DayTrip Kournas lake Argyroupoli &Georgioupoli from Rethymno

Taking a day out to explore Crete’s lesser-trodden spots can reveal the island’s authentic charm and stunning landscapes. This DayTrip from Rethymno offers a well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s countryside, traditional villages, and pristine beaches. With a mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and leisure time, it’s an appealing way to see the island beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

What makes this tour stand out? We particularly like the diverse scenery—from the freshwater serenity of Kournas Lake to the lush, historic village of Argyroupoli, and the inviting sands of Georgioupolis. The knowledgeable guides, who share insights in English and German, greatly enhance the experience, making each stop both educational and enjoyable. The value for money is noticeable, especially with included transportation and hotel pickup. A possible downside? The itinerary can be quite full, making some parts feel rushed, especially if you’re hoping for a more relaxed pace.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting to explore Crete’s natural landscapes and authentic villages in one day without renting a car. If you love scenic drives, cultural stops, and beach relaxation, this trip offers a well-balanced mix. It’s especially suited for those who value guided tours that handle all logistics, but still want some freedom to explore on their own.

Good To Know

• Diverse scenery ranging from lakes and villages to beaches and dams
• Expert guides provide insights in both English and German
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioned buses
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in several Rethymno areas
• Limited spots mean a more personalized experience
• The tour duration varies from 3.5 to 9 hours, accommodating different schedules

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

This full-day tour from Rethymno takes you on a scenic journey through some of Crete’s most charming spots. It’s designed to give a taste of the island’s natural beauty and traditional lifestyle, making it a good choice for those who prefer a structured yet varied experience.

Starting with Convenience – Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with pickup from 13 different locations around Rethymno, including popular spots like Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, and Rethymno town. Pickup times are communicated via email, generally starting about an hour before departure, which gives you the chance to relax and prepare for the day ahead. Keep in mind that remote hotels like Grand Rimondi are not included in the pickup list, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Visiting Kournas Lake: Crete’s Only Freshwater Lake

The first major stop is Kournas Lake, often called the “hidden gem” of Crete. It’s the island’s only freshwater lake, and just seeing the tranquil waters surrounded by mountains makes for a memorable scene. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here, including swimming, snorkeling, or canoeing, or simply snap photos of the beautiful landscape.

One reviewer, Ekaterina, praised the guide Barbara for her knowledge, noting that she “exposed the beauty of the lake nicely and with a lot of insight.” The 1.5-hour stop allows enough time to soak in the views, take a leisurely walk, or cool off in the refreshing waters.

Scenic Drive to Argyroupoli: A Village Steeped in Charm

Next, the tour transports you to Argyroupoli, a traditional mountain village famous for its lush springs and old-world charm. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore, enjoy a Greek coffee, and take in the scenic views. The drive itself is picturesque, with sweeping countryside and mountain vistas.

Reviewers highlight the scenic drive as a real plus, with one noting how it offers a window into Crete’s authentic rural life, away from crowded tourist spots. The guide’s commentary adds context about the village’s history and significance, making the visit both pleasant and informative.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Highlight of the Day: Georgioupolis and Plakias Bay

The final major stop is Georgioupolis, a coastal village known for its long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll get a chance to relax—whether that means swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a seaside lunch (note that lunch isn’t included, but there are plenty of local tavernas).

The nearby Plakias Bay offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning of sightseeing. The tour’s duration here is around three hours, giving enough time to dip into the sea, explore the town, or walk along the beach.

Additional Scenic Stops: Dam and Monastery

On the way back, the bus stops at the Fragma Potamon Dam for a quick photo opportunity—a great chance to admire the engineering marvel and snap some scenic shots. The Arkadi Monastery, a short detour, offers a glimpse into Crete’s history and spirituality, along with a chance to enjoy a coffee or light meal in the area.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling on luxurious, air-conditioned buses, we found the journey quite comfortable, even when the drive stretched up to 9 hours depending on the group. The small group sizes (limited spots) help keep the experience intimate, and the guides are attentive, sharing interesting facts along the way. The buses have multiple pickup points, making it accessible for most travelers staying in Rethymno.

Flexibility and Value

While the tour packs a lot into a single day, it offers good value considering the included transportation, guide service, and hotel pickup. The price might seem high for a full-day trip, but when you factor in the cost of individual entries, transport, and the convenience factor, it’s quite reasonable.

What’s Not Included

Food and personal expenses are extras—lunch at Georgioupolis isn’t included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a seaside meal. Also, remote hotels like Grand Rimondi aren’t part of the pickup zone, so you’ll need to arrange transportation there yourself.

Authentic Experiences Reported by Travelers

Reviewers consistently mentioned how knowledgeable guides enhanced the experience. Ekaterina appreciated Barbara’s “full of knowledge” narration, while Chris felt he got “great value for money” because the tour covered parts of Crete typical travelers don’t see. Ashley noted that although the trip was good overall, she was disappointed not to see a waterfall that was advertised but didn’t materialize.

The natural beauty of Kournas Lake and the charm of Argyroupoli seem to be the standouts, with many noting how these stops felt authentic and less commercial. The mix of scenic drives, cultural sites, and beach time was praised as well, making the tour suitable for a variety of interests.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This day trip is perfect for travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic overview of Crete’s countryside, lakes, and coastal villages without the hassle of planning multiple separate excursions. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided experiences that include transportation, yet still want some time to explore on their own.

If your priority is discovering authentic villages, stunning landscapes, and relaxing beaches, you’ll find this tour hits all those marks. It offers a good balance of sightseeing, culture, and leisure, making it a practical choice for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable day out.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration of specific sites, some parts of the itinerary might feel a little rushed. The tour is also less suited for travelers with mobility issues, given the amount of walking and the full schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is available in several Rethymno areas including Panormo, Scaleta, and Rethymno town. Pickup times are sent via email, generally starting about an hour before the tour.

How long does the tour last? The duration ranges from approximately 3.5 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and group size. Check availability for exact starting times.

What should I bring? It’s best to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and some cash for souvenirs or snacks. Lunch isn’t included, so bring along a snack or plan to eat in Georgioupolis.

Are there any restrictions? The tour involves some walking, especially at Kournas Lake and Argyroupoli, so wear appropriate footwear if mobility is a concern.

Is there free time at each stop? Yes, each stop offers a period for sightseeing, photos, and relaxing, typically around 1 to 3 hours depending on the location.

Can I swim? Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available at Kournas Lake and Georgioupolis, making it a fun day for beach lovers.

Is the tour suitable for families? Absolutely, especially for those with children who enjoy lakes, beaches, and scenic villages. Just be mindful of the full schedule.

Are meals included? No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of local eateries in Georgioupolis where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes.

What language are guides available in? Guides speak English and German, ensuring clear explanations for most visitors.

Can I book a private group? Yes, private groups are available, which can tailor the experience to your preferences.

If you’re after a diverse, picturesque day out that captures the essence of Crete’s natural beauty and traditional villages, this tour offers a solid choice. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural insight, and the convenience of guided transport makes it a smart pick for many travelers. Just remember—it’s a full schedule, so pack comfortable shoes and an open mind ready to soak up the island’s charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: