West Crete Tour: Chania, Lake Kournas & Rethymno

Discover the beauty of west Crete on a full-day tour from Heraklion. Explore the historic old town of Chania, relax by the peaceful Lake Kournas, and walk through the charming streets of Rethymno.

Why choose this West Crete tour

Visit three of the most beautiful destinations in Crete in one day
Explore Chania old town and its famous Venetian harbor
Enjoy free time at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete
Walk through the historic streets of Rethymno
Comfortable transport with guided support throughout the day

About the Tour

Highlights

Itinerary

Tour Details

About the Tour

Join us on a journey to the beautiful west side of Crete, where history and nature come together.

Our first stop is Chania, one of the most charming cities on the island. Chania has two parts: the Old Town, with its stunning Venetian harbor, and the New Town, built outside the old city walls. The Old Town, often called the "Venice of the East," is full of history. Walking through its streets, you will see a mix of cultures—Minoan ruins, Turkish mosques, Venetian fortresses, old mansions, and the famous lighthouse.

Next, we visit Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Surrounded by green hills, this peaceful spot is home to rare fish and birds, including eels, moorhens, and two-colored turtles. Due to its unique ecosystem, it is a protected area under Natura 2000. Here, you can swim in the clear waters, rent a paddle boat to explore the calm waters, take a walk around the lake, or just relax and enjoy the view before lunch.

On our way back, we stop at Rethymno, Crete’s third-largest town. This city is a fascinating mix of different cultures, with influences from the Venetians, Ottomans, and ancient Greeks. Walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, see the Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses, or simply enjoy a coffee by the beautiful harbor.

Highlights

Visit three beautiful destinations in West Crete in one day
Explore the old town and Venetian harbor of Chania
Enjoy free time at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete
Discover the charming streets and harbor of Rethymno
Ideal mix of history, nature, culture and relaxation
Comfortable full-day excursion from the Heraklion area

Itinerary

Port de la vieille ville de Rethymno avec des bateaux en Crète

Rethymno old harbor

Rue étroite et colorée de la vieille ville de Chania, en Crète

Chania old town streets

07:00 – 09:30 Pick Up

09:50 Stop in Skaleta for breakfast & WC

10:05 Departure from Skaleta

11:30 Arrival at Chania

13:45 Departure from Chania

14:45 Arrival at Lake Kournas (for swimming & lunch)

16:15 Departure from Lake Kournas

16:45 Arrival at Rethymno

18:00 Departure from Rethymno

19:00 – 20:15 Return to hotels – Drop Off

Tour Details

Route: 340 km

Duration: 11–12 hours

Languages: EN / DE / FR

Jours disponibles

Tuesday · Friday

Prices

Adult: €52
Child (4–12): €26
Infants (0–3): Free

Inclus

Transport
Guided support throughout the excursion

Extras

No mandatory extras
Food, drinks and optional personal expenses are not included

Discover West Crete in One Day – Chania, Lake Kournas & Rethymno

Join one of the most popular excursions in Crete and experience stunning landscapes, traditional towns, and crystal-clear views.
Fill in your details below to check availability and reserve your spot.