12 of the Best Crete Walking Tours 2024

Have you been wondering about the Best Crete Walking Tours? I’ve got you covered!

Living in Europe has given me the unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth, like Crete.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience all the sights and sounds of Greece’s largest island, I highly recommend taking one of the Crete walking tours.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which tour is right for you – but by talking to other travellers who have experienced these tours firsthand, you can get a better idea of which ones are safe, fun, and worth your time.

2. Knossos Palace Guided Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes | ✅ Book it!

Explore the famous Knossos Palace in this guided walking tour staying in Crete. The Knossos Palace provides insight into one of Europe’s most advanced Bronze Age civilisations, excavated and restored by archaeologists in the 20th century. 

During this tour, you will learn about Minoans and the mythical Minotaur as you explore the vast palace. Some of the things you can see are wall paintings, domestic quarters and the Throne of Minos. The palace is vast and complex, and getting lost inside the labyrinth is easy, so you’ll explore it with a licensed guide.

“We enjoyed the small group setting and, as a result, were able to be more flexible as the crowds ebbed and flowed throughout the site. Our guide, Arkivi, was knowledgeable and provided expert commentary throughout the day. A very enjoyable tour!” -Richard_M

You’ll meet your guide at the entrance of Knossos Palace, and from there, you’ll explore the vast royal residence. Inside, you’ll be able to see the Minoan king’s throne and learn about the history of the Minoan Civilization.

The Minoan Civilization is probably the oldest on the European continent, so it would be great to get an introduction to them when visiting Crete. This is also where you’ll see the House of the Frescoes and its colourful paintings.

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at WeGuide Meeting Point in Knossos (Palace of Knossos)
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Includes: LIVE Tour Guide Knossos, Need to purchase entrance ticket (Full €15, Reduced: €8 ). We can provide you Skip-the-Line service

3. Heraklion Food Stories Small Group Or Private Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get to explore Heraklion like a local as you join this small group or, if you prefer, a private walking tour of the city. This is one of the best Crete walking tours you can join, especially if you want to discover real Cretan food while exploring local neighbourhoods. 

During the tour, you will wander in local areas where you’ll find local favourite stops. Of course, you will be led by a tour guide, who will show you these stops while sharing information about the Cretan cuisine. 

“A wonderful immersive experience within Heraklion on this tour. Eva was wonderful in telling the historical stories of the city as we took in various sites and food along the route. This was a unique experience mixing a traditional food tour with history and stories/sites and we loved it. Highly recommend this tour for something unique while in Crete.” – Michael_J

This four-hour Heraklion walking tour will introduce you to all the best local finds that Heraklion has. You will start at Liberty Square, where you will find the best food stops to try traditional Cretan dishes and local wines. 

As you make your way through the city, you can enjoy local food and glimpse the city’s structure and attractions.

After exploring Liberty Square, you will head to Heraklion’s well-known family-owned business to enjoy their bougasta. This famous Cretad dish consists of custard, cheese or minced meat between layers of phyllo. 

You will also make time to pass by the historical centre of the town, where local markets are. This is an excellent opportunity to meet local vendors and sample some of their products. You’ll cap off this tour at the Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion, 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at the chosen pick-up point or Eleftherias Square 
• Duration: 4 hours 
• Includes: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Local English-speaking guide, Private tour option, hotel pick-up

4. Heraklion Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Crete is steeped in ancient customs and holds a special place in Greek history and myth. But aside from that, Crete offers much more than its past. It is home to a bustling and thriving industry, which you can discover and explore in this Heraklion Walking Tour. 

Experience the vibrant island life in this tour as you explore the Vatos village, where you can learn artisanal bread-baking using Crete’s own traditional style. You will also visit the town’s sites, including a raki cauldron and a conventional kitchen. 

“Very interesting baking lesson and the experience of Cretan mountain village life. Thank you, Katherina.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer 

In this walking tour, a guide will join you to explore the historical city centre of Heraklion. You’ll meet the group in front of Capsis Astoria Hotel Heraklion and start the walking tour Crete there. 

Some landmarks you will visit include major monuments and areas where the city’s present combines with the old. Since the 7th labour of Hercules was performed here, the birthplace of the famous painter El Greco and writer Nikos Kazantazakis, you will hear many stories about them from your tour guide. 

Aside from the monuments, you will also visit churches and fountains such as the Saint Minas Cathedral, Lion’s Square, Tito’s Church, Heraklion Town Hall and Kule’s Fortress.

Between your walking tour, you’ll also be given time to enjoy snacks and meals, such as tasting the traditional Cretan Mpougasta and raki. All these you can enjoy just within 2 hours!

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 10:00 AM at Capsis Astoria Heraklion
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Includes: Professional T/L, VAT and all legal taxes included Mpougatsa & Raki Tasting

5. Food & Walking Tour Of The Old Town Of Rethymno

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy another walking tour in Crete, this time in the old town of Rethymno. You will be taking a route where you will explore the products of Cretan Diet and learn about the herbs and spices of Cretan soil. 

Within 4 hours, you’ll walk through Rethymo while meeting locals and learning about the traditional cuisine. On your way around, you will also be visiting a traditional place where traditional products such as local cheese, honey, thyme, local wine and Cretan olives will be served for you to taste.

“We set a trip to our family to Kornas and Chania city with B&S. We had an amazing time. Kosta the guide was really one of a kind…really much more then we ever expected. Highly recommended for any visitor. Thank you so much for incredible quality time!” – Tripadvisor Reviewer 

During the tour to the Old Town of Rethymno, not only will you be tasting and discovering traditional Cretan food, but you will also be exploring historical landmarks. You can see Venetian architecture from another era and visit the old port of Rethymno. 

At the old port, you can admire the overlooking Egyptian lighthouse. A local guide will also join you during the tour to show you around and help you immerse into the Cretan culture.

The highlight of this tour is to have a meal in the city’s heart, where you’ll taste local cuisine. As mentioned earlier, you will also visit vendors selling local cheese, honey, thyme and other Cretan products used to create dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to understand their lifestyle and customs better. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 10:00 AM at Sofokli Venizelou
• Duration: 4 hours 
• Includes: All Fees and Taxes, Testing of local Food products

6. Private River Trekking And Gorge Walking Adventure In Crete

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you want to see the different sides of Crete, this private river trekking and gorge hike Crete offers an adventurous time at Kourtaliotiko Gorge to Preveli Beach. In this private guided tour, you’ll see the waterfalls at the river’s source and travel to a Venetian bridge to follow the river to the ocean. 

This is possible only when you go through a trek to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge that leads to Preveli Beach. You will also be given time to swim and play at the waterfalls to reward yourself. 

“A very pleasant and refreshing hike, also suitable for children, who loved it! The guide Casper was very attentive and helpful.” -Yann_V

Aside from taking historical tours and food exploration in Crete, there’s something you can enjoy outdoors, which is perfect for your summer visit. This private day adventure starts with a visit to the waterfalls you can reach when you hike to the Gorge. 

After admiring and capturing photos of the waterfalls, your tour guide will take you to the arched Venetian bridge. You’ll need to walk in the riverbed and get quite wet here. This is an excellent opportunity to swim and play at the waterfalls, a famous natural playground for the locals. 

So, if you’re looking for an outdoor activity to play in the water, relax amidst nature and go on short climbs, this tour is ideal for your Crete trip. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 10:00 AM at Gefyra Taverna Cafe 
• Duration: 5 hours 
• Includes: Hiking poles/walking sticks & Helmets, Snacks, Bottled water, First aid kit, All Fees and Taxes, Experienced guide of Cretan Adventures

7. Walking “Food Tasting Tour” In The Town Of Chania

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Looking for a way to have a gastronomic feast while in Chania Crete? This walking tour Crete offers a food-tasting tour for all the foodies out there. Get to explore Chania uniquely as you make your way to its streets, exploring different local delicacies. 

On this short but fulfilling tour, you will see why this Mediterranean island is famous for its food. You’ll get to taste aki, tsikoudia, and bougatsa with plenty of cheese, olives, and sweets thrown into the mix. These are the most famous local delicacies you’ll usually see sold in Crete Markets. 

Aside from these, you’ll also have the chance to experience unique gems in Chania and visit herb stores that are only known by locals. 

“The food was amazing especially the Loukoumades! The places we tasted food at were all local places that are known for their amazing cuisine. The tour guide who is from Crete has a relationship with all the owners of the places we stopped to try. Plus the guide was so friendly and shared a lot of his knowledge about Crete. One of many highlights was the spice store we visited, he takes wild herbs and spices and makes his own recipes plus he will give you tips on how feel healthier or fix a health issue.” – Andrew_M

On this tour, you can expect to taste the best local delicacies that not even other tourists know about. First, you will meet your tour guide and group at Domino Pizza (not that you’ll eat one), and from there, you will head over to your first stop – Bougatsa Lordanis. 

This local place is famous for creating Crete’s most traditional bougatsa, a must-try. After this tasting experience, you will explore Chania Town and taste many local products. 

What makes this walking tour different from others is that you will be visiting a local herb and product store, a secret gem among locals. This is to assure you that you will get an authentic local experience.

Aside from that, you will also visit a traditional manufacturer of Cretan knives. These are all located in the modern and old town of Chania. 

To end the tour, you will walk through charming, narrow streets to the Venetian Port. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time to be confirmed Dominonos Pizza Chania
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Includes: Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

8. Rethymno Walking & Gastronomy Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 to 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Rethymno, a town in Crete, is home to plenty of artisan food producers. This is why, in this Rethymno Walking and Gastronomy Tour, you can explore its fresh, seasonal and often plant-based cuisine. 

If you are short on time and still want to taste the best Cretan food while sightseeing, this tour combines both. You will visit the town’s historical heritage while exploring Crete’s culture, traditions and cuisine. 

On this tour, you will try local pies, Greek coffee, kataifi and baklava. You will also taste Cretan wine or beer while shopping for local products with your local guide’s help. 

“Really enjoyed this tour. Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, and very passionate about sharing the culture. We had a great time, and may book another tour when our travel companions arrive next week.”-Troy_V

This Rethymno Walking & Gastronomy Tour starts with a visit to the Kafeneio, located in a unique spot in the old town of Rethymno. This small square has a running fountain and is home to an authentic Cretan breakfast consisting of traditional Greek coffee or juice and handmade cheese pie. 

As you enjoy your breakfast, your guide will introduce you to Cretan Gastronomy’s historical heritage, traditions, customs, and connection to all of these.  The next stop of the tour will be at Bricks Beers & Tales. You will taste some local products here, including Olive Oil, Honey and Tsikoudia. 

One highlight of this tour is a visit to a Traditional Philo Workshop. Here, you’ll see the oldest kind of making kantafi and baklava. The creation of traditional Philo is an essential ingredient for locals to create traditional syrupy sweets, so those who work on these are masters in the industry. 

To cap off the tour, you will head to the Ali Vafis Garden, a tavern based on a building from the Venetian era. The Ottomans occupied this, and it is now where you can taste the best Cretan mezedes. The place is also where you can enjoy other Cretan and Ottoman cuisine. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location):  10:30 AM at Church of Four Martys, Rethymno
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Includes: Local English or French speaking guide, Small group tour, All taxes, fees and handling charges​, Lots of raki and laughter, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch

9. Knossos Palace And Heraklion City Walking Food Tour (Small Group)

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Learn more about the mysteries and triumphs of Crete’s ancient Minoan civilisation in this combined Knossos Palace and Heraklion City Walking Food Tour.

You will be visiting the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, which showcases the Minoan culture to the world and the palace known in Greek mythology as the home of King Minos and the Minotaur. 

This small group tour is limited to only 12 people, which helps keep the experience more intimate. One highlight of this walking tour, compared to other Crete tours, is that your guide will ensure that you’ll learn how to distinguish what the facts and myths are about Greek mythology at the end of the tour. 

“If you enjoy learning the history of a place you visit, this was a must see! The guide was excellent and accommodating, as the other couple was late and we waited for them and my boyfriend had hurt his foot and she pointed out places he could rest while she spoke of all the great historical things that took place at Knosses Palace and the rich history housed in the archeological museum. You could tell the guide loved what she did!” – Beverly_F

The tour starts with a visit to the Knossos Archaeological Site, where you will enjoy a guided tour around the Monument of Minoan civilisation. 

his site is home to legends such as the Minotaur and Labyrinth. It is also the royal residence where the Minoan king’s throne is located. This tour allows you to enjoy skip-the-line access to save time and effort queuing. 

After exploring the Palace, you will head to Heraklion and enjoy being a local for a day. Here, you will visit local restaurants and get to eat local delicacies. You will also explore the charming neighbourhood as you enjoy local products such as raki and wine. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time to be confirmed at Capsis Astoria Heraklion
• Duration: 5 hours
• Includes: Transportation to/from attractions, We will meet you at Heraklion Liberty Square ( in front of Capsis Astoria Hotel ), Snacks, Knossos professional tour Guide (English speaking), Knossos palace entry ticket

10. Full Day Samaria Gorge 10-Mile Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 14 hours| ✅ Book it!

If you are looking for a packed full-day tour around Crete, this Samaria Gorge 10-mile walking tour is something to look forward to. Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders, with its sheer walls and tight passageways. 

During the tour, you will go on an 18-kilometre hike alongside a small group and professional guide. To avoid the crowd, you will be setting off early from Chania. This lets you enjoy the peak with a few people and admire the spectacular views of the longest canyon in Europe.

“This made for a very long day, but was so, so worth it! The gorge itself was absolutely beautiful, and the early start was great, as it felt cool when the trail began, with lots of shade for the first half, but became quite hot by the end. The beautiful flowers, wild thyme, rugged rock, clear water, and little wooden bridges were breathtaking at every turn. The terrain definitely tests your ankles, and once you are out of the gorge itself, there is still a 2 km walk to the beach. However, we were very glad to have done it. Our 15, 14, and 10 year old kids said they’d definitely recommend it… and they said it was GORGE-ous. :)” – Maria_W

The hike to the top of Samaria Gorge will take you hours, so make sure you come prepared. The trail is 18 kilometres long, but as you reach the top of Samaria Gorge, you’ll be rewarded with stunning natural views. 

From Chania, you’ll be picked up by bus and head over to the start of the trail early in the morning. On the way up the peak, expect a rough, rocky, uneven track to take, so wear hiking shoes. 

No worries, there will be time to stop between hikes, where you can take toilet breaks or drink on fountains. This tour ends with a return boat to Chora Skafion, where your coach awaits. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 5:00 AM
• Duration: 14 hours
• Includes: Local taxes, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Bus transportation that transport guests between their hotel and the start of the hike

11. Craft Beer Walking Tour In Rethymno’s Old Town

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

This Craft Beer Walking Tour in Rethymno’s Old Town is designed for all beer lovers. Spend your day exploring Crete by getting a taste of various beer styles that are produced by Greek microbreweries. 

You will go through old pathways and pedestrian streets and have stopped to get a beer. Aside from beer, you will also get a taste of selected quality local food pairings and finger doos. 

“An unexpected beer experience in Rethymno’s old town. We felt so lucky that we decided to join this great beer tour. Greek craft beers are great & we had the chance, to taste 6 of them of different styles all over Greece. Food pairings are just super yummy. We went back to the same restaurants to taste more of their menu. Guide is experienced & with good sense of humor. A homebrewer also.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer 

The first stop of this craft beer walking tour is at the Old Venetian Harbour, where a famous craft beer pub is located on the water. You will then make your way to the Old Town while walking through the pedestrians of Rethymno. 

At the Old Town, you’ll make two stops at iconic beer pubs and taste locally brewed Greek craft beer. You will also visit the Rethymno Lighthouse, where you can catch breathtaking views. To cap off the tour, you will head to a craft beer pub tasting room to enjoy beer tastings and finger foods. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): 6:00 PM at Bricks Beers & Tales, Rethymno
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Alcoholic Beverages Snacks 3 tasting locations ( craft beer pub, restaurant & tasting room ), Tasting chart (with useful beer vocabulary-notes) & Eco-pen, Unique souvenir, Our top recommendations for bars & restaurants in Rethymno

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

FAQs About walking tours crete

how do you walk the samaria gorge?

Walking the Samaria Gorge is a popular activity for visitors to Crete. The trail is 14km long and starts at an altitude of 1,250m. Most people take around 6-7 hours to finish the walk.

You need to be adequately prepared before taking on the challenge, such as bringing plenty of water, wearing proper hiking shoes, and sun protection.

Along the way you’ll get to experience stunning views of the White Mountains, alpine lakes, and lush vegetation in the gorge. Many hikers end their journey at Omalos Plateau where they can relax and soak up the beauty around them.