Crete, the largest island in Greece, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers to uncover its hidden gems. Amidst the island’s diverse landscape, two remarkable spots stand out – Kritsa Village and Myrtos Beach. Kritsa, renowned for its intricate lace-making and picturesque whitewashed houses, offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Just a short distance away, Myrtos Beach, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and pebbled shores, provides the perfect setting for swimming and relaxation. Embark on this enchanting 8-hour adventure to explore the enchanting beauty and local flavors that make Crete a truly captivating destination.
Key Points
- Explore the picturesque Kritsa Village, known for its intricate lace-making tradition and historic architecture.
- Relax and swim at the stunning Myrtos Beach, renowned for its white pebbles and turquoise waters.
- Gain insights into the production of premium extra virgin olive oil at the Olive Oil Park.
- Enjoy a comprehensive 8-hour tour with convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the region.
- Benefit from the expertise of multilingual guides who provide cultural and historical insights.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour, priced at $33.86 per person, offers an 8-hour exploration of Crete’s hidden gems, with the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.
With a focus on immersive experiences, the tour takes visitors to an olive oil park, the charming village of Kritsa, and the picturesque Myrtos Beach. Throughout the day, travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage, sample local delicacies, and capture breathtaking views of the Lybian Sea.
The tour’s comprehensive transportation, including air-conditioned buses and multilingual guides, ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kritsa.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to an olive oil park, where travelers can learn about the production of extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and olive paste, gaining an intimate understanding of Crete’s agricultural heritage.
Following this, the group explores the charming village of Kritsa, where they’ll have 90 minutes to wander the streets, browse local shops, and take in the sights. Key highlights include:
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Wandering the narrow, winding streets of the traditional village
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Visiting local shops and artisan studios to discover handcrafted souvenirs
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Admiring the historic architecture and picturesque scenery
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Experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Cretan village life
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Indulging in local snacks and refreshments at cafés or tavernas
After Kritsa, the tour proceeds to the stunning Myrtos Beach, where travelers can spend 2.5 hours swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the various dining options.
Transportation and Pickup Locations
Travelers can choose from 17 convenient pickup and drop-off locations across the region, including popular destinations like Heraklion, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, and Malia.
The tour provides air-conditioned luxurious bus transfers to ensure a comfortable journey. Whether you’re staying in a coastal resort or inland, you’ll be able to access the tour easily.
The return drop-off is at the same location as the pickup, making it a hassle-free experience.
With such comprehensive transportation options, you can focus on enjoying the scenic views of the Lybian Sea and the highlights of the tour, without worrying about logistics.
Guided Experience
A multilingual live guide accompanies the tour, providing commentary in English, French, and Russian to ensure all travelers can fully engage with the experience. Throughout the journey, the guide offers insights into the scenic views of the Lybian Sea and facilitates opportunities for local snacks, shopping, and photo stops, enhancing the overall experience.
The guide shares fascinating information about the history, culture, and traditions of the regions visited.
Travelers can engage with the guide, asking questions and gaining a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
Photo stops are strategically planned, allowing guests to capture the breathtaking landscapes and unique moments.
The guide ensures a smooth and seamless experience, managing logistics and transitions between activities.
Insights from the knowledgeable guide enrich the excursion, making it a truly immersive and memorable adventure.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
This guided tour includes the services of a professional multilingual guide, a professional driver, and liability insurance provided by GENERALI, as well as a complimentary pickup service from Malia to Agia Pelagia.
However, it excludes the cost of food, drinks, tips, and individual expenses incurred during the excursion. Travelers will need to bring their own money to cover the cost of any purchases or refreshments they may want during the tour.
The guide and driver are responsible for ensuring a safe and informative journey, but any additional costs beyond the tour package price are the responsibility of the participants.
This straightforward inclusion and exclusion policy allows travelers to budget accordingly for their day of exploring Crete’s hidden gems.
Explore Kritsa Village
On the tour, visitors spend 90 minutes wandering the charming streets of Kritsa Village, a picturesque town nestled in the mountainous landscape of eastern Crete. This historic settlement offers a glimpse into traditional Greek island life:
Kritsa is known for its intricate lace-making tradition, with shops displaying beautiful handmade crafts.
The village’s whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes create a timeless ambiance, inviting visitors to explore at a leisurely pace.
Iconic churches like the Byzantine Panagia Kera stand as testaments to Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
Locals warmly welcome guests, showcasing their artisanal products and culinary specialties.
Opportunities abound to capture stunning photographs of the village’s architecture and breathtaking vistas.
Discover Myrtos Beach
Spending 2.5 hours at Myrtos Beach, one of Crete’s most renowned and picturesque beaches, allows visitors to indulge in swimming, relaxation, and dining options amidst the stunning natural scenery of the Lybian Sea. Characterized by its striking white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Myrtos Beach is a true paradise for beach lovers. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun, explore the nearby rock formations, or savor local Mediterranean cuisine, this idyllic destination offers something for all.
| Feature | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Refreshing waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling | Yes |
| Dining | Variety of seaside taverns and cafes offering local specialties | Yes |
| Sunbathing | Ample space for relaxing on the pebbled shores | Yes |
Olive Oil Park Experience
Visitors at the olive oil park gain insights into the production and varieties of the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and olive paste. The tour takes them through the entire process, from harvesting to bottling, revealing the centuries-old traditions and modern techniques that contribute to Crete’s world-class olive products.
Guests can:
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Sample a range of olive oils, noting the subtle flavors and aromas that distinguish each variety.
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Discover the health benefits and culinary uses of different olive products.
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Learn about sustainable farming practices and the importance of quality control.
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Browse the on-site shop, stocking up on premium olive oil, olives, and olive-based delicacies.
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Immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage that revolves around this celebrated Mediterranean superfood.
Recap
This enchanting Crete adventure offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Discover the picturesque Kritsa Village, known for its lace-making and whitewashed homes, and unwind at the stunning Myrtos Beach with its turquoise waters and pebbled shores.
Enjoy local traditions and flavors for an unforgettable experience in this captivating corner of Greece.
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