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

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!

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

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

A quick dive into Cretan history & culture

Best of Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake - Chania from Chania

Let's discover together Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia ("Hospitality").

We will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy with our logistics.

Visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo), and friendly locals.

Last but not least, you will have the chance for a unique homemade wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses!

Join me on this private day tour & discover West Crete's nature and cuisine on a multi-stop trip!

Full Day Tour on Chania's Old Town and lunch on a mountain restaurant

In this unique tour we will explore the rich history of Chania's Old Town, combined with a drive through a gorge, alongside with the beautiful countryside and the mountains, and an amazing gastronomical experience.
We will walk through the narrow streets of Chania and enjoy centuries old buildings through the Venetian and Ottoman era. We will visit the traces of the Minoan civilization dating back to 3000BC and the remains of the Byzantines. Will admire Chania's history and monuments and take panoramic pictures of the Old Town.
We will then drive through the gorge, passing by picturesque villages and marvelous landscapes and talk you through Cretan culture and history. A stop will be made for two hours in a restaurant to enjoy a meal cooked only on wood fire. Lunch cost is not included in this tour. All the family will enjoy this tour, from kids interested in stories, to the history that interests adults, and the food which is everyone's favourite

Combine exploring Chania, a magnificent gorge, the mountains and an amazing restaurant!

Vamos and Gavalochori - Half Day Shore Excursion from Chania

We'll start from Chania or Souda port and head to Gavalohori, a picturesque village in the north of Apokoronas, founded by a Byzantine family in the 10th century. Gavalohori is famous for its old traditional houses, which follow the norms of Cretan architecture as it once was, and its folklore museum, one of the first and most important in Crete, where visitors can see exhibits from eras gone by and learn about local arts and crafts, such as kopaneli, a kind of local embroidery whose tradition survives to this day.

Afterwards we will continue on to Vamos, the historic capital of Apokoronas, which is said to have been founded by Saracens from Spain in the 8th century. The village gained prominence in the late Ottoman period, when it became seat of the Prefecture of Sfakia in 1867. We will walk through its Old Quarter and have coffee or raki at the main square, before continuing on to Karydi - St. George Monastery, famous for its 12-arch olive factory, dating back to 1863.
Join me on this tour to rural Crete!

The city hall of Vamos and the monument to the Cretan revolutions of the 19th century

Coffee and raki, a common order or offer in most traditional cafes of Crete

Children and old men at the main square of Gavalohori

One of the cafes at the main square of Vamos

A view of Vamos with the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) on the background

View of the lower part of the "kalderimi" in the old quarter of Vamos

Inside the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori

Panorama of Gavalochori. You can see Akrotiri on the background and a slice of the Bay of Souda in between.

A rare insight into everyday life in rural Crete

I was born and raised in the old city of Chania, in Crete. I am a professional mountaineer, mountain guide and instructor. I have many years of experience working as a mountain guide in Greece, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan and on the western side of the USA.

While I live in Crete - Chania It will be my pleasure to show you the mountains of my home area!

I chose this trip of 2 to 3 hours of hiking to visit the entry of the Samaria gorge, see Lefka Ori Mountains with summits over to 2. 200m and to enjoy the panoramic sights! The magnificent view of the mountains and all the Samaria Gorge will make you wonder how amazing nature is. And I will definitely be happy to show you the mountainous area where I started my career at the age of 12!

Join me on this private day trip & discover! Enjoy a panoramic view of the Samaria Gorge!

Samaria Gorge view - Half Day Light Hiking Tour

Elafonisi is located in the southwestern tip of Crete. It is a long peninsula, which is actually an island, connected with shallow sand easy to walk from Crete. Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, are formed on either side of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, it seems as a small lagoon, shallow and ideal for kids.
At the tip of the peninsula, there is the island which is 3 miles long, ending in a rocky outcrop and small lighthouse. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area home to more than 100 rare plants and a great shelter for rare loggerhead sea turtles.
As it is one of the best beaches in the world according to many sources, its also my favourite beach!
On the way back we will make a stop for lunch. Optional visit to a winery, olive oil factory or monastery

Olive gardens, on the road to Elafonisi Beach

Elos Village, on the road to Elafonisi Beach

Potamida Village, on the road to Elafonisi Beach

Plokamiana Village, on the road to Elafonisi Beach

Monastery of Chrisoskalitisa, on the road to Elafonisi Beach

Explore Elafonisi island and its beach, one of the most beautiful in the world

Full Day Tour at Elafonisi Beach

Therisso gorge and lunch at a unique restaurant half day tour

We will drive through Therisso gorge on the foot of the White Mountains. We will make stops enjoying the nature and views, I will talk about the history of the area and the natural environment.
Then we will visit perhaps the most authentic Greek restaurant. Everything is cooked in the wood oven and will sample many small different plates. There is no menu so everyday there is different food. We will not leave until you are full! Everything is harvested from his farm or nearby villages. The lunch at the end is an experience by itself. Lunch cost is not included in tour price. I personally love this place for the food, quality, and hospitality. As I say, in life you have to make strategic friends. Lawyers, Doctors and. . . Chefs! The owner Stelios is almost a friend to me, with his big smile and Cretan hospitality!
On the way back we drive by the side of the mountain over Chania with panoramic view of Chania and Souda port.

Drive through a gorge and see the mountain life of the heart of Crete

Akrotiri Highlights and Old Town private tour

Akrotiri Cape is an area where the visitor can explore the recent history of the city. Combined with the city tour you are going to have a good experience of the contemporary city.

Agia Triada Monastery, Venizelos's Graves and Old Town Walking tour

Halepa & Akrotiri - Half Day Shore Excursion from Chania

This tour will start from Halepa, a suburb of Chania that used to host many European consulates and the city's high society in the late 19th and early 20th century. First we will visit the church of St Magdalene, built in Russian style, and see the house of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the most prominent politicians of Greece in the 20th century.

Then we will visit the hill of Prophet Elias, which offers great views of Chania and was the headquarters of the Cretan rebels during the 1897 revolution.

Our next stop will be at the beautiful monastery of Agia Triada - Giancaroli in Akrotiri, built in the late 16th century and greatly influenced by Venetian architecture. The monastery hosts an interesting collection of religious objects, as well as a famous winery.

From there, we will head to the Allied Cemetery in Vlites, west of Souda, where many soldiers that fought during the Battle for Crete (May 1941) rest in peace, before returning to Chania.
Follow me on a trip through the island's modern history!

The main church of the Agia Triada Monastery

Another view of the main church of Agia Triada

A view of the inner courtyard of Agia Triada and its bell tower

The small beach of Seitan Limania on the east side of Akrotiri

A view of the alleyways of Agia Triada Monastery

A side corridor of the Agia Triada courtyard

Detail from one of Agia Triada's porticos

A view of the beach of Marathi, with the White Mountains in the background

A quick dive into the island's rich heritage on a half day trip from Chania

Half Day Tour at Historic Akrotiri Peninsula

We will tour around Akrotiri peninsula. First visit the historic monasteries of Agia Triada and Gouverneto. They played an active role in the local history. We will marvel the magnificent architecture and structure of the monasteries and explore their rich history. Being religious myself, I can explain many things regarding the traditions and practices of the Orthodox faith.
Next we will relax for two hours by the crystal clear waters of Aegean sea in the beautiful bay of Stavros. Oscar nominated Zorbas the Greek was filmed on this beach.
On the way back we will stop at Venizelos graves to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Chania. The cafes near the graves are popular with locals from morning to sunset.
There are a few options to customize this tour. We could visit of Chania old town for 2 hours, from Gouverneto hike for 1-2 hours to Arkoudiotisa cave and later to Katholiko, an ancient monastic community or do a wine tasting at Agia Triada monastery. Please message us for more details.

Cretan Monasteries, stunning beach and an amazing view!

Road trip to Elafonisi Beach and West coasts

Starting early morning in order to experience Elafonisi beach in peace, driving west Crete's side, also a great opportunity to see some hidden beaches, just a moment before Elafonisi. Far from the crowded cosmopolitan beaches you can admire the original, often wild beauty of cretan landscapes.

The experience of Elafonisi and more exotic beaches and coasts

South Apokoronas Tour - Full Day Shore Excursion from Chania

This tour will lead us to the mountainous passes of south Apokoronas, an area known for its rebel spirit, its attachment to tradition and warm hospitality.

We'll start from Vafes, a traditional village built on the slopes of the White Mountains. Then we'll head to Embrosneros and the tower of Ibrahim Alidakis, a janissary who rule this area in the late 18th century. We'll learn about the village's rich history and stop at an oven to try some local delicacies, before descending to Vrisses and on to Kournas Lake, where you can have some free time for coffee, lunch, a walk along the lake's shore or a tour with a paddle boat.

Then we will continue on to Georgioupoli, where we'll walk near the Almiros river estuary and visit the small island-church of St Nicholas, before visiting Karydi-St George monastery, one of the most beautiful in western Crete, and its 12-arch olive factory, one of the oldest and biggest that survive to this day.
Join me on this interesting tour of the highlights of southern Apokoronas!

the entrance to the tower of Alidakis in Embrosneros

view of the main building of Alidakis' tower

shadows of green and blue in Kournas Lake

the center of Vafes as seen from the old school

The church of St George at Karydi Monastery

the island church of St Nicholas in Georgioupoli

the olive factory of Karydi, built in 1863

A journey through the nature and history of south Apokoronas

Grab the chance to access the traditional varieties of olive oil, locally made honey and  wine and dairy and have several delicious stops at local shops that preserve tradition all using local products and methods!

Olive oil, Spirit of Raki, honey, wine, dairy.

Chania City Tasting Tour

Falassarna - Half Day Shore Excursion from Chania

Our tour will start from Chania or Souda port and lead us to some of the most beautiful places in western Crete. Our first stop will be Gonia Monastery, situated at the east end of the Gulf of Chania. We will visit the main church, dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary, and the monastery's small museum, which hosts some excuisite examples of Byzantine art and numerous icons.

Then we will continue on to Vouves, a small village that is home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world, some 3500 years old! We can have a local soft drink or a coffee at the nearby cafe, and then head to Falassarna, a great beach on the west coast of Crete, known for its crystal waters and white sand, voted as one of the top 5 in the Mediterranean! We will have some free time at the beach (2-3 hours) and then we'll head to a traditional taverna, where you can try some excellent Cretan food!

Join me on this great tour of the highlights of western Crete!

Main church and bell tower of Gonia Monastery

Οld fountain with inscription outside Gonia Monastery

One of the valleys in the hinterland of Kissamos

Rethimnon tours

Explore with 26 tours and 6 guides.

Alexander Y.

$ 1,094 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 507 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 530 (USD)

Alexander Y.

$ 1,094 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 622 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 472 (USD)

Vangelis S.

$ 380 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 507 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 403 (USD)

Zoi P.

$ 369 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 449 (USD)

Peter T.

$ 461 (USD)

Zoi P.

$ 323 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 518 (USD)

Zoi P.

$ 426 (USD)

Georgios L.

$ 484 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Rethimnon

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