• Mirtos - Mirtos boasts a rich history, flourishing primarily due to tourism. The village offers numerous tavernas and a variety of shops catering to both locals and tourists. Recently, a pharmacy and an ATM have been added. The village is home to several churches, hotels, apartments, and studios. The area around Mirtos was inhabited during the Minoan era, but the current village was established in the early 20th century. Previously, it served as a small port where residents from the surrounding highlands traded local goods, which were then shipped to Ierápetra. The village of Mirtos began to develop once the threat of piracy along the Cretan coast subsided, making it safer to live there.

• Sarakina Gorges - According to Greek mythology, the giant Sarantapihos, son of Zeus, once paused to drink from the river Kryos or Myrtos near Ierapetra. His long beard split the mountain, creating the Sarakina canyon. Sarakina is located near the traditional village of Mythi and the seaside settlement of Mirtos, where the river Kryos flows into the sea.

This canyon is mostly accessible to everyone, featuring water, ponds, and a few climbing spots that require caution. The abundance of water throughout the year creates stunning waterfalls and ponds, perfect for swimming, even in summer. In winter, crossing the gorge without getting wet is impossible. The journey involves climbing over large boulders and rocky bridges. In challenging areas, stone-carved stairs and tree trunks assist with climbing.

• Dasos Selakano - Selakano Wood is one of the island’s most beautiful and vital ecosystems, protected under the Natura 2000 program, and a significant pine forest for the entire Mediterranean. The forest is Crete’s most productive beekeeping area, and in the past, wood and resin were harvested. Special care is needed during the pine flowering season (July-September) when the forest is teeming with bees, which can lead to unexpected encounters. The forest has suffered extensive fire damage in recent years, mostly due to accidental fires started by beekeepers, and much of it has been reforested.

• Kritsa - Kritsa is a charming town in Eastern Crete, situated at an altitude of 350m below Kastellos Hill, near Agios Nikolaos city. Kritsa is renowned for preserving the traditional Cretan lifestyle, attracting many visitors. The picturesque narrow streets, blooming gardens, textile shops, traditional coffee houses, folklore collections, and Byzantine temples make the town an open-air museum of Cretan folklore and history.

The settlement is linked to the nearby ancient Lato, whose inhabitants once relocated to Kritsa. In Kritsa, visitors can enjoy walking through the narrow streets, hiking in Kritsa Gorge, exploring folklore museums, and admiring the frescoes of its Byzantine monuments, with Panagia Kera being the most notable. Notably, scenes from the film “Christ Recrucified” featuring Julie Dassin and Melina Merkouri were filmed in Kritsa.

• Ierapetra - The town of Ierapetra (locally known as Γεράπετρο Gerapetro) is located on Crete’s southeast coast, along the beach of Ierapetra Bay. Positioned south of Agios Nikolaos and southwest of Sitia, it serves as a key regional hub. With a population of 16,139 (as of 2011), Ierapetra is the most populous town in the Lasithi regional unit and the fourth largest in Crete. Ierapetra is affectionately called “the bride of the Libyan Sea” due to its unique position as the only town on Crete’s southern coast.

• Private transportation
• Other
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

What distinguishes this tour is its dedication to authenticity. It’s not just a list of sights to see—it’s a journey of exploration through the hidden gems of Eastern Crete that locals adore and tourists seldom visit. Participants will explore Selakano Forest, one of Crete’s most pristine natural sanctuaries, where they can stroll beneath towering pines and enjoy a tranquil coffee or rustic meal at a forest estate. Prior to this, there’s a visit to a small olive mill in Males to discover the traditional methods of olive oil production—no elaborate packaging, just time-honored techniques handed down through generations.

In contrast to hurried bus tours, this experience unfolds at a leisurely local pace. There’s ample time to relax, savor, and connect. The day concludes in the picturesque village of Kritsa, a place that still embodies Cretan tradition. Whether it’s the sound of cicadas, the aroma of wild herbs, or the warm smile of a local offering raki, every moment is genuine—because it truly is. This is more than just a tour. It’s a return to what truly matters.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.