Best Day Trips from Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital of the Greek island of Crete, which is surrounded by entertaining activities not to be missed. In addition, there are many nearby destinations that you can explore on your own or with professional guides. Its privileged location provides easy access to the island of Dia, Chania, the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas, Agios Nikolaos, Portela and more.

On a day trip, you can also take the opportunity to escape to one of Greece's most beautiful islands, as Santorini is easy to reach from Heraklion. To make the most of your holiday, I recommend planning your destinations. It all depends on how much time you have available to get out of the perimeter of the island, but to help you decide, here are some of the best excursions.

The island of Dia is a Mediterranean paradise located 45 minutes by boat from the city. It is uninhabited and is home to nature reserves, which are preserved. To get there you can take advantage of the best cruises in Heraklion, which are characterised by comfortable and complete services.

It is a pleasant experience, where you can enjoy the wind hitting your face. You are free to organise the trip on your own, however the main advantage of the guided tours is that they take you to amazing areas of this bay. There are a variety of water activities on the island, ideal if you are planning things to do in Heraklion with children.

Some of the things to do include fishing, paddle surfing and snorkelling. It has structures that were used during the wars, which are preserved and reveal interesting stories. It is possible to spot wild goats, which should not be touched as they are in their natural habitat. Most tours offer lunch, as there are not many dining options on the island.

Details of interest

• Price: from 139 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Means of transport: usually a meeting point is arranged for departure on board a cruise ship.
• Advantages of this option: this type of experience usually offers all the amenities such as WiFi on board, lunch, snorkelling equipment and surfboard.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is not recommended for pregnant women or people in wheelchairs.

After seeing the best beaches of Heraklion and enjoying the city's plans, you're sure to want to explore other options. Therefore, one of the best options is to relax in the mountains of Finikia and Giouchtas. From here you can appreciate the sleeping mountain of the Greek god Zeus.

You can visit the mountains in many ways, and one of the most recommended is to take part in a guided tour. This is usually an option that offers a relaxing horseback ride as well as a Cretan lunch and local wine tasting. If you are looking for things to do in Heraklion with children, this can be an ideal excursion as it is usually pre-trained.

What makes this type of experience even more special is that you will be accompanied by a local guide, who will be able to provide you with relevant information along the way and help you at any time you need during your ride. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the most beautiful views of Crete.

Interesting details

• Price: from 74 euros per person.
• Duration: around five hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport to and from the tour, as well as a fun horseback ride.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes riding training, so it is suitable for all levels.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for people with back problems.

Heraklion is a city that can be covered in a short time, so you'll probably want to look for off-island activities. A great option is to join an excursion to Chania, a Cretan area located about an hour's drive away. You're sure to be dazzled by the ancient streets of the Old Town, as well as the buildings of the New Town that give it the nickname of the Venice of the East.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, which stands out for its Minoan architecture. You will also see monuments of Venetian and Greek influence. Here you will surely visit the Yali Mosque, the Venetian fortress, the Clock Tower and the Church of St. Nicholas of Chania.

To continue your tour, you can head to Lake Kournas. Its fresh waters and the paths leading to the mountains are a great way to take your breath away. Along the way you may encounter two-coloured turtles and other species. Additionally, don't forget to stop by Rethymno, a town with a fascinating history and gastronomy. Finally, to learn more about the Minoan art of the area, I suggest a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.

Interesting details

• Price: from 45 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately nine hours.
• Means of transport: Transfers are usually by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes expert guidance.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for short itineraries.

If you plan to stay a couple of days in the city, you definitely need to take advantage of the best things to do in Heraklion. An excursion to the town of Agios Nikolaos is a must-do plan for a fun holiday in the Mediterranean.

These types of excursions are a great idea as they usually offer free time for you to explore on your own. In addition, they can cover transfers and provide useful tips. In this city I suggest heading to the postcard-perfect Lake Voulismeni. It is a location surrounded by shops, traditional houses, restaurants and more. Nearby is Elounda, another luxury town with a variety of beaches and hotels facing the Aegean Sea.

Of course, you can't miss the island of Spinalonga. It was home to Venetian communities, who built walls to protect themselves during the war with the Turks. To learn more about this period you can visit the museum located in the Spinalonga Fortress.

Interesting details

• Price: from 39 euros per person.
• Duration: about nine hours.
• Means of transport: usually a return transfer is offered in an air-conditioned coach or minivan.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes child seats, so it is ideal if you are looking for things to do in Heraklion with children.
• Disadvantages of this option: It does not usually include the cost of entry to the island of Spinalonga.

Hidden in the mountains of Crete is the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir, with a very interesting historical heritage. If you opt for a guided experience, you can take advantage of the best Heraklion tours that often offer Land Rover tours of the area. The best thing is that they tend to be small group tours, offering personalised experiences.

This is the perfect opportunity to sample the Raki liquor, which is produced in the region. You'll also find an ancient Roman aqueduct near the Afendi Mountains which offer stunning views of the Sfendili village. You may also pass by the Dikteon Caves whose archaeological sites are impressive.

Details of interest

• Price: from 88 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually offers a return transfer with a driver who will provide guided commentary.
• Advantages of this option: Usually offers a Cretan food tasting as well as wine tasting.
• Disadvantages of this option: It does not usually include entrance to the Dikteon Cave.

Chania is a wine region not to be missed. Tours depart from Heraklion that take you to taste the culinary delights of this location. You can do this on your own, but the advantage of booking a tour is that you are usually accompanied by a guide. In this area you will find oil mills and learn more about the production process.

There are also wineries and vineyards, where you can take advantage of local wine tastings and even have a Cretan lunch. It's ideal if you want to take a family trip, or book things to do with children in Heraklion. Excursions are usually personalised as they are aimed at small groups.

Details of interest

• Price: from 152 euros per person.
• Duration: about eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually covers return transfers.
• Advantages of this option: usually includes wine and olive oil tasting in the region, as well as lunch with a variety of options.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for short itineraries.

Canyoning is an adventure sport that involves climbing into canyons or gorges. For safety reasons, a certain level of physical ability is required. One of the perfect places to do this activity is the Portela Gorge located about an hour from Heraklion. You will have to climb, jump, climb and even swim, but it is totally worth it.

You are likely to explore the most important canyons in the region, known as Kavousi and Valacha. You'll usually have professional coaching and accompaniment along the way. This is one of the best things to do in Heraklion, as you can explore the Minoan Islands from a different perspective.

Interesting details

• Price: from 111 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately one day.
• Means of transport: usually includes transfer to and from the island.
• Advantages of this option: canyoning equipment is usually provided. Prior confirmation is recommended.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is common to encounter plagues of mosquitoes in the area.

You can't leave Heraklion without exploring the lands of the Lasithi Plateau. It is a fascinating location offering caves, picturesque villages and monasteries. It is characterised by geological formations and stories from Greek mythology. According to locals, the Greek god Zeus was born here. Some of the sites I recommend you to visit are:

• Streets of Krasi: I suggest you explore the Minoan handicraft shops, some of which are made of pottery and olive oil. You will also find many street stalls selling Cretan food.
• Tavernas in the centre: you can't leave the region without tasting homemade wine and mountain meats, as well as bars where you can try the typical raki drink.
• Kera Monastery: a medieval building near the village of Kera, with a particular charm.
• Cave of Zeus: a magical place, where the Greek god is believed to have been born.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 euros per person.
• Duration: around eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes a return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Advantages of this option: the tour may offer health insurance.
• Disadvantages of this option: Entrance fees to attractions or monuments and food expenses are usually not included.

After visiting the best beaches in Heraklion, I recommend going further afield and venturing to the hippie beach of Matala. It is an iconic location made famous by the colony of hippies who resided in the area in the 1960s. Specifically, they sheltered in the caves, so I suggest you visit the underground part that many tourists overlook.

You can do the tour on your own, though, as it's about an hour's drive from Heraklion. It is best to take part in a guided tour, as the main advantage of the tours is that they usually offer easy transfers and free time for you to choose the activities of your choice.

During your visit, you should not miss the Red Beach or Kommos Beach, where there are historical archaeological sites.

Interesting details

• Price: from 30 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport in a minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you can book in advance to ensure your place, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Disadvantages of this option: It does not usually include meals or entry to the Mátala caves.

Santorini is Greece's most famous island, so you'll probably want to take advantage of a trip from Heraklion. This island has around 4,500 years of history and is an unmissable stop on your Mediterranean holiday. As well as the mythical little houses there are other areas to explore, such as the village of Oia where you can watch the sunset without the crowds.

You can also explore Aegean architecture in the streets of the coastal town of Fira, one of the best destinations in Santorini. If you want to know how to get to Santorini from Heraklion, the best option is the high-speed ferry.

Interesting details

• Price: from 175 euros per person.
• Duration: about eleven hours.
• Means of transport: To get to Santorini from Heraklion you will need to take a ferry or cruise ship, as well as covering transfers on the island. Some guided tours often include this service.
• Advantages of this option: Usually the excursions are accompanied by a guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: Personal expenses and meals are not usually included, which increases the final cost.