4 Private Car Days in Crete, Compared

1.Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 925 reviews · from $47Our pick

Travel from Chania to Kissamos Port by air-conditioned bus, then cruise to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You get time to swim, snorkel, hike to a Venetian castle, and use the boat’s bar-restaurant. Pickup is from a nearby meeting point, with Greek and English guidance.

“The trip to Balos is absolutely a must when in Chania! The beach is gorgeous and I would visit again any day! While I think making the trip to Balos is worth while, the only real value that buying it here is the arranged transportation by bus from a stop near your hotel. But otherwise, it’s entirely possible to organize the trip yourself given that the tour guide does not join for the trip to the beaches. The tour guide only stayed with us until we got to the ferry and then wasn’t there for the return. Chania has a great bus system with buses leaving to Balos from Chania…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Off-Road Quad Safari Evening Tour with Hotel Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 474 reviews · 4 hours · from $67

This four-hour evening safari takes you by ATV from your hotel to Crete’s mountain tracks, the Omalia Olive Press, Potamos Beach, Sissi, Vrachasi, St. George Selinari Monastery, and Prophet Elias Chapel. An English-speaking guide leads the small group, teaches beginners, and provides helmets, fuel, water, and photo stops.

“the whole experience was fantastic Great way of seeing the island tour guy was happy and very much up for having a laugh which makes everyone mix well would totally recommend Well worth the money what an experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Snorkeling Boat Trip with Lunch and Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 345 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $81

Cruise from Malia along the Cretan coast toward Stalis and Hersonissos, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming and snorkeling. A family-run crew serves lunch, fruit, dessert, soft drinks, water, and wine. Hotel transfers from nearby resorts are included.

“Very friendly crew, although the see was a little rough was an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and plenty of time for the activities”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with Elos Stop and Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 306 reviews · from $32Best value

Travel from Chania to Elafonisi by air-conditioned coach with a guide such as Dimitris, Daphne, or Eva. Enjoy four hours for swimming and beach time, then stop in Elos for local food at your own cost. Expect mountain roads, scenic views, and a long 12 to 13-hour day.

“Well organized tour, very nice guide Eva. Stop at Etos village, and traditional family restaurant gives entire tour nice touch. Beach itself is worth visiting, it is somehow unique, but doesn’t look nearly as on social media.”

Check availability →Read our full review