Private Apokoronas Countryside Day Trip with Tastings & Lunch, Heraklion

Venture off the beaten path with a scenic day trip into the rural countryside of Apokoronas, home to traditional villages, ancient farmland, and warm hospitality. With the help of an expert private guide, you'll pause in sleepy villages to sip coffee in tiny kafeneia (cafés), take a peaceful nature walk among citrus and olive groves, stop by family-run bakeries and cheesemakers to taste local treats, and end with a relaxed lunch in an authentic taverna. This enriching full-day excursion is perfect for those looking to experience rural Crete's authentic culture and daily traditions firsthand.

This full-day excursion begins in Rethymno, where you'll meet your local driver/guide and grab a seat in a private, air-conditioned minivan. Then it's time to set off on a scenic drive west of the city and into Apokoronas, a fertile region of rolling vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, and tiny villages (some with fewer than 50 inhabitants). Your itinerary can vary based on the season and your group's interests, but you'll likely start with a stop at a 19th-century Ottoman fortress—the perfect spot to get your bearings with panoramic views over the Bay of Souda and the Cretan countryside.

As you continue south, your deeply knowledgeable guide will share charming stories of rural life and the region's fascinating history. Wind your way through traditional villages, stop to admire ancient Byzantine chapels, and get an intimate view of local life when you pause in a kafenion (café) for homemade pastries and a cup of strong Greek coffee or mint tea. When you're ready to stretch your legs, set off on a gentle, 30-minute walk through groves of olive, avocado, and citrus trees, listening as your guide explains Apokoronas' ancient farming practices and picks fresh fruit and wild herbs for you to taste.

Other highlights of the day include visits to a family-owned cheese factory, where you'll taste homemade Greek yoghurt and island cheeses drizzled with honey, and a stop at a village bakery, where you'll get a warm welcome from the baker and his son as they share warm bread and olive oil (and give you a peek at their traditional ovens and makeshift raki distillery). The day winds down at a small tavern, where you'll rub shoulders with residents as you sit down to a simple, authentic lunch of mezethes (shared plates), featuring salads, dips, and roast chicken and potatoes, all paired with local wines and lively conversation.