Set out on a captivating journey to the enchanting villages of Kritsa and Myrtos in East and South Crete. This tour from Heraklion promises an unforgettable adventure, blending culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. Explore the charming Venetian-era streets of Kritsa, indulge in an olive oil tasting experience, and unwind on the stunning Myrtos Beach. With 2.5 hours of pure leisure, you’ll have ample time to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip, and create lasting memories. Prepare to be swept away by Crete’s diverse landscapes and vibrant local culture.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour from Heraklion takes visitors to the charming village of Kritsa and the picturesque Myrtos Beach in eastern and southern Crete.
- The tour includes an olive oil tasting, free time to explore Kritsa’s Venetian-era streets, and 2.5 hours to relax and swim at Myrtos Beach.
- Pickup and drop-off are provided from select locations in Agia Pelagia, Stalida, and Limenas Chersonisou, ensuring a convenient travel experience.
- The tour is suitable for a wide range of travelers but not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
- Past customers have highly rated this tour, highlighting the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions it showcases in Crete.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour from Heraklion to the picturesque villages of Kritsa and Myrtos in East and South Crete offers a captivating experience at a reasonable price.
Priced from $31.67 per person, this 8-hour excursion provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Highlights include an olive oil tasting, exploring the charming Kritsa, and relaxing at the stunning Myrtos Beach.
With convenient pickups from various locations and a knowledgeable multilingual guide, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of Crete.
Looking for more options in Crete? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Activities
Although the tour begins with a stop at an olive oil park for tasting extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and raki, the real highlight is the visit to the charming village of Kritsa.
Wander the Venetian-era streets, admiring the architectural details and stopping to browse the local shops.
Next, the tour heads to the stunning Myrtos Beach, known for its:
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Vast expanse of soft, white sand
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Crystalline, turquoise waters
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Dramatic cliffs framing the coastline
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Peaceful, relaxing atmosphere
With 2.5 hours of free time, visitors can swim, sunbathe, and soak up the serene seaside ambiance.
Pickup and Drop-off Information
Pickup locations for this tour span a wide range of popular destinations across the Heraklion region, including Agia Pelagia, Stalida, and Limenas Chersonisou. The pickup process begins up to 90 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure, with travelers being collected from central meeting points near their hotels. At the end of the day, drop-off locations mirror the pickup points, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience.
| Pickup Locations | Pickup Timing | Drop-off Locations |
| —————- | ————- | ——————- |
| Agia Pelagia | Up to 90 mins | Agia Pelagia |
| Stalida | before start | Stalida |
| Limenas Chersonisou | of tour | Limenas Chersonisou |
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the specified areas, as well as bus tickets.
A knowledgeable guide is available in English, French, and German to provide insights throughout the day.
However, personal expenses and meals aren’t covered. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so be mindful of your needs.
Here’s what you should bring:
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Sunglasses to shield your eyes.
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A sun hat to protect your head.
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Sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
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An adventurous spirit to fully enjoy the stunning Cretan landscape.
Olive Oil Tour and Tasting
Before visitors even set foot in the villages, the tour begins with a stop at an olive oil park.
Here, they’ll delight in tasting the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil, savory table olives, and traditional raki. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through an engaging tasting experience, sharing the history and production methods that make Cretan olive oil so exceptional.
Travelers delight in tasting the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil, savory table olives, and traditional raki, with knowledgeable staff guiding them through the experience.
Travelers can’t help but be captivated by the robust flavors and learn why this liquid gold is integral to the Mediterranean diet.
This immersive introduction sets the stage for the cultural discoveries to come in Kritsa and Myrtos.
Exploring the Historic Village of Kritsa
After the captivating olive oil tasting, the tour winds its way to Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest settlements.
The village’s Venetian architecture captivates visitors, transporting them back in time. As you stroll through the quaint streets, you’ll discover:
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Charming stone houses with colorful shutters and flowerpots
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Historic churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes
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Small craft shops showcasing local artisanry and textiles
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Sweeping views of the surrounding olive groves and mountains
Kritsa offers a glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage, inviting travelers to enjoy the island’s timeless beauty.
Relaxing at Myrtos Beach
What a rewarding way to cap off the day – by relishing in the splendor of Myrtos Beach!
With 2.5 hours of free time, visitors can bask in the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and simply soak up the breathtaking scenery.
The beach’s spaciousness allows for ample room to spread out and enjoy the tranquil setting.
Nearby, the charming seaside town offers opportunities to explore, dine, and shop.
This idyllic stop perfectly complements the historical charm of Kritsa, leaving guests with a well-rounded understanding of Crete’s diverse landscapes and captivating culture.
Important Information and Recommendations
Although the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, the experience is designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers.
Be sure to pack the essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the outdoor adventures. At booking, provide your hotel details to ensure seamless pickup and drop-off.
While infants can ride along with their parents, they won’t have a separate seat on the bus. Past customers have raved about this tour, giving it an impressive 4.5/5 rating.
With so much to see and do, this Cretan escapade isn’t to be missed!
Things To Know
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. However, infants can sit with their parents without a separate seat. Guests should provide their hotel details at booking to ensure convenient pickup and drop-off locations.
Can We Customize the Itinerary or Schedule to Fit Our Preferences?
The tour offers flexibility to customize the itinerary and schedule based on your preferences. You can adjust the duration at each stop or add/remove activities to create a personalized experience that suits your needs.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English, French, and German?
This tour offers guides fluent in English, French, and German, but doesn’t mention other languages. However, the company may be able to accommodate additional language needs upon request, so it’s worth inquiring about further options.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks on the bus to enjoy during the trip. However, the tour doesn’t include any meals, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. The guide can provide recommendations for places to stop and grab a bite to eat.
What Is the Best Way to Get to the Pickup Locations if We’re Not Staying at a Hotel?
For guests not staying at hotels, the best way to reach the pickup locations is by using public transportation like buses or taxis. This ensures a seamless journey to join the exciting tour. The tour provider’s team can also suggest the most convenient options.
Sum Up
This captivating tour from Heraklion offers a remarkable glimpse into the enchanting beauty of East and South Crete. From the charming village of Kritsa to the stunning Myrtos Beach, travelers will enjoy the region’s rich culture and history. With an olive oil tasting experience and ample time to relax and swim, this highly-rated 8-hour excursion promises an unforgettable adventure amidst Crete’s diverse landscapes.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Walking Tours in Crete
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