The 4 Tours in Rethymno That Earn Their Price

1.Samaria Gorge Full-Day Trek, Pickup & Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,610 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $37Our pick

Spend a demanding day crossing Samaria Gorge from Omalos to Agia Roumeli. You’ll walk at your own pace over rocky ground, beneath old cypress trees, beside clear springs, and through the famous narrow gorge. Guides such as Pia and George explain the route in English, German, or French, then you return by ferry and air-conditioned coach.

“Very well organised. A great day out. Enough time to enjoy the walk and the beach and town at the end. The trip ended with a beautiful sunset from the ferry.”

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2.Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Sushi & Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 446 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $100

Sail from Rethymno Marina aboard the catamaran Karina for 3.5 hours of swimming, SUP, snorkeling, sushi, Cretan snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The English and Greek-speaking crew, including Nana and Yannis on some departures, finish the evening near Geropotamos Beach with sunset views. Groups are limited to 25.

“The crew was very experienced, communication was also great. It was a bit windy at first but the crew brought to an amazing area with quiet sea where we had a long pause and were able to swim. This little cruise was my mom’s birthday present and she was extremely happy.”

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3.Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 391 reviews · 10 hours · from $33Best value

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Rethymno to Spili, Matala, and Agia Galini. You’ll see Spili’s lion-head fountains, explore Matala’s Minoan-era caves, enjoy three hours by the beach, and hear local stories from guides such as Anastasia and Lazarus.

“AWESOME!! the stops on our way to matala were beautiful and even the bus ride was nice itself. thanks to andreas we've heard interessting facts about crete and our destinations. the red beach and the hike to it is a definitive recommondation.”

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4.Arkadi, Melidoni, and Margarites Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 211 reviews · 10 hours · from $41Top rated

Leave Rethymno for a full day of Cretan culture. Visit Melidoni Cave, 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, pottery workshops in Margarites, and an old olive oil mill. A family tavern adds lunch, live music, and dancing. English and German guides, hotel pickup, and air-conditioned transport are included. Lunch and entrance fees cost extra.

“We enjoyed the variety of experiences and the landscapes are so beautiful everywhere we went. The extra special experience was the afternoon lunch with dance and music. We felt very privileged to be part of the whole experience. Our guide Nectarios and driver Kostas were exceptional. They seemed to enjoy the day as much as we did. We also had a lovely selection of people with us to share the whole day with. We would have liked a little more time in Arcadia rather than the much longer time in Margaritas. However, top marks for a very entertaining day in "real' Crete. We will certainly recommend this particular tour to…”

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