Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch

If you’re thinking about exploring Crete beyond the beaches, a White Mountains safari offers a fantastic way to see the rugged, less-trodden side of this beautiful island. This full-day tour, run by Cretan Holidays, promises a mix of off-road fun, stunning vistas, visits to traditional villages, and a hearty Cretan meal—all within about 7 hours. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out, plus some of the considerations to keep in mind before booking.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines adventure with culture. Sitting comfortably in a four-wheel drive with an experienced guide, you’ll pass through picturesque villages and olive groves, then climb into the mountains—off the beaten path. The second highlight is the quality of the guides, often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the trip engaging. But, a potential downside is the small group size—which can mean limited space and a bit of crowding during peak times, especially during Covid.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a mix of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and relaxation. It’s suited for those with moderate physical fitness who enjoy a bit of adventure and want to escape the busy tourist spots. It’s not designed for very young children or infants, but older kids and adults who love nature and history will find plenty to enjoy.

• Full-day adventure: Around 7 hours exploring the White Mountains and surrounding villages.
• Learn while you explore: Guides share insights into local life, shepherding, and Cretan traditions.
• Comfortable transportation: All-terrain vehicles seat up to 8 people, providing an intimate experience.
• Authentic meal included: Enjoy a hearty, traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run tavern.
• Breathtaking views: Mountain top vistas and scenic drives are central to the experience.
• Wine tasting: A highlight for many, with top-quality wines at a vineyard visit.

This tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup, which means no fuss about finding your way. Once onboard, your driver-guide takes the wheel of a robust all-terrain vehicle, designed for off-road excursions. As we understand from reviews, the vehicles are quite comfortable and well-maintained, making the ride smooth even over dusty tracks and uneven paths.

The itinerary is carefully structured to give you a taste of Crete’s diverse landscape and rich rural life. Starting from the lush valleys dotted with oranges, avocados, and gardens, the tour gradually ascends into the White Mountains—Lefka Ori. This mountain range is famous for its rugged beauty and traditional villages.

Exploring the White Mountains

Your first stop is in a quiet village where you can enjoy a free coffee or mountain tea. It’s a relaxing way to start the day, away from crowds. The tour then takes you off-road to a shepherd’s hut, called “Mitato,” perched at 1,350 meters. Here, you get a genuine peek into shepherding life—learn about the care of animals and the making of famed Cretan Graviera cheese. The views are spectacular, offering sweeping vistas of northern Crete, and if you’re lucky, you might spot eagles or wild goats.

Scenic Drive and Village Visits

As you wind your way back down, expect to see panoramic views of Chania and the surrounding countryside. The journey continues through traditional villages like Therisso, where your meal awaits. The lunch in a family tavern is hearty and authentic—think local recipes, warm hospitality, and a glass of local wine. Several reviews highlight the quality and generous portions of the food, making this a real highlight for many.

The Shepherd’s Hut & Cultural Insights

Visiting the shepherd’s hut at 1,350 meters is a key moment. It offers not only spectacular scenery but also a glimpse into a way of life that has persisted for generations. Guides often share stories about local customs, the importance of cheese production, and the pastoral lifestyle—adding depth to your experience.

Wrap-up with a Scenic Gorge Drive

The day wraps up with a scenic drive through Therisso Gorge, a peaceful and beautiful area that completes your mountain adventure. Returning to Chania in the late afternoon, you’ll feel like you’ve truly escaped into Crete’s wild heart.

Many travelers rave about this trip, often mentioning the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature. One reviewer called Olga, the guide, “brilliant,” emphasizing how her enthusiasm and insights made the day special. Others appreciated the comfort of the Land Rovers and the off-the-beaten-path roads taken—“roads you won’t find on Google maps,” one said, which hints at a more exclusive, authentic experience.

The scenery gets high praise too. Reviewers describe the mountain views as “breathtaking,” and the visits to tiny villages are deemed charming and authentic. The wine tasting at the vineyard is also a crowd favorite, with many saying the wines were of good quality and worth buying.

The lunch receives consistent praise, with many noting the generous portions and traditional flavors. A few reviews point out that the vegetarian options are limited—“just spaghetti,” as one mentioned—so if you’re vegetarian, you might want to clarify or bring extra snacks.

On the flip side, a handful of reviews express some disappointment. Complaints include crowded vehicles—up to nine people crammed into a small car during Covid times— and the shortness of the off-road part. Some felt the price was steep given the experience, especially when considering the limited time in certain areas.

Let’s walk through the itinerary in more detail so you know exactly what to expect.

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup at 8:00am
You’ll be collected from your accommodation, which is a huge plus for ease. The tour lasts about 7 hours, with a good balance of driving, sightseeing, and relaxing breaks.

Morning Drive Through Valleys and Villages
Your first stop is in a serene village, where you can relax with coffee or mountain tea. This is a good chance to chat with your guide, learn about the local lifestyle, and get your camera ready for the stunning scenery.

Climbing into the White Mountains
The off-road drive up to the shepherds’ hut at 1,350 meters is the core of the experience. The terrain is rugged, and the views are expansive. Expect a few stops along the way for photos and to take in the landscape. The shepherd’s hut is a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to learn about traditional cheese-making and shepherding.

Visit to a Traditional Village & Lunch
Descending from the mountain, you’ll arrive at Therisso. Here, a traditional family-run tavern awaits. The meal is usually hearty Cretan fare, served with local wine. Reviewers consistently mention the deliciousness and warmth of this meal, making it a true highlight.

Scenic Drive Through Therisso Gorge
Finally, the day ends with a peaceful drive through the gorge, which offers another chance for photos and appreciating Crete’s natural beauty. You’ll be back in Chania in the late afternoon, feeling like you’ve had a full, enriching day.

The tour uses all-terrain vehicles that seat up to 8 adults, creating an intimate group setting. Many reviews praise the driver’s skill and friendliness, stating they felt safe during the off-road sections. During peak times, some reviews mention the vehicles can get crowded, which might affect views and comfort.

The vehicle quality and driver expertise seem to be a strong point overall. However, since the maximum group size is limited to 8, it’s advisable to book early—especially if you’re traveling in high season—to secure your spot.

At around $110 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest option on Crete, but many travelers say it offers good value. The inclusion of hotel pickup, a traditional lunch, and visits to multiple scenic and cultural spots makes it a comprehensive experience.

The wine tasting adds extra value for lovers of local wines, and the insights shared by guides enhance the overall experience. For those wanting a mix of adventure, culture, and great scenery, this tour provides a well-rounded day.

That said, consider whether you’re comfortable with the group size and the amount of time spent in the vehicle. If you’re looking for a more relaxed sightseeing experience or more off-road time, this might not be ideal.

If you’re after an adventure-packed day that combines scenic drives, cultural insights, and authentic food, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy mountain scenery and rural life, and don’t mind a bit of physical activity (moderate fitness required).

Wine lovers will appreciate the tasting, and those wanting to learn about shepherding or Greek cheese will find it particularly engaging. However, if you prefer a more leisurely, less bumpy experience, or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options.

This Crete White Mountains Safari offers a genuine slice of Cretan life combined with stunning views and a touch of adventure. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness elevate the experience, making it more than just a scenic drive. The opportunity to visit a shepherd’s hut at 1,350 meters and enjoy a traditional lunch in a local tavern makes it memorable.

While the price reflects the all-inclusive nature and the personalized experience, some might find it a bit pricey for the duration and vehicle comfort, especially if crowded in peak seasons. Still, many reviews highlight the excellent value given the quality of the experience and the scenery.

If you’re looking for a way to see Crete’s mountain side with knowledgeable guides, small groups, and scenic stops, this safari could be a great choice. It’s particularly good for those who want a more active, cultural day out that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easy for travelers.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, lunch, and stops without feeling rushed.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Infants are not permitted, but older children with moderate physical fitness will enjoy the experience. Child seats are available if requested when booking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking at various stops. Sunscreen and a camera are also advisable.

How many people are in each vehicle?
Each vehicle can carry up to 8 adults, creating a small-group experience.

Is there wine tasting?
Yes, part of the tour includes a visit to a vineyard where you can taste local wines, often noted as a highlight.

What about vegetarian options?
The included lunch is hearty, typically with meat and cheese options. Vegetarian options are limited, with one review mentioning only spaghetti as a vegetarian choice.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This full-day Crete adventure combines scenic mountain drives, cultural insights, and delicious local cuisine. If you’re after a unique way to see Crete’s rural heart, this safari offers a memorable day out with plenty of photo-worthy moments.