Rethymno, Chania and Kournas Lake Day Trip from Heraklion
- Duration10 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
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Overview
This guided day trip takes you from Heraklion across Crete to the two most charming towns of the north coast and its only freshwater lake. You visit Rethymno with its Venetian fortress and old town, Chania with its old harbour and lighthouse, and Lake Kournas below the White Mountains. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transport and a live English guide are included, while food, drinks and entry tickets are extra. It is a relaxed shared tour for couples, families and first-time visitors who want a full day in western Crete.
Highlights
- Rethymno old town and its Venetian harbour
- Chania old harbour, lighthouse and narrow lanes
- Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in your resort area
- Air-conditioned coach or people carrier
- Live guide with history and local tips
- Free time in every stop for lunch and shopping
Full Description
Rethymno old town and the Venetian fortress
Rethymno is the third city of Crete and has the best preserved old town on the island, a maze of Venetian houses, Ottoman minarets, wooden balconies and small shops. A Rethymno day trip usually starts with a walk from the Venetian harbour and its lighthouse into the lanes around the Rimondi fountain and the Neratze Mosque.
Above the town stands the Fortezza, a huge 16th-century Venetian fortress on a hill by the sea. You have free time to visit it, to have coffee by the harbour or to browse the craft shops. It is an easy first stop on the way west and one of the best things to do near Heraklion.
Chania old harbour and the old town
Chania is often called the prettiest town in Crete, and a Chania old harbour tour is the heart of this trip. The crescent-shaped Venetian harbour is lined with pastel houses, tavernas and cafes, and at the end of the breakwater you can see the old lighthouse. Nearby is the Mosque of the Janissaries, one of the oldest Ottoman buildings on the island.
Behind the harbour, the old town of Chania has narrow streets with Venetian and Ottoman houses, leather and ceramic shops and the covered municipal market. Use your free time to walk, eat lunch or shop, and ask your guide for the best viewpoints.
Lake Kournas in the White Mountains
Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete and lies near the village of Georgioupoli, surrounded by green hills and the foothills of the White Mountains. Its calm, clear water is a peaceful change after the busy towns, and the shore has small tavernas, shady trees and pedal boats to hire.
If you are wondering whether Lake Kournas is worth visiting, it suits anyone who wants a relaxing stop with a swim or a coffee. Bring swimwear and a towel in summer, as the water is pleasant on hot days.
Planning your day trip from Heraklion to Chania and Rethymno
A day trip from Heraklion to Chania is long, so the tour is shared and organised for you. Rethymno is about 80 km from Heraklion and Chania about 140 km, and the coach uses the north coast highway. The order of stops and the time in each place can change on the day.
Your trip length depends on the option you choose. Pick-up from Heraklion and Ammoudara is the shortest, while Elounda and Agios Nikolaos is the longest, with an earlier start. Entry tickets to the fortress or museums are not included.
Itinerary
- Hotel pick-upYour driver collects you at your hotel in the pick-up area of your option, at the start time confirmed for that option.
- Drive along the north coastTravel west by air-conditioned transport while your guide introduces Crete's history and landscape.
- Rethymno old townWalk the harbour and old lanes and see the Fortezza area, with free time for coffee and shopping.
- Chania old harbourExplore the Venetian harbour, lighthouse and old town, with free time for lunch.
- Lake KournasStop at the freshwater lake for a walk, a swim or a drink on the shore.
- Return and drop-offDrive back to Heraklion and your hotel, arriving in the evening depending on your option.
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or people carrier
- Live guide (English)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Travellers who do not want a long day on the road
- People with serious mobility problems, as the old towns have cobbled and uneven streets
- Anyone who wants entry tickets included, as none are part of this trip
Meeting point
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included. The default option collects you from hotels in Heraklion and Ammoudara, and the other options cover Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos and Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes and Kokkini Hani, or Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Your exact pick-up time is confirmed after booking, and the start time differs by option, so please be ready at reception 10 minutes early.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobbled old-town streets.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and swimwear and a towel in summer.
- Take some cash for meals, drinks and small purchases, as food and drinks are not included.
- Entry tickets are not included, for example for the Fortezza or museums.
- The tour duration, start time and pick-up areas depend on the option you choose.
- The order of stops may change on the day because of traffic or local conditions.
- Be ready at your pick-up point 10 minutes before the confirmed time.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Chania and Rethymno day trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, that is your pick-up area, and on adult or child. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel are included in every option, within the pick-up area you select.
How long is the tour?
It depends on where you are staying: about 10 hours from Heraklion and Ammoudara, about 10.5 hours from Analipsi to Kokkini Hani, about 12 hours from Malia to Anissaras and about 14 hours from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
What is the difference between the options?
The itinerary is the same. The options differ by pick-up area, start time and total length, and the price changes with them.
Is the day trip suitable for children?
Yes, children can join. The child price applies from age 5 to 12, and children under 5 travel as infants. Note that the day is long and involves a lot of time in the vehicle.
Are entry tickets and lunch included?
No. Food, drinks and entry tickets are extra. You have free time in Chania and Rethymno to choose your own lunch.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water and some cash. In summer bring swimwear and a towel for Lake Kournas.
Is Chania worth visiting on a day trip from Heraklion?
Yes, its Venetian harbour and old town are among the highlights of Crete, and a guided day trip saves you the long drive and parking.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, when places are available. Choose your date in the booking panel and you will see what is open.
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