Ierapetra isn’t just another stop on Crete—it’s a lively, sun-soaked town that offers some of the most memorable tour experiences on the island. With its stunning coastline, nearby islands, and easy access to archaeological sites, Ierapetra makes for a fantastic base to explore by boat, bike, or on foot. We’re especially fond of the Chrissi Island boat trips, like the cruise with swimming, which combines natural beauty with a relaxed day on the water. Watching the sunset from a boat or exploring ancient ruins with a guide makes each trip uniquely worth your while. Whether you want a full-day adventure or an intimate private yacht experience, Ierapetra delivers.
If you’re after a more active or cultural twist, options like the guided city tour of Heraklion and Knossos or the motorcycle tour with drone footage are excellent choices. The variety means you can tailor your trip to your interests—whether that’s relaxing on a quiet beach, discovering ancient sites, or cruising in style. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these exciting options.
1. From Ierapetra: Cruise to Chrissi Island with Swimming
At number 1, we have the cruise to Chrissi Island with swimming, which is a classic for good reason. This 6-hour boat trip takes you from the Port Authority on a scenic voyage across the Libyan Sea. The main highlight is the emerald waters of Chrissi Island, famous for its white sand beaches and pine-covered landscape. The boat departs for about 70 minutes, giving you a taste of open water before your arrival.
Once on the island, you’ll have roughly three and a half hours to swim, snorkel, and explore. The waters are crystal clear, making it an ideal place to jump in and cool off. The tour includes drinks and snacks on board, so you can relax without worrying about packing a picnic. Reviewers describe it as a “beautiful island” with plenty of secluded spots, though some mention the food wasn’t their favorite. The trip is suitable for those who love a straightforward day of swimming, sunbathing, and scenic views, making it perfect for families and solo travelers alike.
Bottom line: This tour offers a reliable, well-rated day of swimming and sightseeing, with an emphasis on relaxed coastal scenery. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers wanting an authentic island experience.
2. Ierapetra: Chrissi Island Luxury Yacht Cruise with Meal
For travelers seeking a step up from the usual boat trip, the luxury yacht cruise with a meal offers exclusivity and comfort. This 5.5-hour journey takes you on a sleek vessel, avoiding the crowds of ferries, with a small group for a more intimate experience. The tour kicks off with a van transfer, followed by a safety briefing, before setting sail towards Chrissi Island.
What makes this trip stand out is the quality of the onboard experience: unlimited drinks, freshly prepared meals, and opportunities for paddleboarding and snorkeling. The itinerary includes exploring the island’s beaches and walking in its cedar forest—an environmental treasure protected under Natura 2000. Reviewers love the crew’s professionalism, describing their handling of rough seas as impressive, and praising the delicious food and relaxed pace.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a luxurious, quiet day in nature, with a focus on comfort and personalized service. It’s perfect for couples or small groups seeking a memorable, high-end outing.
Bottom line: If your budget allows and you prefer a more upscale, relaxed experience, this yacht trip offers fantastic value with premium amenities and fewer people.
3. From Ierapetra: Chrissi Island Yacht Cruise with Lunch
The yacht cruise with lunch combines the allure of private sailing with a focus on scenic exploration and enjoying local flavors. Starting from Venetian Fort Kales, your day includes a 30-minute bus transfer followed by a relaxing 30-minute yacht cruise to the island.
Once there, you get two hours to explore the island, swim in the clear waters, and walk through the cedar forest. The highlight is the lunch on board, featuring fresh, tasty dishes—perfect for refueling after a morning of adventure. The cruise continues with additional sightseeing, making it a well-rounded experience. Reviewers note the delicious food and the peaceful setting, especially compared to crowded ferry trips.
This tour is particularly suited for visitors looking for a personalized, scenic experience combined with good food. It’s a great option for nature lovers and those wanting a more exclusive feel.
Bottom line: For an elegant day with scenic walks and a tasty onboard meal, this private yacht tour balances adventure and comfort beautifully.
4. Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos
Number 4 on our list is the Spinalonga, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos, a full 8-hour day trip that dives into Crete’s cultural and historical highlights. Starting from Makry Gialos, the tour takes you via bus to Heraklion for a guided visit of Knossos Palace, an essential stop for understanding Minoan civilization.
The journey continues with the guided walking tour of Spinalonga, the former leper colony turned tourist site, offering a fascinating look into Crete’s layered history. Afterwards, you’ll walk around the charming streets of Elounda and enjoy free time at Agios Nikolaos, a lively coastal town perfect for shopping and coffee.
This excursion is ideal for history and culture buffs who want a comprehensive experience in one day. Reviews mention the knowledgeable guide and the richness of the sights, making it an enriching outing. Expect a long day with plenty of walking and historical narration.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you’re interested in Crete’s past and want to see a mix of archaeological sites and scenic towns, especially if you enjoy guided explorations.
5. Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Tour w/ Pickup
For a more streamlined experience, the Spinalonga, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos offers hotel pickup and an 8-hour exploration tailored for convenience. This trip emphasizes hassle-free transfers combined with visits to the island of Spinalonga, Elounda, and the lively town of Agios Nikolaos.
The tour counts on a professional guide to narrate the history of Spinalonga and show you the best spots in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. It’s suited for travelers who prefer organized logistics without sacrificing cultural depth. Reviewers appreciate the smooth pickup service and the ability to see key sights without worrying about transportation.
Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, guided day with minimal planning, this tour suits travelers keen on balancing sightseeing with comfort.
Bottom line: If you prefer a well-organized, all-in-one day trip with hotel pickup, this tour makes it easy to enjoy Crete’s highlights stress-free.
6. Ierapetra: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Guided City Tour
Number 6 is the Knossos Palace and Heraklion guided city tour, perfect for history buffs interested in Crete’s most iconic archaeological site. Starting from Ierapetra, the day includes a guided visit to the Palace of Knossos, with insights into Minoan civilization, and a tour of Heraklion’s archaeological museum.
The tour provides a detailed look at Crete’s ancient past, with highlights like the labyrinthine palace and the impressive museum exhibits. The guide’s expertise enriches the experience, making complex history accessible and engaging. After the culture, there’s free time in Heraklion for lunch, shopping, or relaxing.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a combination of archaeological discovery and urban exploration. The review rating of 4.5/5 reflects its popularity among those eager to learn about Crete’s roots. It’s a full day but rewarding for anyone interested in the island’s prehistoric past.
Bottom line: For a deep dive into Crete’s ancient history combined with city life, this guided tour offers excellent value.
7. Chrisi Island Morning Boat Trip
The Chrisi Island morning boat trip offers a private RIB boat adventure perfect for small groups or couples. In just four hours, you’ll enjoy swimming in crystal waters and exploring secret beaches that larger boats can’t reach.
This personalized experience is ideal if you prefer a quieter, more flexible itinerary. The tour includes a speedboat transfer, giving you a quick, exhilarating ride across the waters. Reviewers mention that it’s “absolutely perfect” for families or those seeking a fun, intimate experience.
It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with a shorter, more active trip. The focus on privacy and exploring hidden spots makes it stand out from larger, crowded tours.
Bottom line: If you want a private, flexible trip with plenty of snorkeling and beach time, this RIB boat experience is a top pick.
8. Ierapetra-Makrigialos: Vai Palm Beach, Moni Toplou & Sitia
Number 8 on our list is the full-day eastern Crete tour. It highlights Vai Palm Beach, famous for its palm forest, as well as the monastery of Toplou and the town of Sitia. It’s a comprehensive day for those wanting to experience the region’s landscapes, history, and local life.
The trip begins with a visit to Lithines, a charming village where you can enjoy Greek coffee, before moving on to the iconic Vai Beach. The monastery visit offers a taste of local tradition, and Sitia provides a lively harbor atmosphere. The tour also includes a delicious lunch by the water, making it a satisfying way to spend a day.
Reviewers appreciate the variety of sights and the chance to see Crete’s less-touristy side. The long drive suits those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, and the scenery along the way is often praised.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and coastal relaxation in one trip.
9. Chrisi Island Afternoon Boat Trip
For a shorter, relaxed experience, the Chrisi Island afternoon boat trip offers a 4-hour private RIB cruise. This trip is similar to the morning version but tailored for late-day adventures.
You’ll enjoy a speedboat ride to Chrissi Island, swimming and snorkeling in its clear waters, and exploring the secret beaches. The focus is on personalized time on the island, making it perfect for couples or small groups who want flexibility and privacy.
The reviews highlight the fun and intimacy of the RIB experience, with many mentioning how memorable and hands-on it was. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a shorter window and seeking a private, flexible day at sea.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, private escape to explore the island’s secluded beaches with friends or loved ones.
$508 per group up to 7
10. Crete: Guided Motorcycle Tour with Drone Footage
Last but not least, the guided motorcycle tour with drone footage offers a unique way to see Crete’s diverse landscapes. Over 6.5 hours, you’ll customize your route, stopping at scenic viewpoints and capturing the day’s highlights with a drone.
This tour is especially suited for adventure seekers comfortable on a motorcycle, eager to see Crete from a different perspective. The guide shares insights at every stop, and the drone footage ensures you leave with incredible photos and videos.
The reviews are glowing, with one mentioning how the professional guide and the drone footage made their trip unforgettable. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who want an active, visually stunning experience and don’t mind a bit of riding.
Bottom line: For a personalized, high-energy way to discover Crete’s best views, this motorcycle and drone combo is an excellent choice.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When selecting your ideal experience in Ierapetra, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a relaxed, scenic day with swimming and snacks, the cruise to Chrissi Island is hard to beat. If you prefer luxury and intimacy, the yacht cruise with meal offers a more elevated experience.
History enthusiasts should look at the guided cultural tours, while adventure lovers might enjoy the motorcycle tour or the private RIB boat trips. Budget travelers find the standard boat cruise offers great value, especially if they don’t mind a bit of crowding.
Booking early is recommended during high season (May to October), especially for the luxury and private tours. Think about your travel style—whether it’s a laid-back day at the beach or an active exploration—and pick the experience that best fits your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Ierapetra offers a wide range of tours that highlight its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you want a simple day trip to Chrissi Island or an exclusive yacht experience, there’s something for every traveler. The cruise to Chrissi Island remains a favorite for its balance of affordability and scenery, but if luxury and privacy matter more, the yacht cruise with meal won’t disappoint. For history buffs, the Knossos and Heraklion tour provides a deep dive into Crete’s past, and adventure seekers will love the motorcycle tour with drone footage.
To get the most out of your trip, think about your interests, budget, and preferred pace. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on these popular experiences. Whatever you choose, Ierapetra’s tours promise a memorable, enriching slice of Crete.