Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Jeep Safari 4×4 Off Road Tour

Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Jeep Safari 4×4 Off Road Tour Review

If you’re craving a day away from the usual tourist spots in Crete, a Jeep Safari through the rugged east of the island might just be your kind of adventure. This tour offers a chance to see parts of Crete that most visitors never reach—think mountain peaks, ancient olive trees, secluded beaches, and traditional villages. Based on the reviews and details available, it seems like a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of scenic views, cultural sights, and a bit of off-road excitement.

What I really like about this experience is the way it combines an active outdoor adventure with authentic local flavor. The stops at the summit of Afentis for panoramic views and the ancient olive tree are genuine highlights that add a sense of history and natural beauty. Plus, the included lunch and bottled water make the day smooth and hassle-free. However, a word of caution: since the tour involves moderate physical activity and off-road driving, it’s best suited for those in decent shape willing to handle some bumps and a full day out.

That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re after a relaxing day lounging on beaches or prefer guided city tours, this might feel a bit too rugged or fast-paced. It’s ideal for active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Crete from a different perspective. If those sound like your interests, this Jeep Safari could very well be a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines off-road adventure with visits to historical and scenic sites.
• Inclusive Value: Lunch and bottled water are included, easing the day’s planning.
• Panoramic Views: The stop at Afentis summit offers spectacular sea views.
• Cultural Highlights: The oldest olive tree in the world is a must-see.
• Flexible & Comfortable: Private transportation and a moderate pace suit most active travelers.
• Potential Downsides: The off-road parts and physical activity might not appeal to everyone.

An In-Depth Look at the Jeep Safari Adventure

Setting the Scene: What’s the Tour All About?

This 8-hour journey takes you deep into East Crete’s less-trodden areas, starting early at 9:00 am. The tour is operated by South Crete Tours and offers the convenience of pickup and drop-off, which is often a big plus for travelers staying in Heraklion or nearby. The price of around $112.55 per person includes all fees, taxes, lunch, bottled water, and private transportation, making it a fairly straightforward pricing structure—no hidden costs.

The tour is designed to balance off-road driving with sightseeing. Expect roughly an hour of off-road routes from the start, with additional off-road segments between stops, totaling about an extra hour of rugged terrain. This means you should have moderate physical fitness and be prepared for some bumpy rides—think of it more like a fun adventure than a laid-back tour.

What’s the Itinerary Like?

The day kicks off with a pickup around 9 am, giving travelers plenty of time to settle in and get comfortable. Here’s how it unfolds:

Stop 1: Thrypti and Agios Ioannis Village

Your first stop introduces you to the picturesque village of Agios Ioannis within Thrypti. This is a quick, hour-long visit that’s perfect for stretching your legs, taking photos, and soaking in traditional village vibes. Since it’s a free stop, you’re free to wander and enjoy the scenery.

Stop 2: Thripti Mountain & Afentis Summit

The highlight here is reaching the summit of Afentis at 850 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of both the Libyan and Aegean Seas. Spending about 1 hour and 15 minutes here, you can really take your time soaking in the vistas, which are reportedly unforgettable. The drive up involves off-road paths, providing some fun and a bit of an adrenaline rush—think of it as an adventure in itself.

Stop 3: Kavousi and the Old Olive Tree

Next, you’ll visit Kavousi and stand beneath the oldest olive tree in the world, estimated to be 3,250 years old. It’s a remarkable sight, especially if you’re into ancient history or just love seeing natural wonders. This stop is 45 minutes long and offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to ponder centuries of history rooted in the land.

Stop 4: Mochlos for Authentic Greek Cuisine

For lunch, the tour stops at a local tavern in Mochlos, allowing you to enjoy Greek cuisine in a relaxed setting. Given the time (about 1 hour and 15 minutes), you’ll have enough time to savor authentic dishes, possibly with a view of the sea. It’s a good chance to experience local flavors and unwind before heading back into the countryside.

Stop 5: Villages of Tourloti, Sfaka, and Lastros

This stretch takes you through vineyards, olive groves, small chapels, and traditional villages. The visit to Tourloti and nearby villages lasts about an hour. You’ll see scenes of lifestyle that’s largely untouched by tourism, which adds a layer of authenticity to your experience.

Stop 6: Tholos Beach for a Refreshing Swim

Finally, the tour wraps up with about 1 hour and 30 minutes at Tholos Bay, a private beach with crystal-clear waters. If you’re a fan of swimming or just relaxing on the sand, this is a perfect way to wind down the day. The water is reportedly exceptionally clear, making it ideal for a refreshing dip or just lounging with the sound of waves.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour’s inclusions are quite comprehensive: private transportation, all fees and taxes, lunch, and bottled water. This makes it a good value, especially since you’re not worrying about extra costs for entrances or food.

On the flip side, alcoholic beverages are not included (and are only for non-drivers), and soda or soft drinks aren’t part of the package. If you’re someone who enjoys a cold beer or a soda with lunch, you should bring your own.

The Real Deal: What Travelers Say

Although there’s only one review available, it’s a glowing one, praising the cars, roads, organization, restaurant, and sea as all being “perfect and pleasant.” The reviewer, Erez, mentions they “enjoyed all of the above” and would definitely recommend this experience to others. Such feedback suggests that the tour is well-organized and delivers on its promise of a fun, scenic day.

Practicalities and Tips

• The tour runs from 9:00 am, so plan your morning accordingly.
• Moderate fitness level is recommended because of the off-road driving and walking at stops.
• Add extra time for the off-road routes—roughly an hour from start to first stop, plus additional off-road segments between spots.
• The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, which is great if you have specific needs.
• The maximum group size is around 50 travelers, so it’s not tiny, but not overly crowded either.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This Jeep Safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring off the beaten path, panoramic views, and authentic local culture. It suits those in decent physical shape who can handle some moderate walking and bumpy rides. If you like a mix of sightseeing, nature, and cultural stops—plus the thrill of driving through scenic mountain terrain—this experience will likely tick all the boxes.

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer gentle, relaxing days, this might not be your best fit. It’s more suited for active, curious travelers who want to see a different side of Crete.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Makrigialos-Ierapetra Jeep Safari offers a compelling way to see East Crete’s less crowded, more natural side. The stops at the summit, the ancient olive tree, and the beautiful beach make it a well-rounded day out. The inclusion of lunch and water, combined with private transportation, makes it convenient and good value.

For anyone craving an authentic adventure, with scenic vistas and a taste of local culture, this tour delivers. It does require some physical activity and a love for off-road fun, but if that sounds like your kind of day, you’re likely to walk away with plenty of memorable moments. It’s a chance to explore Crete in a way most travelers never do—on rugged mountain roads, through traditional villages, and ending with a dip in a pristine bay.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility? The tour involves off-road driving and some walking, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What is included in the price? The price covers private transportation, all fees and taxes, lunch, bottled water, and all stopovers.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

How long is the off-road driving? Expect about an hour of off-road routes from the start, plus additional off-road segments between stops, totaling roughly an extra hour overall.

What are the main highlights? The panoramic views from Afentis summit, the ancient olive tree, the traditional villages, and the beach at Tholos are top highlights.

Is there a chance to swim? Yes, the final stop at Tholos Bay gives ample time for swimming and relaxing on the beach.

How many people will be in the group? The maximum group size is around 50 travelers, balancing intimacy with the social aspect.

What is the best time to take this tour? The tour starts at 9:00 am, so morning hours are best, especially for avoiding the midday heat and enjoying the views.

Is this experience suitable for families? It’s more suited for active adults and older children comfortable with off-road driving and walking. Not specifically designed for young children or infants.

What happens if the weather is poor? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re after an immersive, scenic, and slightly adventurous way to explore East Crete’s mountains, villages, and beaches, this Jeep Safari might just be the perfect day out. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure and a camera—you’ll want to capture those panoramic vistas!