Begin your adventure in Mononaftis with a full safety briefing and an introduction to your vehicle before setting off into the Cretan countryside. Leave the coastal roads behind and follow scenic mountain tracks, quiet country lanes, and off-road trails that reveal a completely different side of the island.

Drive through the beautiful region surrounding the traditional village of Fodele, and enjoy a stop in the village famous as the birthplace of the painter El Greco. Surrounded by olive groves, orange trees, and dramatic mountain scenery, this area offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Crete.

Continue your journey to a traditional olive oil museum, where you'll discover one of Crete's oldest traditions. Learn how olive oil has been produced over the centuries, from historic methods to modern production, before enjoying a complimentary tasting of locally produced extra virgin olive oil.

The route then leads further into the mountains towards Achlada, one of Crete's fascinating ghost villages. Wander through its quiet stone streets, admire the traditional houses, and hear the stories of the people who once called this peaceful mountain village home. The visit offers a unique glimpse into authentic Cretan history and rural life.

Back behind the wheel, the adventure continues along a combination of paved roads and exciting off-road sections. Follow winding mountain tracks, enjoy breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, and take in spectacular views across the surrounding valleys and the sparkling Cretan Sea. Along the way, your guide will make several stops to allow you to capture unforgettable photographs of the scenery.

Choose the departure time that suits you best. Start your day with a refreshing morning safari, explore the island during the warm afternoon light, or choose our Sunset Safari for a slightly different experience and itinerary.

The Sunset Safari includes fewer sightseeing stops in order to make the most of the evening light. Instead of visiting both villages the sunset route includes the olive oil museum including the tasting, possibly a short stop in one of the two traditional villages before continuing towards the coast. Enjoy an exciting drive through the sand at the beach before reaching a quiet seaside spot, where you can watch the sun disappear over the Cretan Sea away from the busy tourist areas.

Please note that sunset times change considerably throughout the season, and the departure time and total duration of the Sunset Safari may therefore vary. The itinerary is adapted to the available daylight so that the sunset remains the highlight of the excursion. This is particularly important in September and October, when daylight hours become shorter and sunset departures may have a shorter overall excursion time than tours earlier in the season.