Selected Experiences for Cretan Explorations
Begin your journey with a scenic drive south, guided by a guide, to the dramatic landscape of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. As you enter the heart of this impressive gorge, the sound of running water and the cool breeze from the springs set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. Take a short, easy hike to the gorge’s natural waterfalls, a welcoming place to swim, refresh and enjoy the raw beauty of one of Crete’s most iconic locations. From there, continue to the palm-fringed beach of Preveli, a place often described as one of Europe’s rare natural oases. With its river lagoon, palm grove and turquoise waters, Preveli seems almost otherworldly. Take a dip in the river and the sea, walk under the palm trees or simply relax and enjoy the exotic scenery that has made this beach famous all over the world. After your time by the water, head to a traditional Cretan restaurant to enjoy a meal prepared with local ingredients and slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven. These authentic flavors are only found in small mountain villages. Good food, local wine and warm hospitality complete this perfect getaway. On the way back, make a final stop for a coffee in a peaceful setting, an ideal time to relax after a day full of natural wonders. *Please note: This excursion is available on request only and requires prior confirmation.
Explore the vineyards of Crete, passing through villages famous for their wines and discovering local wineries along the way. Visit Agios Thomas, a historic village with Byzantine churches, an ancient aqueduct, and Roman tombs, before descending through the Messara Valley along scenic olive groves to the 14th-century Monastery of Odigitria. Explore the monastery and its museum to discover Cretan daily life. Walk through Agiofarango Gorge, meet friendly sheep and goats, and reach a stunning pebble beach – a hidden paradise of Southern Crete. Continue to Matala, the iconic southern village of the 1970s hippie community, with time to explore the village and its famous caves. Return to the hotel with unforgettable memories of southern Crete’s beauty, history, and charm.
Through this route explore the central part of Crete and walk on 2 plateaus climbing to an altitude of 1150 meters. We will learn a lot about mythology as well as we will have a lot of information about Crete and local life. We will drive through a beautiful route with lush olive groves and we will first reach the APOSELEMI Dam where we can see the sunken village of SFENTYLI. Then we will visit the traditional olive mill where we will learn how to produce Cretan olive oil and have the opportunity to buy products pure olive oil. Then we will reach the shepherd's farm and we will have the opportunity to learn how the traditional Cretan cheese is produced. Our next stop is the cave of ZEUS where mythology states that the father of the gods was born there (There is a ticket of 6 euros) Immediately after the visit you will enjoy a genuine Cretan meal with traditional cuisine in one of the best local taverns Then we will follow a beautiful dirt route at an altitude of 1150 meters where we will definitely be enchanted by the landscape and the photos we will take from this point will be the best of our vacation. We descend and reach the traditional village of KASTAMONITSA where we will visit the remains of the ROMAN aqueduct learning about its usefulness for the surrounding areas Finally through a beautiful route with a very nice view we end up at the hotel full of memories This day will be full of surprises and will surely fill you with memories that will accompany you for a lifetime.
Starting from our hotel we enjoy a beautiful route with a view of the entire northern Cretan Sea and ending at the shepherd's house where we will see many of the Cretan animals and participate in milking but we will also learn how Cretan cheese is produced. We will be treated to olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, Cretan rusks and local raki Then we arrive at a local oil mill where we will be given all the information about the production of Cretan olive oil and at the same time we will have the opportunity to taste various types of olive oil and its products. We climb to altitude and cross traditional villages where we will see the local people's way of life up close. Driving through olive groves we end up at the STOTINO Cave where we will admire the hall and its beauty. We may stop in Aquarium for children. Full of images of Crete we return to the hotel!
To get to know a place, you have to share food and sit around a table with locals... Even better, cook with them! Nektaria invites you to live the experience in her kitchen! In the Cretan village with the oldest olive tree in Europe, Kavousi in Lasithi, Nektaria has created a welcoming outdoor space to share her experience and memories of the Cretan cuisine. Choose a workshop according to your desired menu between vegetarian, meat, or fish and take your place around the table. Nektaria will explain in a simple way the process of traditional cooking and the characteristics of the raw ingredients, introducing participants to the world of Cretan cuisine. With tools, colors, and aromas spread across the table, we all learn step by step the traditional dishes of the region. Then, we enjoy the menu and sit around the table to relax and savor the flavors, while sharing not only the food but also stories and moments from the island's life.
Discover the Art of Metal at a Traditional Foundry Step into a world where fire meets craftsmanship! Join a guided tour of a local metal foundry and witness the fascinating process of metal casting. Learn about traditional techniques and, at the end of your visit, craft your own unique metal souvenir to take home — a one-of-a-kind memory forged by your hands.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Crete, tracing the footsteps of Soulouksina, a young woman whose poignant love story and connection to the land echo through the ages. Mounted atop the eco-friendly and effortlessly stylish Specialized Como e-bikes, the adventure begins in the quaint village of Episkopi, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the island’s interior. Pedaling along winding pathways and sun-dappled olive groves, you immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of Soulouksina’s world. Guided by local historians and storytellers, you unravel the tale of her forbidden love with a shepherd, a narrative steeped in the traditions and customs of 19th-century Cretan life.
Step into the world of precision and focus. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, you'll learn the fundamentals of target shooting in a safe and controlled environment. This activity is designed to offer a unique and memorable experience, combining entertainment, challenge and the spirit of the Olympics. Age restriction: 11+ Years Old
Enjoy a golf game at ‘The Crete Golf Club’, a championship golf course, the only 18-hole golf course on the island of Crete, which is located 8km away from Creta Maris and is one of the most impressive golf courses of the Mediterranean. “The Crete Golf Club” was originally designed in 2003 by the golf course architect Bob Hunt and holds a prime, strategic location. Each hole has been constructed separately and in harmony with the surrounding landscape, which provides panoramic views of both the mountains of Crete and the Aegean Sea. Get a special 15% discount on green fees and challenge yourself to beat your own previous record, or take the whole family on the golf court and bond in the process. *To claim the 15% discount, Creta Maris' guests may contact ‘The Crete Golf Club’ via email to info@cretegolfclub.com or by calling 0030 28970 26000.
• Golf Academy
• Clubhouse
• Buggies
• 300m Driving Range with practice facilities
• Bar & Restaurant
• Golf Shop with the latest in fashion
Book a helicopter tour, capture the best views of Crete from above, and live a memorable and breathtaking experience on the air! Wedding proposals and special occasions can be organized upon request. For more information, please contact our Guest Service team at 333 or by email at GuestService@cretamaris.gr.
+30 28970 27000