Crete · CHANIA TOURS
Chania is the prettiest base on Crete and the closest to the island’s two best days out. These 15 cover the Balos boat from Kissamos, the Samaria walk, the long drive to Elafonisi and the harbour itself, each priced with its real pickup time.
Review of the Kissamos boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, with castle views, swimming, practical tips, food, crowds, and value.
“Well planned, good safety, excellent captain work, crew really on the Ball, old shipwreck at Balos absolutely amazing! Bring your snorkel gear!”
Review of the Samaria Gorge trek from Chania, with practical advice on fitness, footwear, ferry timing, costs, and what to expect.
“The tour guide and transportation were great! The gorge itself has too many people. Often, the foot path is only wide enough for one person. With so many people on the paths, some fast, some slow, it kind of sucks. Also, the bathrooms suck. For the amount of money the gorge park takes in, improve the lousy bathrooms.”
Ride a Land Rover through Crete’s mountain villages, gorges, and palm-fringed Preveli Beach, with lunch, wine, and hotel pickup included.
“Dionysius was great and really informative! We got to see lots of villages, learned a lot about Crete, it’s animals, plants, fruit and people.”
Spend four hours at pink-sand Elafonissi, then enjoy an optional Cretan lunch in Elos Village on a scenic day trip from Chania.
“Great day and the guide was excellent. Go to the far end of the island for the best experience. Could have done with 15 more minutes at the cave and same in Elos. Great value.”
Review the Samaria Gorge hike from Chania, with guide, coach, Libyan Sea swim, boat ride, costs, difficulty, and practical tips.
“Absolutely amazing day. - our guide Nikos was superb and ensured we all had a good day. Pick up was easy as was collecting boat tickets etc. couldn’t have asked for a better day. Top tips - very cold when we started in the morning 6 degrees so make sure you have a jumper - this was October though. Take your time and appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings”
Review of the Balos and Gramvousa cruise from Chania, with bus transfers, swimming, a Venetian fortress, costs, crowds, and practical tips.
“Great guide, everything perfectly organized and on time. recommended”
Paddle calm Marathi Bay on a guided SUP tour from Chania, with cliff jumps, cave stops, photos, hotel pickup, and small groups.
“Excellent communication & organisation! Picked us up from cruise terminal as soon as we docked, then short drive to Paddle-boarding site. Great instruction given & lots of fun - especially the cliff jumping! Would definitely recommend & do again. Thank you 😊”
Review of DanEri Yachts’ luxury catamaran from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa, with meals, drinks, swimming, transfers, and practical tips.
“Such an amazing trip. The coast, the lagoon and the islands were beautiful. The boat was a perfect size, with space for everyone to move around a chill. Thank you to the crew for looking after us, keeping us well fed and watered! Very friendly and welcoming.”
Review of the Chania to Elafonisi bus trip, with mountain scenery, four hours at the pink-sand beach, and a village lunch stop.
“Honest review: Worth money? Yes Is food ok at the food stop? Yes Is the minibus ok? Yes Is the beach pink? No Is the beach pretty? Yes Is the driver and guide good? Yes Should you buy the trip? Yes Good to know: If you want most legroom and best AC in the minibus you take the first alone seat to the right of the bus.”
Ride Crete’s rugged mountain tracks, visit Potami Dam and Prassano Gorge, and enjoy sweeping Rethymno views on a dusty half-day ATV safari.
“This was a great experience! My wife and I took our 2 grown children. The ATV guides were knowledgeable and made sure all participants knew all the safety precautions. We loved the off road riding and going up the mountain. It was a thrilling and fun experience. I would do it again in a minute. We also received lunch and water with our excursion. Highly recommend!!!”
Review of Crete’s Samaria Gorge hike from Heraklion, with White Mountain views, Agia Roumeli beach time, ferry ride, costs, and practical tips.
“It was an unforgettable hiking experience! Something completely different from just laying on a beach. Great tour! Get comfy trainers or hiking shoes and you will be safe 😉”
Review of a five-hour Crete sailing cruise from Kolymvari with swimming, snorkeling, SUP, a fresh meal, unlimited drinks, and sunset views
“Lovely cruise. Everyone was very friendly and the host very helpful. Beautiful scenery. Enjoyed the swim. The food was delicious. Was fun to have the drinks. I would highly recommend.”
Hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge from Chania with a guide, mountain views, springs, a Libyan Sea swim, and round-trip transport.
“It was hard but good - left me feeling very satisfied . I hiked 16 kms and it was an eye opener. I loved this hike and hated it all at the same time!!!! Crazy - if you need a reality check this trip is for you”
Review of the Elafonissi Beach day trip from Chania, with pink sand, Agia Sofia Cave, a local meal stop, and practical bus advice.
“Great tour! Our guide was amazing and shared so many stories and facts about Crete and especially Elafonissi and Agia Sofia cave.”
Explore Balos Lagoon by 4WD, relax at reserved loungers on Falassarna Beach, and enjoy a Cretan lunch with wine from Chania.
“We had a lovely day learning so much about Crete, including interesting cultural facts and tips from our Tour Guide Nick, whilst touring breathtaking scenery. The day trip was perfect, from the excellent communication leading up to the day, to the convenient stops along the way, to the organisation of the beach club and delicious lunch. By the end of the tour we felt we had a better cultural understanding of Crete and its extensive history than if we had tried to do the same itinerary ourselves! Could not recommend enough!”
Pick a coast, a gorge or a kitchen.
