Kritsa is a charming village renowned for its traditional vibe and stunning surroundings, making it an ideal base for exploring Crete’s diverse attractions. The area’s authentic villages, ancient landmarks, and scenic landscapes attract travelers looking for genuine experiences. We particularly like the Crete: Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Day Trip, which combines history, local culture, and mountain scenery — all with the convenience of hotel transfers. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning. Plus, visiting the Palace of Knossos offers a fascinating glimpse into Minoan civilization, and the stops at traditional villages and local olive oil factories deepen that authentic Crete feel. If hiking appeals more, the Kritsa Gorge Hike with Picnic & Swim Stop provides a delightful outdoor adventure along eastern Crete’s most beautiful gorges. And for those interested in culinary delights, the Olive Oil Experience: Cooking class & Olive Oil Tasting or the Olive Trail Experience with Tasting & Cooking Class are fantastic options for enjoying Cretan cuisine and olive culture.
Quick Overview
This list covers a broad spectrum of experiences in Kritsa — from full-day historical tours and scenic gorge hikes to culinary classes focusing on olive oil. Each offers something special: the Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Day Trip is ideal for history buffs and culture seekers; the Kritsa Gorge Hike appeals to outdoor lovers; while the Olive Oil Experience invites you to learn about local food traditions. Keep reading to find the best fit for your trip.
1. Crete: Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Day Trip
At number 1, this full-day tour offers a rich mix of ancient history, mountain scenery, and local flavor. For around $50.82 per person, you get a 10-hour experience packed with highlights, including roundtrip hotel transfers. It starts with a visit to the Kera Monastery, home to 14th-century frescoes, giving a glimpse into Byzantine art. Then, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in Lasithi Plateau’s local tavern, where the flavors of Crete come alive. The highlight is a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, the legendary Minoan site linked to the myth of the Minotaur. This is one of the best ways to understand Crete’s ancient past.
The tour also includes a visit to a family-run olive oil factory in Avdou, where sampling authentic products adds a tasty local touch. Walking through the village of Krasi, with its giant plane tree, offers a tranquil break from the busier sights. The itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxed intervals, and guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the diversity of experiences. With excellent reviews, this trip is well-suited for travelers wanting to see key archaeological sites, enjoy scenic mountain views, and taste regional specialties.
Bottom Line: A full-day, well-organized trip that mixes history, nature, and local culture, offering great value and rich experiences.
2. Crete: Kritsa Gorge Hike with Picnic & Swim Stop
Number 2 on our list is a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore Crete’s landscape. For $68, this 7-hour tour takes you into the Kritsa Gorge, one of the most stunning gorges on the east side of the island. Guided by professionals, you’ll hike through lush scenery, crossing streams and walking along narrow canyon walls. The trail is accessible for most fitness levels but offers enough adventure to satisfy active travelers.
The hike concludes with a picnic at the end of the canyon, featuring local flavors, before heading to a beautiful beach nearby for a swim. This combination of spectacular canyon views, wild nature, and a refreshing dip makes it a memorable day. The tour also provides opportunities to spot unique plant and animal species, adding a touch of nature study. Guests love the small group size and the fact that it’s both scenic and physically engaging.
It’s best suited for those who enjoy a moderate walk and want to see lesser-known natural sites. If you’re after a more active day that combines hiking and swimming, this tour offers excellent value and authenticity.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced outdoor adventure, combining scenic hiking with a relaxing beach visit—ideal for nature lovers.
3. Sarakina Gorge – Southern Crete hiking & swim Adventure
Number 3 is the Sarakina Gorge Tour, a full-day outing focusing on hiking in stunning landscapes and enjoying crystal-clear waters. For $104, you’ll explore the impressive Sarakina Gorge, famous for its impressive rock formations and natural pools. The guided hike takes around an hour, during which you’ll experience the wild beauty of South Crete’s terrain.
After the hike, the tour visits the traditional Myrtos village for a local BBQ lunch, giving you a taste of regional flavors. Post-meal, you’ll swim in the crystal waters of Myrtos beach, one of the quieter spots early in the season. The tour also includes a scenic off-road drive through the Kroustas Pine Forest, which offers spectacular views of the Mirabello Gulf.
Guests often comment on the diverse activities, from hiking to swimming to off-road driving, making it a full-sensory experience. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an active day with multiple highlights. The main limitation is the price, which is higher than some other options, but the variety of experiences justifies it.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, active day combining hiking, local food, and swimming, perfect for adventure-minded travelers.
4. Olive Oil Experience: Cooking class & Olive Oil Tasting
Number 4 on our list is a different kind of experience — perfect for food lovers. For $95, this 2.5-hour olive oil and cooking class takes place in Kritsa, one of Crete’s most authentic villages. The focus is on learning to cook traditional Cretan dishes using premium Extra Virgin Greek olive oil. This hands-on experience immerses you in local culinary traditions, with the host sharing stories and tips about olive oil production.
Participants get to taste various local olive oils, discovering how flavor varies depending on production methods and olive varieties. The class includes a short walk through olive groves, and you’ll leave with recipes and a deeper appreciation for Cretan cuisine. It’s ideal for those who want to connect with local food culture in a relaxed setting. The only drawback is the relatively short duration, but the quality of the experience makes up for it.
While this tour has only one review rating, it’s praised for its authenticity and hospitality, making it perfect for travelers looking for a culinary experience that’s both educational and social.
Bottom Line: A delicious, hands-on dive into Cretan cuisine and olive oil, tailored for foodies wanting a memorable, intimate experience.
$95 per person
5. Crete: Olive Trail Experience with Tasting & Cooking Class
Rounding out our list is the Olive Trail Experience, a 5-hour tour that combines olive grove exploration, tastings, and a cooking masterclass. For $147, it provides an in-depth look at Crete’s olive oil heritage. The tour starts with a guided walk through local olive groves, showing you the techniques used by farmers for centuries.
You’ll visit an award-winning olive mill, where you see how olives are pressed into oil, and taste a variety of extra virgin olive oils. Alongside this, participants learn how to pair oils with different foods. The highlight is the culinary part, where you’ll prepare dishes featuring olive oil, deepening your understanding of its role in Cretan cuisine. The tour’s focus on education and tasting makes it especially appealing for those who want to learn and indulge.
Reviewers praise the expert guides and the hands-on approach that makes the experience memorable. It’s suited for travelers interested in food, culture, and learning about one of Crete’s most famous exports.
Bottom Line: An immersive olive oil journey blending education, tastings, and cooking — excellent for foodies wanting a comprehensive experience.
$147 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a tour in Kritsa, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a full day of exploration combining history, culture, and scenery, the Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Day Trip offers a great mix. For outdoor activity lovers, the Kritsa Gorge Hike provides a scenic and physically engaging experience. If culinary delights are your priority, both food-focused tours—the Olive Oil Experience and Olive Trail Experience—are excellent options, with the latter offering a more comprehensive look at olive oil production.
Budget, physical fitness, and specific interests should guide your choice. Tours filled with authentic experiences tend to book early, especially in peak season, so plan ahead and secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Kritsa offers a wide variety of tours, catering to history buffs, outdoor lovers, and foodies alike. For a balanced day combining ancient ruins and mountain scenery, the Lasithi Plateau & Knossos Palace Day Trip is hard to beat. If you prefer active outdoor adventures, the Kritsa Gorge Hike offers stunning scenery and physical challenge. Food lovers will appreciate the olive oil-focused experiences, which turn culinary curiosity into a hands-on adventure.
No matter your choice, early booking is wise, as these tours tend to fill up during busy months. Kritsa’s charm, combined with these varied options, guarantees that your visit will be both engaging and memorable.