Crete's Secret Landscapes: Exploring the Island's Rural Heart

Crete's Secret Landscapes: Exploring the Island's Rural Heart

By Tours in Heraklion

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
8h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup
Multiple languages

Overview

Step away from the busy tourist spots and discover the real heart of Crete with a private journey through its traditional villages and untouched landscapes.
This experience takes you off the beaten track, into places where time seems to stand still and local life carries on as it has for generations.

Stroll through stone-paved alleys, admire centuries-old houses, and meet welcoming locals who still preserve the customs and traditions of the island. Taste authentic Cretan flavours in shepherd’s house, sip some homemade wine and raki, and learn about the island’s deep connection to nature, olive oil, and vineyards.

Your private guide will share stories of history, culture, and daily life while you explore hidden corners, quiet chapels, and breathtaking mountain views. This is the perfect tour for travellers who wish to experience Crete away from the crowds and connect with its genuine soul.

Let us craft the perfect itinerary for you, where every moment feels like a discovery.

Activity location

Ano Asites
- Ano Asites, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ano Asites
- Ano Asites, Greece

Check availability

Crete's Secret Landscapes: Exploring the Island's Rural Heart

8h
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

€600.00 x 1 Traveller€600.00

Total

Until Thu, 30 Oct

What's included, what's not

Lunch with Cretan traditional dishes
Private Transport in Mercedes Benz Van
Liability Insurance
Coffee/Water and Refreshments
All Fees and Taxes
English speaking Local Driver Guide
Pick up and drop off from your accommodation hotel/port/airport
Personal expenses

Know before you book

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transport options are available nearby
Specialised infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Voutes (Pass by)

Pass by without stopping

Ano Asites

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, the village of Ano Asites hides a remarkable archaeological treasure – the Roman tombs. Discovered near the village, these ancient burial chambers date back to the Roman period and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history. Carved into the earth and stone, the tombs reveal the funerary practices and architectural skills of the era, with traces of artefacts and structures that once accompanied the burials. A visit here is not just about exploring ancient ruins, but also about experiencing the peaceful Cretan countryside. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and the charm of Ano Asites itself, the site combines history with authenticity. Walking among the tombs, you feel a direct connection to Crete’s long past, while the village nearby welcomes you with traditional tavernas, narrow lanes, and warm hospitality.

Agios Myron

Perched in the traditional village of Agios Myron, just outside Heraklion, this historic church is dedicated to Saint Myron the Wonderworker, the village’s patron saint and one of the most beloved figures of Crete. The church is built over the saint’s tomb, where pilgrims and visitors can pay their respects in a tranquil and spiritual setting. The interior of the church holds beautiful frescoes, icons, and a serene atmosphere that reflects the deep-rooted faith of the Cretan people. Visitors often stop here to light a candle, admire the architecture, and learn about the life of Saint Myron, who lived during the 3rd–4th century and was known for his kindness and miracles. Surrounded by a charming village with traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and a panoramic view of the Cretan landscape, a visit to Agios Myron Church combines spirituality, history, and authentic local culture.

Prinias Carved Wine Presses

Nestled in the quiet village of Prinia, visitors can discover one of the oldest surviving wine presses of the Minoan era, a remarkable testament to Crete’s ancient winemaking tradition. This archaeological find, dating back over 3,500 years, reveals how the Minoans mastered the art of wine production—an integral part of their culture, economy, and social life. Walking around the site, you can clearly see the stone basins where grapes were crushed and the channels that directed the precious juice into storage vessels. Standing here, surrounded by the Cretan landscape, it is easy to imagine how entire harvests were transformed into wine that was shared in ceremonies, trade, and everyday life. A visit to Prinia’s Minoan wine press is not just a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship but also a connection to Crete’s living tradition of viticulture, still thriving today in the surrounding vineyards.

Panasos

In the quiet village of Panaso stands one of Crete’s most remarkable natural monuments — a majestic olive tree estimated to be over 3,000 years old. With its massive, twisted trunk and branches that still bear fruit, this living giant is a symbol of strength, endurance, and the deep roots of Cretan tradition. Generations have gathered in its shade, and the tree itself has witnessed the passing of civilisations — from the Minoans and Romans to Byzantines and Venetians. Today, it continues to thrive, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the island’s timeless heritage. A visit to this ancient olive tree is not only about admiring its grandeur but also about experiencing the spirit of Crete — where history, nature, and tradition intertwine in the most authentic way.

Gergeri

Nestled at the foothills of Psiloritis Mountain, the traditional village of Gergeri offers visitors a true taste of authentic Crete. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich natural surroundings, Gergeri is a place where time seems to slow down. Walking through its narrow lanes, you will see stone houses, small chapels, and locals gathering at the kafenion to share stories over a cup of strong Greek coffee. One of the highlights of visiting Gergeri is the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, olive groves, and mountains. From here, the scenery stretches endlessly, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply for taking in the beauty of Crete’s heartland. Nearby, lush plateaus and springs add to the charm of this peaceful setting. Gergeri is also well known for its traditional products, especially olive oil, honey, and herbs, which capture the aromas and flavours of the Cretan countryside.

Vorizia (Pass by)

Pass by without stopping

Agia Varvara (Pass by)

Pass without stopping

Kamares

2h 30m

Step into the authentic heart of Crete with a traditional Cretan lunch in a shepherd’s house in the mountain village of Kamares. Nestled on the southern slopes of Psiloritis Mountain, Kamares is famous for its caves and breathtaking views, but also for its warm hospitality and timeless traditions. Here, you will be welcomed like family into the home of a local shepherd, where simplicity meets authenticity. Experience the true flavours of Crete as you enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients straight from the land — seasonal vegetables, mountain herbs, olive oil, homemade cheese, and slow-cooked meat, often prepared in a wood-fired oven or open fire. While sharing stories around the table, you’ll discover the shepherd’s way of life, deeply connected to nature, animals, and the rhythm of the mountains. This meal is not just about food — it is a journey into Cretan culture, where every bite tells a storey of tradition, hospitality, and love for the land.

Location

Activity location

Ano Asites
- Ano Asites, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ano Asites
- Ano Asites, Greece

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