CRETE TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Explore Crete like you never imagined before!

Hey there! Ready to ditch the typical tours and dive into the real heart of Crete with me?

I’m not your average tour guide, and my day trips are anything but ordinary…

Tour Chania - Zourva and Sarakina Gorge

Picture this: No dull explanations, just pure exploration of the coolest hidden spots known only to the locals.

We’re talking about the best corners, the secret gems that’ll make your trip unforgettable.

My day trips and experiences are adventures designed around awesome themes like food, nature, or photography.

Experiences in Crete

My experiences showcase a different side of Crete’s culture and traditions. They’re adventures designed around themes like food, nature, or photography.

Experiences in Crete

Wander through charming villages and lush landscapes, or capture breathtaking moments with your camera, guided by a local who knows the ins and outs of Crete.

Experiences in Crete

These are not your average tours. They are extraordinary journeys in Crete, meticulously curated and guided by a true insider and local expert!

 
 
Experiences in Crete

Go beyond the sights and experience the true essence of Crete’s people, culture, and vibes. This is an invitation to become part of the breathing soul of Crete.

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

I will be your guide during the whole day trip!
Some of these tours are extremely popular, I highly suggest booking in advance!

All my experiences are private day trips and tours for up to six people.
Traveling with a larger group? No problem, get in touch to arrange transfer services for more people.

Looking to visit other parts of Crete, send me an e-mail to discuss any customized experience!

All the experiences are available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

DAY TRIPS AND EXPERIENCES BY THE TINY BOOK

Step into a whole new dimension of Crete’s culture with The Tiny Book!

Let’s dive deep into the authentic traditions that offer you a fresh perspective. Whether you’re sipping on the finest Cretan wines, savoring gastronomic delights, or capturing unique landscapes for that perfect shot, you’re in for a journey that’s all about the real, unfiltered charm of Crete.

Come with me, let’s make this exploration uniquely yours!

CHANIA

PINK SAND TOUR

Experiences in Crete

You’ve probably already read my post about Elafonisi. Experience the beach, visit nearby places, and indulge in a delicious Cretan lunch in a mountain village. I will take you there!
** This experience includes an extra fun stop for families with kids. Send me an e-mail and I will tell you more!

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Full day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania or Rethymnon areas

SUNSET SATURDAYS

Experiences in Crete

A dreamy journey to Falasarna, one of the island’s most breathtaking locations, where the sun bids farewell in a spectacular burst of colors.

As the golden hues dance across the waters, you’ll be at the prime spot for the best sunset on the island, enjoy a swim, sip a cocktail, and take in the beauty of the landscape.

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Full day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania area

WATER & STONE TOUR

Experiences in Crete

Embark on this ultimate odyssey from Chania to discover a lake, traverse the villages of the Cretan Revolt, and hike through the rugged beauty of a local gorge.

As your appetite for exploration peaks, we’ll whisk you away to a traditional mountain retreat, for a delightful lunch that captures the essence of Cretan flavors. 

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Full day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania and Rethymnon areas

MOUNTAIN VILLAGES TOUR

Experiences in Crete

Check out crucial historic places and picturesque villages in the Chania region. Drive through unique mountain paths, savor traditional pies, and step high on a road from where you’ll spot the northern and southern coasts of Crete at the same time!

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Half day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania area

A TASTE OF CRETE

Food tour chania

This walk that’s a feast for your senses! Begin with a delightful Cretan breakfast, then wander through the Municipal Market, indulging in pies, honey, cheese, olive oil, and spices.

Traverse the charming Old Town of Chania, savoring Greek coffee and uncovering hidden culinary gems and artisan shops.

Top it off with delectable local appetizers, making your morning a flavorful adventure!

Rated #1 in the Best Tour Platforms!

  • 4-hour morning tour
  • Walking experience

This is Chania’s Top Food Experience!

*This tour might be slightly different or be suspended until the reopening of Chania’s Municipal Market.
** Special fees for kids between 0-12.

Taste Chania with me!

SUNSET WALK

Experiences in Crete

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our wine discovery evening! Delight in a wine tasting session guided by a certified sommelier. Wander through charming hidden neighborhoods, savoring the sunset at the Venetian port.

Relish a delectable Cretan table, concluding your evening with a glass of wine at one of Chania’s top bars.

Cretan Wine at Sunset: Includes wine tasting, meze, sweets & views!

  • 4-hour afternoon tour
  • Walking experience

The best colors of the day paired to the unique tastes of Crete

DISCOVER CHANIA AT NIGHT with me!

ABANDONED CHANIA

Experiences in Crete

This late afternoon walk is a 3-hour photographic tour through the abandoned Chania district and former red-light area, all along the picturesque sea.

We will capture the suggestive sunsets, experiment with light, and you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your Crete journey. We wrap the evening with a glass of local beer at a seaside promenade off the tourist-trail! 

 

  • 3-hour afternoon tour
  • Walking experience

A bespoke experience to discover hidden Chania through your lens!

Take pictures with me!

RETHYMNON

LIONS TOUR

Experiences in Crete

This Rethymnon mountain adventure invites you to explore the mountain village of Spili, where traditional Cretan life unfolds against a scenic backdrop.

Traverse the rugged beauty of the Southern Coast, unveiling the stunning seaside of Plakias and its pristine beaches. Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring drive through the majestic Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a natural wonder carved by time.

 

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Full day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania and Rethymnon areas

Jump on this on-the-rad experience to discover the epic mountains and valleys in Rethymnon!

Check out Spili with me!

CRAFTS AND FLAVORS

Experiences in Crete

Discover the heart of Rethymnon on my tour, where the pottery village of Margarites reveals the age-old craft of traditional ceramics. It follows a delightful traditional lunch to then immerse in the profound history of a historic monastery.

Optional: If you wish, we can take you to explore the archaeological marvels at Eleftherna.

  • Private tour (up to 6 people)
  • Full day experience
  • Pick-up and drop-off included from Chania and Rethymnon areas

This experience seamlessly blends craftmanship, culinary delights, and the fascinating tales of Cretan heritage!

DISCOVER RETHYMNON WITH ME!

CHECK WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES

GREECE - CRETE - CHANIA - OLD TOWN ALLEY (1)

Lisa said…

We had the most amazing time with Gabi! Definitely the highlight of our trip to Chania. Watching her interact with the locals and helping us purchase items from the local vendors was such a treat. She made the day fun and informative. If we return to Chania, we will definitely book another tour with Gabi!

Jonah said…

We enjoyed our day with Gabi! My girlfriend and I were the only people on the tour, so we had a very unique opportunity for a very personal experience. Gabi went out of her way to make sure that we were not only happy, but that we had a true Cretan experience. We highly recommend doing this tour early in your trip- after our tour we had so many more ideas for where to eat and what to do that we wish we had known earlier. Thanks for everything Gabi!!

Gaby said…

Gabi Ancarola’s intimate knowledge of Cretan cuisine (and history) made her food tour through Chania (A Taste of Crete) very special, but most of all we enjoyed meeting the people behind the food in places off the beaten track. We started with greek coffee and bougatsa, saw how bougatsa was made, looked into pots where food was prepared for lunch, smelled herbs, tasted artisan cheese, olive oil, thyme honey and raki and ended up where we started (in the food market) to finally taste a seafood platter! On the walk through town Gabi gave us also an introduction to the history of Crete, pointed out restaurants and introduced us to the real leather and ceramic shops. Highly recommended and should be taken at the beginning of a holiday so you have time to go back to all her favourite places which throughout our holiday became our favourite places too!

Read all the reviews

BESPOKE ITINERARIES IN CRETE

Experiences in Crete

Coming to Crete soon? If you have questions about your trip to Crete and need some help, you can count on me!

I’ll be happy to show you the most authentic Crete! I’m here to help you design a personal itinerary.
I also have for you great tips about holidays on the island with kids.
And to taste the most amazing Cretan food and wine!

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Start getting ready for everything that Crete has to offer…

GREECE - CRETE - AGIOS NIKOLAOS LAKE VOULISMENI

Get inspired

Navigate suggestions, tips, and curious information about Crete! Read books, learn some odd and fun facts about the island, or check what films you can watch before landing on Crete.

INSPIRATION
Experiences in Crete

Discover what to do

Unique and super thorough guides divided by region, area, or city including ridiculously useful information and tips to explore more in the most convenient way… from the perspective of a local.

PRACTICAL GUIDES
TRIOPETRA BEACH - CRETE

Explore unique beaches

Imagine soaking in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and swimming in the most pristine waters you could ever imagine… Crete has that to offer, and much more!

BEACHES IN CRETE

These articles contain suggestions, tips, and curious information about Crete! Read books to get inspired, learn some curious and fun facts
about the island, or check what fils you can watch to see some of the local landscape before landing on Crete.

FUN FACTS

GREECE - CRETE - LOUTRO - SUNSET
  • Historical facts about Crete.
  • Myths & Legends.
  • Stunning nature.
  • Curiosities about Crete.
  • Surprising numbers.
  • Controversial data.
read more

BOOKS ABOUT CRETE

READING A BOOK AT THE BEACH
  • Travel guides.
  • Books about Crete’s Ancient and Modern History.
  • Novels and other stories.
  • Books for kids.
  • Travel maps of Crete.
read more

MOVIES SET ON CRETE

POP CORN
  • Classic movies.
  • Best war movies about the Battle of Crete.
  • Movies about Crete’s mythology.
  • The best thrillers filmed on Crete.
  • Bonus: Two series set on Crete.
read more

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2 thoughts on “Experiences in Crete

  1. Simone says:

    Dear Gabi,

    I was kidding when I said this morning to you before we got started: “This trip will be the highlight of my one week holiday in Chania”. But it truely was. I was amazed and impressed by the long history of Chania and Crete. You showed us all the colourful and beautiful spots in the old town. Hidden treasures. And the best food! And raki, and honey, and olive oil all made by dedicated, local people/families/companies for so many years.

    It was wonderfull to meet you, to listen to your stories and to enjoy Chania. Love, Simone from the Netherlands

    • Gabi says:

      Hi Simone, thanks for leaving your feedback, I enjoyed the tour a lot as well, I do hope you have fun for the rest of your stay in Chania, it’s indeed a beautiful city and there are plenty things to do around here! Thanks again and best of luck!
      Gabi

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