The 12 best excursions around Heraklion

You’re on vacation in Crete and spending a few days in Heraklion. Perhaps you’d like to explore the surrounding area to take full advantage of the island’s beauty and treasures? So we suggest 12 excursions around Heraklion: lounging, culture, sports, adventure, culinary discoveries and family activities. There’s something for every taste, every desire and every budget!

*****

1 – A must: Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace, just 5 kilometers from Heraklion, is THE must-see Crete landmark. Several guided tours are also available. We have selected the most interesting ones for you:

• Private guided tour with entry to Knossos: Find your guide on site, avoid the queues and immerse yourself in the majestic palace of Knossos with a certified archaeologist guide, taking you 3,500 years into Greece’s past. Tour in English, cancellable and refundable up to 24 hours in advance. Or this Guided tour + Entry also well rated.
• Guided tour of Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ancient city. In English, departure from certain regions of Crete such as Chania or Rethymno.
• Or this Full-day tour: historic center of Heraklion and Knossos Palace: Explore Heraklion and its port with a guide (the archaeological museum is optional). Then off to the archaeological site of Knossos Palace.
• From Heraklion: Knossos and the Lassithi plateau: Plunge into the heart of nature and explore the Lassithi plateau in eastern Crete. Visit the Minoan palace of Knossos and learn more about Greek gods, ancient civilizations and the Byzantine era.
• Or this Day trip to the Lasithi plateau and Knossos palace. You’ll also visit the Cave of Zeus, a ceramics workshop and the Keras monastery. Departure from Heraklion.
• Finally, we can recommend the 3D virtual audio tour of Knossos Palace, a good way to visualize Knossos Palace and the site at its peak. To be completed with entrance ticket to the Knossos site .

2 – For a lazy day: boat cruise to Balos and Gramvoussa

Among the excursions around Heraklion, the day trip to Balos and Gramvoussa is very pleasant and one of our favorites. Tread the fine white sands of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen! Transport included from Heraklion.

3 – For thrill-seekers: a Via Ferrata

Just an hour and a half south of Heraklion, an experienced English-speaking guide takes you up the Asterousia mountains. Via Ferrata in southern Crete is the most exciting adventure you can have on the island.

Link to find out more and book

4 – All the flavours of Crete: discovering the secrets of olive oil and wine

Among the excursions around Heraklion, this one is recommended to all gourmets. Get ready for a journey through the authentic flavors of Crete during a wine tasting session, and sample over 15 different wines. You’ll also discover the secrets of Crete’s olive oil, terroir and gastronomy. Plus a gourmet lunch and tasting of traditional Cretan products. Our mouths are already watering! This tour can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before departure.

Link to find out more and book

5 – Discovering underwater life in Crete: scuba diving

Take advantage of your vacation in Crete to go diving, whatever your level. It’s the ideal place to discover the inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea, including sponges, starfish, octopus, snails, different types of fish and, with a bit of luck, dolphins, barracudas and seahorses.

• For beginners: a scuba diving baptism at Agia Pelagia. Discover scuba diving with an experienced instructor and enjoy this magical experience. Jump into clear water and learn to move underwater.
• A Scuba Diving discovery day: you take an instructional course (lasting around 45 minutes) given by an English-speaking instructor before taking to the water, accompanied by professionals.
• PADI scuba diving courses in Heraklion: would you like to obtain your diving diploma? Now’s the time. Several levels (beginners or advanced).

6 – For those with a Pirate’s soul

From Heraklion, take a 5-hour excursion aboard the Black Rose! Climb aboard a pirate ship for a memorable adventure. Sail from Chersónissos to Sissi. Stop off along the way to swim, snorkel or enjoy a delicious barbecued meal. You’ll also have free time to swim, dive and explore the sea. The boat’s staff speak English.

Link to find out more and book the pirate ship excursion

7 – For those who want to discover something other than Crete: a day on Santorini from Heraklion

Enjoy the beauty and romance of Santorini on a day trip from the port of Heraklion. Take part in a guided tour of the island aboard an air-conditioned bus, and also enjoy some free time on this mythical island. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Link to find out more and book

8 – Hiking in the gorges of Crete

Gorges de Rouvas – Start with a hike through the Saint-Nikolas gorges to discover waterfalls and natural springs. The hike then continues through the Rouvas forest, renowned for its holly ecosystem, and ends at Lake Zaros. Level: easy. Language: English. Pick-up: at your hotel in Heraklion.

Find out more and reserve

Gorges de Sarakinika – Discover the unique geology of this spectacular narrow gorge on a 6-8 hours trek with an English-speaking guide. Pick-up at your hotel in Heraklion.

More info and booking for the Sarakinika Gorge trek.

Samaria Gorge – An early start for a superb hike in one of Crete’s natural wonders, which has to be earned! A 6-7 hour walk awaits you, with a guide who speaks both English and French.

Further information and booking of the Samaria Gorge hike.

9 – Admire the Cretan mountains: Land Rover safari

Discover central Crete with its plateaus, ancient roads and varied flora and fauna. Drive through incredible mountain scenery, then stop off at idyllic villages and visit the birthplace of Zeus. Also cancelable and fully refundable.

Link to find out more and book

10 – Discovering southern Crete: Matala beach

First, head south to Gortyne, where you’ll visit the archaeological site of the island’s ancient Roman capital. Then on to Matala, the famous beach where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and admire the hippy caves.

The tour is fully refundable for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. Entrance fees to Gortyne and the caves are not included.

Link to find out more and book

11 – For the adventurous: a quad safari

It’s an adventure for everyone, from families and friends to couples and lone wolves! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore a part of Crete not as a tourist, but as an explorer with an English-speaking guide who will be there for you every step of the way.

Link to find out more and book

12 – An exceptional day: cruise on Dia Island

Want to explore the uninhabited island and waters of Dia aboard a comfortable sailboat? Then set off for a day of discovery from Heraklion: Agios Georgios Bay, Panagia Cave and Dia Island. Swim and snorkel in waters explored by Jacques Cousteau. If you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or sea turtles…

Link to find out more and book the sailing trip to Dia Island

*****

And now, our selection is finally complete. We hope you enjoy these excursions around Heraklion. In fact, don’t hesitate to send us your feedback in the comments to this article.

See also our articles :

• What to do in Heraklion Our top 10
• Our best addresses in Heraklion: restaurants, taverns, hotels
• South Crete itinerary from Heraklion

^{Laure M.}

Updated February 2, 2024