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HeraklionShore excursions

Our most recommended Heraklion Shore excursions

Heraklion: Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Meal

1. Heraklion: Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Meal

Set sail from the old Venetian Port of Heraklion to Dia Island on a yacht tour. Cruise through the Mediterranean Sea. Feel the wind on your skin, cool off in the sea by snorkeling and swimming, and enjoy a full meal onboard. After an hour of sailing, drop anchor at St George's Bay, the biggest bay on the island. Spend 2.5 hours there, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. With the snorkeling equipment that is available for everyone on board, explore the Mediterranean biodiversity and the remains of the ancient Minoans' port. Or use the fishing gear to try your hand at fishing, with respect to the local ecosystem. For the more adventurous, there is also a chance to walk the wild landscape of the island towards the chapel of Analipsi. Later, come back onboard for a taste of local cuisine. Sit on the deck, savor your meal, admire the scenic view, and listen to music.

From Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit

2. From Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit

Board a high-speed vessel with an open deck and coffee bars and enjoy a nice ferry cruise from Heraklion to the island of Santorini (Duration: approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred from the port to the magnificent village of Oia in the north. During the transfer, an experienced guide on the bus will share many interesting facts about Santorini, its history, features, and secrets. In Oia, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to visit picturesque spots and viewpoints and enjoy breathtaking views. The town of Oia is famous worldwide for its iconic panoramic views, Cycladic architecture with white houses and churches with blue domes. After Oia, the tour continues to the capital of Santorini - the town of Fira. Fira is just as beautiful as Oia, with breathtaking views of the sea and Caldera from its streets. You can visit the big Orthodox Cathedral on the main square in the center of Fira and walk through the city. Fira is full of interesting and picturesque spots and corners. You will have almost 1.5 hours there to explore on your own. The tour will end with a transfer to the Santorini port, where you will take a return trip to Crete. The day trip ends at the port of Heraklion or at your hotel area if you select the option that includes hotel transfer.

From Heraklion: Elounda, Kolokitha, and Spinalonga Boat Trip

3. From Heraklion: Elounda, Kolokitha, and Spinalonga Boat Trip

Relax and enjoy a 4-hour long boat trip to some of Crete's most famous sites. Explore the lagoon of Elounda, see Kolokitha's beautiful sandy beach, and see Spinalonga, a former leper colony and Venetian fortress. Begin the tour at Elounda Port at 2 p.m. where you get on board the boat. Set sail towards Spinalonga Island, a picturesque islet known for its stunning scenery and rich history. Approach the island, where you will get to see the Venetian fortress, which was once used as a leper colony. Head towards the Barbarossa cave, a natural wonder that will take your breath away. Learn more about the cave, named after the famous pirate Barbarossa, who used it as a hideout in the past. Enjoy a chance to take photos and explore the cave before you move on to the next stop. Move on to the next destination, Skistra Beach, where you will get to swim in crystal-clear waters and soak up the sun. Admire the beach, known for its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Take a refreshing swim before will heading towards Kolokytha Beach, where you'll get to enjoy the pristine sand and turquoise waters of the beach, surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a stunning backdrop for your photos. Indulge in a salad and fruit bar on board, where you can enjoy healthy snacks and refreshments. Order cocktails at an additional cost and sip on delicious drinks as you take in the stunning views.

Heraklion: Olive Mill Visit with Olive Oil And Food Pairing

4. Heraklion: Olive Mill Visit with Olive Oil And Food Pairing

"Kalos orisate" or "Welcome" in Greek. Visitors will have the chance to taste the unique flavor of Cretan Extra virgin olive oil and learn about the techniques Cretan use for thousand of years to produce it in the beautiful village of Skalani just outside of Heraklion. Visitors will be having a tour led by greek olive oil experts. They will visit a modern olive mill and witness how olive oil is produced, followed by a tour of our private olive grove and an olive oil tasting course accompanied by greek delicacies. Our guests will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Cretan nature and countryside Kids and pets are more than welcome too.

From Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda Tour

5. From Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda Tour

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Depart from Heraklion in a spacious, comfortable bus and be carried to the designated locations along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort. Board the bus to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha at around 10:30 a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. Swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Take the boat around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello Bay. Learn more about Spinalonga's long and complex history as a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement at 2:45 pm. Head towards our last destination from Elounda by bus, and take the opportunity for a quick olive oil tasting, before arriving at the capital town of Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos at around 3:45 pm. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni and enjoy your walk to the local shops and board the bus to return to Heraklion at approximately 6:30.

From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

6. From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

Travel by air-conditioned bus to the west of Crete. Enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast at the small village of Skaleta and then continue to Kissamos to board a boat and start your cruise. Admire a vast cave that was most likely an ancient shipyard. See sea turtles and dolphins playing in the water. Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, also known as "Pirates' Island". Enjoy about 2 hours to explore and encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species. Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Alternatively, feast from an (optional) lunch on board.  Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon and enjoy a 2-hour swimming break before the return journey to the meeting point. 

Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau Zeus cave

7. Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau Zeus cave

The tour starts, by visiting the Knossos Palace : the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. There you will explore the stunning palace, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of Western Civilization. Leaving Knossos we will head out of town along the scenic coastal road, heading east with destination the traditional olive oil factory. There you will have the chance to learn about the process of harvesting and producing the’’ liquid gold ‘’: olive oil! You will be informed about its beneficial properties and taste its excellent flavor. Then driving between the mountains you will admire the flora and fauna, you will see many olive trees and will visit one of the oldest plane tree in the world, in the village of Krasi. There you will have the opportunity on the paved square to take unforgettable photos and you will taste the traditional “raki” drink next to the natural springs. On the road that leads to the Lasithi Plateau in a green area of Northern Diktis, you will pass through the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. Next destination is Plateau of Lasithi, the largest plateau in Crete, where hosted after the 1950s, the first, largest and most beautiful wind farm in the world with approximately 13000 windmills. Nowadays, unfortunately, only a few windmills remain in operation on the fertile plain surrounded by the imposing Dikti Mountains. There you can visit the impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, witch is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lassithi Plateau is breathtaking. According to the mythology Zeus was born and raised here. We will end up in the traditional village of Mochos where in the village cafes you will mingle with the locals and feel the spirit of Crete. In the end of this tour you will be driven back to your location full of nice memories, and with a big smile!

Heraklion: Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island

8. Heraklion: Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island

Kick off your shoes and come onboard an elegant yacht on a private sailing tour. Embark on a full-day or half-day private cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores. Enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshment. Benefit from optional pick-up from your hotel or apartment, and then relax on a 1-hour sailing cruise to Dia Island on a luxury yacht only for you and your family or friends. After dropping anchor in the romantic Gulf of Saint George, spend your day discovering an idyllic location with great history, such as the underwater ancient Minoan port, which was one of the favorite destinations of the explorer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the crystal clear water, taking a walk among the island's cedar trees, or just relaxing in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion. Snorkeling and fishing equipment are provided for your comfort and convenience by the attentive crew, along with unlimited refreshments and seasonal fruits. Depart from Dia Island and journey back to Heraklion, where a transfer to your hotel or cruise ship is provided if requested.

From Chania: Cave of Zeus & Knossos Palace Private Day Tour

9. From Chania: Cave of Zeus & Knossos Palace Private Day Tour

Come with us on a journey along East Crete reveling in the endless luxuries of the Lassithi Plateau which is basked in allure forests & fertile land dotted with iconic windmills. From the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal, our knowledgeable local insider will ensure you experience the best of the whole itinerary. Discover quaint villages, local lifestyle, storied monuments, Byzantine Monasteries & Cretan art. Tuck into a culinary odyssey & savor genuine tastes loved by our legendary forefathers. It’s our job to hook you up with only the most authentic eateries. Amble in the footsteps of gods to the Cave of Zeus. Plunge into the mythical birthplace & sense the sanctity of this ancient site. When in Knossos Palace, luxuriate in the eternal magnificence of the Minoan ruins & frescoes. Succumb to the personalized service of a top history-archaeology guide & let us stimulate you with eclectic information by ensuring a stress-free pace in all archaeological areas.

Crete: Private Transfer to/from Heraklion Port/Airport/Town

10. Crete: Private Transfer to/from Heraklion Port/Airport/Town

Explore the secrets of Crete, get to know the real Crete off the touristic path. Enjoy a low cost private one-way transfer with Mercedes (1-4 persons) and Mercedes Vito (5-8 persons) for any Airport in Crete, Chania/Heraklion or Heraklion Port or Chania port (Souda Port) to hotels in the Rethymno area. Depens your flight, the local operator will confirm the time you wish to depart from your hotel. In the same, the local driver will meet you from the airport or port to transfer you to your hotel. The transfer will be conducted with an 8 seat minibus or 4 seat taxi. You will be notified by email about the pick-up details. Choose between a variety of one-way transfer options between Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno areas. Enjoy easy transfer to the local attraction or place you want to visit. If you have luggage, this can be accommodated too. All vehicles come fully air conditioned with a driver.

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Frequently asked questions about Heraklion Shore excursions

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Other Sightseeing Options in Heraklion

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What people are saying about Heraklion

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 42 reviews

This boat trip was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. The friendly staff, pristine boat and stunning scenery did not disappoint. Communication was great, especially when I requested a date change due to weather forecast. The transfer was prompt and reliable, the food on the trip was delicious and the island itself was absolutely beautiful. I can't fault this experience, I'm very happy I booked it.

It was a fantastic day out, great hospitality and food and company , Beautiful swimming with snorkel and fins provided. So fantastic to sail the waves A really great day out worth every penny We will remember for ever thank you

Super guides! Friendly, knowledgeable and fun. We loved this experience! Highly recommend. We had 3 different guides - one for each activity and getting to each was easy. Perfect for us!!!!

Was a beautiful experience. Lovely hosts who took us to the island

Beautiful day trip with lots of fun and crystal clear waters