Kato Gouves
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos












Discover the magic of the Lassithi Plateau, the legendary birthplace of Zeus. At 850m above sea level and surrounded by 18 villages, it offers stunning scenery and authentic rural Crete.
Explore the Cave of Zeus, where impressive stalactites and stalagmites create a mystical atmosphere. Continue to Vidiani Monastery, at the foot of Mount Louloudaki, then visit Lasinthos Eco Park, with pottery, candle making workshops and a small animal farm.
Stop at the picturesque village of Krasi, famous for its natural springs and the oldest plane tree in Crete. Next, enjoy a guided visit to a scenic Olive Mill Farm, learning about olive oil, honey, and local products, with an optional lunch and beautiful mountain views.
The day concludes at the iconic Knossos Palace, the ancient Minoan capital, where history and legend come to life.
A perfect blend of mythology, culture, nature and authentic Cretan experiences in one unforgettable day.
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A handful of sandy beaches along Kato Gouves, easy and popular with families.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean.
Museums · Hersonissos
Coastal village east of Heraklion, home of the Cretaquarium.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
Inland village above the beach resort of Kato Gouves.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A big sandy beach at the mouth of the Aposelemis river, with a small wetland full of birds.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A huge cave and ancient Minoan sanctuary.
Caves · Hersonissos
Seaside village east of Heraklion, next to a Minoan villa.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A family resort beach with free sunbeds, showers and steady wind for watersports.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A small unorganised local beach with views of Dia island and planes landing.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A string of small sandy beaches with lifeguards and shallow, light blue water.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A Minoan villa full of ceremonial axes.
Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Small sandy beaches in front of big resorts, with a rocky seabed that is good for snorkelling.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
The eastern end of the long Karteros beach, close to town with beach bars and soft sand.
Sandy beaches · Heraklion
A sandy beach east of town popular with SUP and kite surfers, with beach bars on one side.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
We begin collecting participants from their pick-up points in the morning.
Depending on the location of your hotel or apartment, the total drive time will vary.
Drive from last pick-up: approx. 50 minutes
1st Stop: Vidiani Monastery – 25 minutes
Our first stop is the Vidiani Monastery, a small Eastern Orthodox monastery nestled at the base of Mount Louloudaki and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its peaceful courtyard, beautiful frescoes, and mountain surroundings create an atmosphere of quiet spiritual charm—perfect for a gentle start to the day.
Bus Drive: 15 minutes
2nd Stop: Psychro Cave (Cave of Zeus) – 1 hour 40 minutes
Next, we visit the legendary Cave of Zeus, believed to be the birthplace of the king of the gods.
As you descend into the illuminated cavern, you’ll encounter dramatic chambers decorated with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The mystical ambiance and geological beauty make this one of Crete’s most iconic ancient sites.
Entrance fee: 15€ (not included)
Bus Drive: 10 minutes
3rd stop: Lasinthos Eco Park- 45 minutes
Next, explore Lasinthos Eco Park, a charming eco-park featuring traditional artisan workshops, including pottery and candle making, along with a small animal farm.
Bus Drive: 20 minutes
4th Stop: Village of Krasi – 20 minutes
Our journey continues to the traditional village of Krasi, known for its natural freshwater springs and the oldest—and largest—plane tree in Crete. Enjoy a refreshing short stop surrounded by lush greenery and authentic Cretan village life.
Bus Drive: 25 minutes
4th Stop: Olive Mill Farm – 1 hour 40 minutes
We then visit a beautiful Olive Mill Farm overlooking the mountains and the Aegean Sea.
Guests enjoy a guided tour through the production of local olive oil, honey, and handmade olive-based products. Afterwards, you may enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients (at your own expense), in a serene setting full of natural aromas and panoramic views.
Bus Drive: approx. 1 hour
5th Stop: Knossos Archaeological Site – 1 hour
The final destination of the tour is the world-renowned Palace of Knossos, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. A guided tour reveals the fascinating history of Europe’s oldest city as you explore restored chambers, colorful frescoes, and the remnants of an advanced Bronze Age culture.
There will also be time for photographs and personal exploration of the site.
Entrance fee: 20€ (not included)
Return to Resorts
At the end of the tour, we board the buses and return to the hotels where participants were picked up in the morning. Return time varies depending on traffic and individual drop-off locations.
We pick up travellers from specific points in the areas of Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Agkisaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia and from two centrally located points in Heraklion town.
As soon as you make the booking we will contact you in order to let you know the exact place and time of the Pick-up which is closer to your place of hotel, please check your email.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.