Jeep Safari East Crete: Afentis summit and 3,250-year olive tree

Drive into the mountains and villages most visitors never reach

A full-day 4x4 jeep safari from Ierapetra climbs into the Thripti mountains and remote villages of East Crete, with stops at Afentis summit (850 m), the 3,250-year-old olive tree in Kavousi, lunch at a local tavern in Mochlos, and a final swim in the private bay at Tholos. The route mixes paved roads and off-road tracks through vineyards, olive groves and small chapels, ending with time to cool off in crystal-clear water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore East Crete's nature and villages

• Visit Agios Ioannis village
• Stop at Afentis summit viewpoint
• Admire oldest olive tree in Kavousi
• Enjoy Greek cuisine in Mochlos tavern
• Drive through vineyards and olive fields
• Relax at Tholos beach bay

The experience

How do you see the parts of Crete that haven't been turned into a resort? This tour trades the coastal highway for a jeep and a driver who knows the back routes: tar roads and off-road tracks that climb from Ierapetra into the Thripti mountains. The day starts with a pickup from your hotel and a 1-hour drive (mixing paved and off-road) to Agios Ioannis, a picturesque village that sets the tone for what follows.

The route climbs to Afentis at 850 meters, where the view opens to both the Libyan Sea and the Aegean at once. From there you drop into Kavousi to stand in front of the oldest olive tree in the world: 3,250 years old and still producing olives. Lunch happens in Mochlos at a typical local tavern where the kitchen handles dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). The afternoon winds through vineyards and olive fields dotted with small chapels, past villages like Tourloti, Sfaka and Lastros where daily life moves at a different pace. Between stops, count on another hour of off-road driving through the landscape itself.

The day ends at Tholos, a private bay with water clear enough to make the swim feel like a reward. You'll have time to cool off before the final hour's drive back to Ierapetra. Bottled water travels with you. The jeep's suspension handles the rough ground, and the guide speaks English, French or German.

What’s included

• Private jeep transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• lunch at a local tavern in Mochlos.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by South Crete Tours

Is this one for you?This tour works best for small groups or families who want to see villages and landscapes most visitors skip, and who don't mind spending a full day bouncing over mountain roads to get there. The jeep seats up to eight, so you travel with a handful of other people rather than a coach full: the kind of day where the route itself is the whole point.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the oldest olive tree in the world actually like when you see it?

The olive tree in Kavousi is 3,250 years old and still alive: gnarled and massive, it's one of the few living things on the island older than most countries. You'll have time to stand near it and take photographs. It's the kind of object that makes the scale of time suddenly real.

How much of the tour is actually off-road driving versus paved roads?

The route mixes both: paved tar roads connect the main stops, but off-road tracks make up roughly half the driving time. The jeep is built for it, and the pace is steady rather than rough. The terrain is the point, not the jostling.

Can you swim at Tholos bay, or is it just a photo stop?

Tholos is a private bay where you'll have enough time to swim in the water. It's the final stop of the day, so bring a towel and plan to cool off before the drive back to Ierapetra.

What kind of lunch do you get in Mochlos?

Lunch is at a typical local tavern in Mochlos serving Greek cuisine. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets if you request them at booking.

Is this tour rough on your body, or manageable for most people?

The tour runs eight hours with a moderate level of physical fitness expected. You're sitting in a jeep for most of it, but the off-road sections have bumps and the day is long. It's not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns. Check with your doctor if you have questions about the drive itself.