Chania - West Crete

Book in advance HIKING THROUGH THE NATIONAL PARK OF CRETE SAMARIA GORGE:
Full day experience
Things to know before you go most of our tours provide round-trip transport from your accommodation in western Crete.
This tour is carried out by the company Haidemenakis.

Helping you explore Crete, with the whole family in tow this offered excursion in western Crete will be a real adventure. We offer this tour only with pick up points from the northwest coast, as the transfer from the eastcoast is too long. When you have a hotel at the east coast and you want to pass the Agia Irini Gorge we recommend to book an overnight in Chania-City. We can arrange this for you, we can offer a package 1 night in Chania plus the transfer to the Gorge: info@kreta.com

Departure Time 05:50 AM, Returns to original departure point / pick up point.
This hiking tour will lead you through sceneries of uncommon beauty and of exceptional wilderness.
Ride in an air-conditioned bus comfortably through the white mountains and enjoy the stunnig views. Your guide tells you about the area’s history about flora & fauna.
The tour will take place in almost every weather condition - the organizer will take the final decision in case of very bad weather conditions. In this case you´ll be informed from us and the tour will be moved to another day or cancelled. In case of cancellation on our part you´ll get your money back.

Not suited for the elderly and for people with cardiovascular disorders.

The National Park Samaria Gorge is the largest and oldest nature reserve in Crete.

With a length of 17 km Samaria Gorge is the longest canyon in Europe. This tour is a classic day hike, one of the highlights in western Crete, and a must to see for everyone interested in nature.
You need to be in good health and have no heart or circulatory problems. Good shoes, headgear and a bottle of water should be your equipment, then you can start. There are water sources in the gorge where you can refill your bottle.

We have various pick-up points on the west coast, which are located on the coastal road. You will find the time of pick-up and the meeting point later in the booking process. First you have to tick off your date, then pick up point and number of guests to book will follow.
The starting time depends on the pick up point. Usualy the time is from around 05:30 - 06:00 a.m. (earliest pick-up point). Return to the pick-up point around 8:00 p.m.
Most hotels provide guests with a breakfast package (if meals have been booked), please ask for a day before your tour to arrange this.

This guided tour takes you to the table land Omalos to the entry of the Samaria Gorge. The entry is reknown Xyloskalo (entrance to the Samaria Gorge 1250 meters above sea level), the tour guide collects the entrance fees. Per person = 5 euros. Then you get started.

At the end of the trip, the tour guide is waiting for you in a tavern at the coastal village Agia Roumeli ( End of Samaria Gorge) and he will handing out the boat ticket. Extra Cost for this ticket per person € 10. from Agia Roumeli you ´ll go by ferry-boat to the next coastal Village Sfakia or Sougia( it depence on date), as the village Agia Roumeli at the end of the Samaria Gorge is a carfree zone. Coming from the ferry boat the bus will be waiting there, which will take you back to the pick-up point /Hotel.

This tour is exhausting, but can also be carried out with well-trained children from the age of 9.
Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability. This tour is carried out from the company Haidemenakis S.A.
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.

Pre-book your excursion to Elafonissi
Things to know before you go most of our tours provide round-trip transport from your accommodation in western Crete

Panoramic and scenic sightseeing tour to the nature reserve Elafonissi Lagoon. Bathing Paradise Elafonissi Lagoon
An adventure for the whole family in tow.
Book know the day tour to the nature reserve Elafonissi lagoon on the south coast of Crete. You save planning time on site.
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points as shown in our drop off menue. Transport by air-conditioned bus.

Responsible for this excursion is the company Haidemenakis S.A.

Service included: Bus tour / airconditioning transportation from the selected pick up point first to the Monastery Chrisoskalitissa and then bathing in the Elafonissi lagoon. Beautiful views from the top of the Monastery, find out about these place and the legend behind the name. Returns to original departure point.
Experience the diversity of Crete´s countryside on a full-day trip to the nature reserve Elafonissi. You’ll absorb spectacular land and seascapes as you travel between natural landmarks with ease. For a seamless expereince.

This tour can be booked till 48 hours before selected date. Payment with Credit-Card. After booking you´ll receive via email the booking confirmation and your voucher with all information needed. Meals and drinks are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off as shown in our drop off menue.

tick off your date then pick up-point ( drop off menue)and number of guests will follow. Please bear in mind that this excursion is Non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back.

This Day-Sight Seeing Tour "Konssos and the Highlights of the Minoan Civilization" is offered with the pick up points at the west coast of Crete.

Excursion to Knossos and the archaeological museum in Heraklion. The first stop is shortly after Rethymnon. There is a 30 minute stay for breakfast. After an hour's drive, always along the coastline with beautiful views, we visit the archaeological site the Palace of Knossos. There is a 2 hour guided tour by a professional archaeologist.

The Knossos Palace is a must; it is Crete's most famous Minoan Palace. Knossos is situated only a few minutes from Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. Wherever your holiday destination is, Knossos is accessible from the coastal highway. After passing Heraklion on the eastern side, you will see the signs to Knossos.
The rich finds from the Minoan civilisation are in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and you will see original frescoes from Knossos, jewellery and artwork here. Knossos is the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres. The site has had a very long history of human habitation, beginning with the founding of the first settlement circa 7000 B.C. The site consists of four palaces. The oldest palace, The Little Palace, dates from 2000-1350 B.C. The Little Palace, with the double megaron, a pristyle hall and scraped wall masonry dated to the 17 th-15th centuries B.C. (to the west of the main palace).
The Royal Villa distinguished by the double staircase, with two flights of stairs and the pillar crypt, dates from the 14th century B.C. and lies to the NE of the palace. The Royal Villa may have been the residence of an aristocrat or a high priest. The third is the House of the Frescoes. It is located to the NW of the palace and is a small urban mansion with rich decoration on the walls. Dates from the 15th, 14th-12th centuries B.C. The fourth is the Unexplored Mansion. Probably a private building of private-industrial function and lies to the NW of the main palace. It is rectangular, with a central, four-pillared hall, corridors, storerooms and the remains of a staircase. Dates from the 12th to 14th centuries B.C.
Knossos was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan merchant and antiquarian. The English archaeologist Arthur Evans was able to purchase the entire site and conduct the main excavations in 1900.
After visiting Knossos we head on to the Capital of Crete Heraklion for visiting the archaelogical museum. It is one of the most important museums of Europe. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the most important museum in Greece and among the most important in Europe. There you will see the oldest witness of our European civilisation, with artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history. The museum covers a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
The two storey building has large exhibition spaces, laboratories, a drawing room, a library, offices and a special department and the Scientific Collection Room, where several finds are stored and studied.
After 2 hours Stay at the Capital, we take the bus back to the west with a short coffee break in Rethymnon. The arrival time in the region around Chania is around 6:30 p.m.
1.Transport by air-conditioned coach 2. Guided Tour through Knossos 3. explore the Capital on your own or visit the archaeological museum of Crete, one of the most important museum of Europe.

Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.

The Day-Cruise to the Nature Reserve Balos Lagoon

Things to know before you go most of our tours provide round-trip transport from your accommodation in western Crete. Journey along the coast with stunning cliff views to the nature reserve Balos Lagoon. This day cruise takes you on a spectacular journey. Carefully designed for you. We always guarantee reliability and quality. Our dedicated and passionate team from kreta.com are here to assist your booking every step of the way.
We offer several pick up points at the west coastline of Crete. The bus takes you to the place of embarkation and back to the pick up point. Air conditioned transportation ready to commence your scenic tour to the Lagoon Balos.

On the day of your trip you may give to the cruise - office the reservation documents provided by us kreta.com and the office shall give you your boat-tickets. The boat ticket of 18 € ( Children half) in not included.

Departure from the port of Kissamos at 10.20 am – return to the port at 17.45 pm .The timetable changes according the season. More information you´ll get with the email - voucher after booking.
With soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. The boat will approach afterwards Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary) in about 20 minutes.
Visit Gramvousa-the island of pirates
The boat shall arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where you shall stay for about 2 hours. The location of Gramvousa, the Cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura.
The highest point of the island, atop a steep rock, at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the famous castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a significant role in the history of the wider area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates’ hidden treasure, allure you to visit it, after a 20 minute hike (it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes).
The ship sails on to visit the lagoon of Balos

Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. Since May 24 it is not allowed for the ships to anker direct at the beach. (for nature conservation reasons). The ship stops in about 100 meter before the beach. You can swim to the beach, but not in the lagoon. Families with childen can swim at the beach of Gramvoussa Island.

The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity. You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 3 hours.

Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.

Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability.
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.

Lean back and enjoy the ride with a private local guide. Spectacular picturesque unique places, breathtaking views and the comfort of being well informed by the company of a local guide in western crete. Experience the magnificent fauna and fascinating world of Crete and at first hand. An exclusive tour with our private local guide is not only more eventful, you get to know Crete more intensively. The mentioned price is for 1-4 guests and includes his company in your rental car. This private guided tour is only possible when you have booked a rental car for your holidays on Crete.