Crete: Georgioupolis Off-Road Safari & Kournas Lake Day Trip

Summary

Off-road through Cretan villages, taste raki and honey, swim in secret coves

You’ll ride off-road through Crete’s wild hills with a local guide, tasting honey and raki in mountain villages and swimming at a quiet southern beach. Share laughter over homemade food in a family-run taverna before learning how olive oil is made—every sense awake to real Cretan life.

What’s the experience like?

We bounced along the dirt tracks outside Georgioupolis, windows down, that dry mountain air mixing with the smell of wild thyme. Our guide, Manolis, kept one hand on the wheel and the other pointing out—“look, vultures!”—and I nearly missed them at first, circling high above Lefka Ori. I’d never realized how quiet Crete could feel up here, just wind and the distant clink of goat bells. Someone in our Land Rover tried to pronounce “Kournas” properly; Manolis grinned and said we had to earn our raki first.

At Kournas Lake we stepped out into this strange blue-green light. The water looked painted on—almost fake—but you could hear frogs if you listened. We stopped at a tiny café in some old village (I honestly lost track of names), where an old woman poured us honey over thick yogurt and handed around shots of raki like it was medicine. My Greek is terrible but she laughed anyway. There was oregano drying in bunches by the door and I swear it smelled stronger than anything back home.

The Defender climbed higher until even the olive trees thinned out. Up near 1,200 meters it got cold enough for goosebumps—nobody warned me about that—and there was this weird silence except for our shoes crunching on gravel. We danced a bit (badly) because Manolis insisted that’s what you do up here. Later we wandered through castle ruins with stories about ghosts (I’m not sure I believed him) before dropping down to a beach so empty it felt like ours alone. Salt on my skin, sunburn on my nose—worth it.

Last stop was an olive oil factory where the machines were louder than expected and we dipped bread into oil so green it almost glowed. By then I was tired but happy—and still thinking about those vultures overhead. If you want a day trip from Georgioupolis that actually feels like Crete, not just postcards…well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Crete's nature and culture

• Pick up from your hotels
• Visit Lake Kournas and learn myths
• Explore waterfalls and hear stories
• Visit traditional village and café
• Experience White Mountains and dance
• See old castle and swim in sea
• Enjoy Imbros Gorge panoramic view
• Tour olive oil factory and taste

Top questions

How long does the Georgioupolis safari off-road tour last?

The tour is a full-day trip with multiple stops including Kournas Lake, White Mountains, Imbros Gorge view, and more.

Is hotel pickup included for this Crete day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included in the tour.

What should I bring for the off-road safari?

You should bring water, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sports shoes or sandals.

Is lunch provided during the Georgioupolis safari?

Yes, lunch with drinks is included at a family tavern along the route.

Are there any swimming opportunities on this tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim in pristine waters at a secluded South Cretan beach.

Is this safari suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do we visit any historical sites on this day trip from Georgioupolis?

Yes, you’ll visit an old castle with mysterious legends as part of the itinerary.

Will I get to taste local products like honey or olive oil?

You’ll taste traditional Cretan products including honey, raki, herbs, and fresh olive oil during several stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Georgioupolis or nearby areas; off-road travel in Land Rover Defenders; guided visits to Kournas Lake, White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Imbros Gorge panoramic point; tastings of Cretan products such as honey, raki, oregano; lunch with drinks at a family taverna; swimming at a secluded southern beach; entry to an olive oil factory with tasting—all led by knowledgeable local guides before returning in the evening.