From Heraklion: Kritsa & Myrtos Villages East & South Crete

If you’re planning to explore Crete beyond the usual tourist spots, this guided day trip from Heraklion offers a really nice mix of culture, scenery, and relaxation. It’s the kind of tour that doesn’t overpromise but delivers a solid experience, especially if you’re into authentic village vibes and beach downtime.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it combines a visit to Kritsa, with its charming Venetian architecture and traditional crafts, with some well-deserved lounging on Myrtos Beach. It’s a good way to slow down and soak in the local flavor without feeling rushed. The only potential hitch? The day is quite packed, which might be a lot if you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling with small kids.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy cultural stops and scenic beaches and don’t mind a full day on the road. It’s especially ideal if you want to get a taste of Crete’s countryside, sample authentic local products, and spend some quality time by the sea. Just keep in mind, it’s not tailored for anyone with mobility issues or pregnant women, as it involves some walking and a full day’s schedule.

Key Points

• Authentic village experience: Kritsa’s Venetian architecture and traditional weaving craft are highlights.
• Scenic beach time: Myrtos Beach offers crystal-clear water and a peaceful setting.
• Educational stops: Olive oil tasting and local product sampling add flavor and insight.
• Full-day adventure: About 8 hours, including transportation, with some time for sightseeing and relaxation.
• Good value: At just under $33, it combines transport, guides, and multiple experiences.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned bus with pickup from key locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Kritsa and Myrtos: What to Expect

This tour starts early in the morning, with pickup from various locations around Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, and nearby areas. From there, you’ll hop on a bus for a scenic drive into the heart of Crete’s countryside. The day is designed to balance cultural exploration with leisure, so let’s break down each stop.

Olive Oil Park: A Tasting of Crete’s Liquid Gold

The first stop is at an olive oil park, which is a lovely introduction to one of Crete’s most renowned products. Here, you’ll learn how extra virgin olive oil, olives, and olive paste are produced and standardized. It’s a short visit—about 30 minutes—but packed with tasting opportunities. Expect to sample authentic Greek olive oil, honey, and raki, giving you a taste of local flavors.

According to reviews, visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make the tasting engaging and informative. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the process and made us appreciate the quality of Greek olive oil.” It’s a great way to understand why Greek olive oil is considered some of the best in the world, and perhaps pick up a bottle to take home.

Kritsa Village: A Picture-Perfect Step Back in Time

After the olive oil experience, the group heads to Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages. You’ll have around 1.5 hours here to wander the narrow, winding streets that retain their Venetian charm. Kritsa is a feast for the senses—old chapels, artisan shops, Greek coffee spots, and traditional weavings.

We loved the way Kritsa’s atmosphere feels preserved and authentic. Several reviews mention that the guide’s insights add context to the architecture and local crafts. One said, “The weaving demonstrations are fascinating, and I loved browsing the shops for unique souvenirs.”

You’ll want to take your time exploring, snapping photos, and maybe grabbing a coffee or a cold drink at a local café. Keep an eye out for the old chapels and the picturesque alleyways. The free time might be short for some, but it’s enough to get a real feel for the village’s charm.

Scenic Drive and Myrtos Beach: Relax and Refresh

After Kritsa, it’s back on the bus for about an hour’s drive to Myrtos Beach, located 13 km west of Ierapetra. This stretch through lush greenhouses and citrus groves is quite scenic, offering a glimpse of the agricultural side of Crete.

Once at Myrtos, you’ll have roughly 2.5 hours to enjoy the beach. This isn’t a crowded, touristy strip but rather a more isolated stretch of coarse gray-sand shoreline with crystal-clear waters. The beach is spacious, making it perfect for relaxing, swimming, or snorkeling if you’re inclined. You’ll love the peaceful vibe and the clean, inviting water.

There are taverns and snack spots nearby, so you can grab a traditional Greek meal or a cold drink after some sunbathing. Some reviews highlight that the water is very clear and that the beach’s secluded feel makes it a great escape from busier spots.

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The Return: Wrapping Up the Day

After plenty of time to relax, swim, and soak up the sun, the bus departs around 4:15 pm to head back to Heraklion and nearby pickup points, arriving around 6 pm. The day’s schedule is tight but well-organized, with sufficient breaks to enjoy each spot.

The Experience’s Value: Breaking It Down

Considering the price of around $32.75 per person, this tour offers good value. It includes transportation, a guided experience, and several stops that showcase different facets of Crete—culture, scenery, and leisure. The guided aspect is particularly appreciated, with reviews praising the guides for their knowledge and friendliness.

It’s worth noting that meals aren’t included, so plan to bring some snacks or budget for lunch, especially if you want to enjoy more time at the beach without rushing. Also, since the schedule involves a fair amount of walking and moving between sites, it’s best suited for travelers who are reasonably mobile.

How it Fits into Your Crete Trip

If your goal is to see a highlight reel of Crete’s inland villages and beaches without the hassle of planning multiple transport connections, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for those who like guided tours that combine education with leisure and don’t mind a full, active day.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros:
– Well-organized and informative guides
– Good value considering the transportation and multiple stops
– Authentic experiences like olive oil tasting and traditional weaving
– Beautiful, less-crowded Myrtos Beach

Cons:
– A full schedule might be tiring for some
– Limited free time at each stop
– No included meals, so need to plan accordingly
– Not suitable for pregnant women or mobility-limited travelers

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who want to get a taste of Crete’s rural charm and coastal beauty in one day. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate guided commentary and enjoy learning about local products. If you’re traveling with children, older relatives, or anyone with mobility challenges, keep in mind the amount of walking and the full-day schedule.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-paced day that packs culture and relaxation into one trip, this tour ticks the right boxes. However, if you prefer more flexibility and less time on a bus, you might explore other options or create a more customized day.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in specified areas, and transportation is by a comfortable bus.

What languages are guides available in? The guides speak English, German, French, and Russian.

How long is the entire tour? The tour lasts about 8 hours, including travel, with the start times varying—check availability.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at the beach.

Is there free time at each stop? Yes, you’ll have around 1.5 hours in Kritsa and nearly 3 hours at Myrtos Beach.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s suitable for most travelers but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to walking and full-day schedule.

How much does the tour cost? It’s priced at $32.75 per person, which is a reasonable rate for a guided trip with multiple stops.

What should I bring? Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel or swimsuit for the beach.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking ahead secures your spot; keep in mind you’ll pay later if you choose the reserve option.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Heraklion to Kritsa & Myrtos tour offers a balanced glimpse into Crete’s charming villages and scenic beaches, making it a solid choice for travelers who want an organized, culturally rich day without a hefty price tag. The stops are thoughtfully selected to give you a sense of local life, craftsmanship, and relaxation, all guided by knowledgeable hosts.

While it’s quite full on schedule, the variety of experiences—olive oil tasting, village wandering, beach lounging—means you’ll come away feeling like you’ve truly seen a different side of Crete. It’s especially great if you’re after a hassle-free way to explore the east and south coasts with a bit of depth, without needing to rent a car or plan every detail yourself.

If you love discovering authentic local products, enjoy scenic drives, and need some beach time, this tour could really hit the spot. Just be prepared for a busy, full-day adventure that leaves you with plenty of stories and stunning photos.

Enjoy your trip to Crete, and I hope this detailed look helps you decide if this tour fits your travel style. Safe journeys!

You can check availability for your dates here: