Spend the day swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing on this full-day Mediterranean island adventure from Crete. Escape the busy mainland resorts for the tranquil bays and pristine sands of either Gramvousa or Chrissi Island, just an hour by boat from Crete. Day-trippers from West Crete can tour the 16th-century Imeri Gramvousa fortress, stroll the pink-sand beaches and swim in the Balos lagoon on Gramvousa Island. Alternatively, those setting sail from East Crete can enjoy the secluded beaches of Chrissi Island and spot dolphins and rare birds along the coast.
Your Crete hotel (Google Map)
7am or 9am, depending on your specific route.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
Leave Crete and spend a day on one of the smaller islands dotted around Crete’s coastline. The cruise to your island lasts no longer than an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to kick back and relax, soaking up the laid-back island life! After exploring, swimming and soaking up the sun, return to your boat for the cruise back to Crete. Your day then finishes with a handy drop-off back at your hotel. Cruise from West Crete: Board your boat at Kastelli Port of Kissamos and then sit back and relax – either inside or out on deck – during your 1-hour cruise to the island of Gramouvsa. A small sun-baked outpost just adrift from Crete’s northwestern tip, this little piece of paradise comes complete with stunning turquoise waters and pink sandy beaches – perfect for a day of lazily lounging around in the sun. First stop is Imeri Gramvousa, the island’s Venetian fortress, for a guided tour. Explore the ruins and hear how the island was once a 16th-century strategic stronghold – ideally located to protect northeastern Crete. Then, it’s time to swim, sunbathe or enjoy lunch on your boat (own expense). Hop back aboard your boat and cruise over to the other side of the island to visit Gramouvsa’s tropical-esque lagoon – Balos. Enjoy nearly three hours at leisure to do as little or as much as you like! Perhaps take a paddle through the turquoise waters or relax on the lagoon’s pink-hued beaches. Venture away from the sand to snorkel around the rocks (equipment not provided), or take a stroll inland to see the island’s rare flora and fauna that abounds. Cruise from East Crete: If your hotel is located on the eastern side of Crete, your boat cruise follows a different route. Board your boat at Ierapetra Port and enjoy a 1-hour cruise to Chrissi Island, just southeast of Crete in the dazzling Libyan Sea. Uninhabited, the island is a haven of sun-kissed seclusion, with gloriously isolated coves and sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. How you spend your time on the island is up to you, and you’ll have roughly five hours to do whatever you like! Swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beaches, or go on a walk around the island, watching out for rare birdlife or dolphins close to shore. Lunch is available at your own expense on board your boat; alternatively, bring your own food and drinks and relax on the island with a picnic!
