Venture into the sun-baked interior of western Crete — whitewashed mountain villages, a working Orthodox monastery and a family-run olive estate — for an immersive taste of Cretan life that the coast never reveals.
What to expect
Your guide drives you up into the Apokoronas hinterland, stopping at a traditional stone-built village where elderly locals still gather at the kafeneion. A visit to an active Orthodox monastery — likely Moni Gouverneto or a similarly ancient foundation — offers extraordinary frescoes and utter stillness. The centrepiece is a picnic lunch at a family olive grove: home-pressed extra-virgin oil, aged graviera cheese, honey from the estate's hives, rustic bread and local wine, eaten under ancient olive trees. The contrast with the cruise port is total.
Good to know
Modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) is required for the monastery — your guide will advise in advance. The interior of Crete is noticeably cooler and windier than the coast; bring a light layer. This excursion works beautifully as a morning tour, leaving afternoons free for Chania's harbour. Book directly with Proper Cretan Guide to secure cruise-timed pickup from Souda.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Souda Bay — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.