![\"best](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/best-day-trips-from-Heraklion-excursions.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Before presenting our detailed reviews of each tour, here are our 3 favorites:<\/p>\n\n This excursion allows you to discover Crete’s two most beautiful Venetian towns in a single day. Rethymnon features a charming old port<\/strong>, the Fortezza fortress<\/strong> and narrow streets lined with colorful houses. Chania, meanwhile, boasts a Venetian port<\/strong> considered one of the most photogenic in Greece. We particularly appreciated the contrast between these two cities, each with its own unique atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n 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<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Downtown<\/strong> Near Ammoudara Beach<\/strong>, west Inland<\/strong> See our complete selection of the best hotels in Heraklion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head east to Crete for an excursion that combines history<\/strong>, nature<\/strong> and discovery<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n\n The town of Agios Nikolaos, nicknamed the “Cretan Saint-Tropez”, is also well worth a visit. Its Voulismeni lake<\/strong>, linked to the sea by a canal, forms the heart of the town. We enjoyed strolling along the quays lined with restaurants and caf\u00e9s. The boat trip from Elounda to Spinalonga offers superb panoramic views of the Gulf of Mirabello. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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<\/strong>, crowned by a Venetian fortress<\/strong>, you arrive at the lagoon. Be aware that you have to walk a little to go swimming. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n It’s time to book! Matala is a coastal village south of Heraklion, famous for the caves carved into the cliffs<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in the Grotto of Dikteon<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n The Lassithi Plateau<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Beyond Dia, Heraklion offers a variety of boat trips<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Elafonissi is one of Crete’s most famous beaches, renowned for its pink sand<\/strong> mixed with crushed coral and crystal-clear<\/strong> blue waters<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n\n But be warned: it’s a long way from Heraklion! It takes around 3h30 to drive<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n Allow a very long day if you’re setting off from Heraklion (approx. 7h round trip). Organized excursions generally offer 4 hours on site. <\/p>\n\n To plan your road trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more<\/a> >>><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, stretching 16km<\/strong> through the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). This hike is one of Crete’s most popular activities<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Looking for a day of relaxation and thrills? Crete has two water parks<\/strong> within easy reach of Heraklion, perfect for families and slide enthusiasts. Watercity Park<\/strong>, located in Anopolis, offers a host of attractions including wave pools, dizzying slides and relaxation areas. Acquaplus<\/strong> in Hersonissos also offers a wide choice of slides and pools. <\/p>\n\n You can also discover marine life at the Cretaquarium. Allow a full day to take full advantage of the facilities.<\/p>\n\n From Heraklion, you can take a day trip to Santorini<\/strong> 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<\/strong> and Fira<\/strong>, offer exceptional panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. We loved this getaway, which provides a striking contrast with the Cretan landscape. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\nOur 3 favorite excursions from Heraklion<\/h2>\n\n
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1. Rethymnon and Chania<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Chania\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Seafront\/i-fsbrHsm\/0\/MctRtq4KKJz5xGF4W9xKGcZjf9sfsxL5FcDWQgtDM\/L\/chania%20ville%20port%20venitien-L.jpg\")
Why do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Venetian-Fortezza\/i-nnDGVDW\/0\/KT4R6643xmQsKnP54pc9fZkPP4Zb5mJDFTVtqwhWr\/L\/rethymno_fort-L.jpg\")
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WHERE TO STAY IN Heraklion<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Paralos](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Hotels\/Bestof\/i-fLGMkMK\/0\/L66bMh6wKn2THJXJcJfvSvzkRCkQB8mzwrnzGBNBL\/L\/heraklion%20bests%20hotels%20-%20life%20beach-2-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bateua](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Agios-Nikolaos\/Spinalonga-boat\/i-gg6wxXK\/1\/MV7xJvrvDNF4pgXJPLH889z4xxDBtGBz3RwZpvqM5\/L\/boat-spinalonga-crete-greece-7574-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"ruins](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Agios-Nikolaos\/Spinalonga-island\/i-ZD7v5gP\/1\/M3LSRSt4ZqVL5xRQgqZwSzgxqq7rXt2VVXxFvW2sm\/L\/spinalonga-island-crete-greece-7674-L.jpg\")
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3. Balos lagoon<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Balos](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Balos-Lagoon\/Balos-lagoon\/i-7f6KXQJ\/1\/Mh77wg3TLfdh37p2ZwVKZv3CH8S4NH5Hw89vqLw2S\/L\/boat-lagoon-crete-greece-4596-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Balos](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Balos-Lagoon\/Balos-lagoon\/i-pjBpkL7\/1\/NZzjHHtbm6bwBPhVkDmv2kRrB8PmJ4ZxrR3wxBpk7\/L\/boat-lagoon-crete-greece-4519-L.jpg\")
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![\"flat](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Matala and its hippie caves<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Matala](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Matala\/Beach\/i-5v2qXbv\/0\/Krqtr4GQ5rRv8pKz3jN5gg58DQQnnn9638n482DzL\/L\/Matala-beach-crete-greece-6544-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Vibe](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Matala\/Town\/i-J2cVDdH\/0\/KbR5JrFDjFJFJGGj39H2pFBmt3dK2mjdbGpLX5nV4\/L\/Matala-beach-crete-greece-6484-L.jpg\")
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5. Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Cave](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Malia\/Zeus-cave\/i-6g4CQWb\/0\/Km2JZw3PTN7Wrh2qVNnxjLVmCdP8dmRW6CVwsxdws\/L\/zeus-cave-psychro-crete-greece-7600-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Malia\/Lassithi-plateau\/i-CTjxjcm\/0\/KK7DRwLDvScDdh93bkKjBgT8sSKpkX2Q8hLmBWJd4\/L\/windmills-Lassithi-crete-greece-8049-L.jpg\")
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\n\n RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Palaiochora\/Drive-Mountains-to-Palaiochora\/i-3FB5j3D\/1\/Kj7Nt7cgMJrhqF2hG3FjcJg77Cvp8csFFZ3hkBMHN\/S\/mountains-crete-greece-5128-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Dia Island and boat trips<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Dia](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Best-of\/i-4H6hG2f\/0\/LDWk3J22fKvtn4zSdbHhxVKWG5fMCqV4vqqvwb3NQ\/L\/museum%20of%20crete%20history-2-L.jpg\")
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7. Elafonissi<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Elafonissi](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/West-coast\/Elafonisi\/i-x5dSBxj\/1\/LMSJ4bPHCthWxrHJWmhwRdQ9vDZ7Dr3xKzDHWTsQL\/L\/Elafonisi-beach-crete-greece-4929-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Elafonissi](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/West-coast\/Elafonisi\/i-g426k5L\/1\/LHgghJb5DXsTp2xb22czf9ZJmhrbdJRPjZ65x9Whg\/L\/Elafonisi-beach-crete-greece-4934-L.jpg\")
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\n\nOUR GUIDE TO Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"medium-FR-Crete-eBook-road-trip\"](\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Medium-Crete-eBook-Cover.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n8. Samaria Gorge<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Samaria](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Loutro-coast\/Samaria-Gorge\/i-Kh8dPZv\/0\/MT4CTG99cbdCJcj8K3cCCWkXXwcg7KZbMnwmP3933\/L\/samaria_hike_river-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Samaria](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Loutro-coast\/Samaria-Gorge\/i-JzjpRr5\/0\/MBG3dm4S8kQsS7hZVpfwMFDpXMdd7k3PhkmstGM2Q\/L\/samaria_hike-L.jpg\")
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9. Watercity Park or Cretaquairum<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Watercity](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Themed-parks\/Watercity-Anapolis\/i-bNLv4pt\/0\/LptcWWVqNfJbRfTwGt88dCQNJ7Mqf8DtDjhNcv3fK\/L\/watercity_anopolis-1-L.jpg\")
Why do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Crteaquairum\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Cretaquarium\/i-Bp5J9Mz\/0\/MTRFq2W5vwSf2zHrnL3Gh45FLtZQTH7WdWT3T6c2m\/L\/Cretaquarium-2-L.jpg\")
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10. Santorini from Heraklion<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Santorini](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Excursion-Santorini\/i-cb9zp7F\/0\/NPgQFgzrnwwZBMTcz8P6swkSXpskSb3Q6sNTXcxtd\/L\/Amoudi_Bay_Oia_Santorini_Greece-2114-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy do we recommend this tour?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Santorini](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Excursion-Santorini\/i-3TLNBg9\/0\/KPFp6vL6bN86PKkcMR74HBmL2LGgG6BTR77jP45Fj\/L\/Arrival_ferry_Santorini_Greece-1645-L.jpg\")
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