Unknown Crete Kritsa and Mirtos Beach

Crete, the largest Greek island, holds a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such captivating destination is the tour to Kritsa and Mirtos Beach, which promises to unveil the island’s untouched charms. Visitors can enjoy the charming Venetian architecture of Kritsa, savor local olive oil, and then embark on a scenic coastal drive leading to the pristine Mirtos Beach, where crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing swim. This unique excursion offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an experience that’s not to be missed. What secrets will Crete’s unknown treasures reveal?

Contents hide

1 Activity Overview

2 Itinerary Details

3 Experience Highlights

4 Transportation and Services

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The excursion focuses on exploring the lesser-known Cretan villages of Kritsa and the Mirtos Beach, providing a unique opportunity to discover the island’s hidden gems.
The tour includes a scenic drive along the southern coast, a visit to an olive oil park, and ample time for relaxation and swimming at the picturesque Mirtos Beach.
Kritsa, known for its Venetian-influenced architecture, offers an insight into Cretan cultural heritage, with opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and olive oil tastings.
The tour features convenient pickup from major tourist hubs across Crete, ensuring accessibility for travelers staying in various regions.
While the overall customer feedback is mixed, the tour provides a viable option for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences and exploring the natural beauty of Crete.

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Activity Overview

This excursion offers an immersive exploration of lesser-known Crete, showcasing the charming village of Kritsa and the picturesque Mirtos Beach.

Priced from £24.42 per person, the 8-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience with a live guide available in English and Russian. Guests can benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking options.

The tour covers a range of highlights, including sightseeing in Kritsa, visiting an olive oil park, and relaxing at Mirtos Beach, known for its striking gray sand and crystal-clear waters.

With convenient pickup locations across Crete’s major tourist hubs, this excursion promises an enriching adventure off the beaten path.

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Itinerary Details

The tour kicks off with pickup options from 12 convenient locations across Crete’s major tourist hubs, including Sissi, Malia, Stalis, and Heraklion.

Guests then embark on a scenic ride along the southern coast, enjoying views of the Libyan Sea en route to their first stop.

After an hour-long break in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos for shopping and local snacks, the tour ventures to Kritsa, a traditional Cretan village known for its Venetian architecture.

Visitors will have 1.5 hours to explore the village, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the scenic vistas.

The final stop is the picturesque Mirtos Beach, where guests can swim, snorkel, and relax for 2.5 hours before the return journey.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can expect a delightful exploration of Kritsa’s Venetian-influenced architecture and an opportunity to sample the region’s renowned olive oil and local products.

The scenic drive along the Libyan Sea coastline promises breathtaking vistas, leading to the highlight of the tour – the chance to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mirtos Beach.

At the olive oil park, travelers can indulge in tastings of extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and other locally produced delicacies.

The village of Kritsa offers a charming glimpse into Cretan culture, with ample time for sightseeing and shopping.

Transportation and Services

To ensure a seamless experience, the tour provides full air-conditioned modern coaches for transportation, with pickup and drop-off services included from the main road and select hotel exits.

Travelers can conveniently board the bus at their designated location and enjoy the scenic journey without the hassle of driving.

Upon arrival, the tour guide will provide detailed information about the upcoming activities and attractions.

Confirmation of the reservation is received within 24 hours, ensuring that participants have all the necessary details for a smooth experience.

The tour’s reliable transportation and seamless logistics contribute to an enjoyable and stress-free day exploring the hidden gems of Crete.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided a mixed set of reviews for this tour, with an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. While some praised the locations visited, others noted the long bus ride and inconsistent translation quality.

Feedback	Positive	Negative
Locations	Scenic views, relaxing beach	Short time at beach
Transportation	–	Long bus ride
Translation	–	Inconsistent quality

Despite the mixed reviews, the tour appears to offer a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known parts of Crete, such as the traditional village of Kritsa and the picturesque Mirtos Beach, making it a viable option for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

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Pickup Locations

This tour offers a wide range of pickup locations across the Crete region, providing convenient access for travelers.

With 12 options including Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Ammoudara, participants can easily meet the tour at a location close to their accommodation.

This flexibility ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure, allowing guests to focus on the exciting itinerary ahead.

Whether you’re staying in a coastal town or near the island’s capital, the tour’s pickup service caters to the diverse needs of visitors, making it an accessible and convenient option for exploring the hidden gems of Crete.

Sightseeing Stops

The tour takes visitors to several key destinations, beginning with the charming village of Agios Nikolaos, where they’ll have an hour to explore, shop, and sample local snacks.

Afterward, they’ll head to Kritsa, a traditional Cretan settlement brimming with Venetian-influenced architecture, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours sightseeing, browsing shops, and admiring the scenic vistas.

The final stop is the picturesque Mirtos Beach, where guests can relax, swim, and go snorkeling for 2.5 hours, taking in the region’s crystal-clear waters and coarse gray sand.

The tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Included Amenities

Along With the sightseeing stops, the tour provides various amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy the comfort of a full air-conditioned modern coach for the duration of the journey, ensuring a pleasant ride.

Pickup and drop-off services are included, with options from main roads and select hotel exits, offering convenient transportation.

The tour also offers:

Reservation confirmation within 24 hours with detailed pickup information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Flexibility to reserve now and pay later, allowing you to book your spot without upfront payment
Live tour guide available in English and Russian, ensuring language support
Opportunity to taste extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and other local products during the visit to the olive oil park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Is the Tour Expected to Return to the Pickup Locations?

The tour is expected to return to the pickup locations around 5 PM. According to the itinerary details, the total travel time by bus/coach is approximately 3 hours, and the tour duration is 8 hours.

Are Any Food or Beverages Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes a lunch break, though specific food or beverages are not mentioned. Customers have provided mixed feedback, with some noting the lunch break felt rushed due to the tour’s overall schedule.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Bring swimwear, towel, and sun protection for beach visits. Wear sturdy shoes for walking around villages and sightseeing.

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

The tour does not explicitly offer an option to extend the time at Mirtos Beach. The standard itinerary allows 2.5 hours at the beach, which may not be extended. Travelers would need to inquire with the tour operator about any flexibility in the schedule.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, it’s a full-day excursion with transportation, so the group size is likely limited to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.