The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Platanias, Crete

September 24, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

Platanias (Greek: Πλατανιάς) is a village and municipality on the Greek island of Crete. It is located about 10 km (6.2 mi) west from the city of Chania and east of Kastelli-Kissamos, on Chania Bay. The seat of the municipality is the village Gerani. Platanias is a popular tourism village with a beach, several hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Not far from the coast is the island of Agioi Theodoroi.
Restaurants in Platanias

1. VIP Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake - Chania

Hersonissos 700 14, Greece Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Escape to the Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia (“Hospitality”). With a chauffeured premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, you will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy. Your private local insider guide will enrich the day with a visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo) and friendly locals. Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses. Don't forget that among Crete's iconic gems like Elafonisi beach, Chrissi island, Knossos Palace, and safari there are so many other things to explore!

Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip

Exclusions: Drinks and meals in taverns, Admission fees (if applicable)

Reviewed By DCO90

An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.

2. Wine - Beer - Olive Oil Tasting Full Day Tour

Niriis Tours
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The first references of wine and olive oil in Crete date back to 5000BC during the Minoan civilization. 7000 years later, Cretans produce wine, beer and olive oil on the same land, with the only changes the enhancement of production through technology and the optimization of crops! In this tour we will visit a winery, a beer and an olive oil factory. All three have high standards of production, marrying the old traditions with modern technology and processing. In each location we will spend around one hour touring the facilities and tasting! We can be flexible and eat in a local restaurant, visit a 5.000 year old olive tree, nearby monastery, Maleme airfield and the WW2 military cemetery! Tour times in each location can be modified depending on the travelers' starting time and the date. Before confirming each tour, we have to double check that the tours will be available. Each location has 3-4 time slots available.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Guiding Services

Exclusions: 20 euro for lunch per person in a local restaurant (optional), 10 euro for each Tour and Tour Tasting per person. 30 euro total. , Snacks

Reviewed By arnaudb163

We had a fantastic day with Georges, our guide. He knows everything about his country and its history (that he studied). His french was surprisingly good ! Great experience.

3. South Crete - Matala

Historical Museum of Crete, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou 27, Iraklio 712 02, Greece CretanSpirit
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Visit one of the most historic monasteries, the holy patriarchal and sacropelic Monastery of Odigitria. The Monastery of Odigitria is located on the mountainous massif of Asterousia Mountains in the south of the prefecture of Heraklion, which constitute the "Mount Athos" of Crete. The monastery includes a multitude of old chapels with remarkable frescoes. After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain.The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Entrance fee to the caves of Matala 2 Euro

Reviewed By Tania L

I did the Gramvousa and Balos tour with my family on may 31st and we had a terrible and stressful experience. We waited for almost 25 mins to be picked up in the morning and the boat was overcrowded. These things I could set aside and forget given it was maybe beyond the control of the bus driver to pick us up at scheduled time, or that it is tourist season and the boats might be overcrowded. What I have a problem with, is that it WASN’T ADVERTISED that on both Gramvousa and Balos in order to get to the beach, visitors need to walk over treacherous and dangerous volcanic rocks and there would be no designated walking path. We were also not warned that we need hiking boots to get off the boat as the rocks are absolutely not suitable for beach footwear. It only says for visitors who want to hike up to the fortress to wear walking shoes. It doesnt say the volcanic rocks aren't appropriate for small children and older individuals. The free time we had on Gramvousa island was 1 hour and in Balos 2 hours which was 2 hours LESS THAN ADVERTISED. I travelled with a 2 year old child who fell twice on the rocks in Balos and could've seriously injured himself had he hit his head. My other 2 family members who are women close to 70 year old couldn't even see the Balos lagoon because it was dangerous to walk 200m over the dangerous rocks. One of them nearly twisted her ankle and the other hurt her back while trying to balance on the rocks so they had to go back to the boat and wait over 2 hours for the boat to leave Balos. The tour was not as advertised and actually not disclosing crucial information about the volcanic rocks visitors have to walk over in order to reach Gramvousa and Balos beach is not only misleading but dangerous for the health of visitors. The tour guide by the name Sergio was rude when I expressed my concerns about the safety of the tour and that there was even a man who got seriously injured and was bleeding down his leg. Sergio told me how I wasn't climbing the Himalayas and that I didn't need hiking shoes. As a matter of fact, I did trekking in the Himalayas and I felt safer trekking there than walking 200m to Balos beach. And why I felt safer? Because I had proper footwear. The tour was terrible and my family members could not even access the highlighted parts of the tour, such as the lagoon. I will take this matter to the Greek ministry of tourism. I sent an email to the tour organizer, Viola, after the incident expressing my concerns, and I also asked for a refund. I got NO reply. Just shows how sketchy and unprofessional these people are.

4. Chania Old Town - Millennial Olive Tree - Olive Oil Mill

Moysidis Travel

Get the best of Cretan history and culture with this half-day trip! Walk with an archaeologist and licensed tourist guide and immerse yourself in an engaging historical tour at Chania Old Town, where five millennia of history and prehistory will unravel before your eyes.

Inclusions: Pick-up at your hotel, Luxury Vehicle with a professional driver, Accompaniment by a professional guide, Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles, Insurance, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and / or dinner, Entrance fees during walking tour, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.

Reviewed By Mashka_Schmooze

We got this tour as we like to travel on our own time schedule. To stop where we want and for how long as we want. Our tour guide Genadius was very thoughtful of bringing as beach mats and umbrellas. We never even though about them. He was very flexible, fun and reliable person. Always attending when you need him but giving you your personal space at the same time. He had great humour and told us many interesting facts about Greece. We spend whole day together and I didn't get tired of him even once.

5. Wine and Olive,Falasarna Beach Group Tour up 15 persons - Wheelchair Accessible

7plan

We are a company with a privately-owned mini bus. We are authorized by the GREEK TOURISTIC ORGANISATION to be able to legally offer daily transfers as well as organized excursions. We love our work and this shows in the service we provide and in our fully equipped bus which has a refrigerator, TV monitor, individual lighting, air conditioning, Wi-FI internet, multimedia sound system, and Bluetooth. We love to help our visitors discover the nature, history and traditions of Crete, and will be delighted to share with you the beauties, the history, and the flavors and aromas of our land. The benefits on our bus, are for us, our philosophy of politeness and service. It would give us great joy to escort you on our excursions; we have excursions for all visitors, and accommodate wheelchair and mobility scooter users, their friends and family. We can accommodate 2 wheelchairs or 1 mobility scooter users; inform us at time of booking

Inclusions: Bottled water, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Transfer by special Mini Bus acommodating up to two wheelchairs or one scooter

Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses, Entry/Admission at Karavitakis Winery

Reviewed By bethanyr762

Lovely Artifacts and amazing history but the attitude of the staff completely spoiled the trip. Only gave the extra star as they let under 25’s in for free when showing ID. Experience would have been better if staff in every room were not rude. Disappointed.

6. Ancient Palaces with Minoan Wine Routes & Iconic Matala Beach from Chania

Agia Marina, Greece Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel

Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.

Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip

Exclusions: Admission fees (if applicable), Drinks and meals in taverns, Gortyna guided tour (if requested), Wine tasting expenses (if requested)

Reviewed By DCO90

An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.

7. VIP Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno-Argiroupolis-Kournas Lake-Chania from Elounda

Istro 721 00, Greece Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel

Escape to the Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia (“Hospitality”). With a chauffeured premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, you will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy. Your private local insider guide will enrich the day with a visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo) and friendly locals. Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses. Don't forget that among Crete's iconic gems like Elafonisi beach, Chrissi island, Knossos Palace, and safari there are so many other things to explore!

Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip

Exclusions: Admission fees (if applicable), Drinks and meals in taverns

Reviewed By DCO90

An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.

8. Crete from 3.000 BC.: Knossos & Museum with Wine Routes of Heraklion from Chania

Agia Marina, Greece Crete Private & Luxury Tours by Snami Travel

Succumb to a bespoke service of our top local guides with expert knowledge by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle at your disposal. Luxuriate along the stellar ruins & lavish frescoes of Knossos Palace appreciating it in a way few will ever get the chance to. Immerse into the labyrinthian marvel as we draw you back to a time when myth & history were indistinguishable. Where there’s culture, there’s wine. Let us chauffeur you to the heart of Central Crete, a rich Minoan land backed by olive groves & wine-red earth. Here you will discover boutique award-winning domains to sample Cretan vintages with divine flavors. With personal touch impressions soak up the entire collection of unique artworks & history of the archaeological museum of Heraklion by savoring each hall at your own pace. In the evening, stroll the aesthetically fortified city of Heraklion. Dazzle your senses with delicious aromas of garlic & basil pouring from superb restaurants with local-exclusive cuisine.

Inclusions: Personal pick-up & drop-off with a flexibly adjusted pick-up time, Chauffeured premium vehicle at your disposal, Vehicle comforts: mineral water, fresh fruit & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities, Private knowledgeable local insider guide, Private history-archaeology specialized guide, Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest, Dine as locals do: restaurant & bar recommendations, VIP skip-the-line accesses, Full support from your travel planner before & during your day trip

Exclusions: Drinks and meals, Admission fees , Wine Tasting (if requested)

Reviewed By DCO90

An incredible day with Alexander. We did a private tour and he took a genuine interest in our personalties to make our experience bespoke and perfect! Was truly a 5 star experience.

9. Марафон, Фермопилы, Платеи, Саламин: Исторический тур Геродота (до 11 часов)

GREECE TAXI

Мы посещаем исторические поля битвы как путешественники, а не как туристы. Мы так же как и вы, мы любим путешествия, историю и фотографию. Нам нравится то, что мы делаем :) Если вы хотите увидеть большую часть истории греко-персидских войн Геродота, то объедините все поля сражений в однодневный тур. День начинается с удобного забора с вашего местоположения и переносит вас на поля битвы Марафона, Гробницу и музей. Далее мы едем через озеро Марафон в Фермопилы. Посетите поля битвы и памятник королю Леониду, холм Колонос, горячие источники и музей. Вернитесь с той же дороги в Теву / Фивы, посетите уникальный музей. Рядом посещение Платейского Акрополя, полей битвы и источника Каргатия. Переезд через гору Ситаэрон, прохождение через порт Элефсина в Пераму. Посмотрите узкий морской проход между материком и островом Саламин. Это тур, посвященный исключительно полям сражений и пейзажам (проезд через горы), здесь есть несколько древних руин. Завершите день ужином у моря (по желанию).

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Pick up / Drop off, from/to your hotel/apartment in Athens, Piraeus. Or request another location, Professional English speaking experienced tour driver throughout the day

Exclusions: Entrance Fees to sites & museums, Licensed Archaeologist guide on request , Request / Hire an escort/guide russian speaking with history knowledge og Greek Persian Wars, Gratuities

Reviewed By 766evanw

Loved every moment of our private tour. Nikolaos, our host and driver, was courteous, flexible, and knowledgeable about Greek’s long history. He was a pleasure to have around, and helped to make our day a memorable one. The wineries and the Nemea region were lovely. Make sure if you’re booking the 50% online option, remember that you still need to pay the other half to the driver on the day.

10. Cretan Treasures Half-Day Private Tour with Cooking Class

Grecian Lux

On this food and wine tour, you will be introduced to the Cretan cuisine, local wines, and our culinary traditions that date back to ancient times and have influenced not only the European cuisine but also many others! We’re heading to the region of Kissamos and we will end up at a farmer’s house for a hands-on cooking class with organic fruit and vegetables from his estate. Taste some treats, learn about local flora, and pick up a few tips while participating in everyday local farm activities! Visit the oldest olive tree in the world. Learn about Greece’s ‘liquid gold’ (olive oil) while tasting different samples at an organic olive oil estate. Participate in a scavenger hunt around the farm grounds and search for local herbs used in foods and medicines. Try different local wine varietals from the farmer’s barrels while enjoying organic cheese and meat. Take part in our hands-on cooking class and discover the most tempting recipes of the Cretan cuisine.

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, wine, 3-course meal, Private transportation, Tastings of olive oil, olives, cheeses, rusks, Local sweets, Cooking class

Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs & items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities for your guide

Reviewed By daedalogic

We used GrecianLux for our 1 year anniversary trip in Greece. Rebecca and her entire team were incredible. Besides planning an amazing trip itinerary that had everything we wanted, they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and taken care of. The COVID-19 outbreak really accelerated during our trip - everything started to shut down, but they made sure we still had a great time while helping us figure out how to get home as soon as possible (taking care of all of the details for us). As planned activities were cancelled, our guides came up with awesome, unique alternatives. Even once the restaurants shut down, we had nothing to worry about - our guide brought us to his house and cooked for us! I can honestly say that despite all the crazy things that happened, the team at GrecianLux genuinely made this one of the best and most memorable trips of our entire lives. And since we'll have to go back to see some of the things that had to be cancelled, we will absolutely use them again in the future!

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