About this activity
Enjoy one of the most famous beaches in the world, along with fantastic wild nature, a visit to a mysterious monastery, and a stroll through the old Venetian town of beautiful Chania.
- Relax on the legendary beach known for its pink sand and tranquil blue waters.
- Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the White Mountains.
- Uncover the mystery of the monastery-fortress atop Chrisokalitissa hill.
- Enjoy traditional cuisine in a family tavern under ancient sycamores (optional).
- Explore the old Venetian city of Chania.
Full description
We begin with the most famous and beautiful monastery in Western Crete, Chrisoskalitissa (“Golden Step”). Over the centuries, the temple complex has not only been a residence for devoted individuals but also an important fortress protecting a crucial bay from pirates. You will hear the famous legend of the cathedral’s steps made of pure gold, learn what happened to them, and discover what qualities a person must possess to notice the hidden last golden step.
The main highlight of our journey is Elafonissi. The road to this famous beach passes through the most picturesque corners of western Crete. Here, you will see numerous villages living their secluded lives, olive groves, and orange orchards.
In Greek, “Elafonissi” means “Deer Island.” You will hear a fascinating story about how, during the Ottoman Empire rule, a wild Cretan deer changed the fate of an entire settlement of local Greeks.
What attracts people to the beaches of Elafonissi is the naturally occurring pink sand where the sea waves meet the coast. We will spend a delightful part of the day in the small lagoons of Elafonissi where the sea is so shallow that you can walk to the neighbouring islet on foot, stepping “straight on the water.”
A lunch break will be taken in the picturesque “green” village of Elos. This part of the island of Crete is famous for its rich vegetation, primarily its chestnut and plane trees. Here, you can relax, have a cup of coffee, and enjoy a delicious lunch in a village tavern.
After that, we’re heading to the Venetian city of Chania. One of the most romantic cities in Europe, the Venetian beauty Chania, awaits your visit. Get ready to see unique structures of Venetian Baroque and narrow streets adorned with plenty of colours. Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish architecture, ancient fortress walls, Orthodox and Catholic churches, a synagogue and a mosque, city clocks that have been counting time for centuries.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Elafonissi beach entrance fee
- Guide
- Meal
- Sunbeds on the beach
Meeting And Pickup
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel entrances or meeting points are within a short walking distance. Confirmation of the exact departure time will be received the evening before the tour.
Available from regions: Heraklion, Ammoudara (Heraklion), Ligaria, Agia Pelagia, Fodele, Bali, Panormo, Lavris, Skaleta, Stavromenos, Pigianos Kampos, Adelianos Kampos, Rethymno, Pirgos, Paralia Kourna, Georgioupolis.
Important information
- The group is multilingual. Information on the bus in English and Russian.
- The tour starts at 9:30 in the morning (the start time of the tour may sometimes vary).
- Pick-up from the hotel is between 6:30 and 9:30, depending on the distance of the hotel from the starting point of the excursion.
- Return to hotels is between 19:00 and 21:30, depending on the distance of the hotel from the ending point of the excursion.
- Infants must sit with their parents on the bus and will not have their own seats.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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Мы остались довольны. Убили сразу двух зайцев: посетили пляж Элфониси и Ханью. Пожалуй Ханья это самый красивый город Крита. Обязательно стоит посетить. На машине наверно было бы утомительно проехать маршрут экскурсии… А тут увезли-привезли))