Cruising into the port at Rethymnon? A local guide is waiting to take you away from the crowds, on a private tour of Rethymnon.

Find the perfect itinerary below, or design your own Rethymnon tour and experience the best of the region with a friendly and knowledgeable ToursByLocals guide.

Rethymnon

Elafonisi Beach and Cretan Mainland Full Day Excursion

Elafonisi is one of the best beaches in the world. It's an island connected with Crete with a narrow and shallow strip of sand, forming a 10km long beach. The road to get there goes through breathtaking Topolia gorge, picturesque villages and the dramatic varied landscapes.
The aim of this tour is not only to visit a beach, but the trip to get there is an experience itself. On the way we will visit various locations of historical, geological and natural interest. We will stop for lunch in a restaurant at the end.
Even if its a 2-hour drive to get there, the road trip there and the beach itself are stunning and worth the effort and time spent to get there. Its my favourite beach in Crete, and visit it frequently with family and friends, even in winter.
The road ends 1km (0, 6 miles) before the beach. You will have to walk on a dirt track for 10 minutes down and 15 up the road. It will be harder to visit Elafonisi beach for children, persons with health problems or walking difficulties.

Experience one of the best beaches in the world and the unique Cretan landscape

Walking tour via the past and the present of Chania city

No matter if it is very early in the morning in the silence of the city, or during the rush hours among the crowds or even late in the afternoon, just before the sunset, a short or long walking tour in Chania will give you the chance to contact the very ancient, both prehistorical and historical past of the city as well as the most recent history that has led to the unique combination of images, sights and feelings while strolling around. I really believe you will be excited to walk around the neighbourhoods and graphic paths of my everyday life, getting familiar to the pictures and sounds and smells of a very alive place.

The most important historical and contemporary points of interest of the city

Being a historian, I can guarantee Chania is a great place to start with an introduction to Cretan history! Its monuments span over 5, 000 years, from Minoan houses and streets dating back to 3, 000 BC, to the Byzantine, Arab and Venetian walls, the impressive arsenali (shipyards), mansions and cisterns of the Renaissance, Ottoman mosques and hamams of the early modern era, and more modern buildings, such as the Agora, a covered market inaugurated shortly after union with Greece in 1913.

During this tour through the old city of Chania you will see and learn a lot about its monuments, explore "hidden corners" of its old neighborhoods, Christian, Muslim and Jewish, and get a deeper understanding of historic events, as well as valuable context from social life, traditions, religion and other local elements you might be interested in.

I can customize this tour according to your needs or interests.

view from the upper part of the Firka Fortress

The Lighthouse (rebuilt in 1830 after the one in Alexandria, Egypt)

Panorama of the old harbour. On the left you can see Yali Tzami (Mosque of the Janissaries), whereas the red building in the middle used to be the toll house and later the British Consulate.

A view of the Venetian arsenali, the 16th century shipyards where the Venetian fleet (both military and commercial) was repaired at wintertime.

A view of the inner courtyard of the Catholic Church of Chania. The building at the background is a renovated traditional Cretan house museum.

One of the many tavernas one can find on Daliani Str. in the old Muslim Quarter

A view of the small alleys of the inner old city of Chania

A journey through the city's long history

Chania Old City Half Day Walking Tour

Old Town Chania Highlights - Express Walking Tour

Lets explore the most beautiful landmarks and secret corners of the biggest Old Town in the island.

We will start walking backwards in time from the city centre, to visit the remains of the medieval walls, the Jewish and Venetian quarters, the ruins of ancient Greek monuments and even the prehistoric sites where tragic stories have surfaced.

We will stop at the most picture-worthy spots to absorb all the beauty of the town, so you can then impress your friends & followers. This is the city where I was raised so I have a lot of secrets to share that Google can't tell you about. . . it doesn't know in which ruins young couples meet for their first date, or what happens when storms hit the harbour, or where local students go to hide when they skip school!

Kindly note that his tour is designed to leave you with enough time & energy to do your local shopping, drinking and lunching or dining. And, however short, it will leave you wanting more, so be ready to book your next trip to Chania by the end of the day!

A random and yet so pretty old town alley

One of the stunning secret corners we'll visit!

View of the harbor standing at the nautical museum

Unlock the city's secrets with time to spare!

Agia Irini Gorge Extended Excursion from Chania

Shorter and less crowded than the famous Samaria gorge, Agia Irini is an easier alternative for those who want to admire the local flora and fauna and the stunning view. Like Samaria, there is also running water and rich vegetation providing shade, which is needed for our hike especially in the summer months.

Part of the E4 trail network, this gorge starts south of the Agia Irini village and leads close to the crystal waters of Sougia. Its length is 7. 5 km and its crossing takes three to four hours.

For those of us with the observing eye and the love for wildlife, you will find that though more quiet than the busy areas of Chania, this gorge is full of life: birds such as the proud bearded vulture, the colorful and noisy jays, lizards, and even the famous but very cautious Cretan wildgoat are inhabitants of this gorge. It is very important to respect that this is a refuge for wildlife.

If you are also interested in visiting the crystal waters of the Libyan Sea and Sougia beach, please contact me!

There is small entrance fee that actually pays for the maintenance of the trail of this natural area

One of my favourite Plane trees in Agia Irini gorge

Join me to discover a smaller but equally beautiful version of the famous Samaria Gorge!

A Dream Where Time Doesn't Exist. Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape from Chania

Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor.

Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea-breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake.

There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for the discerning travelers who pursue traveling at their own pace.

On the road trip across West Crete rely on my local expertise to immerse in a true journey & localize exquisite family taverns by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle.

Take things slower, breathe deep and luxuriate in your freedom.

This is a tailor-made Elafonisi private day tour just for you!

I was born and raised in the old town of Chania in Crete. I am a professional mountaineer, mountain guide and instructor and have many years of experience as a mountain guide in Greece, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan and the western side of the USA.
It will be my pleasure to show you the details of my city.
In this two and a half hour tour of the old town of Chania we will visit historical parts of the city.
Since ancient times, Crete has been a bridge of civilizations!
And each culture left its colors and character on the island
So we have a deep history with images from architecture
Chania was and is an important city of Crete with its special history that influenced
in the development of the island and its inhabitants
With this walk through the small alleys and squares we will be transported to historical and important parts of the city.
I will be happy to share with you and explain and describe to you about our culture and traditions.
in a city that is constantly evolving!

Discovering the bridge of civilizations. The colors and characters of the city!

Chania Old Town Half Day Walking Tour

Chania's Old Town is being inhabited since the ancient ages of the Minoan Civilization from 3000BC. Since then it has always been a vivid place of prosperity and growth, influenced through the ages by the various cultures due to its geopolitical place in the Mediterranean Sea and those who invaded it particularly in the late years, such us the Venetians and the Ottomans.
We will visit the historic alleys and pinpoint the Byzantine and the Venetian Walls and Fortifications. As a local, I never get tired strolling around the alleys. History and architectural simplicity is stunning.
Then walk through the main streets and see the emergence of history from the Ancient Ages from the archeological excavations inside the Old Town to the Medieval and Recent Ages through the old buildings, the churches, the synagogues and the mosques. You will discover how people lived together through times with peace or turbulence. There is a 30-minute wine tasting option, please contact me for further details.

The Old Port, the Firka Fort and the Venetian/Jewish Quarter

The Old Port, the Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan and the central place of the Old Port Sintrivani (The Fountain)

Chania's Orthodox Metropolitan Church in the Old Town

The Old Town's panoramic view with the Old Market

Chania, a town on the crossroads of civilizations

Half Day Tour on Chania's Old Town

Chania Old Town Highlights - Walking Tour with Licenced Guide

A city of 7000 years old. . . a touristic hub. . . a shoppers' heaven. . . a foodies' delight. . . this is Chania!

Join me in this immersive journey through Chania's old town. In this tour, we will explore the meandering narrow alleys and archways of the "Venice of the East", looking at picturesque facades and inviting entrances. We will see abandoned mosques, restored churches and monasteries and a unique synagogue, all reflecting the city's diverse religious past.

We will delve into the rich tapestry of Chania's history, with conquerors that have left their marks for us to witness today.

I will give you captivating anecdotes about the city's past and we'll try to decipher the different inscriptions that we will encounter. We will also explore the traditional present, by visiting the last knife-maker as well as the last bootmaker of the city, who will explain how they maintain their centuries-old traditions to you.

Let yourself be guided around one of the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranean!

The Venetian port of Chania on a windy day

The emblematic Venetian lighthouse of the old port of Chania

The old port of Chania with the mosque of the Janissaries and the lighthouse

Let yourself be mesmerised by this spectacular city.

Chania since the ancient times was a melting pot of civilizations and cultures, each invader and new town resident leaving its mark on history, architecture and culture. Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe dating back to Minoan civilization around 3000BC. I have a special interest in history and as a local, know this place intimately and love sharing the knowledge.
In this tour we will trace the remains of civilizations, in the buildings and monuments. We will walk through the waterfront, alleyways, fortifications, viewpoints and marks of the past. You will see how Chania has changed over time, the buildings added and destroyed. Will walk through the city and visit historic points of interest not so obvious to the average visitor. Will explain the culture and traditions of Chania and how they formed the modern day city of Chania.
Travelers can add a few 45-minute options, depending on day, like wine tasting, street (fruit and vegetable) market, WW2 cemetery or a hand crafts location.

A trip through 7000 years of city's history

Chania Old Town Half Day Shore Excursion

A short or long walking tour in Rethimnon will give you the chance to know more about the historical past of the city as well as the most recent history that has led to the unique combination of images, sights and feelings while strolling around.

Walking tour at Rethimnon city

Overview of Apokoronas - Full Day Shore Excursion from Chania

We'll start from Chania or Souda and head to the ancient city of Aptera, first mentioned on Linear B tablets dating back to 1400 BC. The city thrived during the Minoan, Mycenean, Classical Greek and Hellenistic periods, while the Ottomans built next to it an imposing fort named Subashi, which enjoys great views over the Bay of Souda and Apokoronas.

From there we'll head to the twin Byzantine church of St Nicolas & St John, built in the 10th century. Then we can have a pit-stop for coffee or local soft drinks by the springs of Stilos, before continuing on to Fres.

Then, we will head to the monastery of St George in Karydi and visit its impressive olive factory, and continue on to Vamos for lunch and a walk around its picturesque Old Quarter. On our way back to Chania we could stop en route at an olive factory, in order to learn more about its harvest, products and benefits.

Join me on this great tour of Apokoronas!

The Ottoman fort Subashi (next to Aptera), built in the mid-19th century

View from the fort towards the bay of Kalives and Apokoronas

Fort Izzeddin and Fort Souda (island) as seen from Subashi tower (north of Aptera)

The Byzantine monastery built within ancient Aptera in the 11th century

The village of Macheri as seen from accross the valley (from Nio Chorio)

The ancient theater of Aptera, still in use today

view of the church of Panagia Zerviotissa (10th century)

partial view of Vamos with the White Mountains in the background

Rethimnon tours

Explore with 80 tours and 11 guides.

George T.

$ 509 (USD)

Zoi P.

$ 278 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 440 (USD)

Nikolina K.

$ 270 (USD)

Mel L.

$ 420 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,100 (USD)

Vangelis S.

$ 220 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 509 (USD)

Olga T.

$ 452 (USD)

George T.

$ 509 (USD)

Zoi P.

$ 278 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 533 (USD)

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