Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers a diverse array of natural wonders waiting to be explored. The Sarakina Gorge, Forests, and South Coast Safari provides travelers with a comprehensive experience of the island’s stunning landscapes. From delving into the rich cultural heritage at a local olive factory to hiking through cascading waterfalls in the picturesque Sarakina Gorge, this full-day tour promises an immersive and exhilarating adventure. With off-road explorations, refreshing swims at Myrtos Beach, and authentic local cuisine, the safari unveils Crete’s diverse beauty in a way that leaves one eager to uncover more of this captivating Mediterranean gem.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Crete explores the stunning coastal, mountain, and forest landscapes, including a visit to the Sarakina Gorge.
- The tour includes an olive oil tasting at a local factory, a visit to the mountain village of Kritza, and a stop at the beautiful Myrtos beach.
- Exciting off-road experiences and guided hikes through the protected Kroustas mountain forest are part of the tour’s activities.
- Lunch at a local taverna provides an opportunity to immerse in the authentic flavors of Crete.
- The tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off locations across Crete, ensuring accessibility for guests.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Trip Details
- Itinerary Highlights
- Included in the Tour
- Pickup and Drop-off Locations
- Additional Tour Information
- Exploring the Mountain Village
- Hiking Through Sarakina Gorge
- Visiting Myrtos Beach
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
- Can I Book This Tour Last-Minute?
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?
- Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Crete
- More Safari Adventures in Crete
- More Tour Reviews in Crete
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Crete we have recnetly reviewed
Trip Details
This full-day tour from Crete takes visitors on an exciting journey to explore the stunning coast, mountains, forests, and countryside of the island.
Travelers can look forward to thrilling off-road experiences and breathtaking views as they zip down towards the south coast and the Sarakina Gorge.
The itinerary includes a visit to a local olive factory for an oil tasting, exploring the mountain village of Kritza and the protected Kroustas mountain forest, and hiking through the Sarakina Gorge with its waterfalls and rivers.
The tour also includes a stop at the beautiful Myrtos beach on the Libyan Sea, where there’s an option to take a refreshing swim.
With hotel pickup, a professional guide, and lunch at a local taverna, this safari offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to a local olive factory, where travelers can indulge in an olive oil tasting experience.
Next, they’ll explore the mountain village of Kritza and the protected Kroustas mountain forest, taking in the stunning natural scenery.
The highlight of the day is a hike through the Sarakina Gorge, where they’ll witness cascading waterfalls and flowing rivers.
The tour culminates with a visit to Myrtos beach on the Libyan Sea, where guests can opt to take a refreshing swim.
Throughout the day, adventurers will enjoy exciting off-road excursions and spectacular views of Crete’s diverse landscapes.
Included in the Tour
The tour includes a professional guide who leads the day-long exploration, providing insights and commentary throughout the journey.
Guests can look forward to several inclusions that enhance the experience:
- A visit to a local olive factory with an opportunity to taste the delicious olive oil
- A guided hike through the stunning Sarakina Gorge, complete with waterfalls and rivers
- A stop at the beautiful Myrtos beach on the Libyan Sea, where swimmers can take a refreshing dip.
Lunch at a local taverna is also included, allowing travelers to enjoy the authentic flavors of Crete.
With hotel pickup and drop-off options, this tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable day exploring the stunning natural wonders of the island.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Providing convenient pickup and drop-off locations across Crete, the tour offers 13 options for both, ensuring guests can easily access the day-long adventure.
Travelers can be picked up from various areas, including major cities like Heraklion and Chania, as well as smaller towns and villages throughout the island.
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at one of the 13 designated locations, allowing them to continue exploring Crete or return to their accommodations with ease.
This flexibility in transportation makes the Sarakina Gorge, Forests, and South Coast Safari an accessible and hassle-free experience for visitors across the island.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Tour Information
Aside from the convenient pickup and drop-off locations, the tour also offers helpful recommendations for what to bring and considerations for dietary needs. Visitors should pack swimwear and comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes to fully enjoy the various activities and landscapes.
Plus, guests with specific dietary requirements should indicate them during the booking process, ensuring the tour provider can accommodate their needs.
The tour also includes a few other important details:
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The tour doesn’t typically offer pickup from Heraklion or locations west towards Chania.
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The Sarakina Gorge and Myrtos beach provide opportunities for swimming, so bringing swimwear is recommended.
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Wearing proper hiking shoes is advised to navigate the trails and terrain comfortably and safely.
Exploring the Mountain Village
After traversing the winding roads, the tour ventures into the mountain village of Kritza, where visitors can explore the protected Kroustas mountain forest.
This picturesque village offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, with its charming narrow streets and quaint homes.
Wandering through the forest, guests can admire the lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species.
The tranquil setting provides a peaceful respite from the bustling coast. This stop allows travelers to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and connect with its rural heritage.
With ample time to leisurely stroll and take in the serene mountain atmosphere, this part of the journey offers a delightful contrast to the dramatic coastal scenery.
Hiking Through Sarakina Gorge
From the mountain village, the tour descends into the Sarakina Gorge, where hikers can explore the striking natural landscape. Winding trails lead them through the gorge, with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers flowing below.
Along the way, they’ll have the chance to admire the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this protected environment.
The hike through the Sarakina Gorge offers several highlights:
- Panoramic views of the towering limestone cliffs that line the gorge.
- The opportunity to witness the power of nature as water cascades down the steep rock formations.
- Spotting unique plant and animal species that call the gorge home, like the Cretan wild goat.
Visiting Myrtos Beach
After exploring the wonders of Sarakina Gorge, the tour heads down towards the south coast, where travelers can visit the stunning Myrtos Beach on the Libyan Sea.
This beautiful stretch of coastline offers visitors an opportunity to unwind, swim, and soak up the Mediterranean sun. With the option to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, Myrtos Beach is a must-visit destination.
The tour also provides the flexibility to explore the beach at one’s own pace, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the serene coastal setting. Whether you prefer to relax on the sand or venture into the refreshing waves, Myrtos Beach is sure to leave a lasting impression on your Cretan adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
This tour may not be suitable for young children. The itinerary involves off-roading, hiking, and swimming, which could be challenging for some kids. Parents should consider their child’s abilities and interests before booking this adventure-focused excursion.
Can I Book This Tour Last-Minute?
Yes, you can typically book this tour last-minute. Many tour providers offer same-day or next-day bookings, subject to availability. Advance reservations are recommended, but last-minute bookings may be possible depending on the tour’s schedule and demand.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is not explicitly stated. However, many day tours have a limit of around 12-15 participants to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. Exact group sizes may vary depending on the tour operator.
Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?
Travelers can bring swimwear and hiking shoes, as recommended. They should also indicate any dietary requirements during booking. However, there are no other known restrictions on what participants can bring on this tour.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
You can customize the itinerary to an extent, but the tour operator likely has a standard route they follow. It’s best to inquire about modifying the plan when booking to see if they can accommodate your preferences.
Crete: Sarakina Gorge, Forests, and South Coast Safari
“Had a lovely day with our guide George. We enjoyed the off road forest with pine trees, the views were amazing and it was so quiet. We went to a sm…”
Recap
This comprehensive Crete safari offers a captivating exploration of the island’s natural splendor.
Guests can enjoy local olive production, discover the charming mountain village of Kritza, and hike through the stunning Sarakina Gorge.
The tour culminates with a refreshing swim at the breathtaking Myrtos beach, providing an unforgettable experience of Crete’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.
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