Nature in Crete

Private off-road tour to experience Crete

Buckle up for an exciting 4x4 off-road tour, rumbling into the mountainous landscapes of Crete. You'll be awe-struck by views of the south Cretan coast from Kerame village and the drama of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Take a cooling dip at Preveli Beach, tuck into a traditional lunch, and check out Spili's lion-head fountains. With your guide doubling as your driver, every twist and turn reveals another hidden gem of Crete.

Off-road buggy safari from Rethymno in Crete

Calling all adventure-seekers – this is your ticket to the rugged side of Crete. After a quick safety briefing, you'll head up into the mountains to roar through impressive natural gorges and splash through river crossings in a two-seater off-road buggy. There'll be plenty of pauses to take in the wild scenery and you'll get a taste of the local culture with pit stops at remote 12th-century Cretan villages. Refuel on caffeine and snacks at a traditional kafenion – a Greek coffee house – before heading back to Rethymno to put your feet up.

Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour

This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.

Ferry tour of Milos Island with transfer

This trip to Milos Island has everything you need. You'll start at Sarakiniko Beach, one of the island's top spots, where you can explore sea caves and take a dip in the sea. Then, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite were once mined. After that, you'll head to the fishing village of Pollonia for a seaside stroll and maybe some fresh seafood. Finally, you'll wrap up your visit with stops at Plaka, the island's capital, and Adamas, the main port.

Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon from Plakias

Jump onboard at Kastelli and prepare to be wowed by cliffs and caves as we sail to Gramvousa Island, crossing the bay of Kissamos. Here, you've got the option to chill on deck, take a swim, or hike up Venetian castle to drink up the Insta-gold views. Next up, we're off to Tigani. With Caribbean-style beaches – you'll get to laze on the white sands and splash in the warm shallows of the Balos Lagoon before heading back to Plakias.

Crete Botanical Gardens and Spili Village from Plakias

An oasis of tranquillity, Crete's Botanical Gardens provide a respite from the bustling beaches. On this morning tour, your guide will show you around the vast gardens and teach you about the local plants and wildlife. You'll also get to visit the quaint village of Spili, where you'll have around two hours of free time to browse the shops, grab a bite to eat or visit the local folklore museum.

Aradena Gorge Hike and Loutro Village from Plakias

Explore the Aradena Gorge with a 5km hike that rivals the beauty and challenge of Samaria. After a three-hour trek, enjoy a refreshing swim at Marmara Beach. From there, we'll take a boat to the picturesque village of Loutro, perfect for soaking up the local charm, and then continue to Sfakia before returning to Plakias by bus. This adventure combines jaw-dropping scenery, relaxation, and a touch of local culture.

Samaria Gorge Easy Hiking Tour from Plakias

This easygoing hike is ideal for a day out like no other. Start your day with a scenic drive from Plakias to Chora Sfakion, then hop on a ferry to Agia Roumeli. Here, you can explore the stunning Samaria Gorge at your own pace. Walk up to 4km to see the 'Iron Gate' and its towering cliffs. After your hike, take a refreshing swim, unwind on the beach, or enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at a local tavern.

Mili Gorge and Rethymnon from Plakias

This full day tour lets you be at one with Cretan nature. Start your day with a scenic bus ride through Crete's stunning valleys and mountains as you head to Mili Gorge. Buckle up for an easy hike along beautiful paths, past old mills and bubbling streams, and cool off in the clear waters. After a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, spend a couple of hours exploring Rethymnon's regional market and wandering through the old town.

Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour from Plakias

Pick your way along the challenging 8km route of Imbros Gorge, surrounded by wonderful fauna and the steep vertical walls of the ravine. There's also a refreshment stop in Komitades, and the opportunity for a swim in Frangokastello. As you stroll along, take in the views over the White Mountains as you head up to the starting point – the mountain village of Imbros. Here, you'll set off on your 3-4 hour hike, following pathways through wildflower meadows. The going never get too rough underfoot and the gradient is a gentle descent.Enjoy a well-earned break at the end of the trail, with plenty of free time to take a refreshing swim in the waters off Frangokastello's tranquil beach or grab a bite to eat.