Malia: East Crete The Magical Places

Malia: East Crete The Magical Places offers an exciting way to explore the island’s lesser-known treasures, blending history, nature, and local culture into one memorable day. This private guided tour, priced at $107 per person, promises a rich mix of scenic vistas, cultural insights, and fun activities, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone craving an authentic taste of eastern Crete.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of stunning panoramic views from 900 meters altitude, the chance to visit the Milatos Cave, and the opportunity to enjoy animal encounters at Amazonas Park. Plus, the inclusion of a full meal with local delicacies adds a delicious touch. That said, some travelers might find the long day’s itinerary a bit packed, especially if you’re traveling with young children or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of eastern Crete, combining history, nature, and local life in one package. If you’re after a lively, engaging experience with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights, this tour ticks many boxes.

Good To Know

• Diverse Experiences: Combines caves, wildlife parks, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints.
• Family-Friendly: Includes Amazonas Park, perfect for children’s excitement.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to villages and historical sites offer an authentic feel of local Cretan life.
• Stunning Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views from 900 meters altitude, perfect for photography.
• Value: Full-day experience with transportation, guided commentary, and a traditional meal.
• Limited Mobility: Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or recent surgeries.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Eastern Crete Tour: A Deep Dive

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour begins with pickup from seven different locations, including popular spots like Malia, Hersonissos, and Gouves. This flexibility makes it easier to join from your hotel or nearby accommodation. The pickup process is straightforward—just be in the lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The small group setting (private group) adds a personal touch, allowing guides to tailor some parts of the experience and ensure everyone can ask questions comfortably.

Milatos Cave: A Step Back in Time

Your day kicks off with a visit to Milatos Cave, a site that’s steeped in local legend and history. The guided tour provides insights into the area’s past, and the scenic drive there offers a taste of Crete’s rugged landscape. The cave visit includes a photo stop, letting you capture the impressive rock formations and perhaps imagine the stories that hid within. Expect around 45 minutes at this stop, providing enough time for sightseeing and photos without feeling rushed.

Amazonas Park: Animal Encounters and Kid-Friendly Fun

Next, it’s time to indulge the kids (or the young at heart) at Amazonas Park. This zoo park is a hit for families, offering close-up encounters with animals, which many reviewers find delightful. One reviewer shared that their children loved seeing the animals up close, and the experience “brought joy” to their day. The visit allows for free time and photo opportunities, making it a relaxed break amidst the adventure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Fourni: Local Flavors and Coffee Break

After exploring wildlife, the tour heads to Fourni, a charming spot for a coffee and local snacks. This stop is perfect for re-energizing, and it’s an excellent chance to enjoy some of Crete’s local flavors in a cozy setting. Expect about 45 minutes here, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps chat with locals.

Plaka & Spinalonga: Scenic and Historical Highlights

The journey continues to the scenic Plaka Sea Front Residence, which offers another scenic stop with photo opportunities. From here, the views of the Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga—a fortress island with a compelling history—are breathtaking. You’ll get a guided tour and free time, approximately 30 minutes, to explore and take photos of this dramatic landscape.

Elounda: Relaxing Waters and Authentic Dining

A highlight for many is the stop in Elounda, where crystal-clear waters beckon for a quick swim or just relaxing by the sea. Here, you can enjoy authentic food at a local tavern, which many reviews praise for its quality. The 1.5-hour break includes options for swimming and savoring regional specialties, adding a refreshing pause before the final leg of the journey.

Agios Nikolaos: Town Charm and Shopping

Your last major stop is Agios Nikolaos, the vibrant capital of eastern Crete. The town square and the beautiful lake are perfect for wandering, shopping, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere. The scenic route on the way back and the one-hour visit offer a great chance for last-minute photos and souvenirs.

Return and Drop-offs

The tour concludes with drop-offs at the original pickup points, ensuring a smooth end to your day. The entire experience spans approximately 6.5 hours, with timing scheduled to maximize sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling in a private group vehicle means personalized attention and a comfortable ride. The tour includes fuel, driver experience, and a knowledgeable guide—these elements contribute to a seamless experience. The vehicle’s access to various locations is usually straightforward, but if your hotel is on a narrow or difficult road, a nearby meeting point might be arranged.

What to Bring

Prepare for the day with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, camera, and sunscreen. The itinerary suggests a mix of walking, sightseeing, and some off-road driving, so comfortable clothes are essential. A towel or beachwear is recommended if you plan to swim.

Suitability and Accessibility

The tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travelers or recent surgery patients, mainly due to some walking and off-road elements. The long day might be tiring for very young children, but older kids will enjoy the animal encounters and scenic stops.

Price and Value

At $107 per person, the price includes pickup and drop-off, a full meal, transportation, and guided commentary. Considering the variety of stops, the inclusion of local delicacies, and the chance to see both natural and cultural highlights, this represents solid value—especially for families or those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day.

The Experience Providers and Booking Details

Operated by GOCRETESAFARI, the tour emphasizes flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, offering peace of mind. Multiple languages are available, including English, Greek, Dutch, French, and German, catering to international visitors.

The Sum Up

This tour delivers a well-rounded taste of eastern Crete, offering breathtaking views, cultural insights, wildlife encounters, and authentic local experiences. It’s an especially good choice for families or travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions.

If you’re after a blend of history, nature, and local life, with a dash of adventure, this tour checks many boxes. It’s a chance to see Crete’s less touristy side while enjoying the comfort of a guided, private experience.

For those who want to capture spectacular views, learn about local traditions, and experience Crete’s wildlife, this tour is a pretty good fit. Just be prepared for a full day, and pack your sense of adventure along with your camera.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, with transportation in a private vehicle that’s suitable for the itinerary.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, including stops, sightseeing, and meal times.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome, especially since Amazonas Park is included. However, young children should be able to handle a full day of sightseeing and walking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, camera, sunscreen, and casual clothes for the day.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or recent surgeries due to walking and off-road elements.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

What languages does the guide speak?
The guide speaks Dutch, English, French, Greek, and German.

Is there an option to pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

In summary, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and family fun, perfect for those wanting to see the best of eastern Crete without overextending themselves. Whether you’re after stunning vistas, historical sites, or animal encounters, it’s a journey that promises memorable moments and great photos.

You can check if your dates are available here: