From Heraklion: Kritsa & Myrtos Villages East & South Crete

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of East and South Crete, the charming villages of Kritsa and Myrtos offer a delightful day trip from Heraklion. Priced at €29 per person, this 8-hour tour promises a blend of culture, relaxation, and stunning Mediterranean scenery. With hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and inclusions like an olive oil tasting, visitors can enjoy Kritsa’s rich history, explore Venetian architecture, and indulge in the beauty of Myrtos Beach. Whether you’re seeking a cultural adventure or a day of leisure, this tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Crete.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour from Heraklion explores the Venetian architecture of Kritsa village and offers swimming and sunbathing at the scenic Myrtos Beach.
• The tour includes a visit to an olive oil park for tasting local products, providing an immersion in Cretan culinary heritage.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services are included, making the tour accessible for travelers without personal transportation.
• The tour features a live English, German, Russian, and French-speaking guide, ensuring informative insights about the destinations.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, with specific recommendations for essentials like sunscreen and sun protection.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour regularly takes visitors from Heraklion to the picturesque villages of Kritsa and Myrtos on the eastern and southern coast of Crete, with a duration of 8 hours and a cost of €29.00 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

Travelers can explore the Venetian architecture of Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages, and enjoy the stunning Myrtos Beach for swimming and sunbathing.

With a live guide available in multiple languages, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with a visit to an olive oil park, where participants can taste extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and other Cretan products. Next, they’ll explore Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages, which features Venetian architecture. After about 1.5 hours in Kritsa, the group will travel to the picturesque Myrtos Beach, where they’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to swim and soak up the sun.

Time	Location	Activity
10:15	Olive Oil Park	Tasting
11:15	Kritsa	Exploration
13:45	Myrtos Beach	Swimming and Sunbathing

The tour concludes with the return to Heraklion around 6:00 PM, providing a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s rich culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Transportation and Pickup Information

Pickup is included from Heraklion City and Ammoudara beach resorts, with pickups starting 90 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure.

Specific pickup information is provided to participants via email, and the tour serves areas such as Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes, Agia Pelagia/Lygaria, and Fodele.

This ensures convenient access to the tour for travelers staying in various locations around Heraklion. The tour bus will pick up participants from their hotels or designated meeting points, making it easy for them to join the excursion without having to arrange their own transportation.

This service adds to the overall convenience and seamlessness of the Kritsa and Myrtos Villages tour experience.

Tour Features and Inclusions

A live tour guide is available to participants in English, German, Russian, and French, providing in-depth commentary and insights throughout the excursion.

The tour also includes bus tickets and hotel pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers.

However, personal expenses and meals aren’t covered by the tour price.

Plus, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to accessibility considerations.

Participants are advised to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to enhance their enjoyment of the tour.

Infants will sit with their parents on the bus, making it a family-friendly option.

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Participant Information and Recommendations

Participants must bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the Mediterranean sun while exploring Kritsa and Myrtos Beach. Infants will sit with their parents on the bus, allowing families to enjoy the tour together. The tour’s participant information and recommendations aim to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all travelers, regardless of age or specific needs.

Participant Essentials	Advised	Not Suitable
Sunglasses	✓	–
Sun Hat	✓	–
Sunscreen	✓	–
Pregnant Women	–	✓
Wheelchair Users	–	✓

Exploring Kritsa, One of Crete’s Oldest Villages

After exploring the participant considerations, the tour now takes visitors to explore Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest and most captivating villages, known for its Venetian architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will have around 1.5 hours to wander through the narrow, winding streets, admiring the charming stone houses, Byzantine churches, and local shops.

The tour guide will provide insights into the village’s history, dating back to the 9th century, and its importance as a center of Cretan resistance during various foreign occupations.

Visitors can browse the local handicrafts, sample traditional Cretan delicacies, and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this well-preserved Cretan gem.

Swimming and Sunbathing at Myrtos Beach

Having explored the charming village of Kritsa, the tour now takes visitors to the stunning Myrtos Beach, where they can spend approximately 2.5 hours swimming and sunbathing along the pristine, crescent-shaped shoreline.

Myrtos is renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic, rugged cliffs that frame the beach. Visitors can relax on the soft, golden sand, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, and soak up the sun.

The tour schedule allows plenty of time to fully enjoy this picturesque paradise before departing for the return journey to Heraklion.

With its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Myrtos Beach offers a perfect respite during the day’s adventures.

Tasting Cretan Olive Oil and Products

The olive oil tour and tasting kickstarts the day’s adventures, offering visitors a chance to sample the rich flavors and aromas of Crete’s renowned extra virgin olive oil and other local delicacies.

At the olive oil park, guests can enjoy the island’s culinary heritage, learning about the traditional production methods and the health benefits of this liquid gold.

They’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of olive oils, table olives, and other Cretan specialties, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s agricultural traditions.

This engaging introduction sets the stage for the day’s exploration of Kritsa and Myrtos, allowing travelers to savor the essence of Crete’s culture and cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group of 10 or More?

Yes, you can book the tour for a group of 10 or more people. The tour operator offers group discounts and can accommodate larger groups. To inquire about group bookings, you’ll need to contact them directly.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer specific discounts for students or seniors. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy and a reserve now & pay later option that could help manage the cost for a group booking.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow pets. The tour description specifically states it is "not suitable for…wheelchair users," indicating the tour is not designed to accommodate animals. Guests should leave their pets at home for this excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at Myrtos Beach?

No, there doesn’t seem to be an option to extend the time at Myrtos Beach. The tour has a fixed 2.5-hour schedule for the beach visit, which is followed by a departure at 16:15. Additional time would need to be arranged independently.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility, as it involves walking and some uneven terrain. However, the bus transportation is accessible, and guests can enjoy the sights from the vehicle if needed.

Recap

This day trip from Heraklion to Kritsa and Myrtos villages in East and South Crete offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation.

Explore Kritsa’s rich heritage, enjoy an olive oil tasting, and unwind at the stunning Myrtos Beach.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, and a knowledgeable guide, this 8-hour tour at €29 per person provides an immersive and enjoyable experience in the beautiful Mediterranean landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: