Private Tour
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on this full day Private tour so we can explore south and north Crete ,Old villages , Matala Beach , taste some good wine and olive oil .
First we will start our tour by visiting an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil and taste of course .
Next stop will be at the old village of Saint Thomas to walk through the old narrow streets and enjoy a coffee.
Next stop will be in Matala beach so you can go for a swim and explore the caves .After this stop it’s time to have lunch ( OPTIONAL) .
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Preveli Beach
We walk down to this beautiful beach where we first walk for a while through the palm trees in both sides of the small river then relax or swim on the warm water of the south cost .
Agia Pelagia
We stop at the beautiful spot to enjoy an iced coffee with amazing views.
Coffees , water .
Liability insurance
Informative English speaking driver guide,
Lunch
4 euros per person entrance fee at the caves
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
326Demun,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My wife and I have experienced over 50 paid tours on our travels and so I believe we have the background to judge value Explore Real Crete is the most professional and enjoyable tour service we have met. The staff is expectational, knowledgeable and enjoyable. They are timely and honest in their communications. The vehicle was comfortable, safe and clean. The company delivered what was promised and constantly worked to exceed expectations. Importantly, if you want to experience Crete outside of the enclosed tourist resorts, these are the people to see. We firmly believe they will deliver just what you’re looking for in a Cretan vacation.
vaid03,,Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time with Explore real crete. It was an amazing experience we wouldn’t trade. It was an insightful and fun tour. The private tour allowed us to explore a lot along with Ed, who was lovely. Ed helped us personalise this experience making it truly special. Thank you for it all!




kmeador02,,May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was the best tour! Stavros was hilarious and kind and super knowledgeable. He worked with our group to provide a private experience they appealed to everyone, including 3 kids. We had to change our itinerary slightly due to road construction but he pivoted so seamlessly we barely knew what was happening. If you’re on the island of Crete, this is a must do!! He went above and beyond.



Sunshine19434830945,,Oct 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This excursion was by far our favorite thing to do while exploring beautiful Crete. The hike down to the waterfall was beautiful and once there the swim was cold but amazing . Don't let the cold water stop you from swimming to the waterfall. It is so worth it. Next stop Preveli Beach with its charming access through a beautiful palm forest. The day also included a stop in a lovely authentic Crete village topping off an already perfect day. Savros was the perfect tour guide and host. He was engaging and funny and couldn't have been more accommodating. He truly cared that we were enjoying ourselves. Thank you Stavros (Ed) . You went above and beyond our expectations. A truly amazing day.
louloudi2005,,Oct 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
For the third time in 2 years I had the pleasure to book a tour with Ed. This time it was a private tour with friends for my birthday celebration. Ed delivered once again or should I say as usual. It’s his passion for Crete, interest and know-how of other countries, the care and high safety level during the tour, the level of customization, his fab and funny personality that makes a tour with him so special! He connects with everyone on a genuine hospitality level that’s outstanding! So Ed thanx for letting me be your sidekick 😉on this wonderful and beautiful tour. You gave us an opportunity to make great lifetime memories! ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ Tip: if you’re going into the waterfalls at Kourtaliotiko and the river at Prevelli, wear watershoes like we did, it makes wading more safe and easier.








beckyhG4061OV,,Oct 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Hands down the best tour we did on our travels through the Greek Islands; Crete was our favourite. Our tour guide extraordinaire, Stavros aka “Ed” was amazing. I cannot say enough positive things about his energy, knowledge and expertise. Loved creating some of my bucket list memories in Crete. The waterfall, palm beach forest and beach was simply stunning. It is a must see if you’re in south Crete.













annemiekeg105,,Oct 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a great experience to be able to do a private tour with this organization, so professional and so nice, we have really been to the most beautiful places of Crete. Everything was arranged to perfection they really know everything about the island, they really have an eye for the customer and the wishes of the customer. I can only say book a tour with these people are really tops, I really enjoyed and memories for life.










carlagR719LD,,Oct 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
What an amazing trip and a great time! Ed is a great host. He knows so much about the island and tells about it with passion and kots of humor! I loved Preveli Beach. It was an interesting walk down. Thanks for having my back Ed! You are the greatest!! Hope to see you again


udmin2000,,Sep 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was absolutely The Best tour we had in our 2 weeks long Greece vacation. Stavros is the man!...He is like no other tour operator we have ever met. Right from the time of our first contact with him until we finished the tour, he took amazing care of our entire group (23 people includes kids!!). He is a blast of energy, humor, fun and knowledge. He made sure that the itinerary is customized to our needs, we visit the best of the best places and have a truly authentic experience. It is worth mentioning that we also had the pleasure to tour the Knossos palace with one of the most passionate and entertaining archeologists arranged by Stavros. If you are looking for the best tour and the best experience in Crete/Heraklion, I would absolutely recommend Explore Real Crete. What a memorable experience!... Thanks Stavros!!
Laura W,,Aug 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
Very personal attention the entire day! Spiros connected us to Crete in such a wonderful way. We loved having experiences like locals. The lunch was incredible and in a beautiful location! We thoroughly enjoyed the olive oil factory, and learning about the old and new ways of making it. We loved the stop for local coffee and meeting the owners. The drive was spectacular, and learning about the building of the dam and changes the dam has brought to the country was interesting. The generous personality of our guide Spiros made it extra special. His stops to pick thyme, sage, fennel and other crops was a highlight—and the sharing of his family olive oil to take home was a sweet surprise. We couldn’t have been happier with the experience, we will cherish the memories! Thank you Ed and Spiros!!
Operated by Explore Real Crete