Excursions from Hersonissos, Crete

The Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum and Heraklion

You will have a fascinating excursion that will give you a lot of positive emotions. In just 6 hours you can visit the historical sights of Crete, namely:

• Visit to the Palace of Knossos.
• Excursion to the Archaeological Museum of Crete where you can see ancient finds.
• If you have free time, you can explore the capital of the island.
• To reveal the mystery of the labyrinth of the Minotaur, you can only visit the Palace of Knossos.
• Unique Minoan masters will please with their creations.

What is not included in the price

Tickets to museums: the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum cost 20 euros for travelers who are over 25 years old;

tickets for 10 euros for everyone from 6 to 25 years old; children under 6 years old and EU residents up to 25 years free of charge.

Jeep safari

Mountain trips

The beginning of this exciting adventure takes place along olive groves. On the difficult mountain roads, cars will climb higher and higher, bypassing the villages of local residents who live in the Lassithi Mountains. In the village of Kastamonica there will be the first stop on the way. Fans of ancient civilizations and ruins will like this place. The village is surrounded by ancient Roman ruins, where you can walk. After a delicious coffee drink in a local coffee shop, you can continue to go on the road.

Relax on a wild beach

Closer to the middle of the day, the southern shore of the island awaits us. As you move, nature will change, mountain rocks will be replaced by green spaces. While driving, it will be possible to consider the place of the next halt – this is the Libyan Sea. Due to the absence of many tourists, the water here is simply pure. Therefore, you can swim plenty and have a good time.

The way back lies through the village of Ini in which there is a miraculous spring and an amazing church.

Features of the passing route

You have to drive more than 150 km. what the whole day will be spent on. Since the excursion will be exhausting, children under 4 years old are not recommended to take.

Services for additional funds

• Snacks in taverns and cafes cost 3 euros.
• Excursion video for memory 10 euros.

Chrysi Island

A chance to stay away from civilization and retire with nature, an excursion to the uninhabited island of Chrysi will help. What could be more unusual than a boat trip and rest in an unexplored place. Experienced guides will show the most secret corners of this island. You can also see many beautiful beaches, which shimmer with all shades of turquoise color. If desired, you can visit other beaches on which the purest sand of different colors with all kinds of various shells.

Tour itinerary

Check-out starts right at your hotel in Hersonissos. A convenient luxury shuttle bus takes you to the port. In the port town of Ierapetra, it will be necessary to board the ship.

You can enjoy a trip on a cruise ship for about an hour. Upon arrival on the island, the time will be around 5 hours for rest. Basically, the rest will take place on the main beach of the island “golden beach” or as it is also called Belegrin.

Fans of discovering something new have something to see on the island. Especially noteworthy are different shades of volcanic sand and all kinds of shells. Despite the island terrain, sand dunes are located here. On which Lebanese cedars of all shapes and sizes germinate beautifully.

Useful information

If there are bad weather conditions, you will have to cancel the trip. Most of the time the weather is good, but there are rains and gale force winds because of which excursions are canceled. To make it more convenient to walk along the beach, take comfortable shoes with you.

Not included in the price of the tour

Travel on a cruise liner for adults 17 euros, for children under 12 years 8.5 euros, children under 3 years free of charge.

If you want to dine on the ship, you should book the service in advance then it will cost only 7 euros. If you do not book the cost of lunch on the ship is 12 euros. The menu includes a variety of meats, potatoes, stuffed peppers, salads, etc.

Heraklion City Saturday Market and Aquarium of Crete

Crete is famous for its resort town of Heraklion, it is its pearl. The cultural heritage passed to the locals from their ancestors, therefore, many ancient monuments have been preserved.

During the tour it will be possible to see

The historical name of the city of Heraklion comes from the God Hercules. There are many ancient cathedrals in the city, but the most interesting place is the Palace of Knossos. If you believe the ancient myths and legends, then there was the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. No less attractive are the architectural monument, the Venetian loggia, which was built in the 17th century.

Where if not in the market of Heraklion you can find a large number of tourists. The variety of purchases is simply amazing, most of all tourists make purchases on Saturday. In the market you can find both food and souvenirs for memory. You can feel the flavor and atmosphere of the city by visiting local taverns and cafes with a cup of coffee.

Tourist routes around the island do not pass by the aquarium of Crete. Still, because it is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. More than 250 species of fish and other marine inhabitants get along well here. The aquarium has more than 50 containers for different representatives of the aquatic world.

Route

• The excursion departure from the hotel begins between 8:30 and 9:30. It all depends on the location of the hotel.
• In the area of 10:00 you can get to the market to walk and make purchases.
• From 11:20 to 13:00 there will be free time where you can enjoy a wonderful walk around the city of Heraklion.
• At 13:20 you should visit the oceanarium where you can see all kinds of marine inhabitants. It will take about an hour.
• At 14:30 the tour group gathers and heads back to the hotel.

Not included in the price of the tour

A visit to the aquarium for adults from 18 tickets costs 9 euros, children from 5 to 17 years old 6 euros, kids under 4 years old can go on an excursion for free.

Koufonissi Island

Sooner or later, a person has such a period in life when he wants to be alone. Located in the Libyan Sea, the island of Koufonisi is a great place for privacy. There are no tourists like in most cities in Greece and souvenir shops at every step. Untouched nature and snow-white beaches with clear water await you on this island. Another name for the island of Koufonisi is the island of Levki, which means white. Judging by the excavations of archaeologists here many years ago there was a turbulent life, boiling and developing. Today, however, no one is here.

From the hotel, the tour group will be taken to the port, which is located in the village of Makri Gialos. Along the way, the guide will talk about local attractions. Upon arrival at the port, there will be a transfer to a ship, which will take you simply to the island of Koufonisi.

There are many wild beaches where no one will disturb your loneliness.

The ordered lunch will please lovers of Greek cuisine.

In the late afternoon you will sail back to the village of Makri Gialos. From there, sightseeing buses will take you to the hotels.

What is desirable to have with you

For a comfortable stay on the island, you should take with you a small snack, a change of bathing clothes, a towel and water. In the event that someone gets motion sickness in advance, it is necessary to take the appropriate pills, since most of the way passes by sea.

For whom the excursion is designed

Such a holiday is suitable for everyone who is tired of the bustle of the city and wants to retire.

For all lovers there will be a wonderful moment to be alone and create a romantic atmosphere.

It is also a wonderful family holiday where you can enjoy clean fine sand and crystal clear water.

The guide warns in advance that the weather in the conditions of the excursion may change. Since the best part of the excursion takes place on the sea, storms are not excluded. Most storms occur at the beginning and end of the season.

The price includes

• Transfer from the hotel to the ship.
• The cost of a ticket for the ship.
• Excursion with a qualified guide.

The price of the excursion does not include

As such, there are no mandatory surcharges, but lunches on the road or on the ship are paid for at their own expense.

Spinalonga Island and Mirabello Bay

The excursion tour includes the following activities

By bus, all tourists from the hotel are taken to the resort of Elounda. Then, sitting in Elounda by ship, we sail to the beach of Kolokita. It is necessary to sail for half an hour, during this time you can see beautiful seascapes from the ship.

A wonderful holiday on the beach of Coloquita will last more than 2 hours. After sea bathing and sunbathing on the ship, you will be served lunch. At your disposal barbecue, salad and wine, soft drinks. When lunch is finished, the ship will arrive at Spinalonga.

At your disposal is a walking tour of the island for an hour and a half. Locals call this island the island of sorrow and sorrow, the island of the damned. At the beginning of the 20th century, an international leper colony was located here. All patients in Europe were taken to this island. Already in 1913, the number of patients reached 1000 people. The excursion tour will tell about the patients who were here earlier.

The tour will capture a large area of the island and show the local way of life and views of houses that were in the old days. When the group tour is over, you can independently observe the structures of Spinalonga for half an hour. At the end of the tour on Spinalonga will sail by ship to Elounda. Upon arrival, comfortable buses will take tourists to the hotels.

What the tour includes

• Full shuttle bus from the hotel to the attractions and back.
• Tickets for travel by boat.
• Guide service to explore the sights.
• Lunch on the ship, where roasts, salads, wine and soft drinks are served.

Not included in the price

• Visiting the fortress adult ticket 8 euros, children under 18 years free of charge.

Two-day excursion to Santorini from Hersonissos

You have to see

First day of excursion

You have to make a trip from the port of Crete to the port of Athens. Travel time will be 1.45, and those who are hungry can order lunch on the ship.

After getting off the ship by bus, you can get to the city of Oia. The city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. As proof of this, in 1981 the city participated in the competition for the best architectural buildings, where it won the prize. Under the guidance of a guide, you will go on an excursion where you will learn a lot about this area. After the tour, you will have free time to walk independently and see all the beauty of the white and blue streets of this city. Here you have to stay 1.5 hours. Next, you will visit the capital city of Santorini, but you will not stay here for a long time. Only 1500 locals live here. The view from the mountain is simply magical, here you can take pictures. Further time will be independent in order to better consider the city.

Then the bus will take you to an interesting place – the black beach of Perissa. In total, you can relax, swim, sunbathe for 2 hours.

At 17.30 you have to go back to check in at the hotel.

Second excursion day

Until 15.00 there will be free time, you should think about where to spend it with benefit. The best options would be to swim on the beach to walk around the city and try local delicacies.

At 15.00 a tourist group gathers and goes to the beach of Perez. There will be at least 1.5 hours for free time and rest. The ship that is located in the port of Athenos will take you to the port of Heraklion at 17.00. Buses will take you from the port to the hotel.

What is included in the price of the tour

• Full bus transfer from the hotel and to the nearest collection points in the city of Heraklion.
• Places on the ship Santorini Palace there and back.
• Sightseeing bus ride in Santorini.
• Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.
• Overnight stay in a hotel with different rooms in size and breakfast in the room.

What is not included in the price of the tour

• There is no surcharge for double occupancy.
• For a trip to the village of Oia to admire the sunset, it is worth paying 7 euros regardless of age. This trip is negotiated in advance and at the request of the tourist.
• You can go to the village of Pyrgos and the volcano Nea Kameni for 18 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. Payment on the spot.
• A delicious lunch or dinner on the ship should be paid 5 euros.
• For single occupancy you must pay 25 euros.

The island of Santorini for one day

Tourists every year actively visit the island of Santorini in Greece. The tour involves a visit to the beautiful cities of Greece Oia and Fira. Here on the beaches you can relax on the volcanic sand.

Oia is considered an expensive city in Greece. The cliffs are equipped with houses for housing where couples in love often stay. Entertainment will be found for every taste. Beautiful streets, interesting seafaring museums and even ancient ruins. The rock became a haven for the capital of Santorini, Fira. From there there is a beautiful view and an amazingly beautiful panorama.

The builders of the city hid power lines underground so as not to spoil the beauty of the local area. Of the entertainment here is only a funicular for a trip over the sea, an archaeological museum and an inspection of the frescoes of the 17th century. B.C.

If you walk along the beach of Perez, you can find out that there used to be a volcano here. When there was a last eruption, half of the island went underwater, while the other half was covered with ash. This is how the famous black sand beaches appeared.

Excursion schedule

• From 6.00 am to 8.30 am drive from the hotel to the port of Heraklion.
• From 8.30 to 11.00 a.m. a boat trip to Santorini that will last 1.45.
• At 11.00 the excursion group arrives at the port of Athinios and waits for the bus.
• From 11.30 to 13.00 free pastime in the city of Oia.
• From 13.00 to 15.00 free pastime in the city of Fira.
• From 15.30 to 16.30 travel to the beach of Perissa with black sand. There you can swim and taste local food in the tavern.
• At 17.00 pm return, and the port of Athinios, and from there by ship to Heraklion.
• From 19.15 to 20.00 pm organized boarding of tourist buses and delivery to the hotel.

Who should go on a tour

• Newlyweds.
• Families with young children.
• Lonely travelers.
• Lovers of beautiful photos in interesting places.
• Transfer from the hotel, ferry ride, excursion with a personal guide is included in the price of the tour.
• If there is a desire, you can pay for a trip to the volcano and lunch on the spot.

The price of the excursion includes

• Delivery by bus to the port of Heraklion and back.
• Tickets for the road to sail on a ship or catamaran.
• Excursion trip to Santorini.
• Services of a Russian-speaking guide to the island of Santorini.

The price of the excursion is not included

• There are no mandatory surcharges.

West Crete and Rethymnon, as well as Lake Kournas

During the 13th century, Crete was part of Venice. You can feel the whole flavor of the city in 1 day walking through the medieval streets and visiting the lake with turtles.

The tour includes

Visit the westernmost part of the island of Crete city chania. You can see the old Venetian buildings, the port and the lighthouse.

The next point of the tour will be the city of Rethymnon no less colorful in its Venetian history. Thanks to experienced guides, it will be possible to see the streets and feel the atmosphere of the city.

After leaving the city limits of the excursion, the group will move to Lake Kournas to meet turtles. Surprisingly, the lake is freshwater and for some reason with sweet water. Swimming, riding catamarans and watching turtles are at your disposal. Thanks to them, the lake is called turtle.

What is included in the price

• Full shuttle service from the hotel to and from the nearest collection points.
• On the bus you will be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide throughout the excursion tour.

What is not included in the price

• There are no mandatory conditions, but at the request of tourists, you can order lunch in the taverns of Rethymnon or Chania for 10-15 euros.

Yachting

The journey begins from the capital of the port of Heraklion.

Excursion schedule

• At 8.00 am you need to be ready as the bus picks you up from the hotel and takes you directly to the port.
• At 9.00 am there will be a stop at the port of Heraklion. The largest shipping hub in Greece. Ships from Asia, Africa, Europe and other countries and continents come here every day.
• At 9.30 a.m., the entire excursion group boards the yacht and sails to the island of Zeus. Legend has it that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus. Enterprising Greeks almost at every step exalt this God.
• At 10.30 arrive on the Greek islands which are abundantly filled with bays. The water here is so clean and clear. So bathing will be just a joy. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to catch ocean fish. Those who want to try themselves in the role of a captain and learn all the secrets of sailing boat management can realize this dream under the guidance of a captain.
• At 10.30 – 12.30 free time and the opportunity to eat. The menu includes traditional Greek salads, risotto, chicken fillet and a variety of drinks. When lunch is over everyone will be back at port.
• At 14.00 arrival at the port of Heraklion.
• At 14.30 – 15.30 delivery of people to hotels.

Useful information

• The duration of the whole tour is about 6 hours.
• The price includes yacht rental, fishing and swimming equipment, dinner and lunch on the yacht.
• The services of the guide will have to be paid separately since the captain of the vessel speaks English.
• Since most of the walking is expected, children should be taken only from 4 years old. For pregnant women, the excursion is undesirable.

Included in the price

• Services of an experienced captain with his yacht.
• Professional equipment for swimming masks, fins, snorkels.
• Tackle for fishing.
• Eating on the ship.
• Supply of drinking water.

Balos Lagoon where three seas merge together

The main part of tourists comes to Crete to relax to swim. Lovers of all the unknown should go to the balos lagoon. In this place, the three seas merge together, which is why the sea receives several different shades. There are beautiful sandy beaches in shallow water and warm clear water. In this place are the most beautiful beaches of Crete, and to see them go to Balos.

The excursion portends to be unforgettable as you will find a lot of positive adventures. What is worth only a trip on the ferry and the ascent to the old fortress, which is located on the island of Gramvousa. Well, where without bathing in the water where the three seas merge.

Included in the trip

• Full transfer from the hotel or the nearest collection point to the port of Kissamos and back.
• Qualified assistance of the guide during the whole trip.
• The guide buys tickets for the ship at a group discount.

Not included in the trip

• Tickets for the ship 18 euros for an adult, children under 12 years old 9.5 euros and children under 5 years free of charge.
• Lunch on the ship costs 12 euros.
• Adult fee of EUR 1 per environmental fund.
• Rent umbrellas and sunbeds in Balos 5-7 euros.

Excursion to the Samaria Gorge

It will be interesting to take a look

– Transfer will take you to the island of Crete, namely to its westernmost part. There is a lot of greenery and incredibly beautiful mountainous terrain. It is considered one of the longest in Europe – the Samaria Gorge. The first settlers settled these places quite a long time ago. At the present time, a tourist route has been developed here. To walk the whole excursion will need to overcome 16 km. Without haste enjoying the local scenery, you can pass this place with small stops. Due to the long walk, it is better not to take small children.

– The landmark to the movement will be the sea coast. The group will aim to reach the village of Agia Roumeli. After going ashore, you can take a dip in the warm water and relax a little. Then the route lies by sea to the village of Sfakia. From the village by a comfortable bus you can get directly to the hotel.

Hourly schedule

• 5.30 – 7.00 departure from the hotel for an excursion.
• 9.00 preparatory moments before descending into the gorge.
• 10.00 the beginning of the excursion program in the Samaria Gorge.
• 16.00 – 17.00 gathering of a tourist group with a guide near the village of Agia Roumeli.
• 17.30 ship’s journey to the village of Sfakia.
• 18.30 boarding of tourist buses in the village.
• 21.30 – 22.30 delivery of tourists to hotels.

Useful information

Since you have to walk, you should wear comfortable shoes and stock up on drinking water.

Entrance to the gorge is paid separately from the basic cost of the voucher in the amount of 5 euros, and children under 15 years old are free of charge. This also applies to the ship adults 11 euros, children under 12 years old 5.5 euros.

The tour includes

• Transfer by bus from the hotel to the gorge and back.
• Excursion walk with a qualified guide.
• Tickets are bought by the guide with a group discount.

The tour is not included

• The ticket to enter the gorge for adults is 5 euros, and children under 15 years old are free of charge.
• A ticket for the ship is 11 euros per adult, and for children under 12 years old 5.5 euros. Due to the complexity of the route, it is not recommended to take children under 4 years old.

Water World Water Park

To refresh yourself in the scorching summer heat, you just need to visit one of the largest water parks in Crete – the Water World. It is located between the towns of Heraklion and Hersonissos in a village called Anopoli. All kinds of slides, a variety of pools and of course delicious cocktails will offer you a water park. At the service of parents are caring animators.

In this institution, there is one rule: if a child is up to 90 cm tall, then he can pass for free on all attractions. When the height exceeds the mark from 90 to 140 cm, the child has grown up and a separate ticket is needed for him.

The price of the excursion includes

• Transfer from the hotel to the water park and back.
• The cost of the entrance ticket for the whole day.
• It is allowed to visit any slides and attractions.

The price of the excursion does not include

• Rent a safe deposit box for storing personal belongings 4 euros.
• To eat and drink will cost 10-15 euros.
• On the territory of the water park you can take a photo as a souvenir, as well as a temporary tattoo on average cost from 5 euros.

Journey to the village of Karuzanos

When most of the tourist places of Crete are already passed I want something unusual. The soul wants a dance, and the body dinner, then do not postpone, but go to a traditional mountain village.

To feel how the locals spend their evenings it is worth visiting this place. Here, to dance music and a variety of local cuisine, you can spend the evening enjoying the unique landscapes.

Such festivals are held in most of the villages of Crete. For example, you can visit the evening in the villages of Kato Karuzanos or Pano Karuzanos. Be sure that you are waiting for an incredible local flavor that will be remembered for a long time.

The tour includes

• Transfer by bus to the village and back.
• Visit the Greek evening with food and drinks.

Tour of the Holy Places of Crete

To get acquainted with the spiritual part of Crete, you should visit the ancient monasteries and churches.

Since the journey starts from Heraklion, the first on the route will be the monastery of Savvatian. The monastery was built back in the distant 16th century, but thanks to the nuns who maintain it, this place has become a real Garden of Eden. During the tour it will be possible to learn the history of the creation of the monastery and learn some crafts.

The next stop lies across the island to the village of Agios Myronas, where the cell of St. Myron is located. The location of the village turned out to be in the most beautiful of the corners of the island.

Then the group will proceed to the monastery of Paliani. It was founded in 688 and is one of the oldest in Crete. In the monastery there is an icon that survived the fire only because it was hidden behind a myrtle tree.

When the excursion group moves to the southern part of the island there it will be possible to visit the village of St. Thomas. The mountainous location of the territory allowed to build 38 churches here between the ridges. You can visit, there will be some of them, besides they belong to the Byzantine period of the island of Crete.

Since the terrain is very unusual here you can stay in one of the villages, where there is an opportunity to relax and eat.

What is included in the price

• Transfer by minibus Mercedes Sprinter who will pick up from the hotel and bring at the end of the tour.
• The tour will be understandable and intelligible because you will be led by a Russian-speaking guide.

Excursions Hersonissos on map

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

+−

Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap

Veronica