Crete has dozens of incredible tours to help you explore the island. And not just the most famous landmarks, but also experiences that take you to discover lesser-known villages, unique mountains, and solitary corners on this incredible Greek island.
It’s also true that nothing can be more fun than a safari in Crete to sightsee. Let’s review the best safari offers on the island for a wild summer adventure!
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Best Safari Tours in Crete
Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability!
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📍 Top tours I recommend on the island:
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
🚘 The best way to get around Crete is by car. Check rental car rates for Crete here.
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Top Safari Adventures in Crete
These are the best-reviewed and most popular safaris in Crete, they have been booked by hundreds of tourists before and offer excellent value for money… Take a look!
Sunset Safari
- Heraklion region – more details
One of the best options for those staying in the areas near Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, this tour will take you to visit historic sites while learning about the local culture of Crete.
Among the sights, you will enjoy are the dam of Aposelemis, and the abandoned village of Sfendilis, the characteristic village of Avdou, and go through Embassa Gorge.
You will love having a glass of prosecco and a platter of Cretan fruit paired with a stunning sunset from a Minoan settlement.
Later on, you will also enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Land Rover Safari on Minoan Route
- Heraklion & Lasithi regions – more details
Another fantastic safari in Crete by one of the most popular companies on the island! This is a magnificent 8-hour tour perfect to experience ancient myths, spectacular landscapes, and a barbecue lunch on the Lassithi Plateau.
The trip also takes you to the village of Kastamonitsa in the foothills of the Afendi Mountains for a delicious Cretan-style breakfast and raki tasting.
The most incredible part of the experience comes next when you head for the dirt tracks of the Minoan Path. You will be driven through a stunning mountain landscape to see wildlife and check out a local shepherd’s mitato (mountain shelter).
Feed the animals as you watch the shepherds produce cheese according to traditional methods and taste fresh cheese.
Another stop is the Dikteon Cave to marvel at the birthplace of Zeus followed by a fantastic lunch at a local taverna.
Among other places, you will also enjoy a visit to the village of Krasi, famous for its 2,000-year-old tree and natural spring water source.
Trypiti Beach Off-Road South Tour
- Central Crete – more details
This is a fantastic safari experience if you want to have a close look at some local traditional places, admire the majestic southern landscape, experience the thrill of an off-the-road adventure through Trypiti Gorge, and even include a stop at the beautiful Monastery of Saint George Epanosifi.
The south coast of the island is a magical retreat, often solitary, and with unique landscapes.
To take you there, this safari experience drives you through the biggest valley in Crete surrounded by olive forests, the Messara Plain.
After descending the gorge, the experience continues on the well-hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti where you can spend time swimming before heading for lunch with authentic Cretan food in the canyon of Agios Savvas.
Perfect for families with teens, this tour is nothing but extreme fun and adrenaline!
This is a half-day buggy safari that sets out early in the morning (there are also afternoon options) from Rethymnon, where you will get kitted out with all the professional equipment you need and a detailed briefing.
Right after, you will drive off-road and up into Maroulas Mountain and then continue for a second stop to relax and enjoy a coffee at a traditional kafeneio (Greek coffeehouse) in the small Gidospito village.
Next up, the adventure takes you to the village of Prassies for a quick snack and to discover more about the local traditions.
Your day finishes with a hotel drop-off for a very convenient experience.
Half-Day Quad ATV Safari
- Chania and Rethymnon regions – more details
This is the perfect activity for those staying in Georgioupoli and the surrounding areas near Chania and Rethymnon!
This is another half-day trip that lets you discover the local mountains and, at the same time, experience driving a 450cc ATV quad bike.
With morning and evening departures, this is just the best tour for groups of friends that want to have fun crossing shallow rivers and exploring hidden hills and small gorges only known to local shepherds.
This is pure guaranteed fun driving on Crete’s dirt roads, accompanied by an experienced guide who will introduce you to our wonderful landscapes and entertain you with fascinating local tales.
Quad Bike Safari in the Mountains of Crete
- Hersonissos (Heraklion region and areas around Agios Nikolaos) – more details
This adventure sets out from Hersonissos, a super popular seaside resort in the Heraklion region.
From here, your quad bike safari takes you into the mountains of Crete to discover small, traffic-free roads.
You will start by visiting the small and traditional villages of Koutouloufari, Piscopiano, and old Hersonissos before heading to the Lasithi Plateau and the tiny village of Potamies.
Enjoy the scent of different herbs, visit some small churches, and see sheep and goats grazing as you continue to the traditional village of Karouzanos.
You will have some time to experience the traditional Cretan coffee house and then continue downhill to the Aposelemis dam and the Panagias monastery.
Family Quad Safari in Agia Pelagia
- Heraklion region – more details
A tour that leaves from the beautiful Peninsula Resort and Spa with a short introduction and a quad driving lesson before the adventure begins.
Right after, embark on the adventure following a beautiful off-road cliff path along the sea and into the heights of Achlada and its ancient, abandoned village. From here, the views over Agia Pelagia are breathtaking!
This is a unique occasion (that kids especially love! to find out more about the background of the village and share a special personal moment with the last two remaining inhabitants of the village.
You will then continue to Fodele, a traditional Cretan village, the birthplace of the famous painter El Greco.
Over here, you can admire the impressive Byzantine church of the Panagia and taste the famous freshly squeezed orange juice made from the local orange trees.
Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting
- Chania region – more details
This safari in Crete helps you discover the majestic landscape of the White Mountains in the Chania region.
You will start your experience admiring the impressive scenery as you follow unmarked on an off-road vehicle.
Along the trip, you will pass through the famous orange and lemon tree orchards in the traditional villages of Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos, and Vatolakkos.
Right after, the experience offers you a stop to admire the bay of Chania and enjoy panoramic views of the sunset. Continue to Manousakis Winery for a wine-tasting session and a platter of local delicacies to try.
As you can see, there are some really incredible adventures to choose from for the perfect safari in Crete, from easy jeep rides to breathtaking quad safaris that will fascinate adrenaline addicts.
There are alternatives for all pockets too, so you won’t have any excuse to choose the one that’s best for you and your travel party! Are you planning to book a safari in Crete?
Read more Crete Travel Blogs
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets. If you prefer, you can purchase one of the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Crete
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:
- Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel.
- Chania: Porto Antico.
- Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
- Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.
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About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.