Excursions and Activities on Crete

Here are our top tours to explore the whole island. You can book your chosen
 excursion with our local representative who will issue you with your tickets or you can pre book via email. All our excursions are organized with the one of the most reputable suppliers locally and are accompanied by an experienced and professional guide.

Regular Excursion Program
We are able to offer an extensive range of tours which depart on a regular basis and offer fixed sightseeing itineraries. Our coaches and cruise ships are well-chosen to assure you a safe and comfortable trip. Our guides are multilingual, specialised and love their competent work and the contact to people.
Whether you would like to join a coach or a cruise to discover the local sights, we are sure to have something to suit your requirements to highlight your vacation.

...our trips ...

Taylor-made Private Trips
Would you like to see the sights at your own pace and according to your individual requirements? Our tailor-made excursion options allow you to set your own itinerary and to choose from a selection of private chauffeur-driven vehicles and experienced local guides speaking several different languages. We are able to organise for you whatever you like. If you are looking for personal service and maximum flexibility, then this is the option for you. Just contact us!

...some of our ideas ....

Activities
Except of all organised excursions in bus or ship or taylor-made trips, the visitor of the island has many more choices so his stay in Crete remain unforgettable. The exploring of caves, horse riding, the participation in local feasts, cart driving and bowling as well as water parks are some of the many activities offered. For more particular information you should contact our travel agency in Hersonissos directly: info@bluemar.gr or via phone +30 28970 28000.

Agios Nikolaos (meaning “Saint Nicolas”). This is a particularly nice trip for all visitors of Crete wishing to happily spend a marvelous evening in unique Cretan life style.
We spend our evening in Agios Nikolaos, the district capital of Lassithi. In the Venetian period, it was a port and afterwards it indulged a shadowy existence as a fishing village  .  Nowadays it is a pretty cosmopolitan city with much pizzpazz.
The architecture of the town looks like an Amphitheater built on a hill.
In the center there is the “bottomless” Voulismeni lake, which had been connected by a channel to the sea by the Turks. Today numerous small fishing boats are being moored here and provide a picturesque backdrop  for the numerous cafés and restaurants sporting themselves on the promenade. On the other side stands a mostly overgrown cliff. Someone who climbs the stairs will be largely recompensed with a splendid view over the whole city and Mirabello bay.
From the center towards the hill there are several nice shopping streets with lovely decorated shops and boutiques which remain open until midnight. Agios Nikolaos is a nice Cretan city with lots of Mediterranean flair, a large portion of vitality and class.
The bus drives you to Agios Nikolaos and brings you to the center. From here you have many options: Enjoying a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants, having coffee or a drink at one of the bars on  the promenade. Perhaps you would prefer strolling through the nice shopping streets that remain open the whole evening … ?
Fully enjoy your evening and wallow in memory of the beautiful experiences of Agios Nikolaos by night!

Here is the chance to meet true Cretans in their local life-style. Throughout the excursion, there’s the opportunity to learn quite a lot about the Cretan landscape and its lovely natives.
The tour leads to one of the most impressing areas of Crete: the area of the highest mountain of Crete, the Psiloritis (2456 metres/7400ft. above sea level).
We are starting off with the reconstructed tiny village of Arolithos with all its remaining traditional buildings and Cretan products. During the visit of the Popular Art Museum your guide brings you closer to the real rural life. Be impressed ambling along the small alleys of the village.  !
As  a  highlight of the tour, you will get in touch with the natives as you pay a visit to the famous village of Anogia. It is the largest mountain village of Crete, known as "village of the widows" due to its long history of rebellion. In W.W.II all the men of the village who could be caught were massacred by the German troops following their aid in kidnapping General Kneipe, the commander of the German occupation forces. Today, Anogia revives as a reminder of the Cretan’s struggles against all the invaders  to the tragic island, their determination and their love of their homeland.
After the tasty Cretan lunch the bus takes you to a very special place in Greek mythology: The dripstone cave of Zoniana, where Zeus, father of all Greek gods, was brought up.
The way back leads you through an extremely interesting panoramic landscape. Do not forget your camera in order to take some nice pictures!
Nestled amongst aromatic orange groves lies the village of Fodele. It is known as the birthplace of the famous painter “El Greco”. Rest a little while drinking a cup of coffee or take a closer look at all the knitwear featured by the women of the  the small town.  Explore true Crete and its authentic inhabitants! As a visitor to Crete do not miss Anogia and its surrounding area.

Being fair and meet all tastes is not an easy thing, but we are doing our best to ! For our guests to Crete who would like to combine a visit of a city with sunbathing at one of the Cretan dream beaches !
Our dear guest ! Believe it or not but we do have and offer this programme to our guests. But not only this but we are sure not to deceive you !
The City of Rethymnon is a charming city, where the narrow Venetian streets and the Turkish ruins are merging in a unique manner and create a marvellous atmosphere .
Explore the most important sights of this impressing city and take some souvenirs in your heart, mind and soul with you!
We drive upon zigzag roads from Rethymnon to Preveli to the South Coast of Crete, where we visit the historically interesting Byzantine monastery Moni Preveli .
The monastery was used as important site for the refugees in times of crisis. There we can enjoy a fantastic view over the beach of Moni Preveli.
Then we drive to the nearby dream beach Preveli
No one can resist the magic of the clear crystal tides: Take a swim in the pure waters and feel not only the sun caress you but also the energy and beauty coming up within yourself ! By the endemic Palms, there is a river sporting recreating greenish water making its way into the sea.
On our way back we stop in the fruitful village of Spili known for its Venetian springs.
You may refresh yourselves with the floating water from a Venetian Lion’s Head Statue, and taste some delicious sheep yogurt with local Thym Honey before heading back to your holiday resorts.

On this route you get acquainted with some of Crete’s most beautiful features: the wonderful landscape, archaeological excavation
sites and attractive sand beaches. At first we travel through sumptuous sultana orchards  to the south flank of the Ida mountains towards the largest and most fertile lowlands of Crete, the Messara. You visit the capital of the old Roman province of Crete and Kyrenaika, antique Gortys, where the longest coherent legal text of
Europe was found. You will see excavated ruins of Dorian, Roman and Byzantine time, among other things the Amphitheater and the pc. Titus Basilika. Then, you visit the second largest Minoan palace situated on a broad mountain in the midst of the
Messara, Phaestos. From there you have a wonderful panoramic view on the attractive surroundings. The trip goes on to Agia Triada and more Minoan Historic Testimonial. Around midday you then have the opportunity to take a swim in the crystal-clear water of the Lybian Sea, at Matala, a former fishermen’s village. According to mythology, Zeus kidnapped Europa here.
You can take your lunch here and explore the world famous caves where in the 1960s hippies had their homes, even world famouis musicians like Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens ...
On our way back the coach takes us back via a wonderful landscape to our holiday resort.
If you are interested in culture and wish to get acquainted with the fascinating landscape and perhaps would like to bathe in the clear sea water, then this trip is just a „must“ and should be written in your timetable...

The eventful day begins with a visit west of Kritsa, a Cretan Village on the mountain slope of Agios Nikolaos, a traditional town with stone houses and narrow streets, where the time seems to have stopped. The inhabitants sit before their houses and still manufacture manually typical national
stickwork.
South of the village we visit a pretty Byzantine monastery decorated with frescoes. This scenery became famous through the films with Anthony Quinn "Alexis Zorbas, the Greek" (1964) and the series "who pays the ferryman" (1977).
The attraction of the tour is the boat trip over the deep blue sea along the miracle pretty Mirabella bay to Spinalonga. The view on the way and the pretty interaction of water and the mountains becomes a beautiful relaxing dream that we can witness in reality.
The small island of Calydon (Spinalonga) has a very important and sad history: First, it served as a Venetian fortress, then it was captured by the Turks and later used as  a leper’s colony until 1957. The inmates developed and built a whole village on the site of the Venetian and Turkish ruins. A visit to the island by the tourist nowadays is absolutely riskless, though very exciting thanks to its history.
Enjoy a tasty Barbecue on the trip back and a take a swim in the open sea.
Visit of the lively capital city of Agios Nikolaos with much Mediterranean flair, which once used to be a Venetian port and later on merely an insignificant fishing village.
Today the city offers with its "soil less" lake "Voulismeni" a picturesque wonderful background for all the coffee shops, the narrow promenade streets and the souvenir shops.
This trip into the beautiful Mirabelle bay impresses all Crete guests by its many facetted variety: History, sun, sea and a fantastic boat trip.

This tour features quite a few facets: you enjoy to bathe in the sea with wonderful shining sun, experience a little the Cretan history, have a good time with shopping and taste delightful Cretan specialities.
In the morning we visit the Byzantine church Panagia Kera near Kritsa, which was functioning also as a scenery in the film "Alexis Zorbas"(1964) and the series "who pays the ferryman" (1977). The monastery is an imposing structure with quaint frescoes. Afterwards we have the possibility to walk through the traditional village with its stone houses and narrow alleys. It seems that time has halted and remained like in old days. The inhabitants sit before their houses and still manufacture manually their typical national stick work.
On the way to Elounda, a nice small fishing village, we will visit the archaeological site of Olous, where you learn more about the mysterious sunken city. From the harbour you will chug in a fisherman’s boat to the island of Calydon. This island is better known by the name of Spinalonga; it once was a Venetian bastion, later on captured by the Turks and then in the year 1957 became the leper’s colony. The history is however somewhat sad, but very interesting and today it is safe to be visited or to live there.
Back at Elounda, you can relax taking a swim with an optional lunch in a typical genuine Greek tavern on the island.
In the afternoon we visit the Archaeological Museum of the district capital Agios Nikolaos. In the museum you will discover records from Eastcrete exposed, dated from the Stone Age to the end of the Roman Period. The highlights of the exhibition are among others many vessels from the 3rd millennium, as well as many golden and cupreous objects.
The scenery of the city is exceedingly pretty with the “Voulismeni”, a "bottomless" lake, in which according to the legend the goddess Athena went for a swim.
Drink a cup of coffee or explore the nice shopping streets around and come across some nice souvenirs!

An evening with Cretan delights, folklore music, dance and wine.
Have you ever seen how the natives celebrate their feasts with music and dance?
Come with us to Karouzanos, where you spend a perfect and memorable evening with us. Together we drive to a traditional village off the beaten tourist track, where the unique feature of folkore dances, music and tasty Cretan cuisine will take your breath away, because the Cretans dance on tables, bottles and with daring fire flying !
The Cretan expresses his feelings, such as his zest for life, sorrow, lovesickness and bravery not only with words, but strongly through his music and dances. During that evening, you have the chance to see how brilliantly he is mastering this. The local instruments like Lyra, Bouzouki and Laute play the Cretan music related to the precise dancing steps, the colourful women’s skirts and the severe traditional costumes of the men.
Celebrate with us a Cretan feast with Folklore and marvellous food, Cretan pomerance schnaps (Raki) and free wine as much as you like to drink. Cherish this atmosphere of   Cretan vitality and dance with us!
If you ever wanted to know how the Cretans live and feel, you must see them dancing!

Scheduled as first thing in the morning of this excursion day is a visit to the Historical Museum in Heraklion. The museum treasures a great number of fascinating exhibits from Crete, beginning in its first Christian Period and going on to Modern Times.
As you visit the City Center of Heraklion you might be tempted to acquire a souvenir or another …
In the course of the excursion you might enrich your knowledge simply by joining a guided tour through Knossos Ancient Temple Area – once a Minoan Palace truly known world wide for its precious and genuine record of the Minoan cultural past.
Around midday, the coach takes you to Peza which is a rural village in the midst of the wine-growing area in the south of Heraklion. Here, you will savour lunch.
When later on visiting the farmer’s cooperative corporation of Peza you will learn a great deal about Olive Oil and winemaking. Honestly: Crete’s Olive Oil is renown as the healthiest of all!  Cretan wine is mainly red wine in a colour of amber, or else dry white wine. Yet – as always when talking about wine, decriptions don’t really help the cause – the motto is „Try and relish“!

This special tour will let the participants touch Crete from close-up. They will learn about genuine Cretan life and the authentic inhabitants. They will get the chance to explore almost untouched landscapes, visit a classical monastery, taste Cretan products and chat with the population of a village.
On the subsequent mountain road, after a stop at the significant (oder: impressive) monastery with its world famous icons and frescoes, the lovely view from up here will move their heart, soul and dreams everywhere but not on earth: The participants will see on one side nearly 1000m downwards to the sea, and the other side the Lassithi heights that are said to be Crete’s vegetable garden. In former times hundreds of windmills irrigated this fruitful piece of paradise. A short round around small villages with authentic inhabitants leads you to the stalactite cave of Dikti. According to the legend, this is the birthplace of Zeus, father of the gods.
Driving back across wonderful, landscape on roads sometimes a little winding, they get the impression that time has stopped here.
As highlight of the tour, the comfortable coach will let them ride across the lovely interior lands making a stopover at a traditional farmer’s village, where genuinely traditional Cretan produce is manufactured by hand still, such as olive oil, Raki spirit and honey. The participants will be welcomed by an old farmer’s wife who explains not only the lifetime of bygone generations and traditions, but who will also tell them interesting facts about Greek islanders.
As they then walk through the village they can look around the narrow lanes and streets of the village, the typical daily life in the village (Here, old women, usually dressed in black, sit before their houses and weave their cloth as in old times).
After reaching their hotel, they may have the feeling that you were coming back from another world which exists only in your imagination.
Would they like to learn more about real traditional Crete and its truly generous inhabitants? Then they absolutely should book this excursion!
They can’t help being influenced by the beauty of the authentic landscape. Thus, without any lecture or so they will understand the Cretan’s profound love and affection for their land!

This tour leads you to the green Western Districts of Crete, which are still influenced by the Venetian and Turkish occupation (1654 – 1913 approx.).
Just before reaching Rethymnon, we head south and drive to the monastery of Arkadi near one of the oldest olive groves on a small plateau next to the impressive Ida Mountains. The monastery Moni Arkadi played an important role as a centre of resistance against the Turkish occupation, that lasted many years.  It is part of the most important and interesting sightseeing spots of the island. This place is considered by the natives as the holy symbol of their fight for liberty and their forefathers’ heroic deeds.
Now you drive towards Chania enjoying impressive views over the fruitful coastal plain with its sumptuous vegetation and the panorama of the enormous White Mountains. Probably Greece’s most beautiful city still retains  a wealth of Italian and Turkish architecture. Get in touch with the orient while strolling through the covered Agora (indoor market hall) with its vibrant array of local products – ideal source for some unusual presents and souvenirs. ‘Leather Street’ is a great place to look for leather bargains, bags, belts, or handmade measure shoes. Have a Greek coffee at the ancient authentic Venetian harbour and experience the marvellous moments of Greek chaos and beauty.
The second sightseeing stop is in Rethymnon. This picturesque town has also been affected by the Venetians. The fortress on a rocky plateau close to the sea dominates the whole city. Amble along the narrow alleys with their hundreds of shops! Look out for souvenirs, bells and whistles and much more.
The way back takes us across an extremely fascinating landscape along the seashore to Fodele, where you may enjoy refreshments and a nice stroll. The village is well-known as the birthplace of famous painter El Greco.
Lovely are the handicrafts of village’s inhabitants, the orange groves and the Byzantine church above the village.
Experience more about the occupations of Crete and visit the interesting shopping streets of Chania!