Winter on Crete
Below you will find a list of all the excursions and activities we have set up especially for holidays in the winter on Crete. We designed every trip to show you as much of Crete as possible, whether that is culture, nature or traditions. Of course we spend a lot of attention at the accommodation to serve you with a beautiful Christmas dinner and a spectacular New years celebration. We sincerely invite you to join us in all the activities or to pick the excursions you like most.

Unknown Crete
In the morning we leave for a museum visit where you will see the history of making wine and olive oil. After this visit we will leave for a real olive oil factory and the vineyards of Crete. This tour leads through many small mountain villages where you will get to know the locals. On our way home we will stop at a kafeneion (Greek coffee house) for a drink and a small bite to eat.

Mountain village walk

An easy walk through idyllic villages where you will get to know the Cretan agricultural life. We will tell you about the local herbs and the general use of them in the past and present. A lovely trip that we will end with a traditional meal straight out of an authentic wood oven.

Christmas market in Heraklion
At 11 am we will leave for Heraklion where you will be able to feel the Greek Christmas atmosphere. From every corner you will hear Greek and English carols, all the shops are beautifully decorated, Santa’s village is built on Freedom Square right by the bazaar. The festive lighting and small ice rink are there just to heighten the spirit.

The raki distillery
A winter on Crete is not complete without a visit to a raki distillery. You will be able to see the whole process in close-up. While the Kazani (the kettle) works its miracles, we will be grilling our meat, taste the first raki and enjoy the music played by the locals. A typical Cretan night that you cannot miss.

Crete Eco-day

We will visit an ecological park where we will be shown all the original crafts from Crete. Pottery, wood carving, raki distilling, candle making: you name it, it’s here. In the amazing herb attic you will get to know all the herbs and spices unique to Crete. We will visit the small zoo on site and drink coffee on a typical Greek square.

River walk
A beautiful walk through nature of 10 to 12 km alongside a river bed that holds water in winter. This hike is suitable for all ages. During our walk we will stop at a traditional Greek kafeneion and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Culture and pottery
After a short walk through an old mountain village and a visit to the monastery, we will head towards a pottery. Here you will not only see the ancient art of pottery but you will also be allowed to sit behind the wheel yourself. All the creations made will be brought to the accommodation for you to take home as a unique souvenir.

Greek cooking workshop

A one day course where you will get acquainted with the Greek cuisine and its secrets. You will be taught to make several Greek dishes both on open fire as well as in a wood oven.

Christmas dinner
Everywhere on Crete they celebrate Christmas. When you are on Crete at Christmas time you can experience a combination of northern-european and traditional cretan food.

Cave visit
Walking through the beautiful villages of Pano Gouves, Koxari and Skotino we will visit the cave of Skotino. All together we will descend into the first chamber where we will tell you all about the history and the reigning myths. Those of you that wish to go deeper can go to the second chamber with our guide where you can admire the intricate corridors, the stalagmites and the stalactites.

Christmas Safari
An off road jeep safari up to a height of 2000 meters. Driving through the inlands of Crete we will go as high as possible in our search for snow. An adventurous day that will lead you through unknown parts of the island guaranteed. It could get cold up there, so bring some warm clothing.

Outdoor cooking

Today we will head out in to the mountains for a Greek cooking session on location. We will be cooking and grilling outside near a picturesque church. We will teach you several Greek dishes and will be happy to implement special requests: please let us know by e-mail.

Diving in the winter on Crete
In cooperation with a fully licensed PADI diving school we organize a wonderful winter dive in the Aegean Sea. Even the beginner is more than welcome. For him or her we can organize an introduction dive with an instructor and theory lessons on equipment and safety.
Please send us an e-mail should you need more information or have any questions. We will answer you personally with all the relevant details.

Sometimes it even snows on Crete!

For more information about our excursions and accommodation on Crete, please visit our Excursion page.

If you would like more information about a holiday in Crete, we will be happy to assist you. Send an email to zorbasisland@gmail.com and we will answer you personally as soon as possible.