Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is a strategic starting point for exploring the island’s treasures. From crystal-clear beaches to thousand-year-old archaeological sites and spectacular gorges, there are plenty of opportunities for day trips. We’ve criss-crossed the region and selected for you the best getaways from Heraklion.
Here’s our selection of the best excursions from Heraklion to plan your stay!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Heraklion
Heraklion’s central location in Crete makes it an ideal base from which to explore the whole island. To facilitate your visits, you can opt for organized tours.
Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:
- Rethymnon and Chania: two charming Venetian towns to be combined in a day full of discoveries – see prices, availability and bookings
- Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga: explore an island fortress steeped in history and a coastal town full of character – see prices, availability and book online
- Balos lagoon: dive into the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Mediterranean – see prices, availability and bookings
1. Rethymnon and Chania
Why do we recommend this tour?
This excursion allows you to discover Crete’s two most beautiful Venetian towns in a single day. Rethymnon features a charming old port, the Fortezza fortress and narrow streets lined with colorful houses. Chania, meanwhile, boasts a Venetian port considered one of the most photogenic in Greece. We particularly appreciated the contrast between these two cities, each with its own unique atmosphere.
The route from Heraklion follows the north coast of the island, offering beautiful views of the Cretan Sea. On the way, some tours include a stop at Lake Kournas, Crete’s only natural freshwater lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful green setting. We recommend this tour to anyone wanting a varied overview of western Crete in a single day.
What you will see
- The Venetian port of Rethymnon and the Fortezza fortress
- The narrow streets of Rethymnon’s old town, its fountains and churches
- The Venetian port of Chania and its emblematic lighthouse
- Lake Kournas (depending on chosen excursion)
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion. Rethymnon is about 1h15 from Heraklion, and Chania about 2h30. Organized tours take care of the journey, allowing you to enjoy the sights to the full.
- Guided tour of Rethymnon and Lake Kournas from Heraklion: see program and availability
- If you’re coming on your own, we advise you to spend half a day in each city to get the most out of it.
WHERE TO STAY IN Heraklion
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown
GDMMegaron Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Near Ammoudara Beach, west
Paralos Lifestyle Beach Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Inland
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas – See prices, photos and availability
2. Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga
Why do we recommend this tour?
Head east to Crete for an excursion that combines history, nature and discovery. The island of Spinalonga, a former Venetian stronghold that became a leper colony in the early 20th century, is a place charged with emotion. We were struck by the atmosphere that emanates from these ruins, between the walls of the fortress and the old dwellings. Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island of the Forgotten” helped make this site known the world over.
The town of Agios Nikolaos, nicknamed the “Cretan Saint-Tropez”, is also well worth a visit. Its Voulismeni lake, linked to the sea by a canal, forms the heart of the town. We enjoyed strolling along the quays lined with restaurants and cafés. The boat trip from Elounda to Spinalonga offers superb panoramic views of the Gulf of Mirabello.
What you will see
- The fortified island of Spinalonga and its Venetian remains
- Lake Voulismeni in the heart of Agios Nikolaos
- The Gulf of Mirabello and the village of Elounda
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion. Agios Nikolaos is about 1h15 drive from Heraklion. The boat trip to Spinalonga takes about 15 minutes from Elounda.
- Spinalonga guided tour departing from Heraklion: see program and availability
- If you’re heading out on your own, we’d recommend starting with Spinalonga in the morning, then enjoying Agios Nikolaos in the afternoon.
3. Balos lagoon
Why do we recommend this tour?
Balos is undoubtedly Crete’s most spectacular lagoon. Its ever-changing turquoise waters, fine sand and rocky cliffs create a landscape worthy of a tropical postcard. We were captivated by the shades of blue in this stretch of water. The contrast between the shallow waters of the lagoon and the deep blue of the open sea is striking.
The trip from Heraklion is a long one, but well worth the effort. Organized tours take you to Kissamos, where you take the boat. After a stop on the island of Gramvousa, crowned by a Venetian fortress, you arrive at the lagoon. Be aware that you have to walk a little to go swimming.
What you will see
- Views of the mountains of Crete from the boat
- The Balos lagoon with its turquoise waters and fine sand
- The island of Gramvousa and its 16th-century Venetian fortress
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day. It’s a long way from Heraklion, but organized tours include bus transport to Kissamos and a cruise to the lagoon. We strongly recommend booking in advance, as this excursion is very popular in high season.
- Excursion to Balos lagoon from Heraklion: see program and availability
- If you have a car, you can reach Kissamos on your own and take the boat there. Please allow for an early start.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
4. Matala and its hippie caves
Why do we recommend this tour?
Matala is a coastal village south of Heraklion, famous for the caves carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach. These caves, originally Roman tombs, became the refuge of an international hippie community in the 1960s-1970s. Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens are said to have stayed here. We found Matala’s atmosphere unique, a blend of counter-cultural heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle.
What you will see
- Hippie caves carved into the limestone cliffs
- Matala beach and its crystal-clear waters
- The bohemian village of Matala
- Some excursions combine Matala with the archaeological site of Phaistos, the ruins of Gortyna or a monastery.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion. Matala is about 1h15 drive south of Heraklion. You’ll have time to visit the caves, enjoy the beach and have lunch on site.
- Guided excursion to Matala and the hippie caves from Heraklion: see program and availability
- If you’re going on your own, we suggest combining a visit to Matala with a detour to the nearby archaeological site of Phaistos.
5. Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau
Why do we recommend this tour?
According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in the Grotto of Dikteon, nestled in the Dikti mountains. This sacred site is as fascinating for its mythological significance as for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. We were impressed by the atmosphere inside this thousand-year-old cave.
The Lassithi Plateau, at around 850m altitude, is one of the few permanently inhabited plateaus in Europe. Surrounded by mountains, this vast green area is distinguished by its traditional windmills and crops.
What you will see
- Dikteon Cave (Zeus Cave) and its limestone formations
- The Lassithi Plateau and its traditional windmills
- Mountain villages and the Cretan countryside
- Panoramic views of the Dikti mountains
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion. The plateau is about 1h30 drive from Heraklion on winding mountain roads. A visit to the cave takes about 45 minutes.
- Visit the Dikti Mountains and Lassithi Plateau by SUV: see program and availability
- If you’re coming on your own, you’ll need good shoes to descend into the cave. The path has steps that can be slippery.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
6. Dia Island and boat trips
The island of Dia lies just 10km north of Heraklion, in the middle of the Cretan Sea. This small, uninhabited island, which has been classified as a protected area, is a haven for numerous species of seabirds and wild goats (kri-kri). The island is said to have served as a port for the Minoans and, according to some theories, is associated with the ancient sunken city mentioned by Plato.
Beyond Dia, Heraklion offers a variety of boat trips to enjoy the northern coast of Crete. Relaxing cruises, snorkeling excursions, sunset outings: the options are many. We found that these maritime escapades offered a different perspective on the Cretan coastline, away from the hustle and bustle of land.
Allow half a day to a full day, depending on the option you choose. The crossing to Dia takes about 45 minutes. Cruises usually include lunch and swimming stops.
- Discover all boat trips departing from Heraklion: see available options and book
7. Elafonissi
Why do we recommend this tour?
Elafonissi is one of Crete’s most famous beaches, renowned for its pink sand mixed with crushed coral and crystal-clear blue waters. The site is reminiscent of a real tropical lagoon, making it a must for beach lovers. We were amazed by the natural beauty of this place, the only one of its kind in Europe.
But be warned: it’s a long way from Heraklion! It takes around 3h30 to drive to Elafonissi (and back again), on winding roads through the mountains. For this reason, we recommend this tour to travelers prepared to spend a long day or to those who can combine the visit with an overnight stay in the west of the island. An organized tour simplifies the logistics of the journey.
What you will see
- Elafonissi beach and its pink sand
- The small islet of Elafonissi, wadeable through shallow waters
- Wild, unspoilt coastal landscapes
How much time should I allow?
Allow a very long day if you’re setting off from Heraklion (approx. 7h round trip). Organized excursions generally offer 4 hours on site.
- Day trip to Elafonissi from Heraklion: see program and availability
- If you prefer to go by car, we advise you to plan an overnight stay on the west coast to avoid an exhausting round trip during the day.
OUR GUIDE TO Crete
To plan your road trip:
- 5 Maps to Help You Find Your Way
- 76 selected locations
- 150 photos to help you decide
- Lots of practical tips
Read more >>>
8. Samaria Gorge
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, stretching 16km through the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). This hike is one of Crete’s most popular activities. We were impressed by the sheer size of this canyon, with walls reaching 300m high in places. The narrowest passage, known as the “Iron Gates”, is just 3m wide.
The trail descends from Omalos (1230m above sea level) to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, on the shores of the Libyan Sea. The route passes through cypress and pine forests, along the riverbed and through ancient abandoned villages. We recommend this excursion for walkers in good physical condition. The gradient is mainly downhill, but the terrain remains demanding.
What you will see
- The Samaria Gorge and its vertiginous walls
- The “Iron Gates”, the narrowest passage in the canyon
- Endemic cypress and pine forests
- The coastal village of Agia Roumeli and the Libyan Sea
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day. The hike lasts between 5 and 7 hours, depending on your pace. The gorges are open from May to around October (depending on weather conditions). Departure is very early in the morning.
- Day trip to the Samaria Gorge from Heraklion: see program and availability. The tour includes bus transport, entrance to the gorge and ferry return from Agia Roumeli.
- Bring good hiking boots, plenty of water and sun protection. There are no regular refreshment points on the route.
9. Watercity Park or Cretaquairum
Why do we recommend this tour?
Looking for a day of relaxation and thrills? Crete has two water parks within easy reach of Heraklion, perfect for families and slide enthusiasts. Watercity Park, located in Anopolis, offers a host of attractions including wave pools, dizzying slides and relaxation areas. Acquaplus in Hersonissos also offers a wide choice of slides and pools.
You can also discover marine life at the Cretaquarium.
These parks are an ideal alternative for hot days, or for varying the pleasures between cultural visits and idleness.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to take full advantage of the facilities.
- Watercity Park day pass with transfer from Heraklion: see program and availability
Watercity Park is about a 30-minute drive from Heraklion. - Acquaplus entrance ticket with optional transfer: see program and availability
Acquaplus is about 25min away, on the road to Hersonissos - Ticket to the Cretaquarium
The Cretaquarium is a 30-minute drive from Heraklion.
10. Santorini from Heraklion
Why do we recommend this tour?
From Heraklion, you can take a day trip to Santorini by fast ferry. The crossing takes around 2 hours and takes you to the heart of one of the world’s most photographed islands. Villages perched on the caldera, such as Oia and Fira, offer exceptional panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. We loved this getaway, which provides a striking contrast with the Cretan landscape.
Cycladic architecture, white houses topped with blue domes and winding lanes create a unique setting. You can admire the island from the boat and visit the villages of the caldera once ashore.
What you will see
- The villages of Oia and Fira perched on the caldera
- Cycladic architecture and whitewashed houses
- Panoramic views of the caldera and volcano
How much time should I allow?
Allow for a long day. The fast ferry crossing takes around 2 hours each way. Depending on the timetable, you’ll have between 6 and 8 hours on site. Organized excursions from Heraklion simplify logistics.
DISCOVER Heraklion
And the Palace of Knossos…
For us, Knossos is a Heraklion city attraction, but for some it’s considered an excursion, so we’re adding it here.
Why do we recommend this tour?
Knossos Palace is Crete’s most important archaeological site and one of the high points of Minoan civilization. Situated just 5km south of Heraklion town center, it can be considered an excursion into the city itself. Dating back to 1900 BC, this vast palatial complex is associated with the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. We found that the guided tour greatly enriched the experience, so dense is the history of the place.
Partial reconstructions carried out by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century give an idea of the palace’s grandeur. The restored frescoes, characteristic red columns and interior courtyards bear witness to the refinement of Minoan civilization. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
What you will see
- The remains of the Minoan palace at Knossos
- Restored frescoes (including the famous “Prince of Lilies”)
- The throne room and royal apartments
- Red columns and palace courtyards
How much time should I allow?
Allow 2h to 3h to visit the site. Knossos Palace is only 5km from the center of Heraklion, about 15min by car or bus. You can easily combine this visit with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses the treasures discovered on the site.
- Knossos is in the town of Heraklion. Access by car, bus or guided tour
- Book your guided tour tickets now, to learn all about this incredible place!
Other excursions from Heraklion
If you have more time or want to get off the beaten track, here are some other possible excursions from Heraklion:
- Rethymnon and Arkadi Monastery: combine a visit to Rethymnon with one to Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance, set in the hills to the south-east of the city.
- Gorges d’Imbros: a less demanding alternative to the Samaria Gorge. With a length of 8km, they can be climbed in 2 to 3 hours and offer an unspoilt natural setting.
- Malia Palace: Crete’s second great Minoan palace, less restored than Knossos but just as fascinating. It is about a 40-minute drive east of Heraklion.
- The archaeological site of Tylissos: this lesser-known Minoan site is home to three well-preserved Minoan villas, just 15km southwest of Heraklion.
- The village of Fodele and the El Greco Museum: Fodele is a green village famous for being the birthplace of the painter El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos). The museum dedicated to him is well worth a visit. The village is about 30 minutes west of Heraklion.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to hire a car for excursions from Heraklion?
A car gives you the freedom to explore Crete at your own pace. It is particularly useful for destinations in the south of the island (Matala) or mountain villages (Lassithi Plateau). However, for excursions to the west (Balos, Elafonissi, Samaria Gorge), an organized tour considerably simplifies logistics, given the long distances involved. Tours generally include transport, a guide and sometimes lunch.
When is the best time to take a trip from Heraklion?
The ideal season is from April to October. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cultural visits. Summer (June-August) is perfect for seaside excursions (Balos, Elafonissi), but temperatures can be very high for outdoor activities. The Samaria Gorge is open from May to around October.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
