Day Trips in Heraklion

Day trips in Heraklion offer travelers the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and convenience. Whether you are short on time or simply looking for an immersive experience without the need for overnight stays, these tours provide an excellent way to explore the highlights of Heraklion and its surroundings in just one day. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you can uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and cultural treasures that bring the destination to life. From exploring scenic countryside and nearby villages to visiting historic monuments and vibrant marketplaces, day trips are designed to maximize your travel experience. They are ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering curated itineraries that combine comfort with unforgettable exploration. You can relax knowing that transportation, guides, and carefully planned stops are all taken care of. Best of all, day trips in Heraklion give you the chance to see more in less time, making them a smart choice for travelers who want to make the most of their visit. With a variety of options available, every traveler can find a day trip that matches their interests and leaves them with lasting memories.

Top Day Trips in Heraklion

Imbros Gorge Hiking Day Trip with transportation in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (18 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 47.80

Duration: 11 hours (approx.)

Escape into the Cretan countryside with a walk through Imbros Gorge, a cool, rocky ravine that makes for an easy walk. Stroll for about 5 miles (8 km) through the captivating gorge with an expert local guide, passing mountain villages and the impressive White Mountains. Visit one of the villages and then drive to Frangokastello, an old Venetian castle, where your guide will tell you about its history. Finally, cool off with a refreshing dip in the Libyan Sea. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

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Preveli Palm Beach Boat Cruise & Rethymnon Town from Heraklion in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (18 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 59.75

 

Discover 2 beautifull unique beaches on the south coast of Crete on a journey through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge. Located in the southern part of Crete, the Palm beach of Preveli is a place people should definitely visit while in Crete. Its like an oasis, between the wild deserted mountains of SouthCrete. A unique landscape, consisting of a gorge, followed by river and surrounded by palm trees, ending at the Libyan Sea. You'll also get to explore the beach of Damnoni and the capital of the Region, Rethymnon!

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Spinalonga - Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (17 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 59.75

Duration: 10 hours (approx.)

Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film. This excursion is a perfect option for those who want to combine land & sea tours. You will also have the opportunity to visit the eastern part of Crete, Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbour and the island of Spinalonga.

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South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves  in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (11 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 41.83

Duration: 10 hours (approx.)

After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs. Every summer thousands of people celebrating the Matala Beach Festival. Check out the option for the Matala Beach Festival. Be there to share the Love! ❤️

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South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (10 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 70.51

 

• An exciting journey from the North to the South of Crete Island! • The route passes through the entire island capturing part of the Psiloritis massif. From the foot of the mountains stretches the delightful beauty of Messara valley, which has been the island's breadbasket for centuries. • During the ride you will hear the information about the history of the island and the sights that you will visit. Then, you can enjoy a walk in the preserved part of the ancient Roman capital of Crete Gortis, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sights in Greece. • Finally you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Matala beach, relax or dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast.

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SAMARIA from Malia-Heraklion in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (9 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 57.36

Duration: 16 hours (approx.)

Explore the most majestic gorge in Europe and get ready to live a unique experience. Follow the route of the ancient river Taras and discover the longest and hottest trek on Crete the SAMARIA GORGE

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CRETAN EVENING with Show, Dancing, Food and Drinks CRETE in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (7 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 57.36

Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

It’s the best way to celebrate Greek Style. In a mountain village we meet friendly Cretan folk who invite us to taste a glass of the local Cretan firewater “ Raki “. A stroll around the lovely village will allow you to catch a glimp of the rural life of a Cretan village and, at the same time, put you in the mood for the evening ahead. Once we get to the taverna, where the wine flows free and unlimited, you will enjoy a tasty Cretan meal accompanied by the melodies if the Lyra and the Bouzouki. You will see the many the many different traditional costumes and witness the grace of the Cretan dancers performing a variety of Cretan and Greek folklore dances. It might sound unbelievable , but this is really your chance to watch “Zorba the Greek” dancing on the top of a wineglass, on top of a bottle. As you get in the mood why not join in and learn a few of the Greek steps? By the end of the evening you’ll think you are as good as “Zorba”.

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BOAT RENTAL per Hour from Hersonissos Crete in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (6 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 35.85

 

PRICE IS PER BOAT: That is why you book only as 1 adult. The minibus picks you up outside your hotel and takes you to the port in Hersonissos, where the boat leaves when your ready. Before leaving you will get a short briefing off 15 min. Then you have the rest of the day to enjoy the water and sun. There is a tent on board so there is also shade when needed. If you bring your own food en drinks we will provide a cool box to keep everything cold. The range of the boat is 5 navy miles to the left and to the right. So that means between Gournes/ Gouves and Malia. The Boat has a GPS so they can track you every moment also in case of emergency. The boat has 1 extra spare motor. No boat license is mandatory. Everey boat is for max. 9 persons. Check our new pink boat for the lovers "Barbie edition"! The Boat rental is per hour it can be this hour 2h, 3h, 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h or 8h.

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Guided Tour to Lasithi Plateau in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (5 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 38.24

 

Explore the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave followed by a visit to Psychro village. Enjoy the panoramic views of Lasithi Plateau from Seli Ambelou and complete your tour to the picturesque village of Krasi, admiring the ancient plane tree.

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Ierapetra-Makrigialos: Vai Palm Beach, Moni Toplou & Sitia Tour in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 57.36

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

Starting from Ierapetra we will drive through Makry Gialos and will be heading to the Eastern part of the island. Our first stop is in Lithines, a traditional Cretan village where we will walk around the graphical streets and enjoy a cup of Greek coffee. After that we will visit Sitia, a beach-side town ideal for a walk by the beatiful promenade when you can enjoy your coffee with a unique view of Sitia's harbor. Our third stop is in Toplou Monastery where you will have the chance to walk around this great monument, take pictures and taste their famous local wine. Our trip ends in Vai Palm Beach with its magnificent landscape and crystal clear water. You will have enough time to swim and enjoy the sun, take pictures and enjoy your lunch by the beach!

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Olive Mill Festival in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 66.92

Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

Spend with us a special evening with the family Lyraki and learn about olive oil soap and taste Cretan wines. Enjoy a traditional dinner with live Greek music and dance.

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Day Tour to Preveli Tropical Beach and Palm Forest from Heraklion in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 44.22

Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

After a ride in a modern, air conditioned bus transportation from Heraklion to Preveli Beach, you are free to go to explore this stunning area. While driving learn about the geology and history of South Crete. The bus will stop at a parking lot, the closest to the beach, where there is a path descending to the beach. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, where you can take some fantastic photos. To reach the beach descend the footpath (app. 400 stairs) that takes about 15 minutes. Wander the Palm Forest, full of Theophrastus palm trees and tropical flowers, animals, plants and the inkomparable atmosphere. Take a photo of the rushing Grand River and towering Kourtaliotikos Gorge cliffs and have a bath under the small waterfall at the end of the gorge. Return to the beach by walking in the river and have a refreshing drink at the bar of Preveli. After approximately 4 hours of free time at the beach, the day will come to an end and you return to Heraklion.

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Full-Day Tour to Vai Palm Beach, Toplou Monastery, and Sitia Town in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 59.75

 

Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete! The day tour starts from visiting Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. Continue the tour, to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot. Last stop of the day is at Sitia town, one of the least "touristy" parts of Crete, that was built up in Venetian times.

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Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3 reviews)
Likely to Sell Out Free Cancellation

From $ 53.78

Duration: 14 hours (approx.)

Enjoy a hassle-free bus transfer from the main areas of Heraklion to Kissamos port. Purchase a boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Grambousa island and hop aboard the bus after your cruise to return. We disembark at the island of Gramvousa also known as the “pirates’ island”. You can admire the famous fortress of Gramvousa built by the Venetians in 1579 high on a rock and if you want, you can climb up to admire the magnificent view. After our exploration of the area, you have plenty of time to enjoy our swim at the gorgeous beach with the wonderful colors or have lunch aboard. Balos, one of the loveliest places in Greece. The view of the lagoon is truly breathtaking and brings us in mind exotic beaches in the Caribbean.

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Elafonisi, The exotic pink beach of Crete! Tour from Heraklion. in Heraklion

Heraklion , Crete

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 59.75

Duration: 15 hours (approx.)

Enjoy the sensation of a unique pink paradise on Earth! Let the pink Sand touch your body and the diamond clear water gently tease you. Elafonisi is a miracle of Nature on a very exceptional Island, Crete! Optionally you can clime the 90 steps leading to the impressive Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa.

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Why Choose Our Day Trips in Heraklion?

Our day trips in Heraklion are carefully designed to combine convenience, cultural insights, and memorable experiences. Each itinerary highlights the best of Heraklion, led by local guides who know the destination inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips in Heraklion

Most day trips in Heraklion include transportation, a local guide, and entrance to selected attractions. Some itineraries also provide meals or free time for independent exploration.

Day trips in Heraklion typically last between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the destination and itinerary. They are designed to make the most of your day while keeping travel times comfortable.

Yes, many day trips in Heraklion are family-friendly, offering activities and destinations that appeal to both adults and children. Be sure to check tour descriptions for age recommendations.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons in Heraklion. Some tours may allow same-day bookings if space is available.
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