Explore Western Crete: Guided Hikes, Beaches & Boat Trips from Chania

Day trips and guided hikes to Samaria, Balos, Elafonisi, Preveli, Loutro and Knossos — departures from Chania.

Featured Tours & Day Trips

Choose from hiking, beach, boat and cultural tours across western Crete.

Down Samaria Gorge: Crete’s 16 km Hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli

Hike 16 km through Crete’s dramatic Samaria Gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli. Expect limestone cliffs, ancient cypress, rare kri‑kri sightings, and a seaside swim at the finish.

Down Samaria Gorge: Crete’s 16 km Hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli

land adventures

wildlife nature

Chania

Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Day Trip — Crete’s Turquoise Lagoon and Walkable Islet

A full-day escape from Chania to Elafonisi’s famous pink sand and turquoise shallows. Booked with pickup and coach transport, this tour gives you four hours on the beach to swim, stroll the sandbar, and capture striking Mediterranean color.

Chania

Sail Balos and Gramvousa: Day Cruise to Crete's Pink Lagoon and Venetian Castle

Spend a full day sailing from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island—swim the shallow turquoise lagoon, climb to a Venetian castle and photograph a half-sunken shipwreck. This 11-hour cruise is a fast primer on Crete’s northwest coastline.

Chania

Imbros Gorge to Frangokastello: Crete Day Hike and Beach Escape

Spend a day hiking the 7 km Imbros Gorge between towering limestone walls, then unwind on Frangokastello’s calm beach beneath a Venetian fortress. This guided, transfer-included trip pairs Cretan high-country geology with a seaside cooldown.

Imbros Gorge to Frangokastello: Crete Day Hike and Beach Escape

Chania

Loutro Day Trip from Chora Sfakion: Crete’s Car-Free Bay & Beach

Sail from Chora Sfakion to Loutro for a day of crystal water swims, pebble beaches, and slow meals at seaside tavernas. This car-free village is reached only by boat or on foot—perfect for travelers who want authentic southern Crete without the crowds.

Loutro Day Trip from Chora Sfakion: Crete’s Car-Free Bay & Beach

Chania

From Chania to Knossos Palace: Full-Day Heraklion Tour with Rethymno Stop

Spend a day crossing Crete from Chania to the ancient Minoan site of Knossos, then enjoy free time in Heraklion and a stop in Venetian Rethymno. This easy, transport-packed tour pairs expert interpretation with independent exploration for first-time visitors.

From Chania to Knossos Palace: Full-Day Heraklion Tour with Rethymno Stop

Chania

Preveli Palm Beach Day Tour: Cretan Palm Forest, Kourtaliotis Gorge & Lagoon

Spend a day where river, lagoon, palm forest and sandy shore meet on Crete’s south coast. This guided tour from Chania packs a dramatic gorge, a protected stand of Cretan palms, and clear swimming into one unforgettable day.

Preveli Palm Beach Day Tour: Cretan Palm Forest, Kourtaliotis Gorge & Lagoon

About CHatzidaki Aikaterini (IO Tours)

CHATZIDAKI AIKATERINI (IO TOURS) is a Chania-based tour operator offering guided trips across western Crete. The company organizes day trips and hikes that showcase Crete’s natural landscapes, cultural sites, and coastal highlights. From full-day explorations of Samaria Gorge and Imbros Gorge to beach excursions to Elafonisi, Balos, Preveli, and the secluded village of Loutro, the operator focuses on small-group experiences that combine guided hiking, boat transfers, and time to swim and relax.

Each itinerary includes practical logistics such as meeting points in Chania, transportation, and local guidance. The operator’s tours visit major landmarks like Knossos Palace and Heraklion on full-day cultural routes, as well as iconic natural sites including Gramvousa and Balos lagoon. Hikers can expect well-defined routes through gorges, opportunities to see native plants and wildlife, and coastal stops with crystal-clear waters.

The business emphasizes reliable, informative service rooted in regional knowledge of Crete’s terrain, history, and seasonal conditions. Safety and clear information about route difficulty and required equipment are provided so travelers can select the right trip. Booking options accommodate single-day visitors and travelers based in Chania seeking curated island experiences. With a program of eight distinct trips covering hiking, beach, sailing, and archaeological tours, CHatzidaki AIKATERINI (IO TOURS) presents a focused portfolio of western Crete adventures for travelers looking to explore the island’s highlights from Chania. Guests receive practical pre-trip details, clear meeting instructions, and local recommendations for restaurants and transportation, helping visitors maximize time on Crete while enjoying safe, memorable day trips from Chania.

CHANIA DAY TRIPS & CRETE TOURS

CHATZIDAKI AIKATERINI (IO TOURS) operates from Chania, Crete, offering a focused selection of day trips and guided hikes designed for travelers who want efficient logistics, local knowledge, and authentic Crete experiences. Popular search terms related to these offerings include: Chania tours, Crete day trips, Samaria Gorge hike, Balos boat trip, Elafonisi pink sand beach, Preveli Palm Beach, Imbros Gorge hike, Loutro boat trip, and Knossos Palace tour.

Signature Trips & What to Expect

Samaria Gorge Hike — A 16 km trek through one of Europe’s longest gorges with rugged cliffs, ancient trees, and a coastal finish in Agia Roumeli.
Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Day Trip — Visit the shallow turquoise lagoon and walk to the small island of Elafonisi for swimming and sunbathing on pink-tinted sands.
Balos Gramvousa Day Trip — Sail to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon to explore a Venetian castle, hidden caves, and striking beach scenery.
Imbros Gorge Hiking Tour & Beach Relaxation — Shorter gorge hike coupled with a relaxing stop at Frangokastello beach.
Loutro: An Escape to Crete's Hidden Paradise — Boat access to an off-the-beaten-path village with pristine waters and seaside tavernas.
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Full-Day Tour — Combine Minoan archaeology with Heraklion city highlights and optional stops through Rethymno.
Preveli Palm Beach Day Tour — Discover a dramatic gorge, palm forest, and swimmable lagoon.

Why Choose These Tours from Chania

Local departure points mean simpler logistics for travelers staying in Chania.
Options include hiking, boat transfers, archaeological visits, and beach time to suit varied interests.
Clear trip descriptions help visitors choose the right difficulty level and what to pack.

Practical Information & Tips for Booking

Bookings typically indicate meeting points in Chania and outline transportation (bus, boat, or combined transfers).
Bring appropriate footwear and sun protection for hikes like Samaria and Imbros; pack swimwear for Balos, Elafonisi, Loutro, and Preveli.
Check seasonal schedules: some boat and hiking services run primarily during spring to autumn.

Search Engine Keywords to Find These Tours

Chania tours, Crete day trips, Samaria Gorge hike, Balos lagoon boat trip, Elafonisi pink beach, Preveli palm beach tour, Imbros Gorge hike, Loutro boat trip, Knossos Palace Heraklion tour, Gramvousa island trip.

Final Notes

Travelers searching for guided experiences that combine hiking, boat excursions, beach time, and archaeological visits from Chania will find relevant options among the eight trips offered by CHatzidaki AIKATERINI (IO TOURS). Each itinerary targets well-known highlights of western Crete and provides clear logistical details to make day trips efficient and enjoyable.

Book a Day Trip from Chania — Secure Your Spot Today

Reserve hiking, beach, or cultural tours to Samaria, Balos, Elafonisi, Preveli, Loutro or Knossos with clear logistics and local guidance.