5 Best Heraklion Tours: From Wine Tasting to Knossos Day Trips
Discover the 5 best tours in Heraklion, Crete — from archaeological guided tours to wine tasting experiences and boat trips.
The Best Tours in Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion is best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide. Whether you want to understand the Minoan civilization at Knossos, taste your way through Cretan cuisine, or explore the mountains, these are the 5 best tours we recommend.
1. Knossos Palace Guided Tour
A guided tour of Knossos is worth every penny. While you can visit independently, the site’s signage is limited and the history is complex. A good guide brings the ruins to life, explaining the Minoan civilization, the mythology, and the controversial reconstructions.
Duration: 2 hours | Price: from €35
2. Archanes Wine Tasting Tour
The Archanes region, 15km south of Heraklion, is Crete’s premier wine destination. This tour visits three family-owned wineries, where you’ll taste indigenous varieties like Vilana, Kotsifali, and Mandilari, paired with local cheeses and olives.
Duration: 6 hours | Price: from €85
3. Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave Day Trip
This full-day tour takes you into the mountains to the fertile Lasithi Plateau, famous for its windmills and apple orchards. The highlight is the Cave of Zeus (Psychro Cave), where legend says the king of the gods was born.
Duration: 8 hours | Price: from €55
4. Heraklion Food Tour
Food is the heart of Cretan culture, and this walking tour takes you to the best spots in the city. You’ll taste dakos, kalitsounia, local cheeses, olive oil, raki, and more, while learning about the Mediterranean diet and Cretan culinary traditions.
Duration: 3 hours | Price: from €65
5. Matala Beach and South Coast Boat Trip
A relaxing full-day boat trip from Heraklion to the famous Matala Beach, with stops at hidden coves accessible only by sea. The trip includes snorkeling time and a visit to the Red Beach, a secluded spot near Matala.
Duration: 8 hours | Price: from €70
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transactional hub Heraklion Tours & Experiences Hub
Browse the best tours, activities, and guided experiences in Heraklion, Crete. From archaeological tours to wine tasting and boat trips.
Quick Summary
Knossos Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
A 2-hour guided tour of Knossos Palace with an expert archaeologist. Skip the lines and get the full Minoan history.
Book Knossos Guided Tour →Archanes Wine Tasting Tour
Visit 3 local wineries in the Archanes region, taste 12+ wines, and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch.
Book Archanes Wine Tour on GetYourGuide →Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave Day Trip
A full-day tour exploring the Lasithi Plateau, the Cave of Zeus, and traditional mountain villages.
Book Lasithi Plateau Tour →Heraklion Food Tour
A 3-hour walking tour tasting your way through Heraklion's best tavernas, bakeries, and markets.
Book Heraklion Food Tour on GetYourGuide →Matala Beach and South Coast Boat Trip
A full-day boat trip from Heraklion to Matala, with stops at hidden coves and the Red Beach.
Book Matala Boat Trip →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Heraklion tours in advance? ▾
For tours in July and August, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance. Popular tours like the Knossos guided tour sell out quickly during peak season.
Are Heraklion tours suitable for children? ▾
Most tours are family-friendly. The Knossos guided tour and the food tour are particularly good for children. The Lasithi Plateau tour involves some walking at altitude.