Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming

If you’re heading to Heraklion and looking to get off the usual tourist trail, this Jeep Safari Wine Tour combined with beach time might just be what you’re after. As someone who’s seen a lot of tours, I can say this one consistently gets high praises for its blend of scenic drives, cultural stops, and relaxing moments. It offers a slice of authentic Crete, from its ancient wine traditions to its beautiful coastline.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how it balances adventure and leisure. First, you get to explore a local winery and learn about Crete’s long-standing wine-making tradition — a treat for wine lovers or anyone curious about local flavors. Second, the tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes like the Portela Gorge, with its waterfalls and cliffs, making it as visually stunning as it is culturally interesting. A minor consideration is that it’s a full day, so if you prefer shorter outings, this might feel a bit long. But overall, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, food, and a little bit of adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete experiences through wine tasting and visits to traditional villages
• Stunning natural beauty with visits to waterfalls, gorges, and scenic vistas
• Relaxing beach time at Kastri with swimming and lunch
• Comfortable transportation in a 4WD vehicle suitable for off-road terrains
• All-inclusive value with BBQ lunch, wine, and water included in the price
• Small group size (max 15 travelers) for a more personalized experience

What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-hour adventure is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of southern Crete’s natural and cultural highlights. Starting early at 8:00 am, the tour offers a relaxed yet packed itinerary, perfect for those who want to maximize their day without feeling rushed. We’ll start with a visit to a local winery in Avli village, where you’ll get to taste Crete’s wines and learn about their ancient origins — a nice touch for wine enthusiasts. It’s an optional visit, with an entrance fee of €8, but even if you skip it, the walk around the winery is pleasant.

Next, the off-road journey into Portela Gorge is a highlight. The drive itself is an experience, with the vehicle navigating narrow, rugged paths while offering spectacular views of cliffs, riverbeds, and lush flora. We loved the way the landscape changed as we descended, feeling like we’d stepped into another world. Once at the gorge, you’ll embark on a short walk to the Richtra waterfall, a peaceful spot with flowing water that creates a soothing backdrop. Keep in mind, the walk is about 10 minutes, and weather conditions can affect the flow of water, but it’s generally a lovely pause in nature.

After soaking in the serenity of the waterfall, the tour moves on to Kastri Beach. This is a genuine escape — quiet, inviting, and perfect for a swim in the clear, deep blue waters. The beach is a fantastic place to unwind, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with local wines and water, and snap some memorable photos. The 1.5-hour stop here balances relaxation with scenic beauty, making it ideal for those who want a break from sightseeing and a chance to breathe in the sea air.

Finally, the tour concludes with a quick panoramic stop at Great Sea View Apartment in Kokkini Hani, giving you one last magnificent view of the southern coast before heading back to your hotel. The entire day is smooth, with pickup and drop-off included, so logistics are straightforward.

The Highlights: Why This Tour Gets Rave Reviews

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides. As a reviewer shared, “My tour guide Mario was great!” a friendly, informative driver can make all the difference in turning a good trip into a memorable one. The guides seem to strike a balance between sharing interesting facts and letting you enjoy the scenery.

The visual scenery and photo opportunities are truly impressive. The views from the gorge, the waterfall, and the panoramic coastal stop are perfect for capturing moments to remember Crete’s natural beauty. Reviewers have described the beaches and landscapes as “impressive,” and the photos often reflect that.

Wine tasting is another highlight, with visitors noting the quality of the local wine and the opportunity to learn about Crete’s wine-making traditions. The BBQ lunch with wine and water is generally well-received, with many mentioning it’s a delicious and satisfying way to fuel the day’s adventures. One review even mentions, “a lot of wine and the beach was really beautiful,” emphasizing the satisfying combination of good food, drink, and scenery.

Interestingly, multiple reviews point out the tour’s ability to show a less touristy side of Crete. As Janis W. notes, “Wer Kreta gerne außerhalb vom Tourismus kennenlernen möchte,” meaning those wanting to experience Crete beyond the typical tourist spots will find this tour especially rewarding. The off-road drive, the traditional villages, and secluded beaches provide a sense of authenticity.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Value

At about $106 per person, this tour offers a lot of value for the price, especially considering it includes pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable 4WD, and a full day of varied activities. The group is capped at 15 travelers, which keeps things intimate and allows for more personalized attention from the guides.

You should plan to bring essentials like water, walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and swimwear. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for those with serious medical conditions, given the walking involved and the outdoor nature of the stops. Child seats are available, making it accessible for families with younger kids, though the focus remains on adventure and scenery rather than child-friendly activities.

One thing to consider is the optional winery entrance fee, which is €8. If you’re on a tight budget or not interested in wine, that part can be skipped. Weather can also influence the waterfall visit and outdoor activities, so check the forecast before booking.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Jeep Safari combined with beach relaxation is perfect for anyone wanting a full-bodied Crete experience — combining nature, culture, and leisure in one day. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, outdoor activities, and authentic local flavors. If you’re a fan of off-road adventures or want to see a side of Crete that’s less commercialized, this tour offers a genuine taste of the island.

While it’s a longer day, the diversity of stops and the beautiful scenery make it well worth it. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive lunch add to the overall appeal, making it a good choice for those seeking a well-rounded, memorable day out.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour provides child seats if needed, and the overall pace is manageable for most children. Keep in mind there’s walking involved, so ensure kids are prepared for that.

What should I bring on the tour?
You’ll want to pack water, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel for swimming.

How long is each stop?
The winery visit lasts around an hour, the gorge exploration is about 15 minutes for the drive plus an hour for the waterfall walk, and the beach stop is about 1.5 hours, including lunch and swimming.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers pick-up and drop-off, the 4WD vehicle and fuel, BBQ lunch with wine and water, and the services of experienced drivers.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the winery entrance fee is €8 if you choose to visit the winery itself. Private expenses are not included.

What is the group size?
Up to 15 travelers, which encourages a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the weather a concern?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. The waterfall visit depends on seasonal conditions.

In short, this Jeep Safari Wine Tour with South Sea swimming offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and relaxing beach time. It’s a great choice for those wanting to explore Crete’s less touristy, more authentic side without sacrificing comfort or fun. Whether you’re into vineyards, waterfalls, or just superb coastal views, this trip covers all those bases—making it a memorable part of your Crete adventure.