Best Day Trips from Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of the Greek island of Crete, which is surrounded by entertaining activities that you can't miss. In addition, there are many nearby destinations that you can explore on your own or with professional guides. Its prime location makes it easy to access the island of Dia, Chania, the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas, Agios Nikolaos, Portela and more.

On a day trip, you can also take the opportunity to escape to one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, as Santorini is easy to reach from Heraklion. To make the most of your vacation, I recommend you to plan the destinations to visit. Everything will depend on the time available to leave the perimeter of the island but, to help you decide I leave you some of the best excursions.

The island of Dia is a Mediterranean paradise located 45 minutes by boat from the city. It is uninhabited and houses natural reserves, which are preserved. To get there you can take advantage of the best cruises in Heraklion, which are characterized by offering comfortable and complete services.

It is a pleasant experience, where you can enjoy the wind hitting your face. You are free to organize the trip on your own, however the main advantage of the guided tours is that they take you to see amazing areas of this bay. On the island there are a variety of water activities, ideal if you are planning things to do in Heraklion with kids.

Some of the things to do include, fishing, paddle surfing or snorkeling. It has structures that were used during the wars, which are preserved and reveal interesting stories. It is possible to spot wild goats, which should not be touched as they are in their natural habitat. On the other hand, most tours usually offer lunch, as there are not many dining options on the island.

Details of interest

• Price: from 139 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transportation: usually, a meeting point is set to set sail aboard a cruise ship.
• Advantages of this option: this type of experience usually offers all the amenities such as WiFi on board, lunch, snorkeling equipment and surfboard.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not a recommended activity for pregnant women or people in wheelchairs.

After getting to know the best beaches in Heraklion and enjoying the plans in the city, you surely want to explore other options. Therefore, one of the best options is to relax in the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas. From here you can appreciate the sleeping mountain of the Greek god Zeus.

You can visit the mountains in many ways, and one of the most recommended is to participate in a guided tour. This is usually an option that offers a relaxing horseback ride, as well as a Cretan lunch and local wine tasting. If you are looking for things to do in Heraklion with children, this can be an ideal excursion as it usually includes prior training.

What makes this type of experience even more special is that you will be accompanied by a local guide, who will be able to offer you relevant information along the way and help you at any time you need during your ride. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful views of Crete.

Interesting details

• Price: from 74 euros per person.
• Duration: about five hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round-trip transportation as well as a fun horseback ride.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes riding training, so it is suitable for all levels.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for people with back problems.

Heraklion is a city that can be toured in a short amount of time, so you will probably want to look for off-island activities. A great option is to join some excursion to Chania, a Cretan area located about an hour's drive away. It will surely dazzle you with the ancient streets of the Old Town, as well as the buildings of the New Town that give it the nickname of the Venice of the East.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, which stands out for its Minoan architecture. You will also see monuments of Venetian and Greek influence. Here you will surely visit the Mosque of Yali, the Venetian fortress, the Clock Tower and the church of St. Nicholas of Chania.

To continue the tour, you can head to Lake Kournas. Its fresh waters and the paths that lead to the mountains are a great option to clear your head. Along the way you may encounter two-colored turtles and other species. Additionally, don't forget to stop by Rethymno, a town with a fascinating history and gastronomy. Finally, to learn more about the Minoan art of the area, I suggest you stop by the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately nine hours.
• Means of transport: usually transfers are made in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes guidance by an expert.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for short itineraries.

If you plan to stay a couple of days in the city, you definitely need to take advantage of the best things to do in Heraklion. An excursion to the town of Agios Nikolaos is a must-do plan to have a fun vacation in the Mediterranean.

These types of excursions are a great idea as they usually offer free time for you to get to know on your own. Additionally, they can cover transfers and provide useful tips. In this city I suggest you head to Lake Voulismeni which looks like something out of a postcard. It is a location surrounded by stores, traditional houses, restaurants and more. Nearby is Elounda, another luxury town with a variety of beaches and hotels facing the Aegean Sea.

Of course, you can't miss the island of Spinalonga. It was home to Venetian communities, who created walls to protect themselves during the war with the Turks. To learn more about this era you can visit the museum located in the Spinalonga Fortress.

Details of interest

• Price: from 39 euros per person.
• Duration: about nine hours.
• Means of transport: usually round trip transfer is offered in an air-conditioned coach or minivan.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes child seats, so it is ideal if you are looking for things to do in Heraklion with children.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include the entrance fee to the island of Spinalonga.

Hidden in the mountains of Crete is the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir, with a very interesting historical heritage. If you opt for a guided experience, you can take advantage of the best Heraklion tours that often offer Land Rover tours of the area. The best thing is that they are usually small group tours, offering personalized experiences.

It is the perfect opportunity to taste the Raki liquor, which is produced in the region. You'll also find an ancient Roman aqueduct near the Afendi Mountains that offer stunning views of the Sfendili village. You may pass by the Dikteon caves whose archaeological sites are impressive.

Details of interest

• Price: from 88 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transportation: usually offers round-trip transportation with a driver who will provide guided commentary.
• Advantages of this option: usually offers a Cretan food tasting as well as wine tasting.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include the entrance to the Dikteon cave.

Chania is a wine region not to be missed. Tours depart from Heraklion that take you to taste the culinary delights of this location. You can do it on your own, however the advantage of booking a tour is that it usually offers a guide accompaniment. In this area you will find oil mills and learn more about the production process.

There are also wineries and vineyards, where you can take advantage of local wine tastings and even have Cretan dishes for lunch. It is ideal if you want to take a family tour, or book things to do with kids in Heraklion. Generally, the excursions are customized as they are intended for small groups.

Details of interest

• Price: from 152 euros per person.
• Duration: about eight hours.
• Means of transportation: usually covers round-trip transfers.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes wine and olive oil tasting of the region, as well as lunch with a variety of options.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for short itineraries.

Canyoning is an adventure sport that involves climbing into canyons or gorges. It is necessary to have a certain physical ability, for safety reasons. One of the perfect places to carry out this activity is the Portela Gorge located one hour from Heraklion. You will have to climb, jump, climb and even swim, but it is totally worth it.

You are likely to explore the most important canyons of the region, known as Kavousi and Valacha. Generally, you will be prepared and accompanied by professionals during the tour. It is one of the best things to do in Heraklion, as you will be able to explore the Minoan islands from another perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: from 111 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately one day.
• Means of transport: usually includes transfer to and from the island.
• Advantages of this option: canyoning equipment is usually provided. Prior confirmation is recommended.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is common to encounter plagues of mosquitoes in the area.

You cannot leave Heraklion, without exploring the lands of the Lasithi plateau. It is a fascinating location that offers caves, picturesque villages and monasteries. It is characterized by its geological formations and stories of Greek mythology. According to locals, the Greek god Zeus was born here. Some of the places I recommend you to visit are:

• Streets of Krasi: I suggest you explore the Minoan handicraft stores, some are made with pottery and olive oil. You will also find many street stalls selling Cretan food.
• Taverns in the center: you can't leave the region without tasting homemade wine and mountain meats, and you will also find bars where you can try the typical raki drink.
• Kera Monastery: it is a medieval building near the village of Kera, with a particular charm.
• Cave of Zeus: it is a magical place, where it is believed that the Greek god was born.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 euros per person.
• Duration: about eight hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Advantages of this option: the tour may offer health insurance.
• Disadvantages of this option: It does not usually include entrance fees to attractions or monuments, nor food expenses.

After visiting the best beaches in Heraklion, I recommend you to go further and venture to the hippie beach of Mátala. It is an iconic location made famous by the colony of hippies who resided in the area in the 1960s. Specifically, they sheltered in the caves, so I suggest you visit the subway part that many tourists overlook.

Although you can do the tour on your own, as it is about an hour's drive from Heraklion. The most advisable is to participate in a guided activity, since the main advantage of the excursions is that they usually facilitate the transfers and offer free time for you to select the activities of your preference.

During your visit, you can not miss the Red Beach or Kommos beach, where there are historical archaeological sites.

Details of interest

• Price: from 30 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transportation in a minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you can book in advance to ensure your place, with free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include meals or entrance to the Mátala caves.

Santorini is the most famous island in Greece, so you'll probably look forward to taking advantage of an excursion from Heraklion. This island has about 4,500 years of history and is a must on your Mediterranean vacation. Besides the mythical little houses there are other areas to explore, such as the village of Oia where you can watch the sunset without the crowds.

You can also explore the Aegean architecture in the streets of the coastal town of Fira, one of the best destinations in Santorini. If you want to know how to get to Santorini from Heraklion, you should keep in mind that the best option is the high-speed ferry.

Details of interest

• Price: from 175 euros per person.
• Duration: about eleven hours.
• Means of transport: to get to Santorini from Heraklion you will need to take a ferry or cruise, as well as cover transfers on the island. Some guided tours usually include this service.
• Advantages of this option: the excursions are usually accompanied by a guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include personal expenses or meals, which increases the final cost.