Tour reviews · RETHYMNO TOURS

15 Rethymno Tours: Which One to Actually Book

57 tours  ·  from $10

The good rethymno tours sell out first and the cheap ones are not always the weak ones. Below: all 15, what each includes, and where they differ.

From Rethymno: Half-Day Quad Bike Safari - Sharing a quad, or booking your own
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From Rethymno: Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

1.Half-Day Quad Bike Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,444 reviews · 4 hours · from $70Our pick

From Rethymno, you’ll follow a guide into the Maroulas mountains by automatic quad, riding roads, dusty tracks, shallow water, and rougher mountain paths. Stop for views, Greek coffee at Café Gidospito above Lake Potami, and a snack in Prassies. Shared quads are standard, but you can book separately for one quad per driver.

“The way I would summarise this activity would be "amazing". I joined the group on our last full day in Crete on Saturday (28/09/24). On arrival they checked the driver in by showing the drivers license. As a driver you'll get a red braclet around your wrist to distinguish those from who were allowed to drive and those who were not. Before we hopped on the quad bikes, a brief instruction was given. Once we started the real fun could start. It was my first time driving a quad bike. Luckily they are automatics and very easy to handle. After getting a bit used on the normal eoad, they guide…”

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From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup - The early pickup from Chania or Rethymno
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From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup

2.From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,010 reviews · 1 day · from $37

Join an English-speaking guide such as Ingrid, Nikos, or George for a full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania or Rethymno. Walk about 16 kilometers through the White Mountains, pass the Iron Gates, swim in Agia Roumeli, then take the ferry to Sougia before riding back by coach. Expect an early start, rough ground, and a long day.

“This was an amazing hike, super easy with the hostel pick up/drop off. It was pretty busy at the start but not too bad if you get ahead of the crowds. We finished in about 3.5hrs and the ferry didn’t leave until 5pm, so we spent a while at the end - but there was a cute town and nice beach so no complaints! Would recommend.”

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From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour - The early pickup from Rethymno or Kavros
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From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour

3.From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 989 reviews · 11 hours · from $31

Travel from Rethymno or Kavros to Elafonissi on an 11-hour guided bus trip with about four hours at the beach. Guides such as Lazarus, Anastasia, and Janis share local stories, while stops in Elos and other villages break up the mountain drive. Expect clear water, pale sand, some pink sand, and a short walk from the bus.

“Everything was excellent! Guide Janis and driver Kostas was super team! We learned so much about Crete on the rode ! Thanks, and good luck for them !”

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Rethymno: Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day Trip - Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the waterfall walk
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Rethymno: Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

4.Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 929 reviews · 9 - 11 hours · from $25

From Rethymno and nearby resorts, you’ll visit Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Damnoni Beach, Preveli Beach, and Plakias in one long day. Expect an air-conditioned coach, English or German guidance, a scenic boat ride, swimming time, and a short but uneven walk to waterfalls. Guides such as Barbara and Alex are often praised for clear instructions and friendly care.

“It was very well paced. Enough time to relax, not too much travelling time in between sites. Tour guide explained everything well and everything was on time. Would recommend.”

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Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch - Starting from the resort area at 9:00 a.m.
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Cretan Safari – 4×4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch

5.Cretan Safari – 4×4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 780 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $113Top rated

Spend 7.5 hours exploring Crete in a Land Rover with a local guide. Stop at Spili, Karines, Prasses Gorge, Potamon Dam, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and palm-fringed Preveli Beach. Lunch and unlimited red and white Cretan wine are included, with hotel pickup from selected resorts around Rethymno.

“Our guide was fabulous. Our group was a fun bunch and we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the tour. The pace was great with beach time and a leisurely lunch a big plus!”

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Rethymno: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat - Boarding Captain Hook at Rethymno Port
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Rethymno: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat

6.Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Pirate Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 581 reviews · 1 hour · from $29

Board the wooden pirate boat Captain Hook at Rethymno Port for a one-hour sunset cruise. You’ll pass Fortezza Castle, the Venetian Port, lighthouse, and glowing waterfront while enjoying one beer or soft drink. Departure time changes with sunset, and the host team speaks English, German, and French. Bring a jacket and arrive 30 minutes early.

“It was good fun, but make sure you are good with potential sea sickness the waves were quite large when we went!”

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Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari - Starting in Rethymno, not central Chania
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Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari

7.Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 494 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $72

Drive an ATV through mountain tracks, creek beds, villages, and viewpoints above Rethymno with a professional guide, helmet, water, snacks, and selected hotel transfers. Stops include Potami Dam Lake, Prassano Gorge, and a Cretan coffee stop. Nicholas and Harri are among the guides named in guest feedback, though assignments can vary.

“Really enjoyed our ride. Good equipment and company. The view from the top was awesome. Some part of the trip was a bit hard for me as inexperienced rider, but all went smoothly. Thanks a lot! Will ride with you again next time.”

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Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise - Sushi & Open Bar - Boarding at Rethymno Marina
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Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

8.Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 446 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $100

Sail from Rethymno Marina aboard the catamaran Karina for sushi, Cretan snacks, an open bar, swimming, SUP, snorkeling, and sunset views near Geropotamos Beach. The English and Greek-speaking crew, including Nana and Yannis, keeps the mood warm and relaxed. The 25-person limit, shaded lounges, Wi-Fi, and optional pickup make this a comfortable evening at sea.

“Host was incredible, atmosphere was amazing. Could not recommend this trip more!!!”

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From Rethymno: Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour - Spili and its lion-head fountain
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From Rethymno: Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour

9.Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 391 reviews · 10 hours · from $33

Travel south from Rethymno by air-conditioned bus with an English or German-speaking guide such as Anastasia or Lazarus. Visit Spili’s lion-head fountains, spend three hours at Matala beach and its carved caves, then explore Agia Galini for 90 minutes. Hotel-area pickup and drop-off are included.

“We loved our tour to Matala! A special thanks to Anastasia and Kostas for making both tours interesting and fun! Bodine and Annabel from the Netherlands :).”

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Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery - Four hours beside the Libyan Sea
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Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

10.Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 332 reviews · 8.5 - 10.5 hours · from $50

Travel south from Heraklion by air-conditioned coach to Matala for four hours of beach time, lunch, shops, and optional hippie cave entry. Then visit Odigitria Monastery and its folklore museum. Multilingual guides, including Elizabeth and Elisabetta, lead the day in English, French, German, or Italian.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to Matala. Our very knowledgable guide, Elizabeth, did a great job! Beautiful beach to visit and loved learning about more of the island as we were driving.”

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From Rethymno: Full- or Half-Day Trip to Chania - The morning pickup from Rethymno
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From Rethymno: Full- or Half-Day Trip to Chania

11.Full- or Half-Day Trip to Chania

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 298 reviews · from $27

Travel by coach from Rethymno to Chania, then spend about five hours exploring at your own pace. Your multilingual guide explains the route and marks key sights on a map. Walk the old town, visit the Venetian Port, browse local shops, and stop for Greek coffee or lunch. Hotel pickup is available in selected areas.

“The host, Theatre was very knowledgeable and fluent in four languages. Very impressive Chania was delightful and interesting.”

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Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks - The 105-minute sail along Crete’s north coast
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Rethymno: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

12.Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 285 reviews · from $164

Spend 6.5 hours aboard DanEri Yachts’ spacious catamaran Karina, sailing from Rethymno to a quiet bay near Georgioupoli. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with beer, wine, and soft drinks. The crew speaks English and Greek, and private groups are available.

“Great trip, all inclusive drinks were amazing so was the food - great spots for photos and to swim with the fish! Would love to do it again”

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Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops - The west coast view past Gerani
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Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

13.Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 255 reviews · from $62

Spend five hours on a wooden pirate boat from Rethymno Marina, sailing past Fortezza and Gerani to Kefalas Bay. You get about an hour to swim and snorkel from the boat, with masks and tubes supplied, plus Greek salad and one wine or soft drink. The main tradeoff is a long ride to one swimming stop.

“Really enjoyable trip. Lots of shade on board to protect from sun. Great swimming at quiet bay and snorkelling with equipment provided. Lovely fresh lunch and drink included My son had chance to steer the boat. Booked online and excellent communication with company.”

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Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Damnoni & Kourtaliotiko Springs - Kourtaliotiko Gorge Springs: A Cool First Stop
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Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Damnoni & Kourtaliotiko Springs

14.Preveli By Boat, Damnoni & Kourtaliotiko Springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 254 reviews · 11 - 13.5 hours · from $58

Spend a long day in southern Crete with a multilingual guide, visiting Kourtaliotiko Gorge Springs, Damnoni Beach, and Preveli Palm Beach. The $58 price includes air-conditioned transport, guide services, insurance, and the boat ride. Expect a 30-minute river boat trip each way, swimming time, and a full day on the road from Heraklion.

“Awesome trip, we just could have more time at the first beach because it was really great for swimming and chilling!”

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From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach - The drive south from Rethymno or Chania
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From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

15.From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 220 reviews · from $9Best value

Travel from Rethymno or Chania to Damnoni, then take a short boat ride to Preveli Palm Beach. Swim in the Libyan Sea, walk beside the palm-lined river, and visit Kourtaliotiko Gorge with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Spiro and Michael add local stories, while private groups are available.

“I would like to spend some more time on the Preveli beach. 2 hours weren’t enough for me personally”

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Somewhere to begin the week

A port, a ruin or a mountain road.