West Crete

By far one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Elafonissi is situated on the south west coast. A tropical effect is created by its white and pink coral sands. Head to the right for shallow water in a small enclosed lagoon ideal for the children. A walk through the lagoon to the islet is most worthwhile as you will discover this unique coastline.

• The city of Chania is one of the cultural centers of Greece, located at the foot of the majestic White Mountains. The former capital of the island and the second largest city of Crete, it attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique combination of Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and Greek cultures. • The old town is more like an open-air museum: the splendor of medieval architecture, the beauty of Venetian-style churches, Ottoman mosques and ancient fountains. • Picturesque Rethymno impresses every tourist with its beautiful old harbor. You can enjoy delicious local cuisine right on the waterfront, buy the best local products and explore the narrow streets of the old town. • The final and enjoyable part of the trip will be swimming in Lake Kourna. • This is the island's natural freshwater lake, its waters are replenished by two springs. The lake looks like a bowl, surrounded on all sides by mountains. If you're lucky, you might see waterfowl turtles.

Join us on a combined tour to the West Side of Crete! You will enjoy a visit to two beautiful and traditional old towns, those of Chania and Rethymnon as well as a visit to the Lake of Kournas! Experience the charming town of Chania which attracts many tourists every year, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique old harbor of this town. Enjoy a visit to the Lake of Kournas and relax in this beautiful landscape of Cretan nature. Lastly, visit the town of Rethymnon and walk through its streets along the port to the old town.

Get to know the west side of the island in a tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the cosmopolitan town of Rethymno, followed by a visit to Chania, the little “Venice” of Crete. Complete your day trip to the picturesque lake of Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake.

This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications.

This excursion takes you to the west side& includes visits at the Towns of Rethymno & Chania , as well as to the Lake of Kournas . Going west on the northern axis of Crete ,our tour will take us to the beautyful town of Rethymno . A grafic Cretan Town , so characteristic and unique . We will have time to relax at the beautyful scenery at the old harbour of Rethymnon . Our next stop Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania . 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 . Here you can also see the Croos-Shaped closed Market of the city and the Leather-Market street . Next and last stop will be the Lake of Kournas , where you can have your lunch . For those who want there is a possibility to exlore the lake by a petal-boat (Available for Rent) or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the road back to Heraklion .

Depending on your level of ability – and the local weather at the time of booking – Fit in Crete can suggest a kayak and/or snorkel tour that will suit you. With many years of experience sea kayaking and snorkelling around West Crete we can choose the location & the sights so you have a great day! Make sure to contact us to clarify the details of your trip when booking.

Enjoy nearly 5 hours of leisure time swimming and sunbathing by the sea. Visit the 2 most popular beaches of Greece, Falasarna and Elafonisi, in one day. Our trip starts from Elafonisi, the most breathtaking destination of the day. Swim in shallow turquoise waters, explore the fine pink sand and the exotic small lagoons, ideal for children.The tour goes on west to Falasarna, a white sandy beach famous for the clear turquoise blue sea, the locals' favourite beach. Our final stop, Vouves, is the place, where we visit the oldest olive tree in the world and have the opportunity to taste extra virgin Cretan olive oil! SMALL GROUP up to 15 people!!! Limited seats!

Nestled amidst a lush green forest, our charming village, Tsourouniana sets the stage for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Step into our beautifully adorned space, adorned with hand-built olive wood furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the natural beauty of our surroundings.

Enjoy the wild scenery and rugged coastline, cycle through traditional villages, get some of the best views in West Crete and simply enjoy feeling the wind in your hair as you cycle with our top of the range e-bikes, making short, easy work of the (many) hills around Kissamos.

It is a must for Cretan Visitors to enjoy the 2 most beautiful cities of the Island! Chania the western Capital with its stunning old Town and Venetian Harbor and Rethymno the fortified city with its Turkish mosks and romantic medieval Aura. Get lost in the narrow streets with small Cafes and shops, family-run restaurants with local recipes from the past and exceptional local wines. On our way, we will discover the sweet water Lake of Kournas admiring the Flora and Fauna of west Crete!

Get off the beaten path with guided nature walks and hikes to lesser known gorges and beauty spots. Take advantage of local knowledge and experience to explore the natural environment, both on land and in the water.

A guided e-bike tour with Fit in Crete makes cycling accessible for everyone, especially on the hilly terrain of Crete. The quiet electric motor acts like a helping hand pushing you along, you only need to be able to ride a normal bike, and there is no need to be super fit. Everyone can enjoy the wild scenery and rugged coasts, cycle through traditional villages, be entertained by goats trying to move out the way, admire incredible views from the hilltops or just enjoy feeling the wind in your hair as you cycle along quiet, little known roads full of nature.

Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor. Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake. There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none is quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for discerning travelers who pursue experiences at their own pace. On the road trip across West Crete rely on our top local insider to immerse in a true adventure in the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. This is your relaxation rhythm. Take things slower, breathe deep & luxuriate in your freedom.

Discover the authentic beauty of Crete on a unique and exciting tour that combines breathtaking landscapes, relaxation, and genuine local experiences. Start your day with stunning photos at Balos Beach, exploring its crystal-clear waters and exotic shoreline. Then head to the beautiful beaches of Falassarna, where reserved sunbeds and umbrellas await you for a peaceful break by the sea. During the tour, there is an optional stop at a traditional village for a local Cretan meal, available upon request and at an extra cost. The price includes transportation, snacks, drinks, safety coverage, and Wi-Fi inside the vehicle.

Pair up with our top local insider & journey along the golden expanse of West Crete in the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. Submerge into a bespoke adventure fueled by the shimmering authenticity of ancient villages, hospitable locals who live close to untouched nature, lavish gorges spilling their rivers into the sea & storied Byzantine Monasteries nestled among utopian wonders. Tuck into the genuine flavors of our legendary forefathers. Unearth the archaic hamlet of King Agamemnon where water resources are pure, the temperature is ideal, & the local knowledge of food is an art. Prepare to be mesmerized by the delicious aromas of slow-grilled lamb & melt-in-mouth river fish placed around an open fire straight in front of you. Luxuriate along the seaside town of Rethymno wallowing in the charm of the labyrinthian streets & Venetian fortification. Revel in the glamour of the old town that makes it a minor playground for authentic street markets & eclectic wine-cocktail bars.

Full Day Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Old Town and Kournas Lake. The West side of Crete is so green with its lush gardens and plantations. Here you’ll find the only lake on Crete and the most breathtaking views to the White Mountains. Trip to the West is a trip to the past which will reveal the beauty and the secrets of ancient Crete. Our tour starts in Chania. It’s an old capital of Crete. Chania city is quite unique because it’s been influenced by many cultures over the centuries. We’ll walk through the narrow streets of Old town, and you’ll see just why Chania is considered to be Cretan most beautiful city. From here we’ll move to Rethymno but first stop at wonderful Kournas lake.

Located in the midst of a vibrant green forest, our delightful village, Tsourouniana, provides an idyllic setting for a remarkable wine-tasting adventure. Enter our exquisitely decorated venue, embellished with handcrafted furniture made from olive wood, which fosters a cozy and welcoming ambiance that harmonizes flawlessly with the breathtaking allure of our environment.

Discover the soul of Western Crete on a bespoke journey where history, culture, and nature harmoniously unfold. Designed for seamless exploration between Crete’s western and eastern regions, this tour blends flexibility with enriching discovery. Experience Rethymno’s Venetian charm, a perfectly preserved masterpiece, and Chania’s multicultural vibrancy, a dynamic crossroads of Mediterranean cultures. Together, they tell a story of Crete’s rich and evolving heritage. In Argiroupolis, life-giving springs and lush greenery set the stage for savoring traditional Cretan dishes infused with local flavors. At Boutari Winery, indulge in a curated wine-tasting experience that highlights Crete’s centuries-old viniculture. Finally, find tranquility at Kournas Lake, where serene beauty and peaceful reflections await. Curated by expert travel designers and brought to life by passionate guides, this tour blends thoughtful design with heartfelt storytelling, uncovering Crete’s essence.

Come with us and discover the West of Crete!This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. We can enjoy our lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora (Market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. Here we can buy souvenirs or leather goods in very good prices.