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CreteBeach trips

Our most recommended Crete Beach trips

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

1. From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

Take a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon on a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views. Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route. Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by Cretan nature, the legends, and the area's turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck. See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island that sits atop a steep rock. Enjoy a swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi. After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to the Balos Lagoon. Listed as one of the world's best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani. Choose to swim in the turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty, the rocks, and the cliffs rising above you during your rest at the beach before heading back.

From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

2. From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

Travel to the southwest corner of Crete on a guided day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Island, with hotel transfers included. Spend a relaxing day swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the pink sand beach, and soaking in the unique landscape of Elafonisi. Start with a hotel pick up and take in the lush green landscape en route to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many traditional villages. Stop to purchase coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. After arriving at Elafonisi, enjoy 4 hours of relaxing on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local tavern (not included). Situated just off the island of Crete, Elafonisi is easily reached by walking through the shallow waters. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty.

Crete: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer Boat Ticket

3. Crete: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer Boat Ticket

Experience a full-day boat trip to the westernmost part of Crete and visit two of the most famous landmarks, Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island. Be picked up by an air-conditioned bus at a pickup point close to your hotel and you be driven to Kissamos port. There you will board a large comfortable boat with an open deck and a bar-restaurant. Enjoy your cruise along the coast and see the dramatic rockface from the water. The boat after an 1 hour trip will approach Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary). Gramvousa island used to be a pirate's cove. Choose to hike for 20 minutes to the Venetian castle which is built on a steep 137m high rock. Enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean sea and unique landscape from here. You may also swim in the area next to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. After the (approximately)1,5-hour stop in Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, which will be reached after approximately 20 minutes. Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. You will be amazed from the turquoise waters, the pink sandy beach and the natural beauty of this unique place. You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 2,5 hours.

From Rethymno: Day Trip to Preveli Beach & Damnoni Beach

4. From Rethymno: Day Trip to Preveli Beach & Damnoni Beach

Discover 3 of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Crete. Travel through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge where you will stop to see the magnificent waterfalls and the springs of the river Preveli that flow inside the gorge and which result in the river at Preveli Beach. The first stop in the south is at the sandy beach Damnoni, where the boat is waiting to take you to Palm Beach Preveli at the south-end of Kourtaliotis Gorge, at the mouth of the river Preveli. Enjoy some time for a splendid swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathe and relax, and embark on a short hike through the tropical forest. Visit the south of Crete and stop at the viewpoint above where you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and take some fantastic pictures. Hop on the boat to take you to Preveli, a unique mixture of the sandy beach and the green river which is flanked by palm forests and rocky surroundings. Here you will have time to enjoy the refreshing Libyan sea and the Cretan Sun. Continue to the sandy beach of Damnoni, where the boat is waiting to take you to Palm Beach Preveli at the south-end of Kourtaliotis Gorge, at the mouth of the river Preveli. Enjoy some time for a splendid swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathe and relax, and embark on a short hike through the tropical forest. Hop back on the boat and return back to the sandy beach of Damnoni. The next stop is the small resort Plakias, situated in a natural bay. Here you can have lunch, go for another swim or do some shopping. We will take another road to return to Rethymno, driving through the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

5. Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Embark on a full-day guided trip to northeastern Crete and take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Visit Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake, and explore the picturesque village of Elounda. Begin the day with the visit to Agios Nikolaos, and see the shore of Mirabello Bay. Explore the town, famous for the lake at its center and its shopping and cafes. Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake. Explore an open-air market on Wednesdays. Move on to see Elounda village, a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Depart from Elounda for the cruise to Spinalonga Island. Learn about the island's vibrant history, from a home for the Venetians and Turks to a place of isolation for those suffering from leprosy. Experience the island, more popular after the 2005 historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived in Spinalonga. Join the hundreds of people who come to the island every day to visit and learn its history.

From Rethymno: Full-Day Land Rover Safari to Preveli

6. From Rethymno: Full-Day Land Rover Safari to Preveli

Discover Preveli on this Land Rover safari from Rethymno. Admire the beautiful scenery, taste locally-produced raki, take a swim, and explore the palm forest at Preveli before returning to Rethymno. Benefit from pickup at your hotel. Start by taking in a breathtaking view of the Prasses Gorge. Look for resident wildlife, including the impressive vultures that live in the gorge. Continue to the Potamon Dam and admire the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island. Pass through typical villages, such as Karines and Spili and learn about the local customs and habits. Savor an authentic raki produced in the village along with other specialties at a traditional tavern overlooking the Libyan Sea. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli and explore the palm forest. Feel the wind in your hair as you get back to nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. End with a panoramic view of Rethymno before drop off at your hotel.

Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

7. Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Explore the wild natural beauty and the crystal-clear waters of two pristine beaches on this guided cruise from Chania to Menies and Chironisia bay. Use the provided snorkeling gear to uncover the remains of a sunken gun and carriage from WWII.  Choose from a tour that meets on the boat in the harbor of Kolymbari or that includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in north Chania. Set off a comfortable and spacious boat.  Feel the wind in your hair as you glide to Menies beach which is on the site of ancient Diktynna, where the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis was located. See the remains of the ancient Roman temple as well as a 9th century abandoned monastery of St. George. Put on your snorkel gear to explore some underwater items from WWII before heading to Chironisia Bay, a small hidden bay that is only accessible by the sea. Plunge into the deep blue waters where you can venture into small caves with the snorkel gear.

From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise with Hotel Pickup

8. From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise with Hotel Pickup

Start with pickup from Heraklion or the surrounding area. Drive over to Kastelli by bus to board your boat. Balos are Gramvousa are located on the West part of the island. Depending on the area your hotel is located is around 4 hours by bus to the place where the boats depart. Embark the boat from the village of Kasteli and head over to Balos Lagoon and enjoy plenty of time to swim in the quiet crystal clear waters, walk across the golden sand beach and soak in the sun as you relax. Cruise across the western Cretan sea and arrive at the tranquil Gramvousa. Swim along the coast and stroll up to the castle on the hill to admire panoramic views of the natural landscape as you hike up to that point. The drivers will be awaiting you at the port, in order to begin the drive back to Heraklion.

From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup

9. From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup

Spend 4.5 hours enjoying Elafonisi Island. Don't forget your camera, as you'll definitely want to capture this island's pink sandy beaches and clear Aegean waves. The day starts with pickup from a meeting point near your resort. Travel 4 hours to Elafonisi, taking in views of canyons, valleys, and hidden villages on the way. Learn more about Crete and its history from the local guide. Take 20-minute stop to stretch your legs or grab a quick breakfast before arriving to the destination. Once on the island, guests are free to take a swim in the clear waters, soak up the sun on the sandy beach, or chill and grab a drink at the snack bar. At the end of the visit, meet at the bus for the return trip to Heraklion. The journey will take approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic and your drop-off location.

Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Gortyn Day Trip

10. Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Gortyn Day Trip

Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history. Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café. Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.

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What people are saying about Crete

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 2,235 reviews

It was a beautiful day! We had experienced Balos last year by walking down. Taking the ferry was much easier and allowed us to see the region and the absolute beauty. Only issue was that I tripped walking out of the water closet. I tripped over a crate and fell head on to the steel pole. Experienced major pain and a headache. Unfortunately no one on the ferry was equipped to help except for a bag of ice. My eye turned black and blue the next day and I ended up staying on the ferry snot getting to experience myths beach. I have been on multiple tours while here inCrete and a suggestion I have is that the tour providers need to have processes in place when dealing with adverse events.

the trip was amazing! pick up and drop off from the hotel went smoothly, our guide was amazing and spoke English as well as German perfectly, she also respected when everyone went to sleep on the bus and didn't say anything for that time, it was great. Elafonisi is one of the most beautiful places on earth rest assured, I'd definitely go again. tour was well organised and it deserves a hundred stars! I'd absolutely recommend it to everyone.

A REALLY long trip, however, absolutely worth it! This beach is extremely crowded, but if you walk to the other side, the water is the bluest you will ever see and is much better for swimming and snorkelling.

Very nice trip. They picked me up in a van very close to my hotel because the streets were very narrow. Recommended!

Very well organised. Very friendly. Safe drive to our locations. Fun and well priced.