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

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

Staring from
Rethymno
April - October
Every Day
Languages
English, German, Polish an experienced driver will also be your personal 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)
Panoramic photo of Lake Kournas in Crete Safari2
Visit Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete
Argyroupolis Waterfalls Safari2
Wander through the lush landscapes of Argyroupoli, adorned with cascading waterfalls and bubbling springs.
Moundros Gorge in Crete Safari2
Off-road adventure through the Azilakas Forest
Ruins,Of,An,Ancient,Roman,Necropolis,And,The,Orthodox,Church
Visit the sacred Holy Five Virgins monument.
Preveli Palm Beach Forest Safari1
Swim and explore Preveli Palm Beach
Kotsifos Gorge Road Rethymno Safari1
Discover Kourtaliotiko Gorge & scenic landscapes
Greek Tavern Preveli Damnioni Rethymnon tour
Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in a local village

Overview

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

Travel through traditional villages, off-road mountain trails, lush forests, and dramatic gorges, before reaching the exotic south coast of Crete.

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

✔ 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 Rethymno

Book now online a 4X4 adventure in Crete and get the best rates!
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

8:00-9:00

Morning Pick-up

Start your day with a comfortable pick-up directly from your hotel in Rethymno and set off on a full-day 4x4 adventure across Crete’s most impressive landscapes.

From traditional villages and historic landmarks to wild gorges and exotic beaches, this experience is designed to combine exploration, relaxation, and authentic local moments — all in one perfectly organized day.

Lake Kournas – The Natural Blue Eye of Crete

Your adventure 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 the unique ecosystem of this protected area.

Off-Road Through Azilakas Forest

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

Argyroupoli Springs

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

Moundros Gorge

Continuing our journey, we pass through the impressive Moundros Gorge, where steep cliffs and natural springs create a dramatic landscape — one of the hidden gems of the Rethymno region.

Authentic Cretan Lunch

We then stop at a traditional village for a Cretan lunch, where you’ll taste local dishes made with fresh ingredients and olive oil.
This is the perfect moment to experience genuine Cretan hospitality.

Kotsifou Gorge

Our route takes us through the stunning Kotsifou Gorge, where the landscape opens up to reveal the first views of the Libyan Sea.
The combination of mountains and sea creates unforgettable panoramic scenery.

Preveli Palm Beach

The highlight of the day is Preveli Beach, where a river flows through a palm forest and meets the sea.
You’ll have time to explore, swim, and enjoy this unique tropical landscape.

  • Short walking trail to the palm forest for those who wish to explore
  • Alternative swim spot for a more relaxed 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 a panoramic view over Rethymno and the Aegean Sea — the perfect final photo of the day.

A Sweet Cretan Farewell

Before drop-off, enjoy a small surprise with local Cretan treats, a warm thank-you for being part of this unforgettable journey.

17:00-17:30

Evening Drop-off

Return to your hotel in the afternoon with incredible memories of Crete’s nature, culture, and hidden landscapes.

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
Know 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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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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