Ierapetra isn’t just another stop on Crete—it’s a vibrant town brimming with unique ways to explore its stunning surroundings. Whether you’re after a luxurious day on Chrissi Island or an adventurous motorcycle ride, this part of Crete offers options that cater to all interests. We especially love the Ierapetra: Chrissi Island Luxury Yacht Cruise with Meal, which combines comfort, great food, and crystal-clear waters for a relaxing day at sea. If your style is more active, the Crete: Guided Motorcycle Tour with Drone Footage offers a perfect mix of sightseeing and adventure.
Ierapetra truly shines with its variety of boat trips, cultural excursions, and scenic tours, making it a fantastic base for exploring the southeastern part of Crete. With options ranging from luxury cruises to private RIB trips and day-long cultural adventures, there’s something to match just about every traveler’s taste and comfort level.
Quick Overview
This list features seven of the best tours and experiences in Ierapetra that highlight the town’s natural beauty, history, and lively atmosphere. From luxury yacht cruises around Chrissi Island to guided trips to Spinalonga and Elounda, each offers a different way to enjoy Crete’s southeastern coast. Whether you want to relax on a boat with unlimited drinks, hike through historic villages, or capture stunning drone footage, these tours deliver. Links to each experience will help you explore further and plan your trip.
1. Ierapetra: Chrissi Island Luxury Yacht Cruise with Meal
This luxury yacht cruise promises an elegant way to visit Chrissi Island, often called the “Golden Island” for its white beaches and clear waters. The tour lasts about 5.5 hours and includes a delicious on-board meal, unlimited drinks, and water activities like snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. What makes this trip stand out is its small-group setting—less crowded than ferry rides—and the chance to explore Chrissi’s pristine beaches without the crowds. The boat departs from Ierapetra, with pickups available depending on your booking.
Guests consistently praise the professional service, particularly noting how the crew handled weather challenges and still managed to deliver a memorable experience. One reviewer mentioned, “An unforgettable day with fantastic beaches, good food, and friendly staff.” The itinerary emphasizes scenic cruising and ample time for swimming, with stops for sightseeing along the coast.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking comfort, quality food, and a quieter experience at Chrissi Island, this cruise offers outstanding value and a memorable day on the sea.
2. From Ierapetra: Chrissi Island Yacht Cruise with Lunch
This 6-hour tour combines the thrill of a private yacht cruise with the serenity of exploring Chrissi Island’s unique ecosystem. Starting from the Venetian Fort Kales, you’ll enjoy a scenic 30-minute transfer to the yacht, then set sail for a day filled with swimming, snorkeling, and walking in the cedar forest. The lunch on board is a highlight—freshly prepared and served on deck as you soak up the sun.
What makes this experience distinct is the focus on the island’s ecological features—the white sand dunes, golden beaches, and cedar trees. The tour also allows plenty of free time on the island for swimming and relaxing, making it perfect for those who want a more personalized experience. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with one saying, “The food was delicious, and we had hours to swim and relax. The crew was very friendly.”
Bottom line: If you value a flexible, private cruise with ample time on the island and a chance to explore its natural beauty, this tour offers excellent value for money.
3. Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos
This 8-hour day trip takes you beyond Ierapetra to explore some of eastern Crete’s most iconic sites. Starting from Makry Gialos, the tour includes a guided walk of Spinalonga, the former leper colony turned fascinating historical site. You’ll learn about its Venetian fortress, T urkish settlement, and legendary pirate stories. Afterward, the trip visits Elounda, a picturesque fishing village, where you can stroll, take photos, and enjoy a local lunch.
Finally, the tour moves to Agios Nikolaos, a lively town known for its beautiful lake and vibrant harbor. The guided walk offers insights into local life, and the free time lets you browse shops or relax over coffee. The tour appeals to history and culture lovers eager to see Crete’s coastal towns and learn their stories.
Bottom line: This full-day cultural and scenic tour suits those interested in history, picturesque towns, and a relaxed pace. It’s a great way to see multiple highlights in one day.
4. Chrisi Island Morning Boat Trip
If you’re after a more intimate experience, this private RIB boat trip offers a personalized morning adventure to Chrissi Island. At just about 4 hours long, it’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, flexible escape from the crowds. The tour focuses on swimming in the crystal waters, exploring secret beaches, and enjoying the thrill of a speedboat ride.
The highlight here is the exclusive nature of this trip—your own boat and crew, with the freedom to choose your swimming spots and pace. The operator’s reviews mention how much fun it was to explore hidden beaches and swim in secluded spots. One reviewer happily noted, “It was perfect for our family. The boat was fast, the water was clear, and our guide made it special.”
Bottom line: For groups seeking a private, flexible morning on Chrissi Island with an emphasis on swimming and privacy, this RIB boat trip is a standout.
5. Ierapetra-Makrigialos: Vai Palm Beach, Moni Toplou & Sitia
This 8-hour excursion offers a scenic journey through eastern Crete, focusing on beaches, monasteries, and charming towns. Starting from Ierapetra, you’ll visit the Vei Palm Beach, famous for its palm forest and turquoise waters—a must-see. Then, the tour heads to Moni Toplou, an active monastery known for its wine tasting and stunning views.
Afterward, you’ll stroll through Sitia, a lively harbor town with a relaxed vibe. The day ends with a leisurely lunch at the beach, giving you time to enjoy the landscape and take a swim. The tour is perfect for those who want to explore Crete’s eastern coastline and enjoy diverse scenery.
Bottom line: If you seek a full day of beach time, cultural visits, and small-town charm, this tour ticks all the boxes.
6. Chrisi Island Afternoon Boat Trip
For travelers who prefer a late-day escape, this afternoon RIB boat trip provides a quick yet memorable visit to Chrissi Island. Departing from Blue Cruises Ierapetra, the tour lasts about 4 hours, focusing on swimming, snorkeling, and exploring secret beaches.
The speedboat transfer makes the trip quick and efficient, giving you quality time to relax and enjoy the island’s beauty. The reviews mention the fun and relaxing nature of the trip, with one describing it as “absolutely perfect,” especially for families and those wanting a short, private experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer an afternoon adventure, this tour offers a quick but well-rounded visit to Chrissi Island.
7. Crete: Guided Motorcycle Tour with Drone Footage
If you’re looking for adrenaline and unique perspectives, this 6.5-hour guided motorcycle tour is a fantastic choice. It covers key regions such as Stalida, Lasithi, Ierapetra, and Elounda, with the option to customize your route. What sets this apart is the inclusion of drone footage, giving you stunning aerial views of Crete’s landscapes and coastlines.
The tour is well-suited for those comfortable on a motorcycle and eager for a personalized exploration of Crete’s most scenic spots. The guide’s local knowledge and the opportunity to stop at beautiful viewpoints make this an immersive experience. The high rating of 4.9/5 reflects how much travelers appreciate the mix of adventure and sightseeing.
Bottom line: For adventurous travelers who want a flexible, visually spectacular day with the added thrill of riding a motorcycle, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
How to Choose
Picking between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. For a relaxing, all-inclusive day on the crystal waters of Chrissi Island, the luxury yacht cruise is hard to beat. If you prefer a more private, flexible experience, the private RIB trip is perfect. For those interested in culture and history, the Spinalonga and Elounda tour provides rich stories alongside scenic views.
Budget considerations come into play as well; boat trips tend to vary in price based on size and luxury level, while day trips to sites like Vai Palm Beach or Sitia can be more affordable and include cultural highlights. Booking early is recommended in high season, especially for tours with limited availability.
Final Thoughts
Ierapetra offers a diverse array of tours and experiences that showcase its natural beauty, history, and lively culture. Whether you’re drawn to luxury yacht cruises, adventurous motorcycle rides, or cultural excursions like the Makrigialos trip, you’ll find options to suit your travel style.
For those seeking a relaxing day on the sea, the Chrissi Island cruises are excellent, offering comfort, scenery, and excellent food. Adventure travelers will appreciate the guided motorcycle tour for its combination of scenery and drone footage. No matter what you choose, booking early and planning around your interests will ensure a smooth, memorable experience in Ierapetra.