Sports and leisure activities Heraklion

Mireille, Freddy and their son Yoann run this unmissable diving centre in Crete. These warm Bordeaux inhabitants will welcome you in a professional and secure environment to help you discover the underwater wonders of the bay of Agia Pelagia: a cave with amphoras, schools of juvenile barracudas, or a turtle. If you want to progress, the centre also offers courses to pass your different levels. It is also possible to rent equipment for adults and children interested in diving and the underwater world.

The sandy beach of Matala is organized and pleasant. It is medium sized, but still under the supervision of a lifeguard because the waves can be quite high and the current quite strong. So don't joke and follow the instructions. There are paying umbrellas and deckchairs, a paying parking lot, public toilets, showers and changing rooms (free). But it is not the most beautiful and it is overcrowded in high season.

The other beaches in the area are either, like Komos and Kalamaki in the north of Matala, large and wild, or smaller and quieter because they are less frequented and not easily accessible like Agio Faraggo in the south after the natural park of the same name. Martsalo is a small isolated beach in the south after the natural park and not far from Faraggo. Stena Beach in Agios Markos, and, close to Stena, those of Kali Limenes and five others to the east are also exceptional.

The Red Beach owes its name to the color of the sand. Less frequented, this beach, surmounted by cliffs, is magnificent, especially at sunset. The view of Matala Bay and Kokkinos Beach is superb when you reach the top of the hill that separates them. Nudism. Access possible only by boat from Matala beach or on foot. Turn left before the small parish church of the Assumption of St. Mary and walk for about 20 minutes (it climbs up and down). Bring closed shoes. On site: coffee and deckchairs.

EOS is the association of mountain people of the region, made up of enthusiasts, who organize many mountain outings: hiking, climbing, canyoning, visits to caves ... The association also plays a very active role in the promotion of this kind of activities, sometimes unknown by tourists and Greeks themselves. The members mark out and maintain the paths, manage the refuges, publish magazines... Get in touch with the volunteers and members of the association to organize your mountain outings and other outdoor activities.

Excellent location for this club established since 1995 in the region of Agia Pelagia: Diver's Club Crete is a very experienced diving center in the field of scuba diving teaching and recreational diving. The dives are guided by "divemasters" and are never more than 20 minutes away. Also sea walks or snorkeling trips. The choice of sites is different according to the level of divers while night dives are planned for all levels.

In this diving center opened here in 2016 (the other being in Agia Pelagia), you will find a full range of snorkeling and PMT equipment, masks, snorkels, fins for all levels. There are also flashlights, knives and diving tools, accessories and gift ideas. In short, you will find all diving equipment with prestigious labels (Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Coltri Sub...) and you will be able to book your sea trips, PADI training and other courses to discover the surrounding seabed.

This Greco-German family opened its farm-inn in 1998 and welcomes you in the middle of its many animals in a very friendly atmosphere and a pleasant setting, a little away from the village. They organize horseback rides: count one hour for a ride on the beach and five hours for a hike to the Odigitrias monastery (picnic lunch included in the price). Saddlery equipment in perfect condition. Horse and donkey rides for children. Possibility to stay in the farmhouse in a nice apartment.

It doesn't matter if you've never driven a buggy before, the vehicles are user-friendly, and everyone will get detailed instructions and tips before starting the 80 km tour. Going to the island's most hidden spots to meet the locals makes this experience unique. Departure: 10 a.m. Return around 4pm. Driving license required. Passengers: minimum age 7. Half-price for children under 10. Offers on site.

It's the only riding school in Hersonissos. It offers day rides or 3-hour guided rides, with lunch and a shuttle from the hotel to save you the trip to the centre. The opportunity to discover a part of the region in a different way, taking your time, and in the middle of nature, to take part in the transition to a greener tourism. There is another equestrian centre of the same kind in the nearby town of Malia.

The Crete Golf Club, located near Hersonissos in the hinterland, offers a beautiful 18-hole course. Every year in October, a competition is organized and attracts many participants passing through Crete. Of course you will find instructors on site to take private lessons. The club also has a shop and a restaurant and offers reduced rates in low season and for the younger ones. You will need to bring suitable golf shoes, of course: they are compulsory.

This bike rental company and specialized agency offers guided bike tours throughout the region. You can discover the coast as well as the hinterland, according to your preferences. On the program: visit of cultural sites, beach sessions, nature tours. A very good alternative to discover the region in a different way and participate in the transition to a greener tourism. Also bike rental (mountain bikes, VTC and VTT) at reduced prices.

A very professional and multilingual diving centre offers you the opportunity to discover the dazzling underwater richness of Crete. Excursions are frequent as there are caves to visit and 25 dive sites around Agia Pelagia. If you book on the website at least one week in advance, you will receive a discount. The transfer is assured but limited to the area between Fodele and Gouves. Possibility of diving at sunset.

It is a water park, like the Aquaboulevard de Paris, but in the open air and about five times bigger. In the middle of a forest of umbrellas and bikinis snake about thirty gigantic tunnels and water slides: the Tsunami or the Kamikaze are impressive, but the smallest ones will also find their happiness. Here is a place to come with family or friends, but certainly not to seek tranquility... You will take there a dose of extreme tourism that will be enough for the rest of your stay!

Excursion by quad bike: visit of cultural sites, crossing a forest including the oldest oak tree on the island, 800 years old, visit of the Vasilakis factory to learn more about the production of olive oil renowned everywhere. To finish in beauty, a swim on a beautiful beach in the village of Sisi. The off-road trip allows you to discover picturesque places, with breaks in beautiful landscapes. Of course, all the places you pass through are commented by a guide.