On this Cretan adventure will drive you away from the town to the less travelled road heading to the southern coast of the island. After meeting your local guide, enjoy a two-hour ride that will take you to a seaside village away from tourist hordes.

Upon reaching this small, laid-back village, you’ll start your day adventure off by boosting your energy with a light breakfast made from local organic products, such as olives, rusks, and cheese.

Follow an easy trail heading to the ancient city of Lissos. During ancient times, Lissos was one of the most powerful trading and fishing hubs of the area that was totally abandoned all of a sudden, due to a destructive earthquake. Till nowadays, the ancient city hasn’t been totally excavated, and believed that some important buildings such as the temple for the goddess Diktinna are still underground. Hike under the old pine trees and from the top of a hill admire the breathtaking scenery with the namesake gorge beneath you and the bright blue sea in the distance. Then, following the trail, you’ll reach a barrel plateau with views over rocks that meet the sea. This is the place of the ancient Asclepieion, a healing temple, built in the third century B.C.E and dedicated to the god Asclepius.

You’ll have an hour to explore the area of Asclepieion, walk around the ruins, drink ‘healing water’ from the spring used in the ancient ceremonies and the therapeutic sessions and point out the herbs and flora used in the Cretan diet. Then, after a half an hour of easy walk you’ll approach a sandy beach with fine pebbles. Afterwards, you’ll hop on a fishing boat to continue your exploration of the south coast.

For the next two hours, soak up the sun, dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy some fresh fruit. Then, you’ll visit a remote charming village where you’ll enjoy a 3-course farm-to-table local menu and wash it down with local wine!

Before departing for Chania, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time for a stroll around the coastal town of Paleochora. Experience its cosmopolitan vibe as you walk along the promenade and its picture-pretty back streets.

Your Cretan exploration to this unspoilt island’s corner comes to an end but before we part ways, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Crete.