Crete is a place where history, natural beauty, and delicious food come together. Its diverse landscape makes it ideal for full-day tours that show off the island’s many faces—whether you’re exploring lush gorges, sailing crystal clear waters, or tasting local wines and olive oils. We’ve rounded up the top options, including immersive food experiences, scenic safaris, and private boat trips. For example, the Crete: Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour offers a deep dive into traditional Cretan flavors, while the Heraklion Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island lets you soak up the sun with a private yacht. If you’re craving adventure, the Rethymno Land Rover Safari explores hidden spots and rugged gorges. Whatever your style, these tours give you a full-day slice of what makes Crete such a special place to visit.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of cultural, natural, and active tours—perfect for different interests and energy levels. You can indulge in wine and olive oil tastings, explore spectacular waterfalls, enjoy private sailing trips, or take rugged Land Rover safaris. If you’re intrigued by local food, the Crete: Rethis Waterfall Tour with Olive Tasting combines a scenic hike with a chance to sample traditional products. For adventure lovers, the Land Rover Safari to Preveli takes you through breathtaking gorges and hidden beaches. Looking for a relaxing day on the water? The Heraklion Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island is a perfect option. And for a taste of Santorini without leaving Crete, don’t miss the Full-Day Trip to Santorini from Chania. Below, we detail each of these fantastic options to help you choose your perfect day in Crete.
1. Crete: Full-Day Cretan Wines, Olive Oil, Raki and Food Tour
At number 1, this tour offers a rich exploration of Crete’s culinary traditions. Over eight hours, you’ll visit an olive mill, sample fresh olive oil, tour an organic winery, and enjoy raki at a distillery. Plus, you’ll discover pottery-making in a traditional village. The tour’s focus on local crafts and authentic food makes it stand out. The itinerary includes visits to vineyards, olive groves, and artisans, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.
This tour is rated 5/5 with 237 reviews, highlighting its popularity and quality. Guests praise the friendly guides and the chance to see Crete’s rural life firsthand. The included local snacks and scenic views add more flavor to the day. A highlight is the pottery workshop in Thrapsano, where you can try your hand at creating a souvenir. For around $142, this is excellent value considering the variety of tastings and experiences packed into one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting a taste of traditional Crete in an engaging, relaxed setting.
2. Rethymno: Full-Day Land Rover Safari to Preveli
Number 2 on our list is the Land Rover Safari to Preveli, a full-day adventure rated 4.9/5 with 243 reviews. This tour takes you off-road through the Prasses and Kourtaliotiko gorges, revealing Crete’s more rugged, less touristy spots. You’ll stop at viewpoints, explore inland villages, and enjoy local specialties during a hearty lunch.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on nature and scenery, with wildlife viewing and off-road driving providing a bit of adrenaline. The highlight is swimming in the crystal waters of Preveli, one of Crete’s most stunning beaches. Guests rave about the friendly guide and beautiful views. The tour is suitable for those who appreciate outdoor activities and want a full immersion into Crete’s wild side.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers eager to explore Crete’s gorges and hidden beaches by 4×4.
3. Heraklion: Private Full-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island
Number 3 features a 7-hour private sailing trip from Heraklion to Dia Island. This experience is rated 4.9/5 with 139 reviews. Perfect for those seeking a luxurious and personalized day at sea, it includes snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing on the deck of your private boat.
The itinerary involves sailing through the Cretan Sea, with opportunities to dive into clear waters and enjoy refreshing drinks and fresh fruits onboard. Guests particularly appreciate the knowledgeable crew and the chance to customize the day. The trip can include an optional full onboard meal, making it a complete escape.
For about $666 per group, up to six people, it’s an excellent way to enjoy intimate, off-the-beaten-path time on the water, especially if you like privacy and comfort.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a private day on the water with customizable options.
4. Crete: Richtis Waterfall Full-Day Tour with Olive Tasting
Number 4 is a 7-hour tour rated 4.8/5, offering a mix of hiking, waterfall swimming, and olive tasting. It takes you through Richtis Gorge, where you’ll hike amidst lush greenery before reaching the spectacular Richtis Waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll see the oldest olive tree in Europe—more than 3,250 years old.
The tour includes a scenic drive along Mirabello Bay, with stops for photos and local snacks. The highlight is the swim in the waterfalls, a perfect way to cool off after a forest hike. The guide is praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Guests love the combination of nature and culture, especially the olive oil tasting at the end.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want a day outdoors with a taste of traditional olive oil.
5. From Rethymno private full day tour to the south
Rated 4.9/5 with 35 reviews, this full-day private tour explores Spili village, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and Kalypso beach. It’s a flexible, intimate option focusing on local villages and natural beauty. The tour includes swimming, walking, and shopping, giving a full taste of southern Crete.
Guests appreciate the personalized experience and the knowledgeable guide. The tour’s pace is relaxed, making it suitable for families or travelers who prefer a laid-back day with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a tailored experience with a mix of natural sights and local culture.
6. Private Full-Day Adventure: Knossos, Museum & Melidoni Cave
Number 6 offers a customizable private tour rated 4.5/5. It combines Knossos Palace, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Melidoni Cave or Zeus Cave. This tour is ideal for those eager to see multiple highlights in one day with the comfort of private transportation.
Guests value the flexibility and personalized attention. The cave visits are especially interesting for those intrigued by local legends and ancient sites. The tour includes admission tickets and round-trip transfers. The guide shares insightful commentary, making the history come alive.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for history buffs and travelers who want to hit several key sites comfortably.
7. VIP Full-Day Private Tour
Number 7 is a luxury private tour rated 5/5 with 14 reviews. It offers total flexibility—drive your preferred routes with a professional guide and visit all the best spots. It’s perfect for travelers who want a customized experience tailored to their interests.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable driver and the beautiful scenery. The tour includes visits to bright-blue lagoons, secluded beaches, or iconic viewpoints. It’s a bit pricier, but the personalized service and flexibility offer great value for those who want to craft their day.
Bottom Line: Best for discerning travelers wanting a bespoke, stress-free day.
8. Preveli Beach & Palm Forest: Full-Day Tour with Lunch Box
Rated 5/5 with 12 reviews, this tour takes you to Preveli Beach and the Palm Forest, combining scenery and relaxation. After a scenic drive, you’ll walk to the beach through the tropical river and the exotic palm trees.
The tour includes a swim in the Libyan Sea and stops at Kourtaliotis Gorge for photos. The lunch box makes it easy to spend more time enjoying the surroundings. Guests love the beautiful landscape and easy access to some of Crete’s most picturesque spots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a scenic, relaxing day with minimal hiking.
9. From Rethymno: Lake Kournas and Villages Full-Day Tour
Rated 4.4/5 with 45 reviews, this tour combines lake Kournas, traditional villages, and waterfalls. It’s perfect for those who enjoy nature photography and authentic village life. The tour includes visits to waterfalls in Argyroupolis and a typical tavern lunch.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to see less touristy parts of Crete. The scenic drive, combined with mountain views, makes this a good choice for a peaceful, nature-focused day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a calm, scenic day immersed in local culture and nature.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your full-day Crete experience, consider your interests and fitness level. Food lovers may enjoy the Wines and Olive Oil Tour, while adventure seekers should look at the Land Rover Safari. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Knossos and Museum tour, and those craving relaxation might prefer the sailing or scenic beach trips.
Budget is also a factor—private tours like the VIP Private Tour offer flexibility but at a higher price, while group experiences like the Preveli Beach Tour provide great value. Booking early during high season (April to October) ensures availability, especially for popular options like the Santorini day trip or Private Sailing.
Final Thoughts
Crete offers a wide range of full-day tours tailored to different tastes. For culture, the Wines, Olive Oil, and Pottery Tour provides a deep dive into local traditions. Active travelers will love the Land Rover Safari, while those seeking relaxation or scenic beauty might choose a private sailing trip or beach tour. If you want a flexible, personalized experience, the VIP Private Tour is hard to beat.
No matter what you pick, these tours give you a taste of Crete’s diverse landscapes, flavors, and history. To make the most of your trip, consider booking early—Crete’s busy season fills up fast, and some tours are limited. Use this guide to find the perfect day trip that matches your style, so you can enjoy all the island has to offer without missing out.