Malia to Hersonissos private tuk-tuk adventure with tastings

Pirates of Crete half-day family boat trip

Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need all hands on deck to help track down their long-lost treasure. But first, you'll have to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI pirate. Yannis, a local guide, explains that there's something for everyone on this trip, “it's full-on fun for the little ones, as the crew really get into character and bring energy and smiles as pirates. But you also get this wild, natural backdrop to the day as you sail past tucked away beaches and swim in sparkling clear waters under the towering cliffs of St Georges Bay.”Setting sail from Chersonissos Port, our shipmates will make sure you get into the pirate spirit, with face painting and exciting themed games for the little scallywags, and challenges for the older crew members. Plus, there's a treasure map and clues to follow, so make sure you have your sharpest seafaring instincts at the ready.Then, to take a break from all the swashbuckling fun, you'll drop anchor at St. George's Bay for a dip. This quiet spot is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the views of the sea caves cut into rocky cliffs and the surrounding greenery. It'll feel like you're a million miles from Malia. You'll have around an hour here to stretch out on the fine golden sand and swim in the calm shallow waters that make it a winner for families. You'll arrive back at the port in the mid-afternoon – with plenty of time still to chill by the pool after your pirating adventure.

Rethymnon 4x4 sunset safari with dinner at a traditional taverna

This sunset safari takes you off the beaten track in more ways than one. You'll follow scenic trails in your off-roader to explore hidden landscapes that few visitors see. Get ready for panoramic views of Rethymnon as you traverse traditional villages on the way to the Amari Dam reservoir. Eleni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Away from the coast, Cretan traditions are still strong, and many people make a living from the land. Olive groves, fields of vines and citrus orchards represent the most important crops – though avocados are now becoming a popular fruit on our farms.'Leaving Rethymnon, you'll soon be heading towards the hills. Rumbling through the tranquil hill villages of Pigi, Adelle, Saint Dimitrios and Harkia, we swap the bright lights for unpaved off-road routes, wild vegetation, and peaceful vistas. You'll get a close-up view of the real Crete, and gain insight into the heritage of the island. Eleni says, ‘Crete is one of the few islands in Greece that would still have a self-sufficient economy without tourism. Agriculture is still a very relevant industry here.'You'll climb further into the hills to a fabulous viewpoint where your gaze will sweep from the coast to the mountains, with a lovely view over Amari Dam reservoir just below. Sunset spots don't come much better than this. To round off your tour, you'll stop at a family-owned taverna, where you'll be able to try a platter of locally sourced Cretan meze specialities with a glass of wine.

Crete day tour with monastery, winery visit and cooking class

A chance to delve into Crete's culture and eat like an islander. On this full day tour inland from Chania, you'll visit a winery in Alikambos, explore a historic monastery, and take part in a hands-on cheese-making class. Joanna, one of our expert local guides, says, "this tour is the ideal opportunity to taste Cretan olive oil and wine, and to try local food that you'll get to prepare during a cooking lesson."After making your way through the scenic foothills of the White Mountains, you'll reach your first port of call – award-winning Dourakis Winery, a family-run business with decades of experience in winemaking and olive oil production. Enjoy sampling its organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines and olive oil before setting off into the countryside.Next, you'll head to the Monastery of St George. Set among sun-soaked olive groves in the village of Karydi, this early 17th-century retreat was restored after many decades of abandonment, though parts of it still retain a ruined air. You'll be able to explore the grounds and discover the remains of the old olive oil press. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the monastery's upkeep. Your final stop is Kefalas village where you'll partake in a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare a traditional dish. Then it'll be time to roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself. Prepare a meal using a recipe you can recreate when you get back home, and if you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making Cretan cheese.

Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour

Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.

Off-road buggy safari from Rethymno in Crete

Calling all adventure-seekers – this is your ticket to the rugged side of Crete. After a quick safety briefing, you'll head up into the mountains to roar through impressive natural gorges and splash through river crossings in a two-seater off-road buggy. There'll be plenty of pauses to take in the wild scenery and you'll get a taste of the local culture with pit stops at remote 12th-century Cretan villages. Refuel on caffeine and snacks at a traditional kafenion – a Greek coffee house – before heading back to Rethymno to put your feet up.

Pantheon Waterpark tickets in Crete with transfer

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Pantheon Waterpark ticket only

Open from May to October, this ancient-Greek-themed water world delivers fun for all ages. Pantheon Waterpark feels like stepping straight into a myth, with towering temples, statues of legendary figures and slides inspired by gods like Poseidon and Zeus. There are four play areas and 26 waterslides, including Pantheon Warzone – a 36-metre drop hitting seriously high speeds – plus kids-only towers, toddler zones, wave pools and chill-out spots for when you need a breather. To refuel, you'll find five snack bars serving gyros, pizza, hot dogs and more.

Full-day southern Crete 4x4 adventure with swim stop

Sun, scenery and off‑road adventure set the pace for this full‑day tour. You'll start at Kourtaliotiko Gorge where some epic clifftop views are waiting, before heading up to Agio Paisios Chapel to look out over Damnoni and the south Cretan bays. From here, you'll continue off-road through traditional villages, winding lanes and rugged trails. Then, after a photo stop at another hilltop viewpoint, you'll follow the trail to Mikri Triopetra – a quiet little bay that's perfect for swimming, some downtime and a tasty Cretan snack.

Apokoronas hidden roads van tour with cheese-making and tastings

You'll roll through nine tucked-away Apokoronas villages well off the tourist radar on this full-day tour, cruising along back roads lined with olive groves, stone houses and mountain views. You'll pause at the Holy Mary of Two Rocks Church, which is hidden between two natural rock formations, before heading to Arevitis for a taste of rural Cretan life. At a shepherd's farm, you'll wander the garden, try your hand at cheese-making, sample local snacks and raki – a traditional Cretan spirit – and hear stories that bring the island's rural side to life.

Afternoon Balos catamaran cruise in Crete

Ease into the afternoon with a chilled glass of Prosecco and a selection of canapes on board a fancy catamaran. You'll set sail to Balos Lagoon, known for its pink sand and turquoise waters, where you can swim, snorkel or unwind on deck with a cocktail in hand. After this, enjoy a few light bites as the Cretan sunset steals the spotlight. You can choose the Comfort option on the lower deck with open seating, or you can opt for VIP Flybridge upper deck access with your own sunbed, towel and a personalised waiter service.