Rethymno

Island Tours

Set off on a day trip by bus and boat to the magnificent Balos Lagoon and the Gramvousa island, on the northwestern coast of Crete. Travel by air-conditioned bus to the port of Kissamos and board the boat for a cruise with swim stops and a visit to a castle. After an early morning pickup near your hotel, sit back and relax as you pass through beautiful scenery to get to the Port of Kissamos. There, you'll pay for the cruise and board the boat which will take you in the sea for about an hour till you reach Gramvousa island. Once at Gramvousa, you'll have 1.5 hours of free time to explore the Venetian Fortress which offers breathtaking views from the top. Otherwise, you can stay on the boat to take advantage of the bar restaurant or you can relax at the beachside. Afterward, the boat will continue for about 20 minutes to reach the Balos Lagoon. There, you'll have 2.5 hours of free time on the beach. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore the dunes in the background. In the afternoon, the boat will begin the cruise back to Kissamos and from there you will be driven back to your Hotel area in Rethymno.

Boart the pirate-themed boat "Captain Hook" at marina port of Rethymnon. Set sail on a five-hour cruise and take some time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring the beautiful views. Sail west and enjoy the views of the Venetian port of Rethymnon. Traveling along the coastline of Crete, pass Gerani Bay before the boat anchors at the Bay of Kevalas. Enjoy some time swimming or snorkeling from the boat for approximately one hour. Next, enjoy a lunch of tuna salad with fresh local vegetables, followed by more time for swimming and sunbathing. On the return leg of the journey, admire the views of the caves of Kefalas before returning to the harbor of Rethymnon.

Depart Rethymno at approximately 07:45 and travel by bus along the new national road towards the westernmost tip of Crete. Pass the bay of Souda and the former Cretan capital of Chania before your arrival in Kissamos. Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon. Next, take a 20-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island for plenty of time to enjoy an unforgettable swim in the crystal clear waters. If you are feeling energetic, take an optional 137-meter climb up to the 16th-century Venetian Fortress for an incomparable view of the surrounding surroundings. Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours at peace on Gramvousa Island, and then take a 1-hour boat ride back to Kissamos. Upon arrival, continue to Rethymno by bus at the end of the laid-back tour.

Start your day trip from Crete at the port of Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos. Select the option to be picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and marvel at the blue and white buildings typical of the island on your way to the harbor. Climb aboard the luxury, high-speed Champion Jet 2 catamaran and journey to Santorini in just 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at the port of Athinios, take a tour of the island by air-conditioned bus. Listen to an informative commentary from your guide (available in English, German, French, Italian, Polish and Russian) about the history of one of the most romantic islands in Greece. Travel through the beautiful countryside en route to the village of Oia at the northernmost tip of the island. Built on the lip of a volcanic caldera, the village offers magnificent views of the blue and white houses studded along the hillside.   Continue to Fira and get plenty of free time to explore the island's capital. Stroll down the picturesque alleys and take in the views of the architecture typical to the Aegean. Browse the shops or enjoy a drink at a bar with stunning views of the volcano and its caldera cliffs. Then, get the option to stay in the capital or go for a 2-hour swim off the black sand beach of Perissa or Perivolos. Alternatively, travel by boat to the caldera (subject to availability) for views of the volcano up close. Depart for Crete at 17:45 and journey back to the Port of Rethymno, where the tour services end. Select the transfer option to be dropped off back at your hotel.

Following pick-up by bus, journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day on the pink sand beaches on the small island of Elafonisi. Take in the lush green landscape on the way to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many old and very typical villages. Stop for a coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. Upon arrival at Elafonisi, get at least 4 hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize. Situated just off the shore of the main island, Elafonisi can be reached by walking through the water. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty. Depart by bus at approximately 16:00 and return to Rethymno for an estimated arrival time and hotel drop off at around 18:30.

Board the luxury high-speed catamaran for the 2.5-hour trip to Santorini. Enjoy an island tour by air-conditioned bus and hear informative commentary about the history of one of Greece's most romantic islands. Travel to the village of Oia at the northernmost tip of the island. The village offers magnificent views of the blue and white houses scattered on the hillside. Continue to Fira, where you'll have free time to explore the island's capital. Browse the shops or enjoy a drink at a bar with stunning views of the volcano. Swim from a black sand beach at Perissa or Perivolos. Depart for Crete at 05:45 PM, where the 13-hour trip ends in the port of Rethymno.

This is your chance to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Elafonissi is truly a heaven on earth, with soft white/pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. It is located in the easily accessible, south-western side of Crete. You will be picked-up you from your hotel area in the morning. Your first stop where you will be able to have a short break is the Aghia Sophia cave. Here you can visit the cave, and have coffee or refreshments if you choose. Following this, you will depart for Elafonissi. On your way to Elafonissi you will be able to see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery, as well as the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. Once you have reached Elafonissi, you will have 4 hours of free time to soak in the amazing sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned back to your accommodation in Crete.

Visit Santorini, the island neighboring Crete, and enjoy a short cruise in just 1 day. After pick-up from your hotel, head to the harbor and begin your 4-hour boat tour on the Cretan Sea. Upon arrival, see the white houses of Fira that lie high above the edge of the crater, and decide whether you would like to spend more time on this volcanic island. Wander the small town of Fira or visit the picturesque town of Oia. Enjoy the leisurely Greek lifestyle and visit a taverna or two. Relax on the beach, enjoy the day by the sea, and simply leave your cares behind.

Start your day at Elafonisi beach, with its shallow water and fine white sand. Relax on the shore for 2 hours or explore your surroundings in one of the most beautiful, remote locations in Crete. Dip your feet in the turquoise lagoon or simply stroll along the shore fringed with pink coral sand. Then, get ready for the wild road to Cape Vouxa. Ride 8 kilometers up a dirt track to the national park in a comfortable 4x4 bus. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around you. Finally, arrive at your destination. Step out and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Balos Bay and Gramvousa.

Make your cruise worry-free with a roundtrip transfer from Rethymno to Kissamos port in an air-conditioned bus. Ride in a well-maintained and comfortable bus and leave the navigation to your local driver. Have an onboard guide during your trip.  Be picked up in the morning from your accommodation in Rethymno. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Kissamos port where you can purchase a cruise ticket to swim in crystal-clear water of Balos Lagoon and see the Venetian castle of Gramvousa.  Let your driver worry about traffic and getting to the port on time while you relax. Once you return to the port on the boat, your driver will be waiting to whisk you back to your accommodation in Rethymno.