Activities and Excursions on the island of Crete

• Yoga in Crete

  Local classes available to book in the hilltop village of Aptera , with the lovely teacher Stella who studied yoga in the UK and Nepal and is also a trained nutritionist. Stella offers regular groups classes at her Zenzem yoga studio in Aptera on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday and Friday mornings. One to one sessions also available on request. Stella focuses on Hatha Yoga, Healing yoga and yoga for strengthening.

• Wine Tasting

  Crete has an ancient and thriving wine industry and is the second largest wine producing region in Greece with over 60 wineries on the island, many are open to the public for tours and tastings. Local to Pure Crete villas are the family run Dourakis and Manousakis wineries, which offer tours through their cellars and production area while sharing some of their winemaking secrets. Delicious wine tastings paired with meze of bread and cheese follow afterwards in the beautiful vin yard surroundings.

• Snorkelling, Watersports & Boat hire

  Crete has a coastline of approximately 650 miles including extensive sandy beaches and secluded coves. To the north the Sea of Crete, to the south the Libyan sea, the water is clear and warm from Spring to Autumn and there is something to suit all ages and interest, many beaches having instructors on hand to get you started. Locally Georgiouplis, Almerida, Kalives and Agia Marina provide water sports facilities whilst snorkelling opportunities are found at Elephant Cave, Omprogialos Bay and Koutalas Beach. Local boat hire is available in Kalyves for you to discover the coastline at your leisure equipped with 30hp engine, 5m in length and complete with Bluetooth speakers ports and a cool box for food and drinks from 140 euros for half a days hire.

   

• Boat Trips

  Day cruises and boat trips are plentiful. One of the most popular being the Gramvousa Balos Cruise, which operates most days during the summer. A local transfer takes you to the port of Kissamos and the cruise includes a visit to Gramvousa island with its16th century Venetian fortress and the lagoon of Balos with its crystal-clear waters and white sands. From Chania’s old harbour there are many boat trips to choose from including glass bottom boat trios, sunset cruises. Whilst others include swimming and snorkelling opportunities and visits to nearby islands such as Theodorou and Lazaretta where you may spot the Cretan goat Kri Kri.

• Santorini Day Trip

  Operating twice weekly, this is a full day’s excursion to the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini, famous for its dramatic caldera, blue-domed churches, white-washed buildings , its white wine and spectacular sunsets. Local coach pick up to and from Rethymno port , high speed ferry and transfers on the island all included. The trip also includes a guided tour of the villages of the island as well as information on its history and culture. Early start (ferry departs approx. 8am from Rethymno and leaves Santorini approx. 17:30) 200 euros per person.

• Activities

  Immerse yourself in Cretan culture by taking on a new experience. Many activities available, but include:

  Cretan cooking experience

  Shepherd for the Day

  Rethymno Walk and Taste

  Flavours of Crete 

  Jeep safaris to the White Mountains.

All excursions are operated by a third party; their own terms and conditions apply.