Make the most of your hire car and explore the coastline at leisure. Begin in Agios Nikolaos, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lassithi", with its lively streets clustered around the famous lake connected to the sea by a narrow canal. Continue to Elounda, a charming fishing village known for its turquoise waters and stunning views towards Spinalonga. Enjoy lunch on a terrace overlooking the gulf before returning to your villa to relax by your private pool as the sun sets.

Day 3 – Land Rover Safari Along the Katharo Route

Included excursion: Land Rover Safari East Crete – Katharo Route
Departure: 8.30am
Return: 4.30pm
Duration: Approximately 7 hours

Please make your own way by hire car to the meeting point indicated on your voucher in the Agios Nikolaos area.

Your adventure begins aboard a premium off-road vehicle accompanied by an experienced multilingual driver-guide. Discover the traditional village of Kritsa, known for its narrow cobbled streets and local handicrafts, before ascending to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Mirabello Bay. Continue through Crete's largest forest towards the Katharo Plateau, perched at 1,500 metres above sea level, where rugged landscapes reveal the island's untamed beauty.

Pause at a secluded mountain kafeneion, cross the Valley of the Goats and admire panoramic views over the Lassithi Plateau before enjoying a traditional Cretan barbecue lunch accompanied by unlimited local wine. On the return journey, visit Krassi and its famous 2,000-year-old plane tree before passing through Selinari, home to the protected griffon vultures that soar above the valley.

Included: Premium Land Rover transport, multilingual driver-guide, traditional Cretan barbecue lunch with wine, insurance and local taxes.

Please note: This excursion is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness, back or mobility issues, pregnant women, or children under 7 years old.

Availability: Monday to Saturday, April to October.

Day 4 – Spinalonga, Island of the Last Lepers

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. We recommend driving to Elounda or Plaka and taking a short boat trip to the island of Spinalonga. Its impressive Venetian fortress and former leper colony, made famous by Victoria Hislop's novel The Island, offer a fascinating and moving glimpse into the past. Return to your villa in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening beside your private pool.

Day 5 – Panorama Tour: Eastern Crete from Above

Included excursion: Panorama Tour
Departure: Morning
Return: Late afternoon

Please make your own way by hire car to the meeting point indicated on your voucher.

Immerse yourself in the landscapes and culture of Eastern Crete during this panoramic excursion. Travel through traditional mountain villages with cobbled streets, admire sweeping views across the Gulf of Mirabello and the island's northern and southern coastlines, pass ancient olive groves and discover dramatic gorges carved into the landscape. Accompanied by a multilingual guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Crete's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Included: Transport, multilingual guide, insurance and local taxes.

Day 6 – Exploring Eastern Crete by Road

Set off on a full-day adventure through the eastern part of the island with your hire car. Visit Vai Beach, famous for its unique palm forest – the only one of its kind in Europe – or discover Sitia, an authentic coastal town known for its lively atmosphere and traditional fishing tavernas. History enthusiasts may wish to visit the Minoan Palace of Zakros, dramatically located at the end of a wild gorge that opens onto the sea. Return in the late afternoon to enjoy one final sunset beside your private pool at Pleiades.

Day 7 – Elounda, Local Flavours & Farewell Moments

Enjoy a final morning at leisure. Take one last swim, stroll through the streets of Elounda or savour a leisurely lunch of Cretan specialities overlooking the sea. Browse local boutiques for olive oil, wild herbs, thyme honey or handcrafted pottery before bidding farewell to Eastern Crete – a destination that will undoubtedly tempt you back.

For stays of 7 nights or more – Mirabello Cruise

Included excursion: Mirabello Cruise
Departure: Morning
Return: Mid-afternoon
Duration: Approximately 7 hours

Departure point: Agios Nikolaos Marina (accessible with your hire car)

Spend a memorable day sailing across the legendary waters of the Gulf of Mirabello, often considered one of the most beautiful fjord-like landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cruise along secluded stretches of coastline accessible only by sea, stop for swimming at Kolokitha Beach and circle the island of Spinalonga to admire its Venetian fortifications from the water. Enjoy snorkelling, sunbathing on deck and spectacular scenery as you conclude your Cretan escape in style.

Included: Boat tickets and snorkelling equipment.

Your journey will take you to the Katharo plateau, through the largest forest on the island, where there are no roads and the mountains reach a height of 1,500 metres. There will be a stop for refreshments at a local kafenion somewhere in this wilderness.

Continue along dirt roads and through the Valley of the Goats, where your next stop will give you the opportunity to take photos from an incredible angle on the Lassithi Plateau.

Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available). Your next stop is the birthplace of the father of all gods, the Cave of Zeus. There is an entrance fee (€6, not included) and walking shoes are recommended.

Discover the Lassithi Plateau, where time stands still and the local population is mainly made up of farmers. Visit the village of Krassi, famous for its 2,000-year-old tree and natural water spring. On the way back, you will pass through the Selinari region where you may be lucky enough to spot vultures, which are now an endangered species.

Practical information:

Type of excursion: 4x4 tour

Guided: yes

Languages:

French: Tuesday and Thursday

English, Dutch and German: Wednesday and Sunday

Availability: 1 May to 31 October

Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no

Accessible to pregnant women: no

Recommended/minimum age: 7 years old. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.

Duration: 7-8 hours (depending on the location of the hotel for transfers)

Times: departure at 8:30 a.m. - return at 4:30 p.m.

Minimum number of people: 4 (in total, not per booking)

Maximum number of people: 8 per vehicle

Transfers: Included from your hotel

Meeting point: In front of your hotel

Region: Elounda, Agios Nikolaos

The price includes:

- Return transfers from the hotel

- A top-quality off-road vehicle, driven by a multilingual driver-guide

- Lunch with traditional Greek dishes and wine

- Civil liability insurance and local taxes

The price does not include:

- Entrance fees to various sites

- Meals and drinks not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

- Any tips

- Personal expenses

- Anything not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

What to bring:

- Comfortable shoes (hiking boots or sandals).

- In spring and autumn, we recommend that you bring a jacket.

- Sun cream

- Camera

Recommendations: The trip is not recommended for people who suffer from travel sickness, have mobility or kinetic problems or back problems, or are pregnant, or for children under 7 years of age as baby seats are not provided. The vehicles are not suitable for people taller than 1.95 cm or weighing more than 130 kg. Alcohol consumption is prohibited for minors under the age of 18.

Important note: The Cave of Zeus on the Lassithi Plateau will be closed from 1 October and cannot be visited until the end of the year due to construction work. A visit to the Vidiani Monastery is planned as a replacement.

Cancellation policy: Cancellation is free of charge up to 48 hours before the day of the excursion. Between 12 and 48 hours before, a cancellation fee of 50% applies. After this time (less than 12 hours before or in case of no-show), no refund will be given, except in the case of a serious reason justified by an official document (e.g. certificate).

You will drop anchor at Kolokitha to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and go swimming or snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding or fishing. Delicious snacks are served on board, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. As the day progresses, you will sail along the coast to Agios Nikolaos, admiring the changing colours of the skyline and the hinterland and savouring the tranquil atmosphere of the island.

Let the memories of Mirabello Bay linger, creating a tapestry of shared moments and experiences that will stay with you long after the sails have been lowered.

Practical information: 

Type of excursion: sailing trip

Guided: no

Languages: English

Availability: May to October, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no

Accessible to pregnant women: no

Recommended/minimum age: 3 years old. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.

Duration: approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Times: 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Maximum number of people: 8

Transfers included: yes

Pick-up and drop-off location: in front of your hotel or a nearby meeting point.

The price includes:

- Transfers between your hotel and the meeting point.

- The skipper and sailing boat.

- Snacks (fruit).

- Non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, water.

The price does not include:

- Meals and drinks not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

- Any tips

- Personal expenses

- Anything not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

What to bring: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit

Important notes:

- The duration and departure/return times are subject to change depending on the location of your hotel.

- Water activities require all participants to be proficient swimmers. They must be comfortable in the water and able to cope with occasional currents.

Cancellation policy: Cancellation is free of charge up to 48 hours before the day of the excursion. Between 12 and 48 hours before, a cancellation fee of 50% applies. After this time (less than 12 hours before or in case of no-show), no refund will be given, except in the case of a serious reason justified by an official document (e.g. medical certificate).

The day begins with a leisurely cruise along the Gulf of Mirabello to Kolokytha Beach (approximately 1 hour). There, the boat will drop anchor and you can swim in the crystal clear waters (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Then, you will continue to a second beach hidden in Skistra Bay, a perfect place for snorkelling, relaxing and enjoying a cocktail (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

At around 3:45 p.m., you will return to the port of Agios Nikolaos, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Practical information: 

Type of excursion: boat trip

Guided: no

Languages: English, French, German

Availability: May to October, Thursdays and Saturdays

Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no

Accessible to pregnant women: no

Recommended/minimum age: from 2 years old. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.

Duration: 7 hours

Times: departure at 10:00 a.m. - return at 5:00 p.m.

Minimum number of people: 1

Maximum number of people: no limit

Transfers included: no

Pick-up and drop-off location: Agios Nikolaos harbour

The price includes:

- Boat tickets

- Cocktail

The price does not include:

- Meals and drinks not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

- Any tips

- Personal expenses

- Anything not mentioned in ‘The price includes’

What to bring:

- Swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses

- Sunscreen

- Camera

Important notes:

- The total duration of your activity and the departure/return time will depend on the location of your hotel.

- In order to participate in this activity, it is necessary to provide the full names of all participants, their dates of birth, nationalities, ages, genders, and passport or identity card numbers to the port authorities prior to the excursion.

- Water activities require all participants to be proficient swimmers. They must be comfortable in the water and able to cope with occasional currents.

- Snorkelling equipment and various inflatable water toys are available on board.

- Fresh fruit is served and those who are hungry can order food on board.

Cancellation policy: Cancellation is free of charge up to 48 hours before the day of the excursion. Between 12 and 48 hours before, a 50% cancellation fee applies. After this time (less than 12 hours before or in case of no-show), no refund will be given, except in the case of a serious reason justified by an official document (e.g. medical certificate).