Home » Tours & Cruises » 4×4 Safari from Chania: Lake Kournas, Preveli Beach & Kourtaliotiko Gorge

4x4 Safari from Chania: Lake Kournas, Preveli Beach & Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Staring from
Chania
April - October
Every Day
Languages
English, German & Polish Your driver will also serve as your guide
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Plans change and it is totally fine! All bookings can be modified or cancelled with a full refund, 48 hours before the departure date with no extra charge. Send your email to hello@islandspy.gr with your request.

Trip highlights

Off Road trip Rethymno Crete Safari1
Small-group 4x4 safari (up to 6 people per vehicle)
Panorama of Kournas Lake in Rethymno
Visit Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete
Preveli Trees Forest Palm Preveli Damnioni Rethymnon tour
Off-road adventure through the Azilakas Forest
Preveli Palm Beach Forest Safari2
Swim and explore Preveli Palm Beach
Kotsifos,Gorge,Plakias,Attractions,Rethymno,Crete
Discover Kourtaliotiko Gorge & scenic landscapes
Greek Tavern Crete island
Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a local village

Overview

Discover the authentic side of Crete on a full-day 4x4 safari from Chania, combining Lake Kournas, Preveli Palm Beach, and the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge in one unforgettable experience.

Travel across the island from north to south, exploring traditional villages, off-road mountain trails, lush forests, and dramatic gorges, before reaching the exotic coastline of the Libyan Sea.

This small-group tour (up to 6 people per vehicle) offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and local culture — all in one easy, organized day from Chania.

✔ Visit Lake Kournas, Preveli Beach & Kourtaliotiko Gorge
✔ Off-road adventure through forests & mountains
✔ Swim stops & time to relax
✔ Authentic Cretan lunch in a traditional village
✔ Hotel pick-up & drop-off from Chania

Duration of trip
8 hours
Mobile ticketing
Simply present your digital voucher to either the guide or the driver, and they will be ready to assist you accordingly.
Pickup - Available
Pick-up and drop-off service are both included in the price of your booking. After making your booking, we will reach out to inform you about the details and time for the pick-up!
Free cancellation
In order to obtain a full refund, it is necessary to cancel your reservation at least 48 hours before the scheduled event or booking.
Covid 19 requirements
Currently, there are no specific requirements for participating. However, if the government's COVID regulations mandate any specific requirements, we will contact you to inform you accordingly.

Tour schedule

8:00-8:50

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up from Chania and set off on a journey across Crete’s most diverse landscapes.

Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed after booking, depending on your location, ensuring a smooth and easy start to your experience.

Set off on a thrilling 4x4 safari from Chania and explore Crete from north to south in one unforgettable day.

This full-day adventure takes you through traditional villages, off-road mountain trails, lush forests, and dramatic gorges, before reaching the exotic coastline of South Crete.

Ideal for travelers staying in Chania who want to discover the island beyond the typical tourist routes.

Lake Kournas – The Natural Blue Eye of Crete

Your journey begins at Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Surrounded by the White Mountains, it offers a peaceful setting perfect for your first photos of the day, while you learn about its unique ecosystem.

Off-Road Through Azilakas Forest

Driving through the traditional village of Kournas, we continue into the wild landscapes of the Ancient Azilakas Forest.
This off-road route is a highlight of the safari, combining lush greenery with rugged terrain for a true 4x4 experience.

Argyroupoli Springs

Next, we visit the famous Argyroupoli Springs, known for their crystal-clear waters and small waterfalls.
Enjoy time under the shade of plane trees, relax in a refreshing natural setting, and capture beautiful photos.

Moundros Gorge

Continuing the adventure, we pass through the impressive Moundros Gorge, where steep cliffs and natural springs create one of the most beautiful hidden landscapes of the region.

Authentic Cretan Lunch

We then stop at a traditional village for an authentic Cretan lunch, where you’ll taste local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and olive oil, experiencing true Cretan hospitality.

Kotsifou Gorge

Our route continues through the stunning Kotsifou Gorge, where the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea — a perfect transition from mountains to coast.

Preveli Palm Beach

The highlight of the day is Preveli Beach, where a river flows through a palm forest and meets the sea.
Enjoy time to explore, swim, and relax in this unique tropical setting.

  • Optional short walk through the palm forest
  • Alternative access for a more relaxed swim experience

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

On the way back, we stop at the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, known for its dramatic cliffs, strong winds, and hidden waterfalls — one of Crete’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Panoramic View of Rethymno

Before returning, we stop at the “Three Monasteries” viewpoint, offering panoramic views over Rethymno and the Aegean Sea — the perfect final photo stop of the day.

A Sweet Cretan Farewell

Before drop-off, enjoy a small surprise with local Cretan treats, a warm thank-you for joining this unforgettable experience.

16:30-17:30

After a full day of exploration, relax on the return journey as we take you back to your hotel in Chania in the afternoon.

Extra information

Included
  • Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off
  • Comfortable 4X4 Vehicle Travel
  • Off-Road Exploration
  • An expert driver also doubles as your knowledgeable guide
  • Lunch in a local tavern
  • All tour fees and taxes
  • Public Liability Insurance Coverage
Not Included

Tips / Personal Expenses

What to bring
  • Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Comfortable Clothing & Footwear
  • Swimwear
Knos before you go
  • Walking through the paths isn't excessively difficult for someone with moderate fitness, but it does require a certain level of physical activity, especially to navigate uneven ground and potentially slippery rocks. Essential tips include, wearing good walking shoes, carrying water, and being prepared for the heat are important.
  • If you're prone to motion sickness, the winding and bumpy roads might affect you. Consider taking motion sickness medication before starting the tour.
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Enjoyed visiting the island. Guide was very friendly and did a good job of making sure we all made the right connections. Visit included lots of free time. Hotel pick up and drop off was a pleasant experience. Very punctual . Ferry ride was three hours long but atmosphere was nice except very cold. Bring a jacket! Only negative was the ferry ride was completely inside and windows did not allow for view.
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We got to see Mykonos this trip . Only for 5 hours. But it was fun to go. The Ferry goes very fast and is comfortable.had time for meal and sight seeing. A beautiful sunny and warm day. And not crowded compared to summer.
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Lisa A | October 2025
Day trip from Athens to Mykonos: Brilliant service from Mania from start to finish. Very competent, great instructions and paperwork, the day was a treat. We packed so much into our day on Mykonos. Highly recommend Island Spy.
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Linda Lamb | 6 September 2024
Mykonos is a beautiful place and we as a family had a great time. Mania was quite helpful in organizing this trip at a short notice.
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Veejaysp | May 2022
Great experience. The best service I have recieved in Greece. Fully recomendable ++ Special mention to the staff Mania who made our experience the best in class. Thanks
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