Crete is the largest island in Greece and a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip. That's why we've put together a list of the top tours and excursions in Crete for 2024 to help you make the most of your visit.

Exploring the Palace of Knossos

One of the most popular attractions in Crete is the Palace of Knossos, located just outside the city of Heraklion. This ancient palace was built around 1900 BC and was the center of the Minoan civilization. It's a fascinating place to explore, with intricate frescoes, impressive architecture, and a rich history.

A guided tour of the Palace of Knossos is highly recommended to fully appreciate its significance and learn about its history. You'll be able to see the throne room, the royal apartments, and the storerooms where the palace's wealth was kept. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the site, making it an unforgettable experience.

►Discover the Knossos Palace and learn the mysteries of Minoan civilization & culture!

Discovering the Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers. It's the longest gorge in Europe, stretching over 16 kilometers from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea. The scenery is breathtaking, with towering cliffs, crystal-clear streams, and lush vegetation.

A guided tour of the Samaria Gorge will take you through some of the most spectacular parts of the gorge, including the Iron Gates, where the walls narrow to just four meters wide. You'll also have the opportunity to spot rare wildlife, such as the Cretan wild goat and the golden eagle. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the end.

►Don't miss the opportunity to trek across Samaria Gorge!

Exploring the Island of Spinalonga

The island of Spinalonga is a small, rocky island located off the coast of Crete. It's known for its fascinating history as a leper colony in the early 20th century. Today, it's a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A guided tour of Spinalonga will take you through the abandoned buildings and streets of the former leper colony. You'll learn about the daily life of the residents and the medical treatments they received. The island also offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and coastline.

 ►Book a tour to visit the historic island of Spinalonga!

Relaxing on Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft pink sand. It's located on the southwestern coast of the island and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

A guided tour of Elafonisi Beach will take you to some of the best spots on the beach, including the shallow lagoon where you can wade in the warm water. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the nearby dunes and rock formations. It's a perfect way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Crete.

►Take a day trip to Elafonisi Beach, known for its beauty and pink sand, in western Crete!

Gramvousa – Balos Lagoon

The breathtaking beaches of the Balos and Gramvousa peninsula are widely recognized. Situated on the western side of the peninsula, Balos Beach is the most visited beach in the vicinity. Balos Beach is well-known for its unusual topography, which includes a lagoon with shallow seas and a tiny island in the center, as well as its pristine blue waters. Gramvousa and Balos are breathtakingly beautiful natural ecosystems and wildlife refuges that are part of the ΝATURΑ 2000 program in Europe.  Discover the rich history of Gramvousa - Balos that dates back to ancient times.

Boats to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon leave from the port of Kissamos (Kavonisi). Kissamos, also known as Kasteli, is a tiny, picturesque town located about 43 kilometers northwest of Chania in the region of Northwest Crete.

►Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a trip to Gramvousa and Balos!

The exotic Chrissi Island

Chrissi, an island 7km long with a maximum width of 2 km, is located 8 nautical miles south of the most southern town in Europe, Ierapetra Crete. The shores of Chrissi surrounded by the Mediterranean's Libyan Sea. Visit the desert island known as "Golden Island" or "Chrissi" for a day trip. Enjoy swimming in the tropical waters of Chrissi Island, which are a beautiful turquoise. Chrissi Island is recognized as a protected area of ecological significance and natural beauty by the European Network of Natura 2000.

►Enjoy a wonderful cruise around the unique bays of the deserted island of Chrissi!

Lasithi & Diktaion Andron

The stunning Lasithi Plateau, encircled by the Dikti Mountains, is home to hundreds of windmills. The windmills, whose white sails swirl in the breeze, breathe life into the plateau. They were formerly said to number about 12,000 units. Your tour guide will take you inside a cave that is filled with interesting rock formations. Greek mythology holds that Zeus, the progenitor of all the ancient Greek gods, was born in this cave. Investigate this intriguing region and take in the legends surrounding this historical location. Everyone who visits this cave will feel as though they have a deeper understanding of the influence of Greek mythology.

►Book a tour to explore Lasithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus!

Conclusion

Crete is a fascinating destination with something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of tours and excursions to choose from in 2024. By exploring the Palace of Knossos, hiking through the Samaria Gorge, discovering the island of Spinalonga, and relaxing on Elafonisi Beach, you'll experience the best that Crete has to offer.