Things to do in

Makry Gialos

Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the "greek cuisine" in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Tourloti, Lastros). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos. An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers

Discover the eastern part of Crete on a full-day tour from Ierapetra. Visit the traditional village of Lithines, the beach-side town of Sitia, the Toplou Monastery, and the Vai Palm Beach. Start your tour with a drive through Makry Gialos and head to the eastern part of the island. Stop in Lithines, a traditional Cretan village. Walk around the picturesque streets and enjoy a cup of Greek coffee. Continue to Sitia, a beach-side town ideal for a walk by the beautiful promenade. Enjoy your coffee with a unique view of Sitia's harbor. Visit the Toplou Monastery and walk around this great monument. Take pictures and taste their famous local wine. End your trip in Vai Palm Beach with its magnificent landscape and crystal-clear water. Have enough time to swim and enjoy the sun, take pictures, and enjoy your lunch by the beach.

Discover the island of Spinalonga on a full-day tour. Explore the island's history and enjoy free time to explore the island. Visit the picturesque village of Elounda and the town of Agios Nikolaos. Start your day with a pickup from Makry Gialos and drive through Ierapetra until Elounda. From there, take a boat to visit the island of Spinalonga. Take a guided walking tour and have enough free time to explore the island. Learn about the history of Spinalonga, which was used as a leper colony until 1957. After your tour, return to Elounda where you will have time to explore the beautiful promenade and enjoy your coffee or lunch. Next, head to Agios Nikolaos. Walk around the "bottomless" lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There will be enough time for shopping and coffee.

Set sail on a pirate ship from Makrigialos harbor to the island of Koufonisi. Admire the enchanting caves on the coastline and touch the beautiful white sand before refreshing yourself. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the boat and relax on the beach. Begin your trip by driving along the South-East part of Crete by bus. Be impressed by the view of the South Cretan Sea. Take advantage of the opportunity to take wonderful pictures. From Makrigialos harbor, embark on a pirate ship for a unique destination. After 90 minutes, reach Koufonisi. Enjoy the first swim stop in the infinite blue of the sea. Admire the enchanting caves on the coastline and touch the beautiful white sand before refreshing yourself. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the boat at 13:30, including appetizers, Greek salad, grilled chicken, pork, and fish. As the sun sets, enjoy a cold fruit salad along with the magnificent view. The island of Koufonisi is considered a wildlife refuge, protected by NATURA 2000. There is plenty of time to relax on the beach, sunbathe, and swim. Depart at 15:30 to Makrigialos harbor, where you will arrive at 17:00.

Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes. Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!

This trip offers the opportunity to visit Cretan traditional villages and observe the way people used to live in Crete many years ago. Starting from Makry Gialos we will drive through Ierapetra to our first stop in an olive oil farm near Agios Nikolaos where we will have the opportunity to taste fresh virgin olive oil and learn everything about olive oil production from ancient years. Our second stop is in Kritsa, a beautiful traditional Cretan village where there will be enough time to walk around the local streets, visit an old church and enjoy a cup of Greek coffee in the village’s square. Our next stop is in Prina where you will learn about Cretan traditions and hear local stories, while walking around the village. Quick stop to visit a unique point of view where you can see the two seas that surround the Crete at the same time. Last stop is on the edge of the Lasithi mountains, in the village called Kalamafka. You can visit the Holy Cross and enjoy your lunch.

Route C specializes in Private Transfers and Tours across the island of Crete. Our experienced and friendly drivers are ready to meet you at all the Airports & Ports of Crete and take you to your destination with Comfortable Mini Vans and Sedans. You will see us at the arrivals of all Airports and Ports of Crete holding your name on Board and offering you a complimentary bottle of cold water as soon as you arrive to the enchanting island of Crete. Also, we can customize and build together an unforgettable Private Tour based upon your needs and interests, a memory that will stay with you forever.

Relax in the comfort of our air-conditioned bus as we take you on a scenic journey from Makrigialos and Ierapetra to the charming coastal town of Elounda, famous for its stunning vistas and natural beauty. From there, set sail on a thrilling boat ride to the island of Spinalonga, where you'll be captivated by a fascinating guided tour and have plenty of free time to discover this hidden gem. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this small island, which was once home to a leper colony until 1957, and has witnessed its share of human tragedy throughout the ages. Discover the secrets of Spinalonga, which provided a natural defense for the ancient city of Olous, and played a pivotal role in the history of Saracens, Venetians, and Turks as a sanctuary, stronghold, and settlement. But the adventure doesn't end there! Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the coast, as we make a stop for swimming, snorkeling, and fun. Recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch, and explore the quaint streets of Elounda at your leisure. Our final destination is the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos, where you can shop till you drop and soak up the local ambiance over a cup of coffee. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Crete, combining history, culture, and adventure in a single tour. Book your spot now and join us for an unforgettable journey to Spinalonga!