Renowned for its flavourful produce and rich culinary traditions, Crete offers a cornucopia of opportunities to explore and savour the flavours, aromas and vintages of this iconic Mediterranean destination.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, the following experiences are currently available as private tours only.

Join friendly local cooks and bakers and learn how to prepare your favourite Greek and Cretan dishes—from local specialties to well-known staples—using farm-fresh produce and superb local ingredients. The classes take place at fantastically authentic locations, including wineries and farm kitchens, and come in a range of options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. Fun, versatile, and great for the whole family!

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, cooking classes are currently available as private experiences only.

Guided walking tours are a fantastic way to experience new places—and even rediscover places you’ve visited before! Wandering through the Old City of Chania, you’ll explore picturesque neighbourhoods, visit iconic landmarks, and discover the fascinating stories and secrets hidden in the city’s nooks and crannies, as knowledgeable multilingual tour guides bring the sites to life through historical accounts, interesting facts and fun anecdotes.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, all walking tours are currently available as private tours only.

Witness the quaint beauty, vibrant traditions and breathtaking nature of Crete’s traditional villages. With dozens of picturesque villages dotting the countryside around Chania, you can choose based on your specific interests, including scenery and photo ops, natural attractions, local crafts and culture, and history.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, this is currently available as private tours only.

Perfect for modern-history buffs, this tour focuses on the WWII Battle of Crete, codename: Operation Mercury. Learn about the first mainly airborne invasion in military history, trace the course of the Axis invasion and the Allied and civilian resistance, visit or view key sites and locations, browse dedicated exhibitions, and find out how this Mediterranean island helped change the course of history.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, this is currently available as a private tour only.

From adventurous morning excursions to romantic evening sails and everything in between, a boat tour is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a unique perspective of the island’s beauty and its many hidden treasures.

With departures from Chania, Kissamos, Sfakia, these boat tours and cruises are a great way to visit some of the island’s best waterside locations—including Akrotiri, Balos, Glika Nera, Loutro, Machairida, Marmara, Menies, Seitan Limania, and Thodorou—as well as other top destinations in the southern Aegean, including Milos, Monemvasia and Santorini. Talk to our concierge team to find out more.

Go on a guided hike of the world-famous Samaria Gorge and surrounding national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that’s home to unique flora and fauna, or explore one of the area’s lesser known trails that offer breathtaking scenery and views. Crete’s wild natural beauty beckons to be experienced first-hand, with options for casual walkers and experienced hikers alike!

Come find the beach of your dreams! With over 1000 km of coastline, Crete boasts numerous world-class beaches, including the famed Elafonisi and Balos, but there’s so much to explore and experience, including: Seitan Limania, Falasarna, Preveli, and Triopetra. Talk to our concierge team for detailed directions or to arrange private transfers—and why not see our Discover Crete by Sea section for more options for reaching the island’s hidden treasures!

Discover Crete’s beautiful monasteries and churches, tucked away in gorges and remote mountainsides, to view their stunning religious art and artifacts and learn about their unique heritage. Based on your specific interests, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to visit key religious sites, witness the island’s Venetian and Byzantine heritage, and learn about its religious history and traditions.

Please note that due to health and safety reasons, this is currently available as private tours only.

Dive into Crete’s glimmering sapphire waters and discover the underwater wonderland that awaits you. Choose from snorkelling — a fun and easy way to explore the sea bed closer to the shore — or scuba diving, with options for experienced, intermediate and novice divers, including lessons with professional instructors. Both options are suitable for children as well as grownups and make for unforgettable family experiences!