountains as a backdrop, you'll have plenty of time to wander the cobblestone streets and admire the picturesquely immaculate whitewashed houses. It's also a great opportunity to buy souvenirs and help the local economy. Lunch will be served in a traditional family tavern on the beach overlooking the bay. You get what Rena calls "the aroma of the South." You will taste specialties such as cheesecake, fried zucchini, Cretan salad, etc., accompanied by local wines. Afterwards, you can lie on the sand, jump into the crystal clear waters and watch the world go by. There is no traffic, so you can relax in calm.

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Tourism and daily excursions

Spinalonga Island with guide and lunch

Spinalonga is just a stone's throw from Crete, but visiting it is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history live on the walls around it. See the island through the eyes of a local while visiting two seaside towns in Mirabello Bay on this unique full-day tour. Veta, one of our guides said: "You will visit the beautiful fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You will also taste typical Cretan food in a tavern." Spinalonga during its existence Been through a lot, including Venetian outposts and Ottoman cities. It was even a leper colony, earning it the nickname "Isle of Tears". You'll walk with our local guides who will lead you through narrow streets and long-abandoned roofless houses, and show you forts and colonies that closed in the 1950s. Plus, you'll arrive early for the first ferry to avoid the crowds for the day before sailing back through the coastal town of Elounda. You'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Swim, stretch in the sun or watch the world go by at one of the many family-friendly bars on the waterfront. Afterwards, the tour continues to a nearby tavern where you will have a delicious local Cretan lunch. We end the day with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, an elegant seaside town protected by two small islands.

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Activity

Sunset Safari

There are many ways to enjoy the Cretan sunset, but nothing beats a jeep safari in the White Mountains during the White Nights. We drove off the beaten track to a place where few tourists go - stopping occasionally for photos - and celebrated the evening with a wine tasting in a vineyard.

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Activity

4x4 aventura – de Chanie

This full-day 4x4 tour is built for adventure. We drive on dirt roads, cross mountain passes, and pass through charming Cretan villages while exploring the island's hidden treasures and admiring the beauty of nature.

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Tourism and daily excursions

Drive back west of Crete to the monasteries of Agia Triada and Chania.

The tour includes three local landmarks, namely the historic monastery of Agia Triada, a guided tour of Chania, and time to relax at Crete's only natural lake. Angeliki, one of our skilled local guides, said: "Agia Triada provides insight into Crete's rich cultural heritage. It was built during the Venetian period and has an impressive collection of frescoes and religious artifacts. The monastery is peaceful Oasis, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards". After the monastery, we continue to Chania, one of the most attractive port cities in Crete, rich in history and famous for its atmospheric Venetian port. You'll explore the narrow streets with a guide, have the chance to shop in the famous "Leather Lane", enjoy free time to wander the harbor or get lost in the old town. You will then visit the archaeological site of Aptera, which was once a large city in ancient Crete. There is a Roman theater and several temples on the site. At the end of the tour we will visit Lake Kurnas, a spectacular freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and home to abundant wildlife including sea turtles and many different species of birds. You have time to explore, swim in the clear water or take a walk around the lake. Angeliki said: "Local mythology claims the lake is bottomless, but science has stepped in and it's actually only 22.5 meters deep.

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Tourism and daily excursions

Crete Nature Tour and Visit to Agia Triada Monastery

Authentic Cretan. You will experience this on this tour, where you will discover the best that the Cretan countryside has to offer. Highlights include the Monastery of Agia Triada, the Allied war cemetery at Souda Bay, and the archaeological site of Aptera, where you'll learn about the ancient Minoan way of life. Yiannis, one of our skilled local guides, said: "The ruins of Aptera are special because of their location. The ruins of the ancient city sit on top of a hill with stunning views of the White Mountains, the Cretan Sea and the Akrotiri peninsula. Our Start from Mount Elias the Prophet, famous for its views of Chania and the White Mountains. This mountain is also home to the tomb of Venizelos, a monument dedicated to Cretan-born father and son Elefseri Aos and Sophocles Venizelos, Prime Minister of Greece. The next stop on the route is the Monastery of Agia Triada, in the middle of a hill with olive groves and vineyards. The monastery was built in the 17th century and is known for its Remarkable for its extraordinary renaissance architecture and history. Significance. The museum houses valuable coins and manuscripts. We stop to pay our respects at the Souda Bay War Cemetery, the final resting place of 1,500 Allied soldiers. Then we head to Aptera was once an important economic and cultural center of Minoan Crete. Here, you have the opportunity to walk among the ruins and admire ancient buildings such as Roman cisterns, Hellenistic temples and Venetian fortresses. Tour Typical Cretan snacks and drinks are also included.

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Activity

Off-road adventure in Rethymnon

Get ready for a 4x4 off-road adventure far from the tourist areas. We are driving on a dirt road. Hit potholes and drive through cities that are easy to miss. We also experienced a lot of scenery along the way. The driver also acted as a guide, giving us insight into the hidden gems of Crete.

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