Top Heraklion Art & Culture

Explore the ancient land of the Lasithi Plateau and discover historic old towns and villages, Orthodox monasteries, and the grand stalactites and geological formations of the Cave of Zeus. See the Kera Monastery, and wander the small streets of Krasi, looking in at artisans making ceramics and olive oil. Try local drinks and taste authentic local food.

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete, Chania and Rethymno. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.

Discover the Bronze Age city of Knossos and take a sightseeing tour of Heraklion. Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization and is known to be Europe’s oldest city. Enjoy a guided tour of the labyrinthine palace and learn about its history. Then, visit Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, to discover its landmarks including the Lion’s Fountain.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery Through Crete's Majesty: Knossos, Zeus Cave & Authentic Delights! Our exclusive private or small-group guided tour unveils the essence of Crete's treasures. Experience the grandeur of Knossos Palace and the mystique of Zeus Cave, Diktaion Andron. Traverse charming villages, connect with locals, and immerse in the art of olive oil production. Indulge in the finest olive oil, honey, and raki, awakening your senses to Crete's flavors. With comfort and luxury, embrace Crete's uniqueness. Delve into Cretan traditions, absorbing its rich history. Savor authentic local cuisine, a feast for the palate. Above all, immerse in the heartfelt hospitality embodying the true spirit of our island. Join us on this unforgettable journey where culture, history, and gastronomy intertwine, creating memories that linger long after, defining the essence of Crete's allure.

Discover the culinary delights of Crete on a day tour from Heraklion that includes wine tasting, olive oil tasting, and learning about the island's terroir. Visit a boutique winery and family-owned olive oil producer to sample wine and oil with your group. You'll have lunch at a mezze restaurant and gain insight into a piece of Crete's culture from a guide.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

Spend the day exploring Crete with a local driver/guide. See the windmills of Lasithi Plateau, the Cave of Diktaion Andron, the birthplace of Zeus, and a platanus tree that is, according to locals, the oldest tree on the island. You’ll also explore Mochos and Krasi villages. Tour with a group no larger than 15, or upgrade for a private adventure: Lunch and entry fees are at your own expense.

Taste the bounty of ancient Cretan vineyards and olive groves on a delicious, full-day wine tour from Heraklion. Travel with an oenophile and chef guide through the island’s fertile heartland, visit a winery for a vineyard tour and tastings of different varietals. Sample some of the Mediterranean's finest olive oil at a family domain, and indulge in a gourmet chef’s lunch at a local restaurant, complete with plenty of wine! Tour size is limited to 8 for a more personalized, small-group experience.

Follow the lead of this excursion on the way to Ierapetra by bus, accompanied by the morning sun. Soon after embarking in the boat, enjoy the trip in the Libyan sea on your way to Chrissi island where you will taste the natural beauty of a unique and protected by “Natura 2000” golden beach.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos’ to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.

Uncover the real Crete with this special experience that takes you deep into the heart of the island's culture and heritage. Our journey is an immersive adventure that lets you see Crete from an insider's perspective, something that you won't easily find elsewhere. We start by visiting the Aposelemis Dam, then we head to Panagia Kera Monastery to learn about its history and art. The Windmills of Lassithi Plateau show you a different side of the island, and the Cave of Zeus takes you to a place of myth and legend. The 2,400-year-old Platanus Tree in Krassi connects you to nature's ancient beauty, and the Omiaia Olive Press offers a taste of Crete's culinary heritage. We finish the journey with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the largest Minoan site. We've chosen each stop carefully, offering you a chance to dive into history, culture, nature, and local food. It's this mix of unique locations, insider knowledge, and genuine connections that make our adventure stand out from the rest.

You will have the opportunity to Spend a full day exploring the authentic Crete and its mountainous villages, to become a part of its thousands years of history as well by having the chance to see from close up, all these significant sites and spectacular views, such as Knossos palace , Zeus's birth place and tour around these traditional villages. Additionally you have the option to eat as a local,with the traditional way of cooking, at a beautiful local restaurant.

Check out two different historical regions of Greece in this day tour that takes you to explore the Lassithi Plateau and the Knossos Palace in Heraklion, plus much more. This is a group tour, so you’ll be keeping costs down. Your guide and driver will take care of all the logistics for you, so you can enjoy your full day exploring the history and local culture of the area.

Immerse yourself in Crete’s delectable, rustic cuisine—and leave the bustle of the city behind—when you sign up for this private, hands-on cooking class. Pick a time that works best for you, and meet your driver directly at your Heraklion hotel which then takes you to the village where you meet your guide. It’s a quick drive into the hills, where you’ll cook amidst the Mediterranean scenery. With your guide’s instruction, learn to prepare a number of traditional dishes, from dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) to lamb with artichokes. Then, sit down to enjoy your multi-course meal, complete with wine.

Spend the day exploring southern Crete with this full-day guided tour of Gortys (Gortyn) and Matala. After pickup from designated locations around Crete, travel by air-conditioned bus to the Gortys archeological park, the former Roman capital of Crete. Afterwards, head to the coast and Matala, where you will have four hours of free time to spend how want.

Book reliable transportation in Crete for up to six passengers with this private transfer from the airport to Heraklion. Meet your driver at the airport arrivals hall and receive help with luggage. Travel in a spacious minivan to your hotel or the address of your choice in Heraklion. The reverse route back to the airport is also available.

With its sheer walls and tight passageways, the Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most striking natural wonders. With this tour, all the logistics are taken care of so all you need do is complete the challenging 10-mile (18-kilometer) hike. Set off from Chania in early morning and arrive at the trailhead ahead of the crowds. After the guided hike, board a boat back to Chora Sfakion, then a bus back to Chania.

Knossos was once the capital of the Minoan civilization, and a must-see site in Crete. Explore the landmark in the company of a guide, who can provide more insights than visiting on your own. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk around central Heraklion and free time to explore afterwards on your own.

Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s top attractions and the longest gorge in Europe. Embark on a full-day excursion to the western part of Crete and enjoy a walking tour of the great gorge. Spend your day ascending steep inclines, visiting the old village of Samaria, seeing the church that the gorge is named after, and ending at the refreshing sea in Agia Roumeli.

Travelers with a range of interests will enjoy this private full-day tour of Crete, including Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau Windmills, and the Cave of Zeus. History enthusiasts will love learning about the island’s ancient history, while nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful views. As this is a private tour you can customize the itinerary to suit your needs and interests.

If you want to make the most of your limited time on Crete, get a skip-the-line ticket for the Palace of Knossos.  With over 1500 rooms to explore, you’ll want to maximize your visit to the well-preserved labyrinth. Avoid the long line of tourists and exposure to the elements. Instead, collect your ticket upon arrival from a conveniently located operator.

Hop on an eco-bike for a locals' tour of historic Heraklion, minus any emissions. With a native Cretan as your guide, you'll visit Heraklion's lesser-known corners as you learn about the characters who have shaped the city that you see today. The sightseeing tour also visits some locally loved hangouts where regional snacks and drinks await.

Explore the ancient and historic places of Crete on this tour, and discover some of the most iconic Greek locations in the whole country. See the cave where Zeus was born, and stand underneath the 2,400-year-old Writer's Plane Tree. Visit Mochos and wander its winding alleyways, and dive into the colorful city of Agios Nikolaos. Swim in the sea off the coast of Plaka, or take a boat to Spinaloga.