excursions from rethymno crete

Tours Starting from Rethymno

Rethymno - Samaria Gorge (Long Way)

During the 16km hike you'll discover a big variety of fauna and flora, unique and exclusively found on this island clinging to sheer rock faces; watch out for the Kri-Kri, the wild Cretan goat. The isolated, deserted village of Samaria makes the ideal place for a rest, before you continue to the 'Iron Gates' the waypoint where the canyonwalls get so narrow they almost touch...

Price From: 32 €

Rethymno - Imbros Gorge

Some people consider Imbros the smaller, but untamed brother of Samaria gorge, equally impressive, without that much hard work to cross it! Journeying westwards along the islands coastal roads, passing Rethymnon, we turn to the south, through the mountains with their majestic and fantastic views, through small and forgotten villages, off the tourists trail.

Price From: 34 €

Rethymno - Heraklion City - Knossos

This excursion takes you straight to the heart of the Minoan Crete. The palace of Knossos was the prosperous Minoan Capital and the residence of the legendary King Minos.

Price From: 24 €

Rethymno - Chania City

Chania is the most beautiful of the island and one of the nicest cities of Europe. With Alfa Odeon Holidays Travel Agency you can discover in five unforgettable hours the former capital of Crete.

Price From: 28 €

Rethymno - Elafonisi Island

This tour takes us to the southwestern part of Crete and the magnificent sandy beach of Elafonisi Island. After a coach ride, that offers a remarkable impression of small, traditional villages and Mediterranean scenery we arrive at the beach. During this ride you can see the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge and there is time for a break for coffee and refreshments.

Price From: 35 €

Rethymno - Palm Beach Preveli

This excursion includes the visit of the beaches of Damnoni, Preveli and Plakias which are located in the southern part of Crete.

Price From: 30 €

Rethymno - Gramvousa Island - Balos Lagoon

Gramvousa Island is a little paradise. It is a unique place, a great part of our island, with beautiful beaches and fantastic views. Here and in the lagoon of Balos you will have the opportunity to see the most beautiful places you have ever seen in your life.

Price From: 26 €

Rethymno - Jeep Safari

This excursion takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.The Jeep Safari Excursion departs from Rethimno and heads towards the South coast of the island at the famous beach of Preveli.Through various traditional Cretan villages, off road ways, mountains, valleys, and alleys having the possibility of seeing the Cretan Nature and swim at the south coast. Then we have lunch in a local taverna by the Preveli Palm Beach Resort and afterwards we return to Rethimno through different direction.

Price From: 72 €

Rethymno - Agios Nikolaos - Spinalonga

This tour starts with a drive along the north coast of Crete towards the east of the Island. Our first stop will be the small of town Agios Nikolaos, where you can spend free time at the lake, the harbor or the numerous little shops and bars. After that we are embarked in the ferry that will travel us to Spinalonga island, taking us around the ancient city of Olous, where we also see nowadays the seaside village of Elounda. 

Price From: 36 €

Rethymno - Knossos – Spinalonga

Driving east, along the north coast and enjoying a lovely view of the dark blue waters of the Cretan Sea, we reach the city of Heraklion. Our first stop is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world -the famous Minoan palace of Knossos. This is where European civilization began, an era ruled by powerful King Minos, a place full of myths and legends, (think Theseus, the Minotaur and the Labyrinth). The layout of the palace was so complicated, the courtiers needed a plan to move through it. Flourishing between 3,000 BC and 1,400 BC, it strangely disappeared, only to be discovered again by the English archeologist Sir Arthur Evans at the turn of the century. Now, partly reconstructed , blood red columns and gigantic double-headed axes are a vivid reminder of this forgotten and disappeared race.

Price From: 44 €

Rethymno - Water City

A day filled with fun on the many exciting "slides", but you can also swim, play many water games, relax and enjoy the sun in and around the many pools or on a sunbed in the green and beautiful park of Watercity.

Price From: 46 €

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Gramvousa – Balos Lagoon (ex Rethymnon)

€ 23.00

The excursion operates every Thursday & Sunday, with pick-ups: East of Rethymnon (starting Panormo) & West (starting Georgioupolis). Our excursion includes: Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, Tour Escort. Available Tour Languages are: English, German.

Accompanied service

Arrival to the port Kasteli ~09:45

Boat departure ~10:30

At Gramvoussa island ~ 2 hours

In Balos lagoon ~ 2 hours

Arrival to the port again ~17:40

Back: Georgioupolis 19:30, Rethymnon 20:00, Panormos 20:30

( The timings are approximate - just to give you an idea of the day's schedule )

Special offer

Description, additional information, gramvousa – balos lagoon (ex rethymnon).

Visit the exotic beach lagoon of Balos with its turquoise crystal clear shallow waters. But before swimming in its beautiful beaches, let's travel in time... by getting off on the island of Gramvousa, which hosts the remains of a Venetian fort and the remains of buildings left behind by Cretan insurgents, who were compelled to live as pirates during the Greek War of Independence...

Pick-up's from : Panormo, Skaleta, Stavromenos, Sfakaki, Pigianos Kampos, Adelianos Kampos, Platanias (Rethymnon), Missiria, Perivolia (Rethymnon), Rethymnon, Gerani, Georgioupolis. [ Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel ]

Operating Days : Every Thursday & Sunday

Languages : English, German: All days  // French: TBA

Tour includes : Pick-up service at or near your hotel, Escort.

Extra Fees (not included in the price) Extras payable on the spot: Boat 29 € (Children under 12 yrs 14€), Gramvousa Island admission fee 1€ (Children under 18 yrs Free of Charge) Extras payable on our website: -

Tour highlights: Kasteli, boat trip, Gramvousa Island, Ballos beach.

Direction: Northwest Crete

Duration: 12 hours approximately - 140 km.

Overview: On the New Road, the bus takes you west through the outskirts of Chania to the port of Kastelli. Here, a boat will take you to the small island Gramvoussa with its imposing Venetian castle and breathtaking views. After 2 hours of stay, the boat will take you to the lagoon of Balos. The fabulous clear water of the lagoon and the white coral sand makes it an irresistible paradise for all guests. After 2 hours the boat will take you back to Kastelli where the bus waits to pick you up. Walking shoes are necessary (for the climb to the castle).

Accents: 1. We travel by big boats, that means: you have sunbeds, showers, a children's play room, a Big air-conditioned restaurant, you can feel the waves less compared to a small boat. A big boat is more secure and comfortable. 2. We have a guided excursion which means that we explain to tourists how to spend their time in the best way, we are always on the boat and ready to answer any question or help to solve any problem.

Age Definition: Adults: Over 10 years old  (Full fare) Children: 3-10 years old  (50% discount) Infants: 0-2 years old  (Free of charge)

Booking Guiding Lines: ► Your Tour Language : Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date ► Your Pick-up Point : Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, in the table below

PRICING This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, and guide. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 10 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 3 and 10 years old (50% discount + extras if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 3 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).

PICK-UP TABLE Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to  contact us , in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

CANCELLATION 1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund! 2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO ► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator). ► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No.  (+30) 2810341560

Need HELP?   Check if we are online & chat with us!

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Recently Viewed Excursions

Rethymno Sights & Attractions

The island of Crete is an extremely popular area, visited by lots of tourists every year who want to enjoy the long beaches, scenic landscapes, and mountainous villages. Rethymno, in particular, is an area of great historical importance and natural beauty, with many sites worth to visit. The historical Monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are very important places to visit in Rethymno. Visitors should also not miss a stroll to the Old Town of Rethymno with the Venetian style and the picturesque old port, as well as to the Fortezza above the town. Apart from the sandy beaches, very beautiful are the seaside villages of Rethymno, such as Bali, Agia Galini, and Plakias.

You can see below the best Sites in Rethymno: Ancient sites, Museums, Churches, and more . You can filter them by category and location. Do you want to learn about available activities? Check the best Things to do in Rethymno .

Let us plan the trip of your dreams! Book online with us your ferry tickets , tours , hotels and more, easily!

The Fortezza of Rethymno was constructed in 1573 by the Venetians to protect the town from enemy invasions and it was captured by the Ottomans in the 17th century. Today it is an impressive construction and constitutes the trademark of the town.

Preveli Monastery

The historic Monastery of Preveli is located about 40 km south of Rethymnon Town. It stands by a bridge over Kourtaliotikis River and it is surrounded by lush vegetation. The monastery has two buildings with a distance of 3 km between each other. It was originally built in the 17th century and it played an important role in all the Cretan fights for freedom.

Venetian Loggia

The Venetian Loggia is a 16th-century building located in the heart of the Old Town of Rethymnon. It used to be the meeting point for the Venetian noblemen in the Medieval times and now it hosts the gift shop of the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon.

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Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon is housed in a building right at the entrance of the Fortezza. It houses exhibits from excavations held in the prefecture of Rethymnon, presenting the history of the area from the paleolithic till the Roman times.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located in Rethymno region and it is 3 kilometres long. It is one of the most impressive places in Crete to go hiking, with dense vegetation, caves, enormous rock formations enclosing a river and Kourtaliotis waterfall, as well as ponds where you can swim.

Monastery of Arkadi

The Monastery of Arkadi is the symbol of the Cretan Revolution. In 1866, Crete had revolted against the Ottoman Turks who ruled the island. Many fighters were trapped inside the monastery and the Turkish army was besieging it. To avoid capture, they exploded the monastery and killed themselves and the Turks outside it.

Ibrahim Han Mosque

This mosque is located in the center of the Fortezza. At first, it was a church dedicated to Saint Nicolas but then, when the town was conquered by the Ottomans, it was turned into a mosque. Today it is closed to the public and opens only to host musical events.

Neratze Mosque

This building was originally a Christian church. Then, the Turks made it a mosque and nowadays it houses the Municipal Odeon of Rethymno. Its minaret is the highest in the town.

Rimondi Fountain

A small but elegantly classical structure stands at Petichaki square, in the heart of the old town of Rethymno, close to Loggia. This is the Rimondi fountain built in 1626.

Museum of Cretan Lyra

The Museum of Cretan Lyra is strongly connected with the tradition and music of Crete. This is actually a workshop of Cretan lyras and one room has been hosts a large collection of lyras and other traditional musical instruments.

Big Door (Porta Guora)

The Venetian and Ottoman dominations of the past have left their mark on the city of Rethymno in the form of various monuments such as the Fortezza and the Big Door (Porta Guora), amongst others.

Ideon Cave is located about 20 km south of Anogia village, Rethymnon. According to mythology, this is the cave where god Zeus was raised, hidden from his father Cronus. Cretan men named Kourites was guarding him and a nymph goat was feeding him with milk.

In the remote village of Zoniana, 45 km from Rethymno, there is an interesting wax museum with figures from all over the Cretan history. Established in 1998, this Wax Museum is housed in a space of 1,000 sq.m.

Public Park

The Public Park of Rethymno is a lush green area located in the center of the city. This is a favorite promenade for locals and visitors. It also hosts a small zoo with species of the Cretan animals.

Ancient Eleftherna

Ancient Eleftherna, one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, is located about 30 km southeast of Rethymnon Town, at the foot of Mount Psiloritis. This town was inhabited from the prehistoric till the early Christian times. Archaeologists have unearthed a town, a necropolis, and the Acropolis.

Historical and Folklore Museum

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymnon was established in 1973 and it is housed in an elegant Venetian building. The exhibits of the museum come of private collections and donations. They include traditional clothing, tools, ceramics, jewelry, coins, and other items.

Military Museum of Chromonastiri

Villa Claudio, a lovely mansion of Venetian architecture, was recently restored and it now houses an interesting Military Museum. This museum was inaugurated in May 2010 and hosts military uniforms, weapons of various ages and army vehicles in the yard.

Arsani Monastery

The Monastery of Arsani is dedicated to Saint George and it was probably built in the 16th century. The monastery has a small museum with ecclesiastical clothing, Byzantine icons and holy crosses of the 17th century.

Ecclesiastical Museum

Established in 1994, the Ecclesiastical Museum of Rethymnon is housed in the Cathedral of the town. It exhibits rare items from various churches of the region.

Monastery of Antifonitria

The Monastery of Panagia Antifonitria is located in Miriokefala, a mountainous village in the borders between Rethymno and Chania. Founded in the 11th century A.D., this is among the oldest monasteries in Crete.

Ottoman Baths

An interesting site of Rethymno is the Ottoman baths, also known as Hamam in Turkish. They are situated in the Old Town, on Radamanthyos st, and date from 1670.

DISCOVER MORE THINGS TO DO IN RETHYMNO

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Top Tours in Rethymnon, Greece

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1. Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Rethymno

2. Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari

3. West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

4. Crete Jeep Safari to the south coast

5. Mythical Escape: Cave of Zeus & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Chania

6. Your Tailored Samaria Tour That Nobody Will Believe. From Chania.

7. Preveli Palm Beach Boat Cruise & Rethymnon Town from Heraklion

8. Rethymno Land Rover Safari with Lunch and Drinks

9. Full Day Guided Tour in Faistos - Ag. Galini - Matala - Spili

10. Paragliding Tours in Crete

11. Rethymno Walking & Gastronomy Tour

12. The Real Crete from Rethymno

13. Samaria Gorge Trek: Full-Day Excursion from Chania

14. Elafonisi Beach: Welcome to paradise, From Rethymnon

15. Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Day Tour from Rethimno

16. Private Day Tour Knossos-Lassithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus

17. Preveli Beach and Damnoni Beach Full-Day Trip From Chania

18. Knossos and Heraklion City from Rethymno

19. Private tour Arkadi-Margarites-Melidoni cave from Rethymno

20. From Heraklion : Full-Day Bus Trip to Chania city , Kournas lake & Rethymno city

21. Cooking experience in the most beautiful garden near Rethymno

22. Wine and Olive oil Tasting

23. Rethymno eBike Tour on Mili Gorge and soft drinks!

24. SAMARIA GORGE: One of the most important in Europe From Rethymnon

25. Private Full-Day Adventure: Preveli, Waterfalls & Kalypso Beach

26. Discover South Crete from Rethymnon - follow the tradition

27. Chania city 5 hours free time from Rethymno

28. Elafonissi Beach from Rethymno

29. Explore the real Crete

30. Agios Nikolaos Spinalonga from Rethymno

What travellers are saying.

Crete Tours – Best Things to Do

Greece › Crete › Tours Updated: June 18, 2023 By Santorini Dave

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The Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa is a great day trip and a fun way to visit one of Crete’s best beaches.

The 15 Best Tours in Crete 1. Heraklio Food Walking Tour Food & walking tours are my favorite way to explore a new city and this is a good one. Heraklio is not as picturesque as Chania but it’s loaded with true Greek character, gritty charm, and great traditional Cretan food. This is the best Heraklio tour. 2. Chania Old Town Highlights with Street Food Great tour of Chania’s wonderful Old Town and its sights, culture, history, and best places to eat. Highly recommended. This is the best Chania tour. 3. Hiking Tour of Samaria Gorge Walking the 18 km gorge is the activity highlight of Crete. It’s a little tricky to arrange on your own but with a tour they get you from your hotel to the start of the hike – then pick you up at the other end of the gorge (after a short ferry ride) and return you back to your hotel. There’s a tour guide and a couple of other interesting stops that you wouldn’t do on your own. Free hotel pickup from these towns: Chania, Heraklio, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Hersonissos, Georgioupolis, Sissi, Milatos, Matala, Agia Galini, Malia, and Stalida. ( Click “Book Now” and then select your departure town .) 4. Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa The popular Balos Beach Tour is a 7 hour round trip onboard a large boat with indoor and outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a small snack bar serving ice cream, cold drinks, and beer on tap. The ride is roughly an hour in each direction, with 4 hours at Balos Lagoon, and a one hour stop during the return, at Gramvousa Island, where you can choose between a short hike to the hilltop Venetian fort, walking out toward the large shipwreck, or swimming at the gorgeous beach. There are also luxurious private boat tours from Chania and from Kissamos .

5. Craft Beer Tour (Chania and Rethymno) Non-touristy walking tours in the Old Towns of Chania or Rethymno that highlight Greek and Cretan craft beer paired with local gastronomy. See the cities’ most iconic landmarks and learn some history of the island, while also discovering the ins and outs of various beer styles, what makes Greek beers unique, and some insight into the Cretan craft beer scene. Adults only (18+). 6. Wine and Olive Oil Tour (from Chania) A wonderful 6-hour tour that explores the local farms and wineries of western Crete. Lots of food, olive oil, and wine tastings (but still kid-friendly). 7. Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains (from Chania) Make and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine at a traditional family home. Learn firsthand about local culture and history while sampling homemade wine and enjoying beautiful views over the foothills of the White Mountains. This small, hands-on group tour is great for kids, with exceptionally welcoming family hosts. Includes free transportation from Chania. 8. Boat Tour to Santorini Santorini is the most amazing island in Greece. This one-day tour involves a ferry trip (2 hours each way) and about 7 hours on Santorini to explore Fira, Oia, and the fantastic views of the caldera. (This is a worthwhile tour but if you can stay overnight on Santorini you’ll see much more of the island. I typically do not recommend day trips to other islands as they’re a poor use of time, but I make an exception for Santorini as it’s so unique and memorable.) 9. Elafonisi Island Day Trip (from Chania) Elafonisi is the best beach on Crete (maybe the best beach in Greece). It’s pretty easy to get there on your own with local buses but the tour makes it effortless and you get to stop at some local villages along the way. There’s also an Elafonisi tour that departs from Rethymno .

10. Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch (from Heraklio) Great tour with lunch, 15 wine tastings, several olive oil samples, and multiple vineyard tours. 11. Day Tour to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka (from Heraklio) A 10-hour tour that takes in the highlights of eastern Crete. 12. The Real Crete (from Rethymno) Excellent small-group tour of some of central Crete’s top sights. Good local insight and history. 13. Knossos Archaeological Tour Good tour if you’re based in Heraklio, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, or one of the nearby beach towns. Start with Knossos (one of the best historical sites in Greece and a personal favorite of mine) then tour Heraklio and learn the history of the island. 10 hours long and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. There is also an excellent private tour of Knossos from Heraklio .

About Santorini Dave

Going to Crete for 3 nights. Then on to Santorini. We were thinking to stay in Elounda. Porto Elounda. Then we can take bus into Chania? Should we rent a car for a day? See Elafonsi and Knossos?

Chania is wonderful but is a 3 hour drive (or 4 hours and 2 different buses) from Elounda. Elafonisi is even farther. A much better day trip if you have a rental car is a loop through Knossos, then Crete Wine Country, then the Lasithi Plateau.

Thanks so much for your helpful website! We took a trip to Santorini two years ago and followed a lot of your recommendations. We are taking a trip to Crete this year for a week in September. We’ll be spending half the time in Chania. While there, we’ll take a day trip to Elafonisi and go on an organized trip to the Gorge. We want to spend the last leg of the trip (3 nights and three days) chilling on the beach at a hotel. We like luxurious hotels, but we worry with some of these big resorts, we won’t really feel like we are in Greece. Can you recommend a hotel that is right on a white sandy beach, but we’ll still feel like we aren’t in some big resort with all tourists? We are flying back from Chania, but we’ll have a rental car so the hotel can be anywhere within reason on the island.

That’s a sizeable order as most of the luxurious hotels have grabbed the best beach locales in Crete already and by virtue of being within the gated walls of a luxury hotel you are almost guaranteed to have sealed yourself off from Greece anyway. However, there is hope. Some luxury hotels are not located close to other luxury hotels and are sometime in authentic locales.

The Caramel Hotel is a place for subtle luxury with its own decent beach. It’s located in a largely agricultural area east of Rethymno and unlike most gated hotels the front door to this place opens out right onto an ordinary Greek street where you can hop on a bus to Rethymno. Private beach by the way doesn’t apply in Greece – according to law – all beaches are public areas.

In Chania itself is the newish Domes Noruz which sits on a beach, but is itself right in the middle of a neighbourhood in the suburb of Agioi Apostoli. Not only does it have its own beachfront, but within a hundred metres is a splendid little horseshoe shaped cove and beach that ordinary folk from Chania come to swim and picnic at. This might be the kind of place you are looking for.

Farther to the West from Chania in Kolymvari – a pretty little Cretan village is the Cavo Spada – another upper-end hotel in a remote-ish locale with Crete just outside the hotel gates. The beach and accommodation is pretty wonderful.

My wife and I are going to be in Crete for the first 3 weeks in October. Do you have any suggestions for a good car hire company. We are flying into Chania and leave from Heraklion. We are staying a week in Chania area and then heading east. Any suggestions on what to see and where to go? Thanks. Rob

The best way to rent and reserve a rental car in Crete is on Rentalcars.com (pickup at Chania airport and drop off in Heraklion).

Having a car gives you a decided advantage and touring independently is the best way to see Crete. First up Chania itself. It is the most popular destination in Crete: Agios Nikolaos probably comes a close second. Chania is all about the atmosphere and ambiance of its Old Town. Assuming you will be based there, you will have plenty of time to appreciate it during your week. Chania Old Town is all about relaxing, dining, imbibing and just people watching in a primarily pedestrianised and timeworn walled port. You can take glass-bottomed boat excursions explore the labyrinthine back streets with their gift shops, tavernas and houses of the lucky locals who live there. It’s just refreshingly pleasant and it’s a magnet for visitors. You might just bump into your old friend from High School here. When dining, choose carefully and generally keep away from the main harbour touts and picture menus. The best eats are in the back streets and at the eastern side of the harbour. You can swim in Chania – within walking distance – but your car will serve you better here.

If you are looking for exotic beaches then the boat tour to the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula (Ballos Beach) is a good day trip. Boats run out of Kissamos . Easier to get to (no tour needed) is the stunning Carribbean-esque Elafonisi Beach on the far south western tip of Crete. Falasarna beach is also great. It’s not as popular but it’s no slouch. With your car, you may care to take a less beachy run to the pretty village of Palaiochora and enjoy the hinterland of Western Crete. With an early morning start you can cut more or less diagonally across Crete through the villages of Nea Roumata, Rodovani and Strati – to name but a few of the many – that dot a pretty winding route across the mountains. You will need that early start to make it comfortably in time for lunch. Palaiochora has some good places for eating and a couple of beaches: one sandy and one pebbly. Divert instead to Sougia (see Google maps) if you prefer a quieter seaside destination.

The one highlight that a car won’t help you with is walking the Samaria Gorge. The car will take you to the starting point at Omalos, but the bus from Chora Sfakion will only take you to Chania and you’ll have to take another bus to Omalos to retrieve the car. Best use a bus to Omalos in the first instance. The car will conveniently take you around the sizeable peninsula to the north east of Chania where you might want to make your way to the little-known beach of Seïtan-Limani on the east side then head for lunch and afternoon swim at the little village of Stavros in the North.

It might also be a good idea to allow for a night in Heraklion and spend that pre-departure day visiting the Knossos Archaeological site then soak up the vibrant nightlife and streetside dining in the Cretan capital. Its recently revamped city centre really buzzes at all hours of the day.

I will be staying in Chania early September and would like to make a trip from Chania to Spinalonga. Do you know if any of the tour companies in Chania do this trip? Jacqueline Young

From Heraklion, yes. But from Chania, I’m not sure. If it’s available should be easy to book after you arrive.

Hi Dave, my girlfriend and I are travelling to Greece for 2 weeks ( 15 nights ), August 13th. We are a young couple from Canada trying to have a combination of relaxation but also to party. First we are landing in Athens and sleep for a night so we can catch an early flight the next morning to Crete. We are spending 4 nights in Chania; we are planning to hit the beach (Elafonissi, Balos etc …) and go around the old city of Chania. Then we are going to Santorini for 3 nights and then other 4 nights to the island of Ios. And finally we are staying 2 nights in Athens towards the end of the trip. I feel like my island hopping around the Greek islands is good enough however I was wondering if I should purchase the ferry tickets before going to Greece or to buy them on the spot before taking the boat. Thank you Dave, I used your guide most of the time to plan this vacation and I can’t wait to go! Tarek El Tayeh

The ferry I would be most concerned about would be Crete to Santorini. I would guess a 95% chance you’ll be fine if you wait and buy the first day you land in Crete, but there is always that small risk that they will be sold out (there are only 2 ferries per day and you’ll be traveling at the very peak of summer travel). Personally, I would buy in advance at Hellenic Seaways and pick up at the Heraklion port about 30 to 45 minutes in advance of departure. For the other ferries there are more options (even if one happened to be sold out) so very very unlikely that they would be fully booked. But still, buy the first chance you get (you can buy in Crete even though the other routes are between different ports).

Hey there! My husband and I will be traveling to Crete next month for our 1 year anniversary (which we are calling our honeymoon as we never went on a honeymoon). We would love to see Santorini and are debating a 1 day trip vs a 2 day trip. Have you used and been on a tour with the company you suggested? The reviews I’ve read about the ferries are all over the place in regards to rating so I’m hesitant to make a decision on one. For instance, Hellenic Seaways vs SeaJets. Jacque

I would not do a one day trip to Santorini (too much travel for only a short amount of time) but with an overnight stay, yes, it’s definitely worth it. Both ferries on this route are good but go with Hellenic.

My husband and I are taking a trip to Greece in September and will be visiting Crete for 3 full days. We are staying in Chania at Domes Noruz. I have planned for one day to take a trip to Elafonisi. I am torn with what to do on our second day. I would love to see the Samaria Gorge but neither my husband or I are big hikers and hiking for 7 hours seems a bit daunting. I could do something more like 2 or 3 hours tops. Are there options for shorter hikes at the Gorge and if so are they even worth it if we are not hiking the whole thing? Another option I was considering is Knossos Palace, is that worth the trip from Chania? What would be your recommendation for what to do with our last two days there? I was thinking for our last day we could enjoy our hotel and beach and maybe in the late afternoon do a tour of Chania or just go explore the town and have a nice dinner there. Something a little more relaxing since we are taking the first flight out the next day to Athens. I am a bit torn with what to do on our second day there… Thank you for your help!

People of all ages, sizes and stamina successfully undertake the Samaria Gorge each year. While you didn’t say how old you are, the fact that you state that you are big hikers should not rule out you doing the Samaria Gorge. First up, it shouldn’t take you 7 hours. It is 16kms in length and even at a brisk stroll of say 5kms per hour, then that’s a 3 hour and 20-minute hike. Allow between 4 to 5 hours to be sure – and that is taking into account breaks and photo stops.

The hike is in general a downhill walk, so there is actually very little climbing. If you start before 8am – as most people do – then you will be strolling into Agia Roumeli by lunchtime for a welcome lunch on the beach and the afternoon coastal ferry will take you to Chora Sfakion from where you will take a (waiting) bus back to Chania. It really is a well-oiled and easy operation. They key to doing the hike without strife is preparation and planning. No, it’s not worth doing a shorter hike in the Gorge because if you walk say 3kms down into the Gorge you will have to climb that 3kms back out of it again. It’s better to keep on going.

Be at the starting point – as mentioned – before 8am (a bus from Chania will get you there on time). Most definitely wear proper hiking boots as the terrain is rocky and rough in parts. Take water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat and don’t undertake the hike in mid-Summer. The main stress on the legs is from the constant stepping down, so you want good shock-absorbent footwear, and your front thighs will probably take most of the strain. A walking pole such as a Lekki would be a good investment and that would give you the ‘third leg’ to assist with the transfer of weight.

You would never be alone as hundreds undertake the walk daily, though on the whole you tend to walk in isolation from the others as everyone thins out after a kilometre or two. Stay put for five minutes and someone will bump into you. Guards at the entrance gate vet all walkers and will not let people through if they look as though they will not make the hike: aged, unsuitable footwear or non-protective clothing. There may be some stream wading depending on the pre-existing weather.

The good thing about the Samaria gorge is that every step is taken care of: from getting there to getting back. With other shorter gorge walks – such as the Kourtaliotiko Gorge – you will need to arrange drop-off and pick up accordingly. The Gorge of the Dead linking Pano and Kato Zakros in far eastern Crete is a pleasant and easy hike and a bus will take you from one end of the gorge to the other.

And yes, Knossos is worth the effort to get to but do get a guide (can be hired at the entrance) as it makes the sight much more interesting. A day relaxing in Chania sounds wonderful.

Dave – Thank you for all the effort on this blog. It has helped a ton. My wife and I are staying in Elounda at the end of May and are looking to charter a guided boat for a day cruise. Do you have any suggestions for which company to contact? 3-5 hrs, visit beaches, Spinalonga, etc… Cost estimate?

Thanks again, Keith Nelson

Trips to Spinalonga are big business in Elounda and the choice of tours can be bewildering. Nearly everyone with a boat offers some kind of tour which may include swimming stops or additional cruising. Costs can range from €40 to €80 depending on whether food and drink is included and on whether tickets to visit the island are included.

In general, there is quite a bit of tourist exploitation going on so really shop around for the deal that suits you. If you just want to see the island (and unless you are a history fan and want to see how lepers lived) then walking around the stone buildings of the island in the heat of the day might not be quite up your street.

Things to look out for: cost – what do you actually get for your euro? How long will the trip take? Does it include swimming? (You may not want that if you don’t want to swim or watch others swim). Does the tour include the price of entry to the island? You mention ‘chartering a boat’ – you’ll have to decide whether you’re ok with a small group, big group, or want a private boat to you and your wife. Have a look for starters at eloundaboat.gr and compare offerings at keytours.gr

You don’t have to pre-book before you arrive. Boats have little kiosks next to them on the harbour and you can shop and compare at will (visit in the evening when owners are back from their day trips and will answer your questions). The end of May will be quieter than high season so you may score better deals.

Hi Dave, Love your site! We will be staying in Heraklion area at the end of June. While there we would like to watch a concert or a play. What’s the best way to learn about what performances are happening and where to purchase tix?

Thank you! Vera

Concerts and events are commonly advertised by posters on walls and basically anywhere you can stick a poster in Greece. Trouble is they are usually in Greek though you can usually tell who the concert is by and when.

Online booking options include:

– Songkick – Bandsintown – Nowheraklion – Cretazine

Concert tickets are generally very cheap compared to home. If the concert or play is at an outdoor venue in an amphitheatre, make sure you bring something soft to sit on. They often sell Styrofoam pads outside such venues: buy two to be sure as the cement seats in stadiums are very uncomfortable after an hour or so.

There are often free concerts given by top-line musical artists, so don’t miss out on those if you can: they are every bit as good as the paid ones. Summer is a good time for concerts so you should find plenty to entertain you in Heraklion this Summer.

Hi Dave! My family and I are going to be in Crete, staying in Chania and would like to tour the Samaria Gorge on either May 26th or 27th — the tour you suggested isn’t available those dates to leave from Chania. Do you have any other suggestions for who to tour Samaria Gorge with for about the same price? Do we need to do the tour to get to the Gorge or can we take a bus ? Thanks! Jess

You can do it on your own with buses but it’s much easier to do as part of a tour. I would wait until you arrive and you might be able to find a smaller local company that does small tours (perhaps through your hotel).

Dave, This website is EVERYTHING. Thank you so much already for all the help!

While my trip isn’t very long, because it could very well be my only trip to Greece, I saw you recommended crunching in both Crete & Santorini. We fly into Athens on Mon, June 26, to Santorini on Tues June 27, to Crete June 30 and back to Athens July 3 before flying back to the US on July 4. I don’t very much like rushing around but I’m a huge fan of a nice beach. With only 2 full days in Crete, is it realistic to think I’ll be able to get to Elofanisi? Just seems forever away from the ferry in Heraklion. And if I can get there, am I better off staying in Rethimnon as was recommended to me or staying in Chania?

Thanks! Julie

Ps: planning on staying at Herodian Hotel in Athens unless Ava Suites is better? Also, having difficulty finding a nice, affordable and available hotel so far in Santorini–seems only Aria Lito Mansion–is that ok?

It will basically use one full day getting to and from Elafonisi. Is it worth it? Only you can say. It’s a wonderful beach and one of my all time favorites. I’d check the weather just to be sure you’re not going on a windy day but otherwise (if you really love beaches) go for it. Ava Suites is a little nicer than Herodian (but both are great). Ava is also a little closer to the metro station for the port and subway. Aria Lito is a good value hotel with a central location but no caldera views.

Hi Dave! My husband and I are traveling to Crete in a few weeks, and spending 5 nights in Chania. We wanted to explore Elafonisi beach and Balos beach. For Balos: would it be best to take a boat (big cruise boat, or something more private like Captain Yiorgi’s boat trip) or do the drive? For Elafonisi: any tips for the drive or where to stop along the way? We are in our early 30’s.

Thanks! Lauren

Balos Beach (Gramvousa Peninsula) can be done by car, but the result is probably not worth the effort you will put into it and your hire car company may not be happy to learn you have taken their car over that rough road (starting from Afrata) you will have to traverse to get there. This is one occasion where the organised tour is worth the money see Cretan Daily Cruises (from Kissamos) for details on how to do it in a group setting.

The drive to Elafonisi is straightforward and is worth combining with a stop at the Eco resort of Milia . You could make an early start on Elafonisi and have a swim and sunbathe before driving back and stopping off at Milia for a mid-afternoon lunch here.

If you have not driven in Greece/Crete before there are no real surprises. The only issue – from the Greek driver’s point of view – is that tourists tend to drive perceptibly slower (more cautiously) than locals and this can cause irritation (to the locals). The end result is often tailgating (by local drivers) and impatient overtaking on their part. Either drive at ‘local speed’ or, if you are the cautious sort and you get caught by a tail-gating local, let them pass. The road is winding, but pleasant and from Chania it should take you no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes to Elafonisi. Hire cars are usually stick shift types, so if you only know how to drive an automatic you might be limited and want to book a car in advance.

I am travelling to Crete on 11th – 21st April we really wanted to see Samaria gorge but it doesn’t look like it will be open. For the first part of our trip we will be based in Kissamos which we thought would be ideal for the gorge trip. After that we will be staying further west (Hersonissos and then lastly Rethymno) so it may be harder to get to from there.

Do you know when the Samaria Gorge is likely to open this year? I have read that it is dependant on how the weather was during winter months.

Thank you (great website really helpful!) Emily

The Gorge traditionally opens on 1st of May, but this date is not set in stone. It’s not usually before the 1st but can be up to 10 days after the 1st. It depends on a number of factors: damage that may have been caused to the trail during Winter, the amount of water in the stream, or the anticipated amount of water that might come, if there is still snow in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). So, from 11-21st April it is unlikely that you will get to do the walk.

Kissamos is not the best base for doing the walk BTW. Unless you are on an organised tour, you will have to take two buses: from Kissamos to Chania and from Chania to Omalos at the start of the trial. You really need to be at the trailhead no later than 9am and that means an early start from Chania.

Rethymno is further from Omalos than Kissamos, so really only an organised tour is going to do it for you, same with Hersonisos. Either way unless you are very lucky, your walk down the Samaria Gorge is going to have to be postponed to another year. Good video here to see what you’re missing.

Great site with excellent information.

My family will be spending some time in Santorini in July. Before we all meet there, my son and I would like to do some cycling on another island for about 3 days – not touring, just out-and-back each day from the same location. We’re experienced cyclists and can manage 75-80 km round trips without a problem. We would need to rent good road bikes.

It looks like Crete would be the best combination of easy access from Athens/to Santorini, provide interesting routes (to beaches and archeological sites, for example), a quality bike shop (Olympic Bike) and developed, paved roads.

I’ve also looked at Naxos. It may also work, but maybe doesn’t maximize all those things listed above.

Any thoughts?

Thanks! K.C. Jones

Crete certainly offers some extensive cycling opportunities because of its the size, but 40kms out and 40kms back won’t get you very far in Crete. For example, 40kms would get you to the next town of Kissamos. Also the best cycling territory is the north coastline which is thread by the very busy Cretan Northern Axis road and it is not that cyclist friendly. The middle of the island is dominated by mountains so crossing north to south will involve climbing and the south coast doesn’t have an obvious main highway but would be more picturesque than the north. Again, long distance dominate so bicycle touring would be the way to go, rather than out and back tours. Have a look at Hellas Bike Greece to see what’s on offer. You might find some clues.

The only other island that jumps off the page for cycling and where it is big, well organised and easy is Kos. Hundreds of people hire bicycle here and do day tours. The island is generally flat, small and accessible and there are plenty of bikes on offer. Check out Kos Bike Activities . In practice there is no reason why you can’t cycle on any island and you will always find a place to hire a bike. Most other islands have hills and if you do hills, you will be fine.

Hi Dave, I will be staying in Athens the month of March. I want to take in everything there and in the surrounding areas on the mainland. What are some of the best tours for out of the city? My interests are wineries, cooking, cultural events, and historical places, meeting people, etc.

Take a look at Best Things to Do in Athens .

We are in Crete for 4 nights after island hopping in the Greek islands. Our hotel is Galaxy Heraklion. Is that the right choice and could we do a couple of tours from there? Would love a boat day trip as one of the tour days. Noela Mckenzie

Nice hotel with a decent location as long as you don’t mind a 10/12 walk to the city center. The highlights of Heraklion are the Archaeological Museum (12 minutes from the Galaxy) and Knossos (bus stop is a short walk from the hotel).

Dave, first of all thank you so much for such a wonderful resource. This has been really helpful with planning our first trip to Greece. Wanted to get your input on a couple things. We are a couple in our early 30s going to Greece for our honeymoon. We arrive in Athens at 9:20am Saturday May 20 and fly out of Athens at 1pm on Monday May 29th, giving us 9 days and nights. We plan to fly to santorini from Athens on an early afternoon flight on the Saturday we arrive. We have a cave villa booked in Oia for 4 nights and wanted to spend the remaining 4-5 nights on another island. We love hiking, good food and beautiful beaches so Crete looks very appealing however I know spending at least a week there is generally recommended. Do you think it sounds feasible/not too crazy to take the evening ferry from santorini to Heraklion then take a bus to Chania and spend 4-5 nights there then fly from Chania to Athens for our return flight home. We realize we would not be able to see all of Crete but are mainly interested in hiking the Samaria Gorge, exploring Chania and visiting Elafossini Beach, possibly Balos Lagoon. Would you recommend that we cut Santorini to just 3 nights to spend more time on Crete? Also, do you know if the public bus is operating to the beaches in late May? How are the crowds there at that time of year? We know we are probably missing out on Athens so would consider exploring there on the Sunday before we fly back if time allows. Any suggestions or feedback on our itinerary is greatly appreciated! Mandy Miller

Yes, it’s definitely doable – you won’t have a lot of time but I think still plenty to have a great visit. Buses will be running to Elafonisi in late May and crowds will not be bad – some people for sure, but nothing crazy. I’d stick with 4 nights (3 full days) on Santorini – so much to do and see.

We will be staying in Santorini for one week and would like to make a day trip from Santorini to Crete. How would we go about arranging this? Is there a tour we can book for the ferries? We are considering staying a night on Crete – would you recommend that? We’ve heard great things about the Chania walking tour and visiting Knossos so would like to do those 2 things at least.

Thank you, Ev

Due to the schedule of the ferries a day trip is not possible from Santorini to Crete. Ferries leave Crete (for Santorini) in the early morning and leave Santorini (for Crete) in the early evening. So a one day trip is impossible and even staying over one night doesn’t do much as you’d only have the night hours on Crete. To see anything in Crete you would need to stay two nights. A better choice for a short trip from Santorini is Ios, Paros, or Naxos.

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THE 5 BEST Rethymnon Boat Tours

Boat tours in rethymnon.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• PLATANOS TOURS
• Kastelli Kissamos Old Port
• Gramvousa Beach
• Balos Lagoon
• The Venetian Fortezza
• Destination One
• Spilies Beach
• Blue Fin Boat Trips
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno

2. Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno with Transfer your Hotel

3. Private Boat Trip from Rethymno Old Harbour

4. Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide

5. Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Chania

6. Heraklion: Day Trip to Santorini by Boat with Oia & Fira

7. Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Agios Nikolaos

8. Santorini Island Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Rethymnon

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Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities

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Luxe boat trip on sailing catamaran, Heraklion, Crete

Half-Day Small-Group Boat Safari in Crete

Heraklion: Nature Reserve Full day sailing to Dia Island & Lunch

Sunset cruise - yachting tour on catamaran Heraklion, Crete

Sailing Trips with Cretan Sailing

Heraklion | Half day Sailing cruise to Dia Island

Dia island : Small Group Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch

Hersonissos Sunset Catamaran Cruise with finger food & drinks

Private Boat Trip Kissamos Balos (price per group - up to 10 people)

Premium - day sailing catamaran trip in group, Rethymno, Crete

Spinalonga and Milatos Cave Safari Excursion & private Speedboat)

Gramvousa Balos Cruise from Chania

Balos Sailing Cruises shared in small group

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10 Best Things to Do in Rethimno, Crete (+ Port Guide, Travel Tips)

Rethimno (also written Rethymno and Rethymnon) is one of the most beautiful port towns on the island of Crete, Greece. Crete consists of four regional units: Chania, Rethimno, Heraklion, and Lasithi, Rethimno being the capital city of the Rethimno region. With more than 34.000 inhabitants, Rethimno is the third most populous city in Crete after Chania and Heraklion.

This scenic coastal city has a scenic port, a long beach with crystal clear water, a charming old town and everything needed for a perfect vacation. In this article, I share with you the top 10 things to do in Rethimno, useful tips and practical information on the port of Rethymno.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Chania , Heraklion , Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Corfu , Athens (Piraeus) , Limassol

Rethimno Travel Info

• Rethimno is located on the north coast of Crete, 68 km/42 miles (a 1-hour 10 min drive) east of Chania and 80 km/50 miles (a 1-hour 15 min drive) west of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.
• The town of Rethimno is connected with Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos (the capital of the Lasithi region on the eastern side of Crete) via the E-75 national road (no tolls). The rest of the roads in Crete are regional.
• The currency in Greece is EURO (€) and you’ll find ATMs and some currency exchange offices in the city of Rethimno. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Due to its fantastic location between Chania and Heraklion, Rethimno is a perfect starting point for the exploration of the island and one of the best places to stay on Crete. Make sure you download the https://maps.me/ app before hitting the road!
• The best way of getting around Crete is by car. In Rethimno and other cities, you’ll find many rent-a-car agencies where you can get a car starting at 60€ per day (prices from August 2022). Some car rental agencies may ask you to make a deposit, which is not recommended to do. Make sure you are fully insured. The insurance doesn’t cover off-road damages and accidents. Book Crete rent a car online
• In Rethimno it’s relatively easy to find free parking , especially along the seafront promenade. In the area around the Rethimno port and old town, parking is available for an extra charge, as well as on clearly marked spots you’ll see in the city.
• Rethimno is well connected by bus to other parts of the island, particularly Chania and Heraklion. There are also local buses serving the bus stops of the city of Rethimno and these are great if you want to move around and check out some other local beaches at a small cost. The ticket is 1.5€ one-way and buses run every 20-30 minutes. You can buy the tickets at the kiosks at bus stations, or some supermarkets and grocery stores. If you want to travel to other cities by bus, you can check out the timetables and fares at the main Rethimno bus station located at the address: Leof. Emmanouil Kefalogianni, near the Old Town.
• Unlike other islands, Crete is rich in natural resources and has potable water . However, because this water is of slightly different chemical composition, it’s recommended to drink bottled water.
• Crete is generally very windy , especially in July and August, which may affect the beach time as well. Based on the currents, winds and waves, beaches in Crete can be assigned the red flag (swimming and water activities are prohibited), yellow flag (swimming is allowed with caution) and green flag (swimming is allowed). Before planning your itinerary, always check out the weather forecast on https://poseidon.hcmr.gr/ first, as the wind can spoil your beach time.
• There are two main international airports in Crete: Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” and Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis”, from where you need to take a transfer to Rethimno (from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 min driving time). Book a private transfer from Crete Airports to Rethimno
• Although Rethimno can easily be visited on foot, the Rethymno City Tour by bus or little train departs from Iroon Square in the city center, where the Old Town begins. It is a Hop-on Hop-off tour that includes stops at twelve different locations such as Fortezza Castle, Old Town, Municipal Garden, Panagia Chalevi monastery, Myli Gorge, Agia Irini monastery, the Military Museum and a few more. You can find the timetables and fares on the official webpage https://rethymnocitytour.com/
• If you want to read about the top 15 things to do on Crete for first-time visitors, check out my article Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
• Explore Rethymno tours and activities
• Check out the best Rethymno hotels

10 Best Things to Do in Rethimno

Unlike Chania and Heraklion which don’t have a public city beach, Rethimno has a beautiful, 12 km long public beach boasting all types of facilities and activities needed for a perfect vacation.

Crete is known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world whose beginnings date back to 3500 BC. The Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are the two major locations where you can admire the fascinating legacy of this civilization, however, little is known that the town of Rethymno was also originally built during the Minoan civilization.

In ancient times, the town of Rethymnon was first occupied by Dorians and then Romans, before finally being conquered by the Venetians in 1204 after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. The Republic of Venice ruled Rethymno and Crete until 1669 when the island was occupied by the Ottomans. The island has finally united with the rest of Greece in December 1913, mainly thanks to Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the most important Greek political figures of all time.

The major growth and flourishing of Rethymno happened in the 16th century when the entire town was rebuilt by the Venetians and the majority of the present structures in Rethymno date from that period. All these historical facts are important to understand Rethymno’s fascinating past reflected in the town’s unique architecture featuring a blend of Cretan Renaissance, Ottoman influences and modern elements.

1. Rethymno Old Town

Rethymno’s old town is an endless maze of twisty, narrow streets filled with souvenir shops, stores, restaurants and cafes housed in old, centuries-old buildings. Here, you’ll find some important landmarks, monuments and museums such as:

• Rimondi Fountain – The elegant fountain dominates the small Petichaki square and was built in 1696 by the Venetians.
• Venetian Loggia – The 16th-century Loggia houses the information office of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
• Archaeological Museum of Rethymno – The museum is located across from the Neratze Mosque and overlooks Mikrasiaton square. The museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts, objects and archaeological treasures dating from the Minoan to Roman times.
• Neratze Mosque – Originally a Venetian church, the building was converted into a mosque in the 17th century during the Ottoman occupation. In the 20th century, the mosque was turned again into a church but never functioned as one. Nowadays, it houses the Municipal Odeon Arts Center where music lessons are held and music concerts are performed.
• Megalos Antonios Church – A beautiful church famous for its picturesque bell tower.
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete – A modern museum showcases the artwork of Lefteris Kanakakis and other Greek artists.

Check out Rethymno’s old town tours and activities

2. Venetian Fortezza Castle

Visiting the Venetian Fortezza fortress is a must-do if you want to enjoy the best panoramic views of Rethymno. The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century on the hill of Paleokastro (meaning “Old Castle”), on the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna.

The Venetian authorities had an original plan of permanently moving the entire city to the fortress, however, the local people disagreed and refused it. As a result, only the Venetian Guard administration moved there and built the necessary infrastructure.

In 1646, the citadel was occupied by the Ottomans who made some extensions and additions to the Fortezza. During World War II, German soldiers occupied it and some of the buildings were turned into prisons and dormitories.

Nowadays, Fortezza is a restored hilltop castle complex open to the public. You can visit its Eastern Gate complex, Artillery warehouse, bastions, Counselors’ residence, Sultan Ibrahim Khan Mosque, the ruins of the Episcopal Mansion, a beautiful tiny St. Catherine’s Church, and other buildings and ruins.

Fortezza is located on top of the hill and offers undoubtedly the most spectacular views of Rethymno town and the coast.

Check out Venetian Fortezza tours and activities

3. Old Venetian Harbour

The Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno was built by the Venetians in the 13th century as a trade port. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of Rethymno, dotted with a 9-meter-high Egyptian lighthouse easily reachable on foot. It is the second largest remaining Egyptian lighthouse on Crete after the one in Chania, built in the 1830s during the Egyptian Occupation when the Turks handed Crete to the Egyptians.

The Old harbour is located next to the marina and the bustling old town, lined with a promenade with palm trees, restaurants, cafes and shops.

4. Rethymno Promenade

The town of Rethymno boasts a very long beachfront promenade overlooking the port and Old Venetian Harbour. The promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, travel and car rental agencies. It is ideal for sunset walks when you can admire the romantic views of the port of Rethymno and the Fortezza in its background.

5. Rethymno Beach

The promenade of Rethymno is lined with a 12 km long beach of Rethimno, a wide urban beach where you’ll find all sorts of facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguard stations, showers, changing rooms, beach bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles, and the water is crystal clear and relatively warm.

Depending on the season, swimming on the beach may be prohibited due to the dangerous waves (you’ll see the red flags). The current prices (updated in August 2022) for a set of an umbrella and two sunbeds vary from 5€ to 10-15€, and some bars offer them for free if you order drinks.

6. Baja Beach Club

This great beach club is located 3 km from Rethymno city center and offers an ultimate all-day beach experience. Besides a beautiful beach, here you can find a large pool, a restaurant, a snack bar, a shisha bar, umbrellas, standard and lux sunbeds, Gazebos and music all day long!

There is a large free parking in front of the club, and you can also get there by bus from Rethymno city center. The one-way bus ticket costs 1.5€ and buses run every 20-30 minutes. The ride lasts less than 10 minutes, and you can just tell the driver to stop at Baja Beach Club. You can check out the gallery, offer and prices on the official webpage https://bajabeach.gr/

7. Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi monastery (Moni Arkadiou) is located 20 km/12 miles (a 30-minute drive) southeast of Rethymno and is situated on a plateau surrounded by lush hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. This impressive, fortified monastery dates back to the 16th century and boasts a remarkable blend of Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles.

The monastery is known for being a refuge for 943 Greeks, mainly women and children, during the Cretan revolt against Ottoman rule in 1866. These unfortunate people were hiding from Ottomans in the monastery and after three days of resistance, they decided to sacrifice themselves by blowing up barrels of gunpowder. They chose death over surrender, and ever since the monastery has become a symbol of the Cretan struggle for independence and a national sanctuary. Historically important, with its idyllic turrets and bell tower, the monastery is a must-see place in the Rethymno region.

Explore Arkadi monastery tours and activities

8. Rethymno Municipal Garden

If you seek a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the old town and touristic areas, the Municipal Garden is a great place to unwind and enjoy a pleasant walk. The public garden is situated in the heart of Rethymno, in a more residential part of the town, only a few minutes walk from the beach and the old town.

The garden is filled with tree-lined paths, kids’ play areas and cafes where you can sit and relax with a cup of traditional Greek coffee or Freddo Cappuccino.

9. Delight in the Cretan Cuisine

Rethymno is packed with all types of restaurants and taverns serving both traditional Greek food and international dishes. Cretan cuisine is not only famous for gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad, and other typical Greek dishes but also dishes made of lamb. In Rethimno’s numerous restaurants, you’ll find traditional lamb “Kleftiko” roasted with garlic, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.

Rethimno is heaven for seafood and fish fans, as these are prepared fresh and the choice of food options is great! You’ll find many of these restaurants along the waterfront promenade and in the old town, including the Old Venetian Harbour. I’ve had a chance to dine in several restaurants in Rethimno, and I particularly liked the “Mediterranean” restaurant (address: Ari Velouchioti 12, Rethymno) located on the promenade, and “Red Paprika” in Rethymno Old Town (address: Μεσολογγίου 12, Rethymno). If you like pancakes, waffles and crepes, make sure you check out “Hari’s Creperie” in the Old Town.

What makes Cretan cuisine so special is the amazing service you’ll get at pretty much every restaurant you dine at. Everyone is so welcoming and you’re likely to get the “dessert on the house” after you finish your meal in most of the restaurants. While there, don’t forget to try Cretan wines and olives, as they are believed to be of the best quality in all of Greece.

Check out Crete food and wine tours

10. Day Trips from Rethymno

If you want to explore the island, Rethimno is a great starting destination as it lies between Heraklion and Chania, the two largest cities of Crete. Some of the destinations you can visit from Rethymno are:

• Elafonissi Beach
• Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island
• The Palace of Knossos
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Falassarna Beach
• Preveli Beach
• Samaria Gorge

From Rethimno you can also take a ferry to Santorini Island. Read more about these destinations in my article Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion

Explore day trips from Rethymno

Rethymno Port Overview

The port of Rethymno is a medium-sized port that has both free and commercial use. It is divided into two parts:

• The western part is for commercial and passenger use. The loading and unloading of all goods are carried out here (5 piers are available, and the total length of piers is 810 m).
• The eastern part is dedicated to cruise and ferry ships (2 piers, 125 m and 140 m in length respectively). From the port of Rethymno, there is a weekly ferry to Santorini Island operated by the Seajets company.

The maximum length of the vessels recorded to have entered this port is 163 m. Find more information at https://www.rethymno.gr/

Wrapping Up

The town of Rethymno is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Crete and a great starting point for the exploration of the island. You can easily spend your entire holiday in Rethimno however I suggest you rent a car or book a tour to other famous Crete destinations. Crete is huge and it takes days, if not months to discover, so make sure you plan your Crete itinerary carefully as there are so many wonderful things to do and see!

Read more about Crete:

• Top 15 Things to Do on Crete from Rethymno, Chania and Heraklion
• Chania Port Guide (Souda), Things to Do, Shore Excursions
• Heraklion Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Corfu , Athens (Piraeus) , Kusadasi , Istanbul , Rome (Civitavecchia) , Limassol

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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Find your Activity or Tour

Tours in Crete | GO Tour

Excursions , tours and transfers.

GoTour , an online tour and activity platform  makes it easy to find and book your transfer and tours in Crete . With an experience of 42 years in the travel industry of Crete we have gathered all the tour experts of our beautiful island to offer you high-quality experiences.

Plan ahead your must-do list for Cretan activities and tours according to your place of staying. Our activities and tours in Crete are starting from Chania , Rethymno and Heraklion areas.

Even if you change tour dates or change your mind entirely , we are here to help you in the best possible way. Cancel up to 24 hours before the excursion and you get a full refund.

With GoTour you spend less time searching and more time creating unforgettable memories. Say Goodbye to stress and focus on having a great time!

Check out our best seller tours and activities in Crete such as the Gramvousa island and Balos Lagoon , the wonderful Elafonisi beach , the well known Natural Park of the Samaria Gorge and the Knossos palace in Heraklion.

A visit to Crete could not be complete without a city tour of the old Chania town , a Jeep Safari adventure into the wilderness and traditions of Crete  or maybe  an underwater scuba diving to explore the underwater world. For the most demanding one’s a day at the Pearl of The Aegean , the Santorini island should not be missed.

Have you scheduled your flight to Chania airport or Heraklion airport ? We can assist you and book your taxi, mini van  or bus to your resort or villa in the easiest way. Our representative will be at the arrivals to help you out and greet you with a big smile!

GoTour is always there for you to satisfy your wishes either in a more private tour for you , your family and friends or in a bus, boat, jeep tour that will give you the opportunity to meet new people.

All our vehicles and staff are strictly following all the safety procedures to ensure a safe travel experience for each and every one of you.

Just browse and book or make an inquiry and we will provide you with all the information you need for a memorable tour. We are always happy to receive your comments in Tripadvisor , Facebook and Instagram as well as photos of your great time in our tours and excursions.

Explore every Tour

Kournas lake-Plakias village-Argyroupoli tour starting from Rethymno

Chania city tour starting from Rethymno

Palm beach Preveli starting from Rethymno

Santorini island day tour starting from Rethymno

Best Activities and Tours all over Crete

About GoTours

We on GoTours are on a constant journey to create incredible memories and experiences for every each one of you that chose our beautiful island for your vacations.

With love and commitment to our purpose we have gathered the best activities and tours all over Crete for you. Just browse and book!

Explore our latest Activities

Local cheese making & tasting starting from Chania

SUP & Multi Surprise tour starting from Chania

Jeep Safari Tour to Rodopou Peninsula and Menies Beach starting from Chania

Waterpark starting from Rethymno

Featured locations.

Choose your tour according to your place of staying. Find easily all the tours starting from Chania , from Rethymno or from Heraklion and join us in discovering the hidden treasures of Crete .

The region of Chania has everything! It is enchanting, blessed by nature, constantly inhabited during 5.500 years and a timeless crossroad of East Mediterranean civilisations.

Rethymno is the third largest city of Crete after Heraklion and Chania. It is a romantic city with more of a provincial air and a place one falls in love at first sight.

Heraklion is a bustling modern city 313.000 inhabitants. It is the capital city of Crete and offers a wealth of museums, historical sightseeing, amazing nightlife and events.

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Samaria Gorge from Chania

Gramvousa island & Balos lagoon starting from Chania

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Jeep Safari to the White Mountains of Crete

Imbros Gorge starting from Chania

Samaria gorge starting from rethymno, airport transfers.

Did you just arrive at the airport and want a hustle free transportation to your hotel/villa or Airbnb? Our professional English speaking drivers will come and pick you up at the arrivals to bring you safely wherever you wish.

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Top 5 Crete’s Most Important Cities

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the center of the Minoan civilization, the oldest in Europe. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea not far from Egypt, it has a pleasant climate, typical of a Mediterranean island.

It was established as a state in 1898 but was later annexed to Greece in 1913. Today it is one of the best-known islands and tourist spots in Greece. Let’s explore more about the most important cities of this island!

5 Most Important Cities in Crete

Here we show you the most important cities in the island of Crete and their main attractions.

When in Crete, one has to visit the important monuments of its great history. The most important, without a doubt, is the Palace of Knossos. This Palace was the cradle of the Minoan civilization and the oldest city in Europe.

Homer mentions Knossos as the place where King Minos reigned. Also, according to the myth, the Crete Labyrinth, made by Daedalus to shut away the fierce Minotaur, was located here.

It is the capital of the island and the most important city in Crete. In Heraklion one can find protohistoric and also Byzantine, Venetian and modern monuments. Heraklion was the home of King Minos and his Minotaur.

This city, it should be noted, was the most important of the Minoan civilization. At around 1500 BC, its port was destroyed by a tsunami from the nearby island of Santorini, levelling out the entire region and covering it with volcanic ash.

Heraklion is also the homeland of El Greco, of Nikos Kazantzakis, the author of Zorba and of Odysseas Elytis, the Literature Nobel Prize winner. For this reason, around the city, you can find several sculptures, statues and busts that commemorate important events and figures in the history of the city.

If you’d like to visit this place, take a look at our amazing Heraklion tour packages !

Rethymno is a city founded during the Minoan civilization. It was also Venetian territory. A good mix of Venetian, Roman and Greco-Christian influences make Rethymno a unique city.

Today, Rethymno is a city not only for tourists, but also for students. In Rethymno you should not miss the chance to taste its excellent gastronomy. The most famous Cretan dishes you should try are dakos , Cretan cheese with honey, kalitsounia, fried snails, gamopilafo and many more.

Even if you feel that you really know Greek food, you should try the Cretan cuisine, which has all the hidden treasures that make it unique and unlimited. You can get to know more with our tours to Rethymno .

This island is a small, beautiful and protected nature reserve that belongs to Crete. One of the reasons that it is included in the Natural Protected Areas is that the Caretta-Caretta turtles are born here.

Elafonisi is known for its pink sand beaches, bathed by the transparent waters of the Libyan Sea and has been chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The crystal-clear waters of the island used to be a well-kept secret, enjoyed only by a few Cretan people.

The beaches in the area are perfect for everyone, with very shallow waters. Several meters from the shore, the depth of the sea still reaches below the knee. So, if you are traveling as a family, your children will love it and feel safer splashing around it. In front of this beach there is a small island called "Deer Island", which can be easily accessed on foot.

Chania is the second largest city in Crete with numerous places of interest for the visitor. A Venetian quarter, a synagogue, the Catholic Cathedral and the Chrisoskalitissa monastery are just some of the architectural and cultural monuments that can be seen.

The Chrisoskalitissa monastery, in particular, is an architectural wonder built entirely on a rock. This monastery also stands out for its great cultural and historical content and importance as well as for its amazing views.

In this city you should also try the most famous alcoholic drink in Crete: raki (or tsikoudia ). This drink has come to be considered almost synonymous with Crete and there is literally nothing more Cretan than this.

Other important Cretan drinks are retsina and the wine traditionally produced there. All are key to the development of the local economy.

Is It Easy to Get around Crete without a Car?

Fortunately, all major cities in Crete offer local bus services, providing convenient access to various destinations within the city. Moreover, the cities themselves are highly pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within walking distance due to their compact size and walkable layouts.

So, while public transportation may have its limitations, exploring Crete on foot can be a delightful and rewarding experience.

Plan Your Next Travel Adventure!

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our expertly curated tour packages in Greece . Whether you seek a cultural immersion, an outdoor adventure, or a relaxing retreat, our experienced team is dedicated to crafting the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation.

Book your Crete tour package today and embark on an unforgettable odyssey through one of Greece's most iconic destinations. Your adventure awaits!

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