Psiloritis, Crete

Our adventure begins from our base in Bali, after a security update and a little practice. We drive away from the main traffic through provincial and country roads, which only locals know and we cross one of the biggest olive groves of the island. We explore 10 small traditional villages with narrow streets, meet local people and admire Venetian and Ottoman stone buildings of the 17th and 18th century, which will take us back in time to another era. In one of our stops we explore one of the most important caves of Crete, Melidoni cave, which is located on top of a mountain. We enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the beautiful valley, with dozens of villages and the highest mountain of Crete called Psiloritis - Idi. We have much fun on the dirt roads, passing through the fields as we discover unique picturesque landscapes of the beautiful wildlife of Crete. We'll make enough stops during our safari, offering excellent opportunities for amazing pictures and breathtaking landscapes.

This excursion takes you to the west side of the island. It includes a visit to the towns of Rethymnon and Chania, as well as to the well – known Lake of Kournas. Going west on the northern axis of Crete, first we will pass the Ida range that includes the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis (2453m high), then our tour will take us to the beautiful town of Rethymno. A graphic Cretan town, so characteristic and unique, that nothing similar is met anywhere else on the island of Crete. We will have time to relax at the beautiful scenery at the old port of Rethymnon. Our next stop , the town of Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania , which comes second in size on the island and is the sixth biggest city in Greece having approximately 65.000 residents. It's Venetian walls and harbor , narrow streets , and old buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past . The old harbor , where the small fishing boats can moor , is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and observe the liveliness of the city . Here you can see the cross-shaped closed Marketplace and the leather Market Street . Next stop and last is the lake of Kournas, the only natural sweet water Lake outside Chania, where you will have your lunch. For those who want, there is a possibility to make a tour in the lake on pedals, or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the way back to Heraklion.

Cretan Wine Secrets: Begin the excursion with a visit to Klados Winery in Panormos. Delight in a personalized wine tour guided by the owner, unlocking the mysteries behind Cretan wines and experiencing an enticing wine tasting that reveals the region's longevity secrets. Charming Garazo Village & Local Culture Walk: Wander through the traditional village of Garazo, nestled in the heart of Rethymnon. Stroll its narrow alleys lined with stone-built houses and blooming courtyards. Visit the small local museum showcasing everyday Cretan life and folk traditions, offering a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage. Olive Oil Discovery: Embark on a journey through picturesque villages like Doxaro, Apladiana, and Agia, nestled amid lush greenery, vineyards, and olive groves. Visit a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village. Learn about the olive oil production process, from ancient handmade methods to modern techniques, and savor the flavors of local olive oil. Cretan Cuisine Delights: Indulge in the flavors of Cretan cuisine at a charming village tavern in Melidoni, and embrace local hospitality with an array of delicacies. This unique wine and olive escape offers not just an exploration of culinary traditions but an adventure embracing Greek hospitality. Enrich your senses with breathtaking sights, professional yet relaxed service, and an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Cretan culture.

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete, exploring its landscapes, traditional villages, and rich heritage. This small-group tour offers an immersive experience, from a honey factory visit to discovering the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd at a remote hut. Savor authentic Cretan cuisine, meet locals, and relish panoramic views that capture the island’s essence. Apithano Honey Factory & Village Charms: Starting from Rethymnon, the tour heads southeast, stopping at Apithano Honey Factory for a guided tour and tastings. Drive through Milopotamos and traditional villages, immersed in lush greenery and captivating views. Halepa Monastery & Scenic Splendor: Discover Halepa Monastery, offering breathtaking views of Crete’s peaks and valleys. Learn about its history as a refuge for rebels during civil wars, capturing stunning snapshots in this picturesque setting. Shepherd’s Life, the Enigmatic ‘’Mitato’’ Hut: Ascend an off-road trail to ‘’Mitato,’’ the traditional shepherd’s hut. Gain insights into shepherd life, cheese-making, and perhaps spot wild eagles and goats, perfect for memorable photos. Axos Village Tavern: Journey to Axos village for authentic Cretan cuisine at a traditional tavern. Indulge in local delicacies and experience Cretan warmth. This tour encapsulates Crete’s essence—culture, vistas, and gastronomy—providing a memorable glimpse of the island’s charm and hospitality in a day-long adventure.

Paragliding is an activity directing at all ages, all people, even people with special needs, as it is absolutely safe and no experience is required. The suitable equipment is given to the passengers from the experienced pilot/instructor! It is called paratriking because it includes a three-wheel vechicle(trike) with two seats which help the passenger and the pilot be comfortable and enjoy their flights. They both wear helmets wired so they can speak to each other all the time! With the powerful engine and the parachute it only takes 1 minute to get up in the air! You can admire the mountains filled with snow and at the same time you can feel the sun and the clouds on your skin, while watching the sea underneath!Undoubtedly It's an experience worth to live!

The start point is west of Heraklion from the beach of Ammoudara and head south towards the hinterland of Crete. After leaving the urban area behind us, entering a rural area full of vineyards and olive groves. On one side of the route people can see the holy mountain of Yioukta and on the other the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis. The first village on the way is Gournes and after a few kilometers is the village of Athanati. The road becomes uphill until the almost uninhabited village of Xirolia. Riding west and after a few kilometers the group will reach the capital of wine in Crete, the village of Dafnes. Here the well-known wine festival takes place every year in July. In this area there are many wineries that produce the best wines of Crete. Here the group of the bikers will taste 4 different wines, accompanied by Cretan cheese, rusks and olives. After the tasting the bikes will be left there and the group will go by car back to the starting point. This e-bike tour is possible to be done by everybody who is able to ride a bike. It is 24 km long and the net riding time ist about 90 minutes. If it has rained recently, then the route will change, because the previous route has some dirt roads and there will be mud.

Get ready to see a side of Crete that most visitors never experience—all from the seat of an e-bike! We kick off our journey from the west side of Heraklion, heading south into the heart of the island. Just three kilometers in, the city fades into the background, and we find ourselves surrounded by open landscapes and rural charm. Along the way, we pass by the University of Crete and the renowned University Research Center, offering a glimpse into Crete’s academic and scientific hub. This ride isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the thrill of the journey, the fresh Mediterranean air, and the hidden gems of inland Crete. Ready to ride? We continue our uphill ride through vineyards and olive groves, experiencing the peaceful rural landscapes of Crete. After 12 kilometers, we reach the village of Stavrakia, a quiet spot nestled in the hills. Just two kilometers later, we take a break in a scenic olive grove, where we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. From here, we can see both Mount Juktas, the mythical resting place of Zeus, and Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak.We continue our climb for another 3 kilometers, reaching the highest point of our route at 470 meters in the village of Agios Myron, located 17 kilometers from Heraklion. Here, we visit the Skete of Saint Myron, home to a miraculous holy spring. Saint Myron, who lived in the 4th century AD, was the first bishop of Crete, and his legacy remains deeply rooted in the island’s history.After leaving Agios Myron, we begin our descent north, passing through three traditional villages—Pentamodi, Petrokefalo, and Voutes. The ride back is much easier, as the route is almost entirely downhill, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery as we make our way back toward Heraklion. The route is 34 km in total and anyone who knows how to ride a bike can participate. The net cycling time is about 2 hours and the altitude difference of the route is 590 meters.

Combine the visit of traditional villages, caves, plateaus, mountain sites with the tasting of local products and get to know the local life here in Crete. Starting our journey from Gazi we head to the village of Krousonas where we have the opportunity to taste local products such as Olive Oil and Raki. Here we have free time for a coffee to relax and enjoy the stunning views. Continuing our journey towards Livadi Plateau we see some of the many apple orchards in the area, olive trees and wild herbs whose aroma is in the air and without doubt meet some friendly local goats along the way to the cave of Sfendoni. The cave features rich decoration with stalactites, stalagmites, as well as several fossilized waves and is the home of not just different types of bats, but also dozens of species of invertebrates. There is a 6€ entrance fee including a guide and walking shoes are recommended. Building up an appetite we make our way to the restaurant where we have a delicious Traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available). Once refreshed we visit the famous village of Anogeia which is perched on the slopes of Psiloritis, you can go for a short walk where you can visit the center of Anogia and meet the locals. Before we slowly make our journey back off road to stop for a magnificent view over the northern coast of Heraklion where you have the chance to make some amazing pictures before we head home.

Starting our excursion early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel or the nearest suitable pick up point with one of our air conditioned and comfortable buses. We will lead you at first for 30 minutes to the troditional picturesque village Spili. There you will enjoy a welcome drink complements from our office Crepert. After your welcome drink you can visit the 25 marble lionheads shaped fountains, which bring crystalline drinking water from Psiloritis Mountain. Also you can visit the local traditional shops in Spili. Next stop Triopetra is part of the top splendid beaches in Crete. The beach is sandy and rocky. The name Triopetra is definded as the ''Three Stones''. The triangular-shaped cave on the beach is quite huge. The three gigantic rocks on the eastern side of the beach. The name has stemmed from it's dominant landmark the three huge rocks looming large out of the blue Mediterranean on the eastern side of the beach. You will have one and a half hour to enjoy the braethtacking beache it is popular due to it's crystal waters and quiet peaceful environment and is family friendly. Next stop on our tour is Agia Fotia also known as Agia Fotini is a tranquil, rockbound shore located about 39 km south of Rethymno. Agia Fotia has some stunning tiny pebble beaches, you will have two hours to enjoy the crystal clear calm water, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. On the seaside, there is a traditional local tavern where the visitors are going to have lunch tasting delicious tradiional specialties, also offering a gorgeous view of the endless sea. Two hours later, leaving from Agia Fotia we will go to Kalypso beach it is a stunning and secluded spot, nestled along the southern coast. It offers crystal clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and a sense of serenity. You will have two hours to enjoy swimming and snorkeling or a peaceful retreat in nature. Hiking if you enjoy hiking, there are several trails around Kalypso beach that offer stunning views of the cliffs and sea, you can also explore the rocky coastline. Final destinashion in our trip will be Kourtaliotis gorge you will have 20 minuts for sightseeing and taking photos, captioning the panoraramic breathtaking view of the gorge. After Kourtaliotis gorge we will take our way back to Rethymno where our day trip will come to an end.