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South Crete Tour: Explore Kourtaliotiko Gorge
5.0
17 Ratings
Agios Vasileios Municipality
Explore Crete’s Kourtaliotiko Gorge, choose between Preveli or Kalypso Beach, and enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine in Plakias. Adventure and relaxation await.
Explore Crete’s Kourtaliotiko Gorge, choose between Preveli or Kalypso Beach, and enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine in Plakias. Adventure and relaxation await.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge - Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a breathtaking natural marvel in Crete, renowned for its impressive cliffs, verdant vegetation, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. As visitors trek through the gorge, they will feel the wind’s rush resonating between the towering rocks, which gives the area its name—“Kourtaliotiko,” meaning clapping sound….
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Kourtaliotiko Gorge - Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a breathtaking natural marvel in Crete, renowned for its impressive cliffs, verdant vegetation, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. As visitors trek through the gorge, they will feel the wind’s rush resonating between the towering rocks, which gives the area its name—“Kourtaliotiko,” meaning clapping sound. With its pristine beauty and abundant wildlife, it’s a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Note that the descent from the viewpoint to the waterfall takes approximately 25 minutes, with a similar time required for the ascent, making it a rewarding and immersive experience
- Preveli Palm Forest - Preveli Palm Forest is a hidden treasure on Crete’s southern coast, where a river meanders through a lush grove of rare native palms, meeting the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and bordered by a pristine beach, this exotic oasis offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and explorers.
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Preveli Beach - Preveli Beach is a stunning paradise where a freshwater river converges with the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea. Nestled beneath towering cliffs and bordered by the renowned Preveli Palm Forest, the beach offers a unique blend of exotic beauty and rugged landscapes. Its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and lush surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and natural charm.
#Note that the descent from the parking area to the beach takes about 12 minutes, with a similar time required for the ascent# - Kalypso Beach - Kalypso Beach is a secluded gem on Crete’s southern coast, nestled between dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Known for its natural rock formations and deep blue sea, the beach offers a unique, tranquil atmosphere perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. With its hidden coves and rugged beauty, Kalypso Beach is an ideal escape for those seeking serenity and adventure in one of Crete’s most picturesque settings.
- Plakias - Plakias is a charming coastal village on Crete’s southern coast, offering a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch break after a day at the beach. With its wide sandy shore, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, Plakias combines natural beauty with local hospitality. The village is home to welcoming tavernas serving delicious Cretan dishes, providing the ideal setting to unwind and savor the flavors of the island while enjoying stunning sea views.
What's Included
- Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
- Private Local Driver-Guide Fluent in English
- Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup and Drop-Off
- Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
- Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
- Bottled water
- Hygiene Amenities & First Aid Kit
- Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
- Private Local Driver-Guide Fluent in English
- Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup and Drop-Off
- Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
- Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
- Bottled water
- Hygiene Amenities & First Aid Kit
What's Not Included
- Kourtaliotiko Entrance Fee
- Cretan Lunch is an Optional Experience
- Personal Expenses, Tips & Gratuities
- Kourtaliotiko Entrance Fee
- Cretan Lunch is an Optional Experience
- Personal Expenses, Tips & Gratuities
Additional Information
• Stunning Gorge • Iconic Beaches • Scenic Drive
Enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and sightseeing, tailored to your pace and preferences for an unforgettable day.
The day trip starts with a breathtaking drive through Crete’s diverse landscape to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, followed by a visit to the exotic Preveli Beach or the more secluded Kalypso Beach….
• Stunning Gorge • Iconic Beaches • Scenic Drive
Enjoy a perfect blend of adventure and sightseeing, tailored to your pace and preferences for an unforgettable day.
The day trip starts with a breathtaking drive through Crete’s diverse landscape to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, followed by a visit to the exotic Preveli Beach or the more secluded Kalypso Beach.
After a refreshing swim in the sea, if desired, there can be a stop for lunch at a charming seaside or mountain taverna, savoring delicious local flavors and warm hospitality.
Every detail is meticulously planned for a seamless, memorable day.
Shore Excursion - Cruise Friendly - Heraklion Port - Crete - From Heraklion, Rethymno, Elounda, Nature - Palm Forest
- Please note that both Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Preveli Beach are only accessible via steps and steep terrain.
- Travelers from cruise ships should choose the earliest possible option
- Travelers should bring swimwear, a beach towel & wear proper shoes
- We can accommodate big groups. For groups of 9 or more, please contact us directly
- Proper footwear and a reasonable level of stamina are essential.
- Pick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply)
Location
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Koxare to Asamotas Road,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Tim_h
Sep 1, 2025
A Beautiful Day! - We LOVED Dimitris!!!! He was so sweet, and tailored the entire day toward our interests! We wish we could’ve spend our entire time in Crete with Dimitris!
Review provided by Viator
Wander50653866390
Aug 27, 2025
Super tour! - We had a fantastic day tour with George! He picked us up at our hotel (Lyttos Beach in Analipsi) and drove us along the beautiful north coast of Crete. Along the way he told us all about the area, so we not only saw a lot but also learned a lot.
Our first stop was at the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we enjoyed a typical Greek coffee together – a wonderfully authentic moment. Then George took us to the unique Preveli Beach, with its palm trees and the river that flows into the sea. A beautiful piece of nature that we will never forget.
When we got hungry, George took us to a small local restaurant where we had a really great meal away from mass tourism. On the way back we drove along the north coast again and enjoyed a beautiful scenic ride.
Everything was taken care of to perfection and George made us feel welcome and relaxed all day.
An absolute must for anyone who wants to discover Crete in a personal and special way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H5613zmaaronj
Aug 16, 2025
Day to remember - This was truly an experience to remember! The gulch was well worth the hike down. So beautiful! The beach with the views and the delicious food topped the day off! We had a great day and George and Dimitris were the perfect tour guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mobile23288138924
Aug 16, 2025
Waterfall and beach - Great experience! George is taking great care to show us his region! Family excursions, the waterfall was beautiful and the beach of Kalypso amazing. George takes care of everything every time really I recommend with my eyes closed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trailblazer749128
Aug 13, 2025
A brilliant trip made even more special by the host George - We had an absolutely fabulous time with George on this trip. With a young family ( 5 year old and 8 year old) who are easily bored and picky with food we wanted to find a trip with some flexibility. George was brilliant and worked the itinerary so we could keep the kids well fed and entertained. We did the waterfall / canyon first which was incredible - my advice would be to persevere with the cold water as the pay off is worth it. Kalypso beach was brilliant. It was the first time the kids had swum in deep water but it was so clear and the variety of fish and wildlife on display made it a magical experience. We finished off with lunch in a traditional Cretian restaurant in the mountains. Again, this surpassed our expectations; the food, environment and ambience was perfect. All in all a brilliant day which we all enjoyed. George made this even more special being attentive and informative throughout the trip. George even went back the following day to pick my wife's sunglasses up from the restaurant - she left left when taking one of the kids to the toilet, and he dropped them off at our hotel the next day. You just wouldn't get that sort of service from a standard trip. A 5 star experience and fully recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellyhv3377pr
Aug 11, 2025
Great tour with George! - We had a wonderful day with George! We enjoyed the gorge and the beach and he took us to a lovely Taverna by the sea for lunch! Great sites, great food, great company! Highly recommend this tour with George!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lula_l
Aug 1, 2025
Excellent experience! Amazing natural wonders! - The whole trip was fantastic! The gorge and waterfalls were spectacular! Preveli beach was one of a kind! George was very knowledgeable, patient, and kind. He was very detailed in letting me know what to expect in terms of the physicality of each place, which was important for the bits of hiking involved. He was also very accommodating when due to weather we had to make some changes to the original itinerary, but it all worked out for a lovely experience.
Review provided by Viator
Melissamv8347kv
Jul 28, 2025
Lovely journey across Crete - I booked this tour with my 15-year-old daughter as it was our first time visiting Crete. George was an amazing guide. Arrived on time to pick us up at the hotel. He is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the region, chose interesting spots for us to visit, and knew exactly what time would be most optimal.
Our tour traveled through the regions of Lassithi, Heraklion, and Rethymno. Along the way, we admired the ever-changing landscapes before catching glimpses of the beautiful city of Rethymno, then continued south into the heart of Crete.
Our first major stop was the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which is similar to a “mini Grand Canyon” in the United States. Note there are a lot of steps going down to the gorge, so be mindful if you have any medical conditions that would prevent you from a strenuous walk and steep climb. I am 53, in moderate shape, play pickle ball 2 to 3 times per week, and it was still a challenge for me. George was very good to allow for as much time and taking rest stops when needed. It was also a very hot day, so we suggest getting there as early in the morning as possible to make the heat more tolerable. We did not swim in the gorge to see the peak of the waterfall, but regret it, so we recommend having your swimsuits on to be able to enjoy this.
Next, we headed to Preveli Beach stopping at a lookover spot to take in the sweeping vistas and capture a few memorable photos. Due to the heat, we decided to skip swimming at this beach.
We then made our way to the serene Kalypso Beach, a peaceful haven perfect for unwinding by the sea. My daughter and I enjoyed sunbathing and swimming in the beautiful Aegean Sea for two hours, while George waited patiently for us.
On our way back, we stopped at the charming Myrthios village, where we did a bit of shopping. George overheard me talking about wanting a souvenir from our trip and picked the perfect little local shop where we found locally made jewelry, handbags, and clothing to buy. George had some cheese, breadsticks and other snacks for us to enjoy in the shade before our departure back to the hotel.
It was a full day rich in variety—mountains, beaches, gorges, and villages—woven together by great conversation and shared moments of discovery. We could not have a better guide than George for this perfect day in Crete!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M
Jul 20, 2025
Don’t miss the best part of the gorge - We really enjoyed our tour with George. We booked the tour originally because we saw pictures of Preveli Beach and the palm forest and that was definitely nice, but our favorite parts of the tour were the gorge and the lunch.
If you take this tour I’d highly recommend you come ready to swim. A lot of people hike to the bottom of the gorge and snap a few photos but leave before seeing the best part—the most beautiful part of the gorge can only be seen if you swim a short distance around a corner. Then it gets shallower again and you can touch the bottom and you are in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The water is pretty cold but not freezing. My only regret is not bringing a waterproof phone case.
Our second favorite part of the tour was the restaurant George took us to for lunch. It was delicious food and George gave some suggestions what to try.
We’d really recommend this tour to anyone who likes hiking and other outdoor adventures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roving19472985273
Jun 29, 2025
Highly Recommend George from SunSud Tours for an Unforgettable Trip! - Our private tour was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfalls was closed the day we visited, but George gave us an option to stay longer at Preveli Beach and Palm Forest. We were able to relax and enjoy the crystal clear water while he waited patiently for us. He then took us on a tour in the charming streets of Old Town in Rethymno where we had a delicious lunch at Achinos. George was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure the itinerary was perfectly paced for us. He went above and beyond to make sure we had an amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
