Tours and Day Trips from Heraklion That You Will Love!
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is certainly one of the regions you should visit on the island. There are many fantastic places to visit in the area and the neighboring regions, including the marvelous Lasithi Plateau, the hippie Matala Beach, and the wonderful archaeological sites of Knossos, Malia, and Phaistos. But you can venture further and visit stunning beaches in other regions on a day trip. Read on to discover the best excursions from Heraklion.
📍 Must-do: Balos Cruise 📍 Knossos Palace 📍 Check rental car rates for Crete 🚗
Heraklion sits between the easternmost region of Lasithi and the fantastic Rethymnon region. Its southern coast has a collection of stunning beaches ideal for day trips. The mountainous inland villages host one of the best wine regions in Greece.
Besides, it’s fairly easy to join a guided tour or day trip departing from Heraklion to visit the more remote region of Chania on the island’s western side.
The capital of Crete, Heraklion, is a perfect base and place to spend your holidays in Crete. From Heraklion, it’s easy to get to almost every corner of the island. Here, you’ll never be short of ideas regarding things to do in the area.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know that driving on Crete is my favorite travel method. I love road trips on Crete. I’ve even written a guide to help you plan road trips on the island.
However, the more I talk with visitors during my tours, the more I discover that many tourists don’t always like driving during their holidays. However, that’s not a reason to miss the impressive places the island offers. Therefore, I’ve prepared this guide so you won’t miss the best tours and day trips departing from Heraklion. It will help you explore the best of Crete even when you don’t want to drive!
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Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Entry with Walking Tour
This tour includes a combined ticket also to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. You’ll skip the line and tour the palace with a licensed tour guide for about 90 minutes. You cannot make it to Crete and miss this visit. This outstanding archaeological site remains Crete’s most visited tourist attraction.
🎯 You can also have a lot of fun visiting Knossos on your own.
Land Rover Safari on Minoan Route
Expert drivers take on an 8-hour safari off-road along an old Minoan Path on the Lasithi Plateau. You will get panoramic views, visit quaint villages, and have a Cretan barbecue with wine. This day trip visits Zeus Cave and a shepherd’s mountain shelter. Finally, it visits a traditional eco park to discover local handicrafts.
🚘 This top-rated full-day adventure lets you discover a different side of Crete!
>> Looking for Safari adventures in Crete? Check out these!
Day Trip to Spinalonga, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Kolokitha Beach
Wake up early and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Explore the former Spinalonga leper colony and the picturesque Elounda, facing Mirabello Bay. The full-day tour picks you up from Heraklion and includes stops at Kolokitha Beach and Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi.
😞 It does not include the entrance fee to Spinalonga Island or the fee for the boat ticket.
Full-Day Bus Trip to Elafonisi
You can enjoy the trip even if you’re not in Chania. This full-day tour helps you avoid the long, stressful drive from Heraklion and reach Chania’s best beach with a comfortable bus. Spend a relaxing day on the small islet of Elafonisi and soak up the sun on this heavenly corner of Crete.
⛱️ Like visiting Knossos or trekking in Samaria, spending a day at Elafonisi pink sand beach is a must-do in Crete.
Day Trip to Chrissi Island
Don’t miss one of the most marvelous places in Crete, Chrissi Island. This southern gem on the Libyan Sea is a tiny, uninhabited island with the most beautiful, crystal-clear waters you’ll ever see in Europe. Get to the southern coast (Ierapetra) on a modern bus and enjoy a boat trip to spend a day in paradise!
😞 It does not include the fee for the boat ride.
Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour
Take this 12-hour tour to one of the most famous spots on Crete, the awesome Balos Beach. Depart from Heraklion and travel in a comfortable bus to Kissamos Harbor. Sail and disembark on Gramvousa Island and visit its Venetian castle and remarkable biotope. Later, sail to Balos Beach and Lagoon to spend an afternoon in total relaxation.
😞 The boat ticket and lunch are not included in the price.
Cretan Cooking Lesson with Dinner in Aerolithos
A memorable day trip to learn about the mouthwatering tastes of the Cretan diet: this day trip is organized by Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. It features Cretan cooking lessons and a dinner to savor what you’ve cooked! The trip includes visiting the Museum of Aerolithos to learn about folklore and traditions in the area.
Cretan Wine Tasting Tour & Gourmet Lunch
During this great private food and wine tour in the Heraklion region, you will taste 15 original wine labels on the island. The tour continues with a gourmet restaurant experience. Here, you can sample local olive oil and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the island.
🍷 Did you know that Heraklion is one of the most important wine areas on the island?
South Crete: Hippy Beach and Gorge Tour
Visit the south of the Heraklion region and two iconic spots facing the Libyan Sea, Matala Beach and the stunning gorge in Agiofarago Beach. The trip includes a stop in Moires village and a visit to the hermit monastery of Panagia Kaliviani. See the Asterusia mountain range and witness a romantic sunset near the hippie caves of Matala.
🚍 Hotel pick-up is included.
Samaria Gorge & Agia Roumeli Hiking Day Trip
Enjoy breathtaking views of Cretan nature as you hike through the wilderness and relax by the beach at the small village of Agia Roumeli, where you can swim in the Libyan Sea. If you’re staying in Heraklion and do not intend to drive, this tour in the Chania region is perfect.
🚏 Pick-ups are available from any of the following regions: Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, and from centrally located points in Heraklion town.
Scuba Diving Experience
This is a memorable day excursion for all the family (10 years and up accepted). Taking this tour, you’ll be looked after by a personal instructor, learn the basics to submerge, and be able to observe the stunning marine life in the area.
🐠 The tour includes pickup from and drop-off at your hotel, a 20-minute theory lesson before the dive, full diving equipment and instructor, and a super rewarding diploma of the experience!
>> Interested in scuba and snorkeling? That’s not all, you can try many more water sports in Crete!
Day Trip to Dia Island
Check out this day trip if you enjoy sailing and visiting uninhabited beaches. You will cruise on a skippered sailing boat to Dia Island, a few minutes off the northern coast of Heraklion. Enjoy free time fishing or snorkeling in Dia. Several hours later, continue to another bay to swim in crystal blue waters or relax. You might spot dolphins and sea turtles if you’re lucky.
Day Trip from Heraklion to Palm Forest Beach of Vai, Ierapetra, and Sitia
This trip is perfect for visiting Europe’s largest palm tree forest, Ierapetra City, the famous Toplou Monastery, and Sitia town. You will embark on a road trip across the unspoiled natural landscapes of the Lasithi Region.
⭐ This is one of the best-rated Get Your Guide Platform tours.
Day Trip to Preveli Beach from Heraklion
Explore Rethymnon’s southern coast. Visit Plakias, Damnoni, and Preveli beaches and venture through the island’s palm forest. Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifou gorges, swim in the turquoise waters of southern Rethymnon, and enjoy free time shopping in a fishing village.
Day Trip to Santorini from Heraklion
This day tour includes a luxury high-speed catamaran trip from Heraklion to Santorini. You will Tour Oia and Fira and stroll along the Perissa black sand beach. The return boat departs some minutes before 6 p.m. You will be back in Heraklion for dinner.
⛴️ This tour is particularly popular among first-time visitors to Greece, who may not have time to squeeze in a longer trip to Santorini.
There you go, unique experiences, tours, and day trips from Heraklion that let you experience the best of Crete… and beyond! Which of these day trips in Heraklion would you like to book?
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Fabulous Day Trips from Heraklion, Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
