GUIDED ROAD TRIPS

Destination Platanias Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Explore the magical Cretan nature! Follow us to the famous Botanical Gardens of Crete full of plants from all over the world! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Small traditional villages and fascinating mountain roads! This road trip is for you who love nature trails and green sceneries. The first part of our trip we will drive through orange farmers villages Patelari, Alikianos and Skines among the citrus, avocado and nut trees. When reaching up at an altitude of almost 500m in Karanou village the trees will change to apple and cherry trees. Mountainous views will take us to the foot of White Mountains where Botanical Garden was built 20 years ago to praise the unique microclimate of Crete. The garden introduces thousands of plants from all over the world along the 2,5 km walking path. By the small pond you will meet gooses, peacocks, donkeys and deers. Before return we will offer you local snack  in the park's own restaurant to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Route: Platanias - Patelari - Alikianos - Skines - Hliaro - Karanou - Lakki - Botanical Gardens - Fournes - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Deliana Hike - BESTSELLER

Deliana Hike - BESTSELLER

Easy hike suitable for all ages in a beautiful small gorge with impressive steep cliffs. Ideal also for birdwatchers! Details of your trip   Located approx. 30km west from Platanias village, the Deliana gorge is enchanting with its steep cliffs and on the top of which you can often see vultures flying. The road at the bottom of the gorge is flat except for a few rocky parts. There are no steep climbs or falls during the trip. The walk starts from Deliana and ends at Mesavlia, where there is a short break at the small church of St. Paraskevi. We will walk the gorge back and forth, so the time spent walking is approx. 2h 15min and the total length of the hike is approx. 5km.  After the walk we will stop for refreshments and small snacks at village of Deliana to taste some local specialities. Route: Platanias - Kolymbari - Deliana - Kolymbari - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Elafonissi Road Trip

Elafonissi Road Trip

Be first at Elafonisi! This is when the beach is at its best - no crowds and a great opportunity to catch the best spots and a sunbed with umbrella! Direct Guided Road Trip to Elafonisi Beach with a stop for lunch on the return.  DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Located in the southwest corner of Crete, this magical beach captivates with its crystal clear waters and white pinkish sand... Early pick up from your hotel, a small participating group and a direct drive through western Crete to the southwest corner of the island will guarantee that you will be among the first ones to reach the beautiful Elafonisi beach.  Relax and enjoy a slow-paced beach for three hours to wade in the shallow water, swim and explore the unique surroundings. The clear water paradise beach of Elafonissi is also often called the Maldives of Crete. It is also a part of Natura 2000 which is a network of protected areas covering Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. On the way back we will stop for a lunch in one of the local taverns in a small village along the way. Route: Platanias - Kaloudiana - Voulgaro - Topolia - Elos -  Elafonisi - Elos - Topolia - Voulgaro - Kaloudiana -Platanias  Duration 7h  

FromEUR 50
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Destination Platanias Honey and Farmer's Market

Honey and Farmer's Market

NEW ROAD TRIP 2026! Join a local village life and agricultural tour in Western Crete with us! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Did you know that bees can see colors and sense smells a thousand times better than human beings? Dive with us to an interesting world of bees, experience the picturesque villages of Rodopou peninsula with wonderful sea views and visit a local Farmer’s market!   Our morning begins with a scenic coastal drive leading us to the rugged Rodopou peninsula. Here, we will be welcomed into a family-owned beekeeping business​.​ Step into the shoes of a local apiarist and learn how these incredible creatures navigate the Cretan wild to produce some of the best honey in the world.​ However, honey is not the only product produced by bees... ​​After a sweet visit it's time to have a coffee break at a local kafeneon. Forget the fancy modern coffees and try Greek coffee or the old classic summer coffee "frappee"! The kafeneon is the place where traditionally the Greek men meet each other and share the latest news.  The scenery road ​through small ​picturesque villages will take us to Farmer's Market ​to dive straight into the vibrant pulse of local life! Th​e authentic​ ​"Laiki Agora​" (street market) is where village life happens. Y​ou will stroll past stalls bursting with color, meet the passionate local farmers who grew the produce, and taste products straight from the source. It is more than just shopping - it is an unforgettable, sensory journey into the true Cretan soul​ guided by our own local expert! Route: Platanias - Tavronitis - Kolymbari - Rodopou - Afrata - Kolymbari - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Local Artisans

Local Artisans

Meet strong and talented Cretan women and get to know their businesses in the craft sector! How it is to run a business as a woman and to combine work and everyday life in Crete? DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP At first we will meet a young ceramic artist in her workshop in Platanias. Alexandra is a new artist and has recently started to create her own collection. We will hear what led her to ceramics and the way she works clay into unique ceramic products. Next we will visit a soap factory which is the first of its kind on the whole island of Crete, using organic olive oil and all-natural recipes. Drawing inspiration from Greek nature, and the women in the family, the factory was founded by the mother-daughter duo, Filio and Maria. Hailing from a long tradition of homemaking of healing cosmetics, they were inspired in particular by the skincare benefits of organic olive oil, the ‘‘gold’’ of Crete.  The last meeting will be in Vatolakkos with Mrs. Despoina who is well-known in the area for her amazing cloth weaving skills. Over the years she has created fabrics for traditional Cretan wedding dresses, table cloths and bags. Apart from weaving, she also dyes the threads she uses with colors obtained from plants in the surrounding area.   Route: Platanias - Gerani - Loutraki - Psathogianos - Bapilos - Koufos - Vatolakos - Koufos - Patelari - Platanias Duration 4h

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Destination Platanias Mountain Road Trip

Mountain Road Trip

Mountain stories! Experience the beautiful White mountains of Crete and enjoy the amazing Cretan sceneries. DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our road trip will start with colourful sceneries through the orange valley and continue climbing up slowly to the west side of the mountains. After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up to Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with an incredible view. Breathtaking scenery will continue after the snack to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete's modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees. Route: Platanias - Patelari - Meskla - Zourva - Therisso - Varipetro - Agia - Drakiana - Platanias   Duration 4h  

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Olive oil and Honey Tastings

Olive oil and Honey Tastings

Unique landscapes and interesting small landmarks! Enjoy the pure Cretan tastes at the dynamic family business and get to know the world of the olive and the bee! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Feel the Crete with all your sences! This road trip will take you close to Kissamos-Kastelli where we will introduce you to one of the most bizzare and interesting landscapes in Crete, Komolithi, in village of Potamida. Following up the Tiflos river we will find an old three arched stone bridge from Venetian time which has remained undamaged incredibly well and later on a tiny waterfall in the heart of Makronas.  After a short drive through quiet settlements we will reach a dynamic family business and will have a tour at their premises. You will learn about olive harvest, olive oil pressing process as well as honey production. The tasting of olive oil and 8 different varieties of honey will be paired with rusks, bread sticks, cheese, olives and tomatoes - all these locally produced as well! Nothing can beat these pure tastes! On our departure we will pass by village of Rokka which was built partly on the relics of an ancient city on the southern slope of a spectacular high cliff, which dominates in the area. Route: Platanias - Kaloudiana - Potamida - Kamara - Houdaliana - Armenohori - Trialonia - Sfakopigadi - Pervolakia - Kera - Roka - Faleliana - Drapania - Platanias Duration 4h

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Destination Platanias Olive oil and Wine Tastings

Olive oil and Wine Tastings

Traditional and classic road trip with private guidning! Taste the green gold, the awarded Cretan olive oil, with us and give a hug to one of the oldest olive tree in the world! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP We will take you to the heart of Western countryside and you will learn all about collecting the olives, the olive oil process and how we use olive oil here in Crete. Wine production has developed considerably in the area in recent years as well. Besides olive oil, you will have a great opportunity to taste local wine varieties and hear about the wine making process. Our stops in Kolymbari and Vouves will deepen your understanding of the importance of these fields in everyday life in Crete. Route: Platanias - Kolymbari - Vouves - Anoskeli - Platanias Duration 4h  

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Premium Olive oil Tasting

Premium Olive oil Tasting

NEW ROAD TRIP 2026! Discover the ultimate olive oil experience in Western Crete - a must-visit for foodies and nature lovers. Join us to explore the ancient groves, learn the secrets of harvesting, taste award-winning extra virgin olive oils and enjoy a delicious two course Cretan meal! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP A walk through the historic olive trees helps you to understand the heritage of olive growing that spans over the generations in Crete. You will learn all about the traditional and modern ways the olives are harvested guided by local experts. During the tasting of a selection of extra virgin olive oils, including award-winning labels and top local varieties, you will gain knowledge about the world-renowned health benefits and the unique flavor profiles of Cretan olive oil. Master the secrets of the label and find out how to distinguish premium quality from lower-grade oils. Never be confused at the supermarket again – the expert will teach you exactly how to pick the best for your kitchen! Delicious traditional two-course lunch prepared with excellent olive oil is included in the tour. Duration 4h

FromEUR 95
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Destination Platanias Premium Wine Tasting

Premium Wine Tasting

NEW ROAD TRIP 2026! Embark on an enchanting wine-tasting experience, featuring the theme of small winemakers of Western Crete in a tranquil mountain village of Kissamos. A unique tasting and a true interaction with passionate wine-makers! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Nestled amidst a lush green forest, a tiny charming village in Kissamos region, sets the stage for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. Taste organic wines from indigenous grapes, paired with locally sourced delicacies, such as artisanal cheeses, homemade sourdough bread, traditional pies, veggies, extra virgin olive oil, honey and more perfectly complementing the flavors of our exceptional wines. Meet the small producers with big vision, also known as the Romantics!! With respect for the Cretan wine varieties, nature and with minimal mechanical means, they create high-quality wines. During the wine tastings, you will be taken on a journey to explore the fascinating winemaking history of Western Crete and provide interesting insights into the unique processes employed by selected winemakers. Cheers to an experience that will leave your taste buds singing with joy! Duration 4h

FromEUR 95
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Destination Platanias Wine and Cheese Tastings

Wine and Cheese Tastings

Join us  for a unique visit at a small Western Cretan boutique winery and combine wine tasting with local cheese! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our trip begins by following the western coastline to the Kolymbari village where we will visit a beautiful Gonia monastery which has a significant history at the area. Execptional museum of the monastery has great collection of icons, books and manuscripts as well as an exhibition of priests’ vestments. From Kolymbari we will continue to Marathokefala and visit a the famous historical cave of Saint John the Hermit. According to tradition Saint John the Hermit was the one who founded the rich ascetic tradition of the island. Inside the cave is a temple of the 15th century and next to it a small room which was used as a Secret School during the Ottoman Era. Our last stop will be at the Patriotis Winery, a family owned and operated boutique winery and vineyard, with tradition in winemaking that dates back in time. The winery accepts only small groups. Theodora, the owner, will tell us about the history of the winery as well as their wine making process. You will also taste five different wines which are nicely paired with local cheeses.  Route: Platanias - Kolymbari - Marathokefala - Vouves - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 70
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