Hotel Cactus Village

Local excursions

EASTERN CRETE

The Heraklion region:

Knossos and Heraklion — exploring the most important remnants of Minoan Crete: the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, which was probably a mythical maze. After exploring the palace, transfer to Heraklion - the capital of the island, free time for a walk and shopping, or optionally: visiting the Archaeological Museum. Price - approx. 45 EUR (does not include: entry ticket to Knossos and Archaeological Museum - approx. 16 EUR).

Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos — the landscapes of East Crete, which is famous for its splendid views on the gorgeous Mirabello bay, an ancient flooded port of Olous and the city of Agios Nikolaos. Cruise to the island of Spinalonga, exploring the impressive fortress built by the Byzantines. After the tour, the boat anchors in a quiet cove by a small, wild beach. Time for swimming and lunch, which is prepared by the crew of the ship: grilled meat and Greek Salad. After returning to land, a walk through the charming and romantic Agios Nikolaos. Day trip, return to hotels before dinner. Price - approx. 45 EUR (does not include entry tickets to the fortress in Spinalonga - approx. 8 EUR).

Santorini - the island from a Greek fairytale — a boat trip to one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Early morning sail from Heraklion towards the Cyclades and a cruise to Athinios port in Santorini that lasts a few hours. Transfer to Oia, the village of artists - considered the most beautiful on the island. Free time. Transfer to the current capital of the island - Thira. A group stroll and free time for shopping. Day trip, return to Crete in the evening. Price - approx. 150 EUR (includes transfer to and from the port, cruise and trip around the island).

Cretan evening — an amazing encounter with the island's folklore in a tavern in the scenic mountain village of Kato Karouzano. A group of dancers in folk costumes will present the most famous dances of Crete and other parts of Greece, inviting you to have fun together. A glass of Raki to warm up. During the performances, a buffet dinner and unlimited local wine. Excellent proposition for those who like dancing, singing and having a good time! Price - approx. 45 EUR.

Water park — a visit to the aquapark - perfect relaxation for the whole family. Price - approx. 35 EUR.

Samaria Gorge — an expedition through the longest gorge in Europe - approx. 18 km, in the White Mountains National Park (Lefka Ori). Departure early in the morning towards the plateau of Omfalos at an altitude of approx. 1100 meters. Descent into the gorge. Conquering Ksiloskala - the stone steps carved into a hillside overgrown with cypress trees. Walk through the gorge, on the way the first of several churches - Agios Nikolaos. After exiting the gorge the route leads through an abandoned, old village of Agia Roumeli to the new Agia Roumeli. Boat cruise to Chora Sfakion, transfer to the hotels by coach. Day trip. Price - approx. 50 EUR (does not include entry ticket to the gorge: approx. 5 EUR, ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion: approx. 11 EUR).

Golden beaches and lagoons of Crete — Gramvousa and Balos: the route of the expedition runs along the northern coast, to the port of Kissamos, where the cruise begins around a gorgeous bay. Gramvousa is uninhabited, with intact nature and is a natural reserve for many species of birds. Next to it Balos Bay extends, with stunning blue waters and golden sands. A true leisure awaits here, as well as swimming and lunch prepared by the crew of the ship. Free time, return trip to Kissamos and transfer to hotels. Day trip, return in the evening. Price - approx. 62 EUR (includes coach transport, cruise, meal on the boat; comfortable footwear recommended).

Lashiti — visiting the fascinating corner of eastern Crete - the Lashiti Plateau. This is a very fertile valley located in the middle of the Dikte massif, sheltered from the wind on all sides by mountains. It is said that here, in one of the caves - Psychro - the "father of gods and people" Zeus was born. Except for the typical tourist towns on the coast, in the depths of the mountainous land the life has stopped. An additional attraction will be a visit to Eco Park, where you will have time for a traditional Greek dinner and learning the Cretan folklore. The program of the trip includes time for a visit to the Grotto of Zeus and in Cretaquarium. Price - approx. 35 EUR

Ierapetra region:

Vai Palm Beach - Sitia - Moni Toplou Monastery — a trip to the east of Crete. Drive on a route with breathtaking views to the paradise beach of Vai, called "Bounty Beach". On the way back, a stopover at the Moni Toplou Monastery, then a stroll around the picturesque town of Sitia. Day trip, return to hotels before dinner. Price - approx. 45 EUR.

Golden Island — a sea trip to the southernmost located corner of Europe. Sail out from the port in Ierapetra across the Libyan Sea to the Golden Island of Chrissi. The unspoiled Chrissi reminds of the Caribbean island of Robinson. 5 hours have been planned on the island for swimming and relaxing in the lagoon. Day trip, return to hotels before dinner. Price - approx. 45 EUR.

Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos, Santorini, Knossos and Heraklion — descriptions as in the Heraklion region.

WESTERN CRETE

Santorini — a cruise to the most beautiful, most popular and most stunning Greek island. The history of Santorini goes back several thousands of years, and the island is associated with the lost Atlantis. Santorini enchants millions of tourists from all over the world with its architecture and volcanic picturesque landscape. White houses with blue roofs, tiny churches and the amazing colours of the sea - this is what invariably delights tourists. The program includes, among others, the picturesque town of Oia and the capital of the island - Fira. Day boat trip to the phenomenal Santorini will always remain in travel memories. Price - approx. 160 EUR.

Samaria Gorge — an expedition through the longest gorge in Europe - approx. 18 km, in the White Mountains National Park (Lefka Ori). Departure early in the morning towards the plateau of Omfalos at an altitude of approx. 1100 meters. Descent into the gorge. Conquering Ksiloskala - the stone steps carved into a hillside overgrown with cypress trees. Walk through the gorge, on the way the first of several churches - Agios Nikolaos. After exiting the gorge the route leads through an abandoned, old village of Agia Roumeli to the new Agia Roumeli. Boat cruise to Chora Sfakion, transfer to the hotels by coach. Day trip. Price - approx. 40 EUR (does not include entry ticket to the gorge: approx. 6 EUR, ferry ticket from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion: approx. 9 EUR).

Chania by night — the former capital of Crete, considered the most beautiful city on the island, invariably impresses visitors. The narrow, charming streets, just after dark take on a new, magical character. Enjoy a romantic journey into the past, walking with a guide among the churches, mosques and villas, while the city beautifully illuminated at night picturesquely reflects in the waters of the port. Price - approx. 27 EUR (trip for Guests from hotels in the area of Chania).

Gramvousa — an expedition to one of the most stunning places in Crete, which could be named "A visit to paradise"... The route of the tour runs along the northern coast to Kissamos (Kastelli) Port, where the cruise begins around the gorgeous bay. After an hour arrival in Imeri Gramvousa. This uninhabited islet with intact nature is a natural reserve for many species of birds. A swim in the bay and visit to the ruins located on a 137 metre hill of the Venetian fortress from the 16th century, providing wonderful views of Balos Bay. Just a 15-minute boat ride divides the island from the picturesque Balos lagoon, where crystal clear water, golden sand and wonderful relaxation awaits. Price - approx. 57 EUR.

Elafonisi — this tiny islet located in the depths of the bay of the same name is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Crete. Separated from the mainland by a very shallow sea. It is possible to reach by walking on the sandy bottom. Heading south along the track of Cretan villages called Enneachoria we will see the Chapel of Agia Sofia known from Neolithic times hidden in the grotto, and the stalactites and stalagmites occurring there. The tour includes the charming little village of Ano Vouves, where the oldest olive tree in Greece is located. A pleasant end to the day is the visit to the local wineries. Price - approx. 42 EUR (does not include entry ticket to the winery - approx. 2 EUR).

Unknown Crete and Chania — trip to the central-western part of Crete. This inconspicuous name of the trip conceals gems of central Crete. At the beginning of the trip - the only freshwater lake on the island - Kournas. The route leads on via the Cretan villages to Argiroupoli (the so-called Silver City), in the vicinity of which you can admire stunning waterfalls. Then, crossing the Akrotiri peninsula where the great Greek politician Venizelos reposes. At the end of touring the city of Chania - one of the most beautiful on the island, where the labyrinth of narrow, charming streets invariably wows visitors. Price - approx. 37 EUR (trip available from hotels in the area of Rethymno, Plakias and Georgioupolis).

Knossos and Heraklion - exploring the most important remnants of Minoan Crete — the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, which was probably a mythical maze. After exploring the palace, transfer to Heraklion - the capital of the island, free time for a walk and shopping, or optionally: visiting the Archaeological Museum. Price - approx. 59 EUR (does not include: entry ticket to Knossos and archaeological museum - approx. 16 EUR).

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.