Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Town and Kournas Lake

Chania , Greece

Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Town and Kournas Lake

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(4 reviews)

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Full Day Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Old Town and Kournas Lake.

The West side of Crete is so green with its lush gardens and plantations. Here you’ll find the only lake on Crete and the most breathtaking views to the White Mountains. Trip to the West is a trip to the past which will reveal the beauty and the secrets of ancient Crete.

Our tour starts in Chania. It’s an old capital of Crete. Chania city is quite unique because it’s been influenced by many cultures over the centuries. We’ll walk through the narrow streets of Old town, and you’ll see just why Chania is considered to be Cretan most beautiful city.

From here we’ll move to Rethymno but first stop at wonderful Kournas lake.

Available options

Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Town and Kournas Lake

Pickup included

What's included

Accompaniment by a professional local travel Guide

Professional liability insurance / Taxes

Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles

Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.

Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel

Detailed itinerary

Chania is a paradise of Greece
At the beginning of the sightseeing tour we will make our way towards the west of Crete – the town of Chania. This resort is amazing because of:

A variety of landscapes.
Favourable climate.
Clean, well-furnished beaches.
Original architecture.
Since the town has a rich historical past and more than once was conquered by various nations, here you can find interweaving of different cultures: Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian.

Today Chania consists of two parts: old and modern. Most of the attractions are localized in the old part, called the Old Town. Structures erected during different epochs remained substantially untouched in wartime and have reached our days in excellent condition. The Old Town includes 5 well-developed quarters with small cosy houses located close to each other. Narrow streets give a special flavour thus creating a homely atmosphere.

The attribute of the town is the Venetian Port.

Stop 2

Kournas Lake
We will also have a unique opportunity to visit the largest freshwater lake of the island called Kournas. Previously, it was called Korecia (in honour of the ancient Greek goddess, whose temple is located nearby). The lake will win your heart with picturesque mountain landscapes and clear water.

The lake is shrouded in numerous legends. According to one of them, the girl turned into a lake when her father came up with the idea of something wrong. Another legend has it that the residents of a nearby village had a wrong lifestyle. The whole settlement was punished. There is an opinion that Kournas has no bottom. In fact, its depth is quite impressive – 25 meters.

And finally we are in Rethymno! It’s more relaxed and less crowded, however, it’s still very vivid and captivating.

Here you will find a lot of interesting things:

Buildings built in the middle Ages;
Majestic cathedrals built in the Venetian style;
Temples and mosques;
Beautiful fountains;
Picturesque rural landscapes.
One of the main attractions of the town is the Fortezza Fortress built in the port (XVI century). From here you can see the beautiful views of the entire town. It was built as a defensive construction, so it was made properly and is perfectly preserved to this day.

An unforgettable reminder of architecture is the Venetian lighthouse against a background of which you can take original photos.

On Platanos Square there is Rimondi Fountain attracting attention of the visitors. On the pedestal, you can see 3 heads of lions. The fountain was built by the Venetians.

What's not included

Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner

Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites

Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EL EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses and Hat, Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.

Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (eg to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated, and we exercise all discretion.

Health Insurance: Moysidis Travel is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before traveling to Crete.

About Chania

Chania is a picturesque coastal city on the northwest coast of Crete, known for its Venetian harbor, charming old town, and stunning beaches. It offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a top destination in Greece.

Top Attractions

Venetian Harbor

The Venetian Harbor is the heart of Chania, with its picturesque lighthouse, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a must-visit for its history and stunning views.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Old Town

The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, Venetian mansions, Byzantine walls, and hidden courtyards. It's a charming area to explore on foot.

Historical 2-3 hours Free

Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon is a stunning beach with turquoise waters and white sand. It's a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Nature Half day to full day Free (parking fees may apply)

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of Europe's longest gorges, offering a challenging hike through stunning landscapes. It's a popular trekking destination.

Adventure Full day €5 (entrance fee)

Lighthouse of Chania

The Lighthouse of Chania is a iconic landmark at the end of the Venetian Harbor. It offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dakos

A traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusks, tomato, mizithra cheese, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, contains gluten and dairy

Stifado

A slow-cooked stew made with meat (usually beef or rabbit), onions, and spices.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made with vegetables for a vegetarian version

Kalitsounia

Sweet or savory pastries filled with cheese, herbs, or sweet cheese and honey.

Dessert Contains dairy, can be vegetarian or vegan depending on filling

Popular Activities

Hiking in Samaria Gorge Snorkeling at Balos Lagoon Windsurfing at Falassarna Beach Sunbathing at Elafonisi Beach Spa treatments at local hotels Enjoying a meal at a waterfront taverna Exploring the Old Town Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Chania

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Chania for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the sea and exploring the city's attractions.

25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Greek
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in other areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET - Eastern European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chania is a generally safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Chania International Airport (CHQ) • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By bus

Chania Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, including the old town and beaches. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Taxi Chania

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Nea Chora Agia Marina

Day trips

Elafonisi Beach

75 km (47 miles) • Full day

Elafonisi Beach is a stunning pink sand beach with crystal-clear waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Falassarna Beach

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Falassarna Beach is a long, sandy beach with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Sougia

70 km (43 miles) • Full day

Sougia is a charming coastal village with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It's a great spot for hiking, swimming, and enjoying local cuisine.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Chania International Film Festival • November Venetian Harbor Festival • Summer (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the lighthouse at sunset for stunning views of the harbor and city
Explore the Old Town's narrow streets and hidden courtyards for a glimpse of local life
Try local specialties such as dakos, stifado, and kalitsounia at traditional tavernas
Take a day trip to Balos Lagoon or Elafonisi Beach for a memorable beach experience
Hike the Samaria Gorge for a challenging and rewarding adventure