• Mirtos - Myrtos has a rich history but has only prospered with the advent of tourism. The village has many tavernas and diverse shops for both residents and visitors. More recently there is now a pharmacy and an ATM. There are numerous churches, hotels, apartments, and studios.
  The area surrounding Myrtos was already inhabited during the Minoan period, but the current village dates from the first half of the twentieth century. Before that, it was the location of a small port, where inhabitants from the higher surrounding areas traded local products that they shipped to Ierápetra. Only when threats from piracy along the Cretan coast diminished and it became safer to live there, did the village of Myrtos develop.
• Sarakina Gorges - According to Greek mythology, the giant Sarantapihos, who was the son of Zeus, once stopped to drink water from the river Kryos or Myrtos, near Ierapetra. His long beard slashed the mountain in two parts and created the canyon of Sarakina. Sarakina is located very close to the traditional village Mythi and near the seaside settlement of Myrtos, where the river Kryos exits to the sea.

This is a canyon with most of its length being accessible by anyone, with water, ponds and only some climbing points requiring attention. What is really impressive is the large quantity of water almost all year round, that forms very beautiful waterfalls and ponds, ideal for swimming, even in summer. In winter, it is impossible to cross the gorge without getting wet. During the course one has to climb, come through huge boulders and rocky bridges. In tough positions, there are stairs carved in stone and some tree trunks for easiest climbing.

• Dasos Selakano - Selakano Wood is one of the most beautiful and most important surviving ecosystems of the island, protected under the Natura 2000 program, and a major pine forest for the entire Mediterranean Sea. The pine forest constitutes the most productive apiculture spot in Crete, while in the past wood and resin were harvested. Indeed, special attention is required during the flowering period of the pines (July-September), when the forest is full of bees and you might have some unpleasant surprises. The forest has been extensively damaged by fires (mostly caused accidentally by beekeepers) in recent years and much of it has been reforested.
• Kritsa - Kritsa is a small town of Eastern Crete, built at an altitude of 350m below the Kastellos Hill, very close to Agios Nikolaos city. What makes Kritsa special is the preservation of the traditional Cretan lifestyle that attracts dozens of visitors. The scenic narrow streets, the blooming yards, the textile shops, the traditional coffee shops, the folklore collections and the Byzantine temples can easily give the settlement the characterization of an open folklore and historical museum about Crete.

The settlement appears to be connected with the nearby ancient Lato, the inhabitants of which, moved once to Kritsa. In Kritsa, besides walking in the small narrow streets, it is worth hiking in Kritsa Gorge, visiting the folklore museums and admiring the frescoes of its Byzantine monuments, with the most important being Panagia Kera. It is important to note that some scenes of the film “Christ Recrucified” with Julie Dassin and Melina Merkouri were filmed in Kritsa.

• Ierapetra - The town of Ierapetra (in the local dialect: Γεράπετρο Gerapetro) is located on the southeast coast of Crete, situated on the beach of Ierapetra Bay. This town lies south of Agios Nikolaos and southwest of Sitia, and is an important regional center. With 16,139 inhabitants (in 2011), Ierapetra is the most populous town in the regional unit of Lasithi and the fourth most populous town in Crete. Ierapetra is nicknamed “the bride of the Libyan Sea” because of its position as the only town on Crete’s southern coast.

• Private transportation
• Other
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

What distinguishes this tour is its dedication to authenticity. It’s not just a list of sights to see—it’s a journey of exploration through the hidden gems of Eastern Crete that locals adore and tourists seldom visit. Participants will explore Selakano Forest, one of Crete’s most pristine natural sanctuaries, where they can stroll beneath towering pines and enjoy a tranquil coffee or rustic meal at a forest estate. Prior to this, there’s a visit to a small olive mill in Males to discover the traditional methods of olive oil production—no elaborate packaging, just time-honored techniques handed down through generations.

In contrast to hurried bus tours, this experience unfolds at a leisurely local pace. There’s ample time to relax, savor, and connect. The day concludes in the picturesque village of Kritsa, a place that still embodies Cretan tradition. Whether it’s the sound of cicadas, the aroma of wild herbs, or the warm smile of a local offering raki, every moment is genuine—because it truly is. This is more than just a tour. It’s a return to what truly matters.

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