Go off-road to explore rugged Cretan landscapes, navigating a narrow gorge to reach a hidden beach and a taverna lunch.

The guided 4WD day trip in central and southern Crete is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking lesser-visited landscapes. The morning starts with a visit to Zaros Lake, a serene reservoir at the foot of Psiloritis Mountain. Afterward, a scenic drive south takes you through the rugged Trypiti Gorge to Trypiti Beach, where you can swim below Minoan ruins and enjoy the clear, cool water. The day ends with a barbecue lunch at a local taverna.

Highlights of the trip include swimming at Trypiti Beach, exploring the turquoise waters of Zaros Lake, a thrilling 4WD journey through Trypiti Gorge, and indulging in a Cretan lunch at a traditional taverna.

Before embarking on the trip, it’s important to note that the duration is 8 hours, recommended for all ages, with a small group size of 8 people or less. Lunch is included in the package.

The adventure begins with a pick-up from your Heraklion hotel, heading south to Zaros, a reservoir on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis. Passing through Messara, known for its Minoan and Roman ruins, you’ll learn about the history of Gortys and Phaistos. The off-road journey into Trypiti Gorge offers stunning views of Messara and the Libyan Sea, with wild Cretan mountain goats grazing along the way.

At Trypiti Beach, accessible only by hike or 4WD, you can swim in clear waters and relax on the pebbled shore near ancient Minoan ruins. A delicious Cretan lunch awaits at a local taverna in the forest, complete with barbecue, local wine, or water. The scenic drive back to your hotel concludes the day.

The trip starts daily at 8:45 am and includes roundtrip transportation in a Land Rover Defender or Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicle, an expert guide/driver, and a barbecue lunch with wine and water.

A-Activ-27sep2025-594