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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Crete, Greece

Nearby Destinations

Several interesting towns and villages stand a short distance from Elounda, suitable for a half-day or full-day visit.

For booking day trips and excursions, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Popular Nearby Visits

  • Agios Nikolaos: Regional capital, Lake Voulismeni, shopping.
  • Plaka: Fishing village, seafood tavernas, Spinalonga boat departures.
  • Kritsa: Traditional village, artisan shops, Panagia Kera church.
  • Travel options: KTEL buses, taxis, rental cars.

Natural Escapes

Crete's diverse landscape holds opportunities for natural exploration, from mountains to gorges and beaches.

Lasithi Plateau

A fertile plateau in the Dikti Mountains, known for its windmills. It houses the Diktaean Cave, fabled as the birthplace of Zeus.

Visit Details

  • Explore by rental car for stops.
  • See traditional villages and agricultural views.
  • A full-day trip is a good choice.

Richtis Gorge & Waterfall

A beautiful, untouched gorge with a 20-meter waterfall. The hike passes through lush vegetation and ends at a secluded beach.

Visit Details

  • Rental car for remote location.
  • Hike duration: 3-4 hours round trip.
  • A full-day trip is useful.

Voulisma Beach Golden Beach

About the Beach

  • One of Eastern Crete's beautiful sandy beaches.
  • Fine golden sand and dazzling turquoise waters.
  • Organized with sunbeds and umbrellas in summer.
  • A half-day to full-day for relaxation.

Access

  • Accessible by rental car or taxi.
  • KTEL bus from Agios Nikolaos.
  • Approx. 15 km south of Elounda.
  • Good for swimming and relaxation.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Explore Western Crete:Chania, Rethymno, Samaria Gorge.
  • Transportation:KTEL buses from Heraklion.
  • Suggested Route:Elounda/Agios Nikolaos (2-3 nights), Heraklion (2-3 nights), Chania/Rethymno (3-4 nights).
  • Island Hopping:Santorini.
  • Transportation:High-speed ferries from Heraklion Port (2-3 hours).
  • Suggested Route:Elounda, then ferry to Santorini (2-3 nights).
  • Booking ferries:Book in advance during high season.

Travel Tip: Cultural Excursions

Visits to Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum compliment each other for a complete Minoan historical immersion. For more options, explore GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Explore Crete's history through some of its most significant archaeological and cultural sites.

Knossos Palace

Largest Bronze Age site, Minoan civilization center, myth of the Minotaur. A full-day trip.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Holds the largest collection of Minoan art and artifacts. Fundamental for Minoan civilization.

Gournia & Mochlos

Gournia is a preserved Minoan town. Mochlos a charming village with a Minoan site on an islet.

Knossos Palace Logistics

Located approximately 70 km west of Elounda, near Heraklion. Travel options are varied.

How to Get There

  • Rental car (about a 1.5-hour drive).
  • Organized bus tours from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos.
  • Public bus from Heraklion city center to Knossos.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Logistics

Located in Heraklion, around 70 km from Elounda, this museum is easily reached.

How to Get There

  • Easily accessible by rental car.
  • KTEL bus from Elounda (change at Heraklion bus station).
  • Allow a half-day to full-day for the collection.

Gournia & Mochlos Practicalities

Gournia Location:Approx. 30 km south of Elounda.
Mochlos Location:Approx. 45 km east of Elounda.
Best Transport:Rental car due to remote access.
Gournia Features:Well-preserved Minoan town.
Mochlos Features:Fishing village with Minoan site on islet.
Time Needed:Half-day to full-day for both sites.

Exploring History

  • Consider a guided tour for Knossos Palace.
  • Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum pair well.
  • Check seasonal opening hours for sites and museums.
  • Combine Gournia and Mochlos for a blend of history and coast.
  • Rental car advisable for remote archaeological sites.
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