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Rethymno Regional Unit Beach trips

Our most recommended Rethymno Regional Unit Beach trips

Rethymno: Full-Day Trip to Gramvoussa Island & Balos Lagoon

1. Rethymno: Full-Day Trip to Gramvoussa Island & Balos Lagoon

Set off on a day trip by bus and boat to the magnificent Balos Lagoon and the Gramvousa island, on the northwestern coast of Crete. Travel by air-conditioned bus to the port of Kissamos and board the boat for a cruise with swim stops and a visit to a castle. After an early morning pickup near your hotel, sit back and relax as you pass through beautiful scenery to get to the Port of Kissamos. There, you'll pay for the cruise and board the boat which will take you in the sea for about an hour till you reach Gramvousa island. Once at Gramvousa, you'll have 1.5 hours of free time to explore the Venetian Fortress which offers breathtaking views from the top. Otherwise, you can stay on the boat to take advantage of the bar restaurant or you can relax at the beachside. Afterward, the boat will continue for about 20 minutes to reach the Balos Lagoon. There, you'll have 2.5 hours of free time on the beach. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore the dunes in the background. In the afternoon, the boat will begin the cruise back to Kissamos and from there you will be driven back to your Hotel area in Rethymno.

From Rethymno & Chania: Elafonisi Island Day Tour by Bus

2. From Rethymno & Chania: Elafonisi Island Day Tour by Bus

Ride in a comfortable coach through small traditional villages and typical Mediterranean scenery. See the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge and have a stop for coffee and refreshments. Arrive at Elafonissi beach. Here, you have four hours of free time to marvel at the different colors from the soft pink and white sand to the turquoise waters. As well as exploring the wonders of the beach, discover the small island. This lies just off the shore and you can reach it by strolling through the water. Both the beach and the island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty and included in the Natura 2000 Protection Programme. 

From Rethymno: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

3. From Rethymno: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

Following pick-up by bus, journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day on the pink sand beaches on the small island of Elafonisi. Take in the lush green landscape on the way to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many old and very typical villages. Stop for a coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. Upon arrival at Elafonisi, get at least 4 hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize. Situated just off the shore of the main island, Elafonisi can be reached by walking through the water. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty. Depart by bus at approximately 16:00 and return to Rethymno for an estimated arrival time and hotel drop off at around 18:30.

Georgioupolis: Full-Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

4. Georgioupolis: Full-Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

On this full-day trip, you’ll travel from Georgioupolis to the southwest corner of Crete and spend a relaxing day on the pink beaches of the small island of Elafonisi.  During the 3-hour drive to the island, you can sit back and relax, admiring the beauty of the lush green landscapes, traditional villages, and a small church built inside a cave along the way. After taking a short break to stop for a drink, you’ll reach your destination, Elafonisi,  a picturesque bathing paradise with an island that can be easily reached by foot. The water on the island is shallow, clear and gleams with beautiful shades of blue and green. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind on the beach and to purchase snacks and drinks on the island before returning to Georgioupolis in the evening.

Rethymno: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

5. Rethymno: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

Depart Rethymno at approximately 07:45 and travel by bus along the new national road towards the westernmost tip of Crete. Pass the bay of Souda and the former Cretan capital of Chania before your arrival in Kissamos. Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon. Next, take a 20-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island for plenty of time to enjoy an unforgettable swim in the crystal clear waters. If you are feeling energetic, take an optional 137-meter climb up to the 16th-century Venetian Fortress for an incomparable view of the surrounding surroundings. Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours at peace on Gramvousa Island, and then take a 1-hour boat ride back to Kissamos. Upon arrival, continue to Rethymno by bus at the end of the laid-back tour.

Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

6. Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

Morning Pickup: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive to the destination will differ (between 2.5 - 4 hours). 1st stop: Damnioni Beach Arrive by bus at the beach of Damnioni and embark on the boat which will take you to the unique Palm Forest of Preveli. Boat Trip: 30 minutes 2nd stop: Preveli Palm Beach – 1 hour 30 minutes Arrive at the famous beach of Preveli. Our participants will have plenty of free time to swim and explore a unique mix of sandy beach and green river flanked by palm forests and rocky surroundings. Chill out and enjoy the exotic landscape of the south coast. Boat Trip: 30 minutes 3rd stop: Damnioni Beach – 1 hour Arrival at Damnioni, free time for 1 hour to enjoy lunch at a local tavern (optional, with extra charge). Bus Drive: 20 minutes 4th stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge – 10 minutes Experience the wild natural landscapes of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Our participants will have 10 minutes of free time to admire the view of Cretan Nature and take some pictures! Bus Drive: 30 minutes 5th stop: Rethymnon Town – 1 hour 20 minutes Visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno. Enjoy your free time walking along the old port, its iconic small streets with local cafes, and its beautiful beach road. End of the tour – Arrival at resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Bus Drive: between 2-3 hours Depending on traffic and the hotel location, the time of the journey back to the hotel will differ.

From Rethymno: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour

7. From Rethymno: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour

Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. Visit traditional villages like Elos and see the Aghia Sophia Cave. Get picked up from your hotel area in the morning, then stop for a short break in the traditional village of Elos. Time permitting, enjoy time to have breakfast or a coffee (cost not included). Afterward, depart for Elafonissi. On the way, see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery. Admire the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. At Elafonissi, get 4 hours of free time to soak in the sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer. At the end of your tour, stop at the Aghia Sophia Cave, where you can explore the cave and have refreshments or food (not included). Later, get driven back to your accommodation in Rethymno.

Rethymno: Elafonisi Day Trip with Balos Lagoon Photo-Stop

8. Rethymno: Elafonisi Day Trip with Balos Lagoon Photo-Stop

Start your day at Elafonisi beach, with its shallow water and fine white sand. Relax on the shore for 2 hours or explore your surroundings in one of the most beautiful, remote locations in Crete. Dip your feet in the turquoise lagoon or simply stroll along the shore fringed with pink coral sand. Then, get ready for the wild road to Cape Vouxa. Ride 8 kilometers up a dirt track to the national park in a comfortable 4x4 bus. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around you. Finally, arrive at your destination. Step out and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Balos Bay and Gramvousa.

Rethymno: Balos and Gramvousa Day Trip Without Boat Ticket

9. Rethymno: Balos and Gramvousa Day Trip Without Boat Ticket

Make your cruise worry-free with a roundtrip transfer from Rethymno to Kissamos port in an air-conditioned bus. Ride in a well-maintained and comfortable bus and leave the navigation to your local driver. Have an onboard guide during your trip.  Be picked up in the morning from your accommodation in Rethymno. Sit back and relax on the drive to the Kissamos port where you can purchase a cruise ticket to swim in crystal-clear water of Balos Lagoon and see the Venetian castle of Gramvousa.  Let your driver worry about traffic and getting to the port on time while you relax. Once you return to the port on the boat, your driver will be waiting to whisk you back to your accommodation in Rethymno. 

Guided Boat Tour to Balos & Gramvousa with Transfer & Lunch

10. Guided Boat Tour to Balos & Gramvousa with Transfer & Lunch

Enjoy a full-day excursion with pick-up and drop-off service from the Rethymnon and Chania areas. Your professional guide will accompany you as you depart from the port and cross the bay of Kissamos, passing through Tarsanas, a cave believed to be an ancient shipyard. You will sail the turquoise water around Agria Gramvousa and Vouxa Cape before arriving at Gramvousa Island, where you can visit the Venetian Castle and have time to sunbathe and cool off in the sea. If you choose to spend your time on the island exploring rather than relaxing, you can admire the spectacular views from the top of the fortress. The next stop is the famous lagoon of Balos, Tigani. Enjoy the incredible beach known as one of the most beautiful locations on all of Crete. You will also enjoy a meal on board and be able to rest in the air-conditioned underdeck of the boat, whenever you feel to. After arriving back at Kastelli the air-conditioned busses are waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotels.

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What people are saying about Rethymno Regional Unit

Very nice excursion, we were picked up outside our hotel, nice journey there, despite the narrow and winding roads there, you felt safe with the bus driver who drove very well. A stop in the mountains on the way there, with a long staircase up to a cozy cafe with a fantastic view. Once you arrived at Elafonissi, you were there for four hours, and it was too little, but it's not the organizers' fault, you have to get home the same day. Fantastic beach☀️ Was there in September and there were some people, but not packed, can imagine what it looks like in July/August. On the way home, we stopped in a super cozy little village called Elos. There you could eat or have coffee. We were picked up at 8.35 and got home at about 6pm. Will definitely use Getyourguide in the future!

the trip was amazing! pick up and drop off from the hotel went smoothly, our guide was amazing and spoke English as well as German perfectly, she also respected when everyone went to sleep on the bus and didn't say anything for that time, it was great. Elafonisi is one of the most beautiful places on earth rest assured, I'd definitely go again. tour was well organised and it deserves a hundred stars! I'd absolutely recommend it to everyone.

The transfer was on time, the tour guide Barbara was very friendly, the bus ride wasn't boring because we learned a lot about Crete, and the stops were really well chosen, the longest route was about 50 minutes to an hour. The palm beach was of course the highlight & really recommendable, but the other stops were also nice. All in all a really nice trip! Any time :)

The bus was on time and we really enjoyed stopping at restaurants as well as this unique beach.

Very well organised. Very friendly. Safe drive to our locations. Fun and well priced.