Elounda

Our most recommended things to do in Elounda

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  1. Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau Day Tour

  Start your tour with pick up in an air-conditioned Land Rover from your accommodations at 10 AM and head into the Dikti Mountain Range. You'll pass through several traditional and very picturesque mountain villages. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or to have a coffee at a real taverna. At the Lassithi Plateau, you might see eagles and vultures, as both nest around this area. Next, you’ll reach the base of Mount Spathi. The Psychro Cave, the birth place of the Greek god Zeus, is located on the north face of Spathi. You’ll walk 15 minutes up the steep hill to the entrance of the cave and from there follow the path down into the spectacular cave.   Next, enjoy a traditional Cretan meze lunch with local wine. After lunch, you'll continue around the plateau and then descend taking in views of the north coast and the impressive Aposelemis Dam. You will then visit a 2...

  Good trip. We drove in comfort into the hills in the south, visiting little villages, Zeus Cave and viewing spots. Lunch was copious, fresh and really pleasant. Amin who runs Crete Adventures who run the trip was extremely pleasant. A good day out and a great chance to see a bit more of this pretty Island.

  Reviewed by Hilary, 24/05/2021
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  2. Land Rover Safari on Lassithi Route

  This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life. We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness. The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine. After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods...

  Unsere Tour mit dem Guide Thomas brachte eine willkommene Abwechslung zu den Strandtagen. Der Tag war sehr abwechslungsreich gestaltet, das Landesinnere bringt völlig neue Eindrücke, man gewinnt einen guten Eindruck vom Leben in den Bergdörfern, der durch sehr viel Informationen zu Fauna Flora, Geschichte, Alltagsleben durch Thomas noch vertieft wurde. Die Tourführung war sehr umsichtig, die kleine Gruppengröße ideal. Preis-Leistungsverhältnis passt. Das Mittagessen in der Taverne bei der Zeushöhle war von sehr guter Qualität und die off-road Passagen im Landrover machten viel Spaß und brachte uns in Gegenden, die mit dem Mietauto nicht zu erreichen sind. Der Tour kann auf jeden Fall empfohlen werden.

  Reviewed by Doris, 28/07/2021
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  3. Richtis Waterfall and North Coast Tour

  Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.  Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.  When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda a...

  The trip to the Richtis Waterfall was just amazing. Our guide was already waiting in front of our hotel before we came out - very punctual. During the trip he told us so much about crete, he has great knowledge on almost everything: mythology, nature, culture. Ask the guide anything and he will most certainly know the answer. You need to do a little hiking to reach the waterfall, but nothing too scary. Just take some good shoes with you. Sneakers will do. The waterfall itself is so beautiful. We were able to swim in the little lake as much as we wanted while our guide waited patiently for us. The lunch in a local restaurant was very tasty. All in all the trip was totally worth it. We learned a lot and had a good time. Can totally recommend it!

  Reviewed by Emma, Germany, 16/08/2019
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  4. Crete: Day Trip Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka

  Meet your local guide and enjoy comfortable transportation. Make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos, on the Gulf of Mirabello. The place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own, stroll through the shops or relax. After that, discover Elounda and its magnificent views of Crete. At Spinalonga Island you can choose to join an English guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you do not wish to visit the archaeological site at all, you can join a one-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal clear water. After a short drive, reach Plaka a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series. Visit the filming sites, enjoy lunch or have a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation.

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  5. Knossos Palace and Village Pottery Tour

  Explore the Palace of Knossos and learn the traditional craft of pottery on this tour of Cretan culture and heritage. After pickup at your hotel, start your day at the Palace of Knossos, one of the birthplaces of the modern world. Visit the palaces, the villas and other excavated buildings. Continue to a traditional pottery village in the mountains, driving on pretty roads lined with olive trees. See how Cretans have produced their wonderful pottery for thousands of years. Enjoy the fantastic opportunity to try your hand at this ancient craft, with the guidance of a master potter.  During the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant with wine or water included. At the end of a wonderful day, start the drive back to your hotel, where you’ll be dropped off.

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  6. From Agios Nikolaos: Sarakina Gorge and South Coast Tour

  This tour will take you high into the mountains of the Lassithi Range (or Dikti Range), offering you an abundance of stunning panoramic views. Picking you up from your accommodation at 10:00AM, you will then start your climb up through several very picturesque traditional villages, one of which you shall stop at for a short break to shop or grab coffee. You will next go off road and move on up through the Kroustas Forest to a point approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. From way up there you will be able to see both the Lybian Sea (south coast) and the Aegean Sea (north coast). You will also be able to view the stunning peaks of the snow capped Mount Spathi (2,140 meters above sea level, second highest on the island), whose north face is home of the Psychro Cave, birth place of the Greek god Zeus. The views you will encounter throughout your tour can't be beaten, and there will be...

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  7. Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip with Tavern Lunch & Wine

  Start with pickup from your hotel and travel by spacious bus through small towns to the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Then, board a privately booked traditional wooden fishing boat which will take you on a short cruise to the island of Spinalonga. Hear as your professional guide will share insights and stories of a former leper colony and the history of Spinalonga Island. After a guided walking tour on the island, board the boat and sail to the beautiful village of Plaka. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialties in a traditional Greek tavern with a cozy atmosphere. Choose between fresh fish or chicken, enjoy some local wine, and enjoy the views of the coastline. Next, visit a local herb plantation where a variety of natural plant products are cultivated. Learn about the various essential oils produced at the site and then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the large gar...

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  8. Heraklion: Chauffeur Transfer Service

  Whether you are staying in Heraklion Prefecture, or arriving at Heraklion Port or Airport (Nik. Kazantzakis airport) you can enjoy a pick up service and relax whilst being driven to the destination of your choice in Crete. Explore the secrets of Crete, get to know the real Crete off the touristic path. You can enjoy easy transfer to the local attraction or place you want to visit. If you have luggage, this can be accommodated too. All vehicles come fully air conditioned with a driver.

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  9. Crete: Full-Day Private Tour

  The ideal way to discover the island of Crete is with a private tour. Share a car and enjoy a full day with your group. Embark on an incredible island adventure with your friends or family, after planning the tour together with your professional guide. Beginning with pickup at your accommodation in Elounda, Agios Niklaos, Ierapetra, Malia, Crete, Hersonissos, or Ammoudara, the world is your oyster.  Settle into a comfy and luxurious Land Rover Discovery equipped with 6 seats and air conditioning. Discover local sites, hit the beach, or simply drive around taking in panoramic views. Perfect for a wedding trip or a birthday, relish in total privacy and the utmost luxury. Included in the tour is a fresh, high-quality dinner at a local taverna.

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  10. Crete: Farm Experience with Cooking Class, Pottery and Meal

  Experience the traditional Cretan way of living on this private tour. Get picked up from your hotel in Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos and drive through the countryside in a private minibus. A driver and tour guide will accompany you safely and will share stories about the local area with you. Visit traditional villages, walk around hundred-year-old olive trees, and take memorable photos of the majestic landscapes. Then, visit a Cretan farm and learn how its famous olive oil is produced. Collect milk and make your own cheese with the help of the local farmer. Taste it together with other local fresh products. Afterwards, you will join a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn to cook Cretan recipes. Feast on your own creations, which will be accompanied by other local dishes. Finally, participate in a ceramic woskshop and learn how to create pots and ceramics with your own hands. At ...