South Eastern Crete & Sarakinas Gorge Day Tour

Crete’s south-eastern region boasts an array of natural wonders, from the picturesque Selakano locale to the breathtaking Sarakinas Gorge. This comprehensive day tour offers an opportunity to take in the area’s captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can expect off-road adventures, guided explorations, and a chance to savor regional cuisine while discovering traditional villages, the panoramic Katharo Plateau, and the remarkable Byzantine architecture. With a well-balanced itinerary spanning 9 hours, this tour promises to unveil the essence of this captivating corner of the island. What lies in store for those who embark on this journey?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Hersonissos.

Key Points

• This day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque south-eastern region of Crete, including the stunning Sarakinas Gorge.
• Highlights include guided sightseeing in the traditional village of Kritsa, an off-road adventure to the panoramic Katharo Plateau, and a brunch featuring regional cuisine.
• Travelers can enjoy free time at the beautiful Voulisma beach, known for its crystal-clear waters, and explore the captivating Sarakinas Gorge.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off, and offers a reserve now, pay later option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is not suitable for those over 70 years old due to the off-road and hiking activities involved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

This tour lasts 9 hours and includes pickup and drop-off, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Explore the south-eastern region of Crete and the Sarakinas Gorge on this adventure-filled day. You’ll visit traditional villages like Kritsa, ascend to the Katharo Plateau at 1,250 meters, and swim in the Libyan Sea at Myrtos Beach.

The itinerary includes stops for breaks, photos, guided tours, and a free meal.

While the tour isn’t suitable for people over 70, it promises an exciting and memorable experience for those who participate.

Highlights

Travelers explore the south-eastern region of Crete and the captivating Sarakinas Gorge on this day-long adventure.

They visit traditional villages like Kritsa, ascend to the panoramic Katharo Plateau at an elevation of 1,250 meters, and take a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea at Myrtos Beach.

The highlights include:

• Discovering Selakano, a picturesque locale with a guided tour, sightseeing, and an off-road adventure
• Trekking through the breathtaking Sarakinas Gorge, where they enjoy a brunch featuring regional cuisine
• Spending free time at the stunning Voulisma beach, known for its crystal-clear waters

This immersive tour offers a chance to take in Crete’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary

The tour starts with a break, photo stop, and free time in the traditional village of Kritsa, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

Next, the adventure continues with an off-road drive up to the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters, which takes about 25 minutes.

Travelers will then visit Selakano, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour, sightseeing, a walk, and more off-road exploration, all within 50 minutes.

The highlight of the day is the 2-hour stop at Sarakinas Gorge, which includes a brunch, guided tour, and the chance to savor regional cuisine.

The final stop is Voulisma beach, where guests can swim and relax for around 105 minutes.

Kritsa

Kritsa, a traditional village in Crete, marks the first stop on the tour, where visitors enjoy a 30-minute break, photo opportunity, and free time to explore its charming streets and local shops.

The quaint village is known for its well-preserved Cretan architecture, with stone houses and narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage.

Visitors can:

• Browse the local shops and find unique handmade crafts, such as traditional pottery, weavings, and olive wood carvings.
• Admire the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, which features remarkable 14th-century wall paintings.
• Engage with the friendly locals and get a sense of the village’s vibrant community spirit.

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Katharo Plateau

After exploring the charm of Kritsa, the tour ascends to the Katharo Plateau, an off-road adventure that takes visitors 1,250 meters above sea level.

The scenic drive through the rugged terrain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.

Perched amidst the rolling hills, the Katharo Plateau is a peaceful haven, a place where time seems to slow down.

Visitors can revel in the serenity of the high-altitude environment, breathing in the crisp, clean air and taking in the breathtaking vistas.

This part of the tour provides a chance to escape the bustling coastal areas and take in the tranquil charm of Crete’s mountainous interior.

Selakano

From the serene Katharo Plateau, the tour heads to Selakano, where visitors are treated to a guided tour and sightseeing of this charming village. Spending around 50 minutes here, guests will have the chance to explore the unique character of Selakano, with its off-road adventures and regional offerings.

Selakano offers:

• A guided walking tour through the quaint streets, showcasing the traditional architecture and local way of life
• Opportunities to immerse in the region’s culture, with visits to artisanal workshops and sampling of regional delicacies
• An off-road excursion to nearby natural wonders, allowing visitors to discover the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape

The Selakano segment provides a well-rounded experience, blending cultural exploration with outdoor adventure.

Sarakinas Gorge

The tour then visits the Sarakinas Gorge, where guests embark on a guided tour and enjoy a brunch featuring regional delicacies over the course of approximately two hours.

The gorge is known for its rugged beauty, with towering limestone walls and a crystal-clear stream running through the heart of it. Visitors can learn about the unique geology and ecology of the area from the knowledgeable guide.

After the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample traditional Cretan dishes, giving them a taste of the local cuisine. This stop on the itinerary allows travelers to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of south-eastern Crete.

Voulisma Beach

Voulisma beach wraps up the day’s itinerary, providing travelers with a chance to unwind and refreshed in the pristine waters of the Libyan Sea. The beach is known for its fine, golden sand and scenic surroundings, making it the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

After exploring the rugged landscapes and historic villages, visitors can spend over an hour and a half soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The beach is located just a short drive from the Sarakinas Gorge, making it a convenient and idyllic finale to the day’s adventure.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing during their free time at Voulisma. The calm, shallow waters and gentle slopes make Voulisma an ideal spot for families and those seeking a refreshing swim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided details. The tour appears to be open to all interested travelers without specifying a minimum or maximum group size. The group composition may vary depending on bookings.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour details, participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. The tour does not provide any meals or refreshments, so bringing personal provisions is allowed and recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.

Are There Any Wheelchair-Accessible Options?

Unfortunately, this tour does not offer wheelchair-accessible options. The itinerary includes off-road adventures, walking, and visiting some remote areas that may not be easily navigable for those with mobility challenges. Customers with accessibility needs should inquire about alternative tour options.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and swimwear are recommended. The tour provider will handle all necessary gear and supplies during the day’s activities.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

Customers can typically extend the tour duration if needed, though this may incur additional costs. The tour operator can provide more details on options to customize the length of the experience to suit the customer’s needs.

Recap

This immersive day tour through southeastern Crete showcases the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Visitors will embark on off-road adventures, explore traditional villages, and savor local cuisine while discovering the picturesque Selakano, the breathtaking Sarakinas Gorge, and the captivating Voulisma beach.

With a well-balanced itinerary, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience, highlighting the beauty and charm of this captivating corner of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: