Crete is Greece's biggest island situated in the southern Aegean Sea adjoining Europe, Asia and Africa on three continents. Crete is a country of excellent history that can be traced back to the first legends and myths. According to Greek mythology, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus "The Father of Gods and Humans" who later kidnapped Phoenicia Europa's lovely nymph and relocated it to Crete. She then gave birth to Minos through marriage bliss, who then became the "King of the Minoans" and King of the first European civilization named after his mom Europa, who gave her name to the continent known as Europe.
List of avtivities
Imbros Gorge – From Chania
Enjoy a leisurely hike through the 8 km long Imbros Gorge after which we will go to Frangokastello for a well-deserved break and a refreshing swim.
Choose your way along Imbros Gorge's relaxed 8 km path, encircled by beautiful wildlife and the ravine's steep vertical walls. There will also be refreshment stops at Rethymnon and Komitades, and an opportunity for a visit to the castle and a cool swim at Frangokastello.
As you walk along, take in the opinions over the White Mountains as you go up to the starting point–Imbros ' mountain village. You will start your 2-3 hour hike here, following paths through wildflower meadows. The going never gets too rough underfoot and the gradient is a smooth descent–so it's also a excellent path for active children.
Enjoy a well-earned break at the end of the trail, with plenty of free time to explore Frangokastello Castle and take a refreshing swim in the waters off its quiet beach.
The Island of Spinalonga – from Heraklion
One of Crete's best-known characteristics and the popular place of the top-selling novel "The Island" (writer Victoria Hislop). Enjoy a day full of beautiful landscapes, history and time to relax.
The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. As well as Spinalonga, you’ll also visit Agios Nikolaos. This is one of our excursions that gives you a local flavor of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.
Spinalonga was a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony that led to it being dubbed the' Isle of Tears.' A guided walk will demonstrate you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. Spinalonga is one of the best-known characteristics of Crete and a place in Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel, The Island.
Go Greek
Greeks, they're talking loud, they're open-hearted, they're enjoying good food and drink, and they're taking stuff a little more relaxed.
Enjoy a Cretan Night in the village of Kato Karouzanos, an original pure farming community of Crete.
There is plenty of free time to see around the village before the entertainment begins in the open-air arena, enjoy a delicious dinner and unlimited wine. Yes , as much wine as you want.
You will enjoy a non-stop program of local Cretan music and dancing performed by a group, displaying both Cretan and Greek costumes . The dances, instruments and songs will have you joining in the fun and giving your legs a good old Cretan kick around.
Kissamos to Gramvousa island and Balos lagoon cruise of Crete
An amazing cruise which includes the most stunning beaches and natural scenery of east Crete , visit and admire what you have seen already in films and pictures
Kissamos or Kasteli is a small scenic town, on the northwestern part of Crete, approximately 43 kilometers from the city of Chania
Gramvousa and Balos are habitats of stunning natural beauty, included in the European initiative ΝΑΤURΑ 2000.
Α. Tour in the Kissamos bay
Depart from the port of Kissamos, with soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
You will have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, you will see an impressive geological phenomenon. Over time, Crete’s western side is rising, and its eastern side is sinking. This phenomenon takes place due to the movement of the African tectonic plate under the Eurasian plate. The ancient coastline can be traced over the rocky shores. At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri
Gramvousa. The boat will approach Gramvousa or the lagoon of Balos (depending on the itinerary you chose) after about 20 minutes.
The self-service bar of the ship shall remain open throughout the cruise, offering light meals, with salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice creams, etc.
During your journey with "GRAMVOUSA" ship your children are in the hands of an experienced animator. Your little ones will make drawings and
participate in group games, face painting etc.
B. Visit Gramvousa
The ship will arrive at Gramvousa's tiny port. Gramvousa's place, Cretan nature, legends, and the area's turbulent history exude a magical aura. The landscape is magnificent and the island's beach is decorated with a lonely shipwreck.
The island's largest point, on top of a steep rock at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the renowned Gramvousa castle constructed by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a important part in the wider area's history. After a 20 minute hike, the panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the hidden treasure of the pirates allure you to visit it.
You may also swim in the area next to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. By the way, if you happen to be there on 29th June, St Apostoli’s Day, you will witness a very big feast that takes place by the church. You can stay also on the ship to relax or swim and have some fun with our water slide. or remain onboard, relax or swim around the ship, also using its water slide.
There are about 400 plant species in Gramvousa. Three of them are particularly interesting, since they cannot be found anywhere else on earth. One variety of daisies, a wild onion and silene. There are about 98 species of birds, with the number becoming quite bigger during the migration period, since the area is in the birds’ path to and from the Mediterranean.
After our 2-hour stop in Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, which will be reached after approximately 20 minutes.
C. Visit the lagoon of Balos
Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Words cannot describe the impressiveness of this place. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!
The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity.
You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 3 hours.
Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The
preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.
Thus, the following are prohibited:
Any kind of pollution
The collection of rocks, fossils, shells, ancient finds, and plants
Animal catching
Free camping
Starting a fire and smoking around bushes and woodlands
Any activity that might threaten the ecosystem and the archaeological sites Both in Gramvousa and Balos, you may return to the ship at any time, but
make sure you are back at least 10 minutes before departure.
Explore the Nature of Crete
Mainland in Crete is unigue, see the real of Crete in a tour that will show you the soul of the island
Departure for Chora Sfakion. Arrival at Imbros Gorge . Imbros Gorge is the second most known gorge in Crete after Samaria Gorge. Its length is about 8km of spectacular views and takes no longer than 2,5 hours. The path is not particularly difficult to walk.
The gorge is fairly narrow with plenty of trees, so you will have shade most of the time. After a 2 hour walk you will end up at the village of Komitades where you will meet the bus to continue the tour to Fragokastelo, Rodakino and the village of Agouseliana for lunch. After lunch we continue to Preveli where you will visit the famous Byzantine Monastery of Preveli (10th Century) near the southern coast of Crete.
The Monastery has a glorious history due to the active and leading involvement of its fellow monks in all national endeavors for freedom and education of our people. Thus, it merits specific recognition and respect throughout the island of Crete. After visiting Preveli we return to Rethimno for dinner and overnight.
Getting Around in Crete
The island of Crete can be readily reached by aircraft from one of the international airports situated in Heraklion and Chania, as well as from one of the many ports providing cruise ships from all over the world and ferry services from mainland Greece. Because Crete is one of Greece's most famous and largest islands that hosts, prepare and rent a car in Crete for millions of locals and visitors from all over the globe. Avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi to delay your island time. You can easily car hire Crete from one of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. Reserve your car rentals Crete in advance and enjoy the discounted prices. With your Crete rent a car you will be able to explore and discover all that this fascinating island has to offer you!
