crete honey tour

• Where to Visit

search holiday acccommodation in

• Central Greece
• Central Macedonia
• Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
• Kastellorizo
• Mainland Greece
• Peloponnese

search things to do in

• Holiday Accommodation
• Things to Do

Apithano Honey Museum-Tasting Tour in Crete

• Things to do

Honey Tasting Tour in Crete

• description

Apithano Honey Museum offering honey tasting tours on the beautiful Greek island of Crete.

Tours from 10:00am to 18:00pm. We are an open to public laboratory for the production and packaging of honey.

Visitors have the opportunity to take a honey tasting tour in Crete by our guide and learn incredible information about bees and honey production. Also, in our space there is a collection of exhibits of beekeeping tools of the past, to be compared with the new honey extraction means.

The tour is completed with tasting and treats, while guests can get honey, if they wish from our store.

There is also an outdoor café for those who want to enjoy a refreshing drink or traditional Cretan products with honey.

Suitable for children. FREE ENTRANCE.

Book your Honey Tasting Tour in Crete now and visit in 2024!!

Come and take us on a tour of our amazing world and try delicious beekeeping products together!

Looking for local accommodation to complement your visit to our Honey Museum? click here .

• Children Welcome
• Street: Melidoni Mulopotamou Rethymno
• Town: Melidoni Rethymnou
• Zip: 740 52
• Open: 10:00 - 18:00
• Tariff: Free Entrance
• +306934728545

send enquiry

• By contacting us by email you agree that we can store your data in our database, so we can process your request. We will never share your details with any third party.

nearest accommodation

Villa Thalia

Xirokambi, crete, type: self catering, tariff: from €100 per night, pitsidia, crete, tariff: from €300 per night, kastro apartments, rethymo, crete, tariff: please enquire, advertise your accommodation, advertise your things to do, subscribe to our newsletter.

• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Visit Our Greece Copyright © 2024

Website by Rycramweb Ltd

subscribe to our newsletter

East Macedonia & Thrace

One of the lesser known regions of Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has many attractions that make it an appealing destination for a holiday.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• 3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

This website also uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

How do we use cookies?

• We use cookies to track your use of our website. This enables us to understand how you use the site and track any patterns with regards how you are using our website. This helps us to develop and improve our website as well as products and / or services in response to what you might need or want.

• Cookies are either:

– Session cookies: these are only stored on your computer during your web session and are automatically deleted when you close your browser – they usually store an anonymous session ID allowing you to browse a website without having to log in to each page but they do not collect any personal data from your computer; or

– Persistent cookies: a persistent cookie is stored as a file on your computer and it remains there when you close your web browser. The cookie can be read by the website that created it when you visit that website again. [We use persistent cookies for Google Analytics.]

• Cookies can also be categorised as follows:

– Strictly necessary cookies: These cookies are essential to enable you to use the website effectively, such as when buying a product and / or service, and therefore cannot be turned off. Without these cookies, the services available to you on our website cannot be provided. These cookies do not gather information about you that could be used for marketing or remembering where you have been on the internet.

– Performance cookies: These cookies enable us to monitor and improve the performance of our website. For example, they allow us to count visits, identify traffic sources and see which parts of the site are most popular.

– Functionality cookies: These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced features. For instance, we may be able to provide you with news or updates relevant to the services you use.

More information about our Cookie Policy.

• [email protected]
• Photo Gallery -

• The Bee Garden Experience

A Bee Garden Visit

Visit the local apiary to learn how honey is made. the honey producer will talk to you about the apiculture of greece and will inform you on the basics of honey making. talk to the honey producer, observe the bees and find out how a bee hive is organized and functions. sample honey and enjoy a light lunch at the farm, bee garden visit, bee hive demonstration, a light lunch, honey sampling and aperitifs with honey and raki..

Email:    [email protected]

Mobile:  +30 6980 615 985

Wine, Olive Oil, and Honey Tour with Winemaker

• Wine Adventure Tour
• Wine Lovers Tour
• Farm-to-Table Lunch at Dourakis Winery
• Wine Discovery
• Boozy Brunch at Biolea
• Wine Dinner Under the Stars
• Wine Tasting Walking Tour in Old Town Chania
• About Us & Media Mentions
• Resources and Travel Tips

Highlights of Wine, Olive Oil, and Honey Tour with Winemaker

• The Ultimate Cretan Cultural Tour
• Start time 9:30am. Duration 6-7 hours
• Tour and olive oil tasting at Melissakis Olive Oil Mill
• Travel up the mountain to our village
• Taste wine from our wine barrels
• Visit Vasili's bees
• Wine tasting and lunch in our vineyards with unlimited wine

Olive oil, wine, honey bees, villages, vineyards, oh my! This is a tour for non-tourists, this is the real deal Cretan experience and the culmination of our life in Crete. You’ll be emersed in Cretan culture and learn all about our customs and traditions. 

We start the day learning everything we need to know about olive oil. Over 50% of the island of Crete is covered with olive trees. It is the most important product here both for our economy and our cuisine. At Melissakis Olive Oil Mill, we will learn how olive oil is made in the modern method. We will also learn the varying methods of production and quality levels. Have you ever wondered what Extra Virgin Olive Oil means? You’ll find out! In their tasting area, we’ll get a chance to sample different oils and other Cretan products. 

Next we welcome you to our village home up in the mountains. Since we moved to Crete in 2013, Vasili has been revitalizing his grandfather’s vineyards and working the land. In 2017, he also started beekeeping.  This year, we built a wine tasting area among the vines to welcome our guests.

Trek up to the bees in your protective suits. Vasili will need your help opening up the bee boxes and finding the queen. He’ll explain the bee keeping and honey making process. 

Next have a seat in the vineyards for wine tasting and lunch. From our vineyards, all you see is mountains, sky, and trees. All you hear is birds chirping and sheep baaing. It’s an escape from it all. 

In the vineyards, you’ll taste the wine that those vines produced. Vasili has been experimenting with different blends and different wine styles, he’ll explain the process behind each. 

Finally, you’ll lend a hand to create the lunch spread of local Cretan products and traditional foods. Everyone will get a task from either chopping up vegetables, filling up wine from the barrels, or retrieving honey. 

Before you go, you’ll have a chance to purchase honey, fill up a bottle of wine from the barrels, cork it yourself, and take it home.

Pick up is between 9:30-10:00am. Pick up is from your hotel or villa. If you’re staying in the pedestrian area of Chania, a pick up location will be emailed to you. 

Group size is maximum 8 people. 

Contact us for groups larger than 8.

Duration is 6-7 hours.

Price per person is 150€. 

Searching Availability...

Pick the first and the last day you are available for the tour. In case of wrong days you can pick again and again.

Fail to send the email: please try to submit again. You can also use our contact form for your inquires.

Something went wrong!

We are sorry, something went wrong with this action.

Please try again later or contact us via our contact page.

Email Send!

Thank you for your booking inquiry!

Will be in toutch with you shortly.

JULY, THE MONTH OF HONEY MAKING IN CRETE!

Honey Making is certainly one of the Seasonal Experiences we love in Crete! Participate in honoring Nature, Tradition, and ancient Practices!

July in Crete is all about Honey!

“Sneaking into” the most authentic and traditional areas of the island, this July we explore all about honey making in the local honey workshops. We see all stages of honey making, from the moment the beehives are brought into the workshop all the way down to the bottling of delicious thyme and herbal honey into cans. We try local honey varieties and find out all about the bee society and their secrets!

Your Honey Experience in Central Crete

Your Honey Experience takes you to a traditional village in the region of Heraklion. There you will find out all about the bee world at a local apiary and be introduced to the amazing world of these so ancient and wise creatures. Next, you will visit a honey workshop where you can witness all stages of production of the famous “ thyme honey” of Crete and find out all its unique properties. You will taste virgin thyme honey which has nothing to do with the honey you can find in the market, right from the source!

Join us and be a part of this honey making workshop through our history, tradition, and folk arts private tour!

Your Honey Experience in East Crete

This Honey Experience takes you to a beautiful village in East Crete. At a local Biological Nature Farm, you will be introduced to the principles and cornerstones of the natural apiculture, as well as the Minoan apiculture customs. You will learn about the habits and the significance of bees for the ecosystem, as well as taste pure, local honey. Following, you will find out about the properties and ways of use of the Cretan herbs, from the Minoan times until today and the extraction method of essential oils from them. You will also have the chance to smell various essential oils of the laboratory’s production.

Book this unique Experience with us with us through our Contact Form !

Your Honey Experience in West Crete

This Honey Experience takes you to a local apiary in West Crete. There, you will find out about the delicious and ancient history of honey, as well as the process of honey production. A local beekeeper and honey producer will be your host, introducing you to the apiculture in Greece and the principals of honey production. You will taste the delicious, pure honey of the farm and enjoy a light lunch in the beekeeper’s house, as well as aperitifs with honey and raki.

Book this unique private Experience with us and delve into the Magic Bee World!

Looking very forward to having you with us !

copyright © 2013 - 2024 elissos.com, all rights reserved.

• Terms of Service

• PRIVATE TOURS
• WINERIES OLIVE OIL & HONEY TASTING, POTTERY AND TRADITIONAL VILLAGES TOUR

Wineries, Olive Oil, Honey Tasting, Pottery, and Traditional Villages Tour

➢Explore Crete's rich history, culture, gastronomy, and traditions on an introductory excursion. ➢Travel comfortably in luxury mini vans through picturesque countryside villages. ➢Enjoy tastings of local wine varieties, traditional delicacies, handmade products, olive oil, herbs, and honey. ➢Experience the ancient art of Minoan pottery in the metropolitan center of pottery, Thrapsano village. ➢Visit two carefully selected wineries nestled amidst vineyards and mountains, tasting indigenous Cretan wine varieties. ➢Indulge in a traditional homemade Cretan lunch in the picturesque village of Archanes. ➢Depart with cherished memories and a smile after an enriching journey through authentic Crete.

• Tour time: 7-8 hours
• Pickup: For private tours, we offer pick-ups from areas upon consultation Included
• All Fees and Taxes.
• Private knowledgeable local guide
• Transport by luxury air conditioned minivan 
• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel harbor or designated meeting points
• Refund 24 hours prior to departure
• Bottled water, fruit salad, Coffee.
• Liability insurance
• Wine tasting
• Olive oil and honey tasting 
• Anything that is not specified in the program as included
• Lunch (optional)
• Gratuities (optional)
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
• Prefer comfortable shoes

This is an introductory excursion to the history, culture, gastronomy and traditions of authentic Crete.

 Travelling with comfort and privacy, with our luxury mini vans, through small picturesque villages in the countryside, you will taste local wine varieties and traditional delicacies, and you will learn about the traditional Minoan art of pottery.

 The tour begins, heading south along the picturesque country road to a traditional workshop, where you will taste handmade products, olive oil, herbs and honey.

 Our journey continues with destination the metropolitan center of pottery in Crete, the village of Thrapsano. The residents of the village are considered worthy successors of Minoan pottery, with the jars being the most typical example of their art. During our visit to a pottery workshop, you will be learn about the pottery art, its history and its secrets

 We will then visit two wineries we have selected for you, surrounded by the idyllic setting of vineyards and mountains where winegrowers produce high quality wines. There you will be guided in the facilities and you will have the chance to taste the local indigenous varieties of Crete such as Dafni Kotsifali, Liatiko, Vidiano, Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Plyto, Malvasia di Candia, Muscat of Spina.

 In picturesque scenery at Archanes , one of the Crete’s most beautiful and historical village, you will taste a traditional homemade Cretan lunch.

 In the end of this tour you will be driven back to your location full of nice memories, and with a big smile!

Home page Contact us Privacy Policy Sitemap

[email protected] Heraklion Crete - Greece +306945473087

Crete Local Adventures

Tour crete with a local guide.

• Most Popular!

Chania Food Stories Tour

Experience the beauty and culture of Chania by joining this amazing small group walking tour through one of Greece’s most picture-perfect cities.

• Clock 9.30AM
• Tag Shared (max 12 people) and Private
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Other Tours

• Clock 7.30PM
• Tag Private (min 2 people)

PRIVATE Wines, Gods and Stargazing Tour

Dive into ancient Greek mythology and astronomy (along with some ancient old recipes) on your own private star-studded, food-fueled adventure!

• Clock 8.30AM
• Hour Glass 6 hours

PRIVATE Cretan Wild Views and Slow Food Tour

Explore traditional villages, admire epic sceneries, discover the Cretan culture, hear stories of the area’s thrilling past and try the best “slow food.”

• Hour Glass 8 hours

PRIVATE Cretan South Coast Adventure Tour

For adventure-seekers, you shouldn’t miss this exciting tour to the authentic, less-travelled part of the island, the South Coast of Chania.

Kalos orisate!

That means “welcome” in Greek — and our team is here to welcome you to our fascinating island of Crete.

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and a land of amazing beauty and diversity, rich with splendid beaches, ancient treasures, and modern cities but also traditional villages, high mountains, deep gorges, and a unique culture.

After having worked for years in the travel industry, our team of knowledgeable local guides are thrilled to be part of the Crete Local Adventures family, and our goal is to give you a peek at life on our island. Join us as we explore well-known landmarks as well as backstreets and off-the-beaten-track locations.

Top-Rated Tours of Crete

If you want to have a taste, of what the an authentic side and beauty of Crete and Cretan culture, truly is, you have to book a tour with Urban Adventures. Did the one in Chania old town and was mesmerized by the all the venues we visited and, everything we tasted was delicious and above all, Tsikoudia. Last, but not least, the Yanni's the guide, made us feel Cretan, by the end of the tour.

There are no words to express how much I love Crete Local Adventures! I've explored Crete under their guidance twice, and both times I discovered something completely new. People say that Crete is touristy - but I haven't experienced it at all. We went to all the local places, villages, met local producers, ate (a lot! :)) and everything was simply amazing! Olive oil tasting was my aha moment, as I've never done it before! I've fallen in love with Crete and will definitely come back!

What an amazing experience! We had the pleasure of visiting an amazing olive oil factory with stunning views, as well as a local cheese producer - so cool! The pinnacle was lunch in a tiny local village and the chance to do a hands on cooking class! Our guide John was so incredibly knowledgeable about Crete and the history of the island- as well as a plethora of facts about Greece! Such a pleasure and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience an authentic side of Crete.

We did the Cretan treasures tour last week and cannot recommend it enough to anyone looking to get away from the crowds and get a crash course on how many of the famous items from the island are produced (namely: cheese, olive oil, and honey). The trip finished in a small village (only 2-3 families in the area) where we got a small hands on cooking class and then ate delicious food (probably the best food from our trip) which was carefully prepared in a wood fired oven. Our tour guide was also incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable abt the local area and history of the area (and Greece in general).

The Heraklion Bites and Sights tour was AWESOME. We were lucky that other people who were supposed to join never showed up, so we got a super private treatment! Papatya was our guide, and she was EXCELLENT. Very interesting, knowledgeable, fun - a great person and guide. She shared her knowledge of Crete's capitol and brought us to amazing cafés, bistros and bakeries along the way. We especially loved the meze place where the tour ended (the food was fantastic). Based on her recommendations, we've bought local honey, olive oil and herbal tea to bring home - all of excellent quality. Do this tour when you are in Crete and do it right upon your arrival!

Amazing! Everyone and I mean EVERYONE, ages 14 - 83 LOVED the Street Stories of Chania Tour. Yannis was incredible. A wealth of knowledge on just about every topic, friendly, accommodating and engaging. An absolute must if you ever visit Chania.

We went on the Cretan South Coast Adventure Tour and had such an amazing time. Our guide, Yannis, was knowledgeable, thoughtful, and accommodating. This was my second timing using this company and I can’t recommend them enough. The selection of tours are unique and personal. You don’t feel like you are touring during Crete’s busy tour season, because this South Coast tour takes you to a relatively remote location for hiking and beach time. Even our lunch at Kafeneio sto Scholeio was a cool

This tour was absolutely wonderful. Our tour guide was very helpful and showed us around the small streets and hidden gems of Heraklion. Our guide was also very knowledgeable when it came to the history, culture, and tradition of local Crete, which was a fabulous immersive experience. If you have 3 hours to explore, eat, and drink in Heraklion, this tour is a must!

[email protected]

• +30 697 253 1808
• +30 28320 20102

"Journey with Purpose, Explore with Passion"

Way to crete, experience crete like never before with personalized tours that showcase its natural beauty., passionate for crete and nature.

Welcome to our corner of Crete! We’re two friends who’ve decided to turn our passion for our island’s way of life into unforgettable adventures for you. Born and raised here, we know every hidden spot, every local legend, and every secret recipe for the perfect day on Crete.

Cretan tours

Storytelling experiences.

Our goal is to share the authentic Cretan experience with visitors from near and far, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of our island home. Whether you’re strolling through ancient ruins steeped in myth and legend, savoring the flavors of locally sourced olive oil, honey, and cheese at a rustic taverna, or soaking up the sun on a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters, we’re here to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Popular Tours

Patsos Gorge / Dam of Potamon & Arkadi

• Eleftherna / Melidoni Cave / Apithano Honey & Paraschakis Olive Oil

• Sfendoni Cave & The Shepherd’s Shelter

Hiking in the Gorge of Platania

Why to choose us.

Choosing “Way to Crete” for your nature tours guarantees an authentic and immersive experience of Crete’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Our expert local guides possess an intimate knowledge of the island’s hidden gems, ensuring you explore the most stunning and lesser-known spots.

OUR STRONG POINTS

• Expert Local Guides
• Diverse Tour Options
• Sustainable Tourism Practices
• Unique Wildlife Experiences
• Access to Hidden Gems
• Cultural Integration
• Customized Itineraries
• Small Group Sizes
• Convenient Services

We create Experiences

We cater to diverse interests and fitness levels with a wide range of customizable tour options, from leisurely nature walks to challenging hikes. Our small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a more intimate connection with both the guides and fellow travelers. With convenient services like hotel pick-up and drop-off, we aim to make your adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

"Journey with Purpose, Explore with Passion."

1041E60000439401

• Terms & Conditions
• Patsos Gorge / Dam of Potamon / Arkadi
• Maravel Garden / Trail to Hagion Pnevma / Folk museum of Spili & Kafenion o Raftis
• Mili Gorge & The Military Museum
• Hiking Gorge of Platania
• Hydria Pottery Workshop / Monastery of Preveli & Palm forest Preveli
• Kourkoulou Winery & Cooking Classes
• Horse Walking / Vegetable Harvesting / Olive Oil Tasting & Traditional Dinner

Get in touch

+306972531808 +302832020102

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Copyrights all rights reserved - way to crete, web design by iark boutique digital agency.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

The 11 best things to do in Crete

T he  beaches  are beautiful on Greece’s largest island, but the birthplace of Zeus has plenty to tempt visitors away from those golden sands. Crete’s off-the-beaten-track sights, split into four very different regions, are best explored via exhilarating four-wheel drive safaris into remote mountain villages, or boat trips to tiny, shell-strewn islands. With many well-organised museums and more than a dozen world class archaeological sites, there are also innumerable ways to get to grips with the local history and culture, whilst a plethora of food-themed tours and activities offer a taste-packed insight into the celebrated Cretan diet.

For further Crete inspiration, see our guides to the island's best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  nightlife  and  beaches . For further inspiration plan the  perfect Greek island-hopping holiday with our itinerary.

Linger on The Island

A traditional wooden fishing boat whisks you over (sometimes choppy) waves from Elounda’s pretty harbour to visit Spinalonga, a barren atoll in sheltered Mirabello Bay where Greece’s lepers were kept in quarantine until 1957. You can easily spend an hour exploring the Venetian forts, tunnel and stone buildings of this island which was the setting for Victoria Hislop’s poignant novel 'The Island'. A recommended company to go with is  Elounda Boat Cooperative , who can be found in Elounda harbour. 

Insider tip: It’s well worth hiring one of the personable professional guides who’ll be waiting as you get off the boat: they know fascinating anecdotes about life on this island, which was already a place of exile during the Ottoman occupation.

Contact:  00 30 69743 85854

Opening times:  Daily, 9am-5pm (Apr 1st-Oct 31st)

Hike through Death Valley

Leave your vehicle in the cryptically signposted ‘Dead’s Gorge’ car park beneath the bustling mountain village of Zakros village, then hike down to Kato Zakros between towering, cave-pocked cliff faces where the Minoans once buried their dead. The trail winds down, over worn pebbles and stony outcroppings hung with pungent oregano, to the remote resorts’ 16th-century BC Minoan Palace.

Insider tip: Hike early and plan to spend the day in this gloriously pretty (and gorgeously isolated) cove. There’s a sprinkling of taverns lining the waterfront.

Contact: 00 30 28430 26897

Opening times: Daily, 8am-7.45pm in summer (varies in winter)

Forage for your supper

Get off the beaten track and learn about the Cretan diet on a foraging expedition with biologist Dr Haris Saslis of Forage Crete. Leaping from crag to crag, personable Haris imparts anecdotes about mountain goats, local flora – and London's Kew Gardens where he used to work – whilst guiding participants to harvest edible wild green xorta (green leaves).

Insider tip: Don’t eat too much beforehand - after the foraging expedition participants cook their own surprisingly filling lunch so leave space for the flaky filo pastry pies stuffed with dock leaves and steamed wild asparagus drizzled with olive oil.

Contact: foragecrete.com

Meet the Minoans

If you’ve ever wondered what the mysterious Minoans were really like, this carefully choreographed performance might give you some idea. Based on expert evidence and purporting ot offer an accurate historical experience, the colourful three-hour show introduces you to King Minos and other mythical characters, whilst demonstrating ritual dances of the time, including bull-leaping. 

Insider tip: it’s worth booking the Minoan Night Experience which includes a meal based on olive oil, wine, honey and other elements of the Minoan diet.  

Contact: minoantheater.gr

Visit a fascinating museum

If you only visit one museum, it has to be Heraklion’s archaeological museum, which houses the worlds best collection of artefacts hailing from Crete’s mysterious Minoan civilisation. It’s well presented with detailed labels in English: look out for the famous dolphin frescoes, the minutely detailed gold bee pendant from Malia, and the yet-to-be-deciphered Phaistos disc.

Insider tip:  For better value, combine this visit with  Knossos Palace  and buy one ticket which gives entry to both. The amount of breathtaking artefacts on show here is astounding - plan to spend at least two hours.

Contact: 

heraklionmuseum.gr

Set out on safari

Heading for the hills on a safari adventure is a great way to explore corners of Crete where only goats get to roam. The Minoan trail winds through high flung villages to Zeus’s cave (with stops for raki tasting en route), whilst the Preveli route thunders between Spili’s picturesque lion head fountains and shops, to Preveli’s palm tree-lined beach.

Insider tip:  Bring binoculars to spot the wildlife that haunt these remoter regions: impressive griffon vultures (their wingspan is over two metres) hang above the crags of Patsos Gorge and deer-like Kri Kri goats hide out near Samaria’s gorge.

Contact: safariclub.gr

Meet and eat with locals

Cretan food specialties abound, but it can be tough to seek them out without insider help. Local born guides with Crete Urban Adventures lead gourmet walking tours through Heraklion’s busy backstreets and herb-and leather-scented bazaars to visit the city’s oldest custard pie bougatsa shop, meet the man behind Heraklion’s best tripe restaurant, and plenty more (expect lots of mezes en route).

Insider tip:  Wear flat shoes – the city’s cobbled, potholed streets are merciless on heels –and make sure to ask to see the statue (and hear the tale) of Crete’s star-crossed lovers from the celebrated 17th-century poem Erotokritos.

Contact: intrepidtravel.com

Hang out with big fish

A real unsung gem, Crete’s Thalassokosmos aquarium is one of the largest centres for marine research, technology and entertainment in the Mediterranean. Housed amidst houses and barracks of the (very atmospheric) abandoned American base at Gournes it’s easily overlooked, so keep an eye out for the signs. Plan a couple of hours to visit all the different tanks: there are 60 of them containing everything from local to tropical species - there’s even a small shark tunnel and a breezy open air cafe overlooking Gournes’sandy beach: it’s also well worth booking a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll get up close and friendly with the different fish. 

Insider tip: Close to several sandy beaches and a string of cafes and tavernas, Crete's only aquarium also sits next door to Dinosauria Park (a quirky dino-themed  attraction which includes a fossil exhibition and animatronic dinosaur models)- so why not bring swimwear and spend the day here?

Contact:  cretaquarium.gr

Explore Europe’s longest gorge

You’ll need to be fairly fit to make the five-hour hike through the 16 kilometre-long (10 miles) Samaria Gorge, but it’s worth it for the chance to spot feral kri kri goats and soaring griffon vultures. Enjoy the viewing platform before the trail plunges into the rubble-strewn gorge, which narrows to three metres at the claustrophobic cleft known as sideresportes (‘iron gates’).

Insider tip: An easier alternative is to take a boat from Hora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli and hike through the bottom end of the gorge. Alternatively, spend the night in Agia Roumeli and explore this stunning gorge in the cool of morning. Accommodation in Agia Roumeli is fairly basic but Artemis Studios is one of the best and closest to the gorge.

Contact:   samaria.gr

Voyage to Golden Island

A boat sails once a day to visit the pristine, sea daffodil-studded dunes, gold sand beaches, ancient salt pans and Minoan remains on eastern Crete’s Natura 2000-protected Chrissi Island. Apart from dozens of parasols dotting the shell-strewn beach, shade is provided by a small forest of juniper trees – some are more than 300 years old. According to new conservation laws, however, boats can only approach to within 50 metres of the beach and you’ll have to swim the rest of the way.

Insider tip:  Umbrellas, food, water and even souvenirs are for sale/rent on the island, but they’re expensive so it's a good idea to bring your own – even the showers are charged for. At the height of summer beaches are crowded – especially at weekends.

Contact: cretandailycruises.com

Visit the seat of Cretan Revolution

A potent symbol of resistance for Cretans, Arkadi is an incense-scented haven of peace. This 17th-century monastery, hidden behind high stone walls, has a large courtyard surrounded by monachal cells and an elegant 16th-century church. Most moving is the old gunpowder magazine where local families fleeing Ottoman troops in 1866 blew themselves up, rather than surrender.

Insider tip:  The monks are generally willing to show visitors around, and on special feast days they’ll even share a tumbler of raki. Make sure to see the ossuary across from the monastery where some of the victims' skulls are conserved behind glass.

Contact:  arkadimonastery.gr

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Pink's undisclosed health issue and the need for medical privacy

Pink recently announced she's pausing her tour due to an undisclosed health issue – once again starting a conversation about how much we owe people regarding private medical conditions.

The Grammy-winning pop star announced Tuesday that her show scheduled show in Bern, Switzerland, is canceled due to doctor's orders.

"I am so sorry that I have had to cancel my show in Bern this Wednesday," she wrote in an  Instagram caption . "I do everything I can to ensure I can perform for you every night, but after consultation with my doctor and exploring all options available, I’ve been advised that I'm unable to continue with the show tomorrow.

"I was looking forward to being with you and making memories with you and sharing our show with you and am so disappointed that we have to cancel," she added. "Sending love and health to you all, and I really hope to see you again soon." Most people flooded the comments on her Instagram post sending healing vibes – but speculation lurked anyway: "I said when I was there on Friday that I thought you were unwell," one Instagram commenter wrote. Another asked her what happened.

The reality is that no one – famous or otherwise – is immune to health issues, and  everyone deserves privacy  when they withhold details. Serious stories often lurk behind silence.

" Public figures need privacy  to cope,  heal , and develop a strategy to move forward just like everyone else," Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of " 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do " and the host of a  podcast , previously told USA TODAY. "Working through issues privately can give them space to manage their emotions and strategize how to move forward without the distraction of outside opinions."

Boundaries are crucial

Not saying something is often as indicative as a lengthy statement full of details. If someone wanted you to know something, they'd tell you. Even celebrities.

" Boundaries  are essential to lead a healthy life,"  Laura Petiford , a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously told USA TODAY. "Healthy people respect the boundaries that others establish for themselves."

It's easy to ignore others' boundaries, however, in current times. "In the age of social media, the general public has become trained to share not only their most  private moments , but to also expect others to do the same," psychologist  Reneé Carr  also previously told USA TODAY.

Why celebrities deserve privacy like anyone else

The public often insists they  deserve  to know all the ins and outs of celebrities' lives . But do they  really ?

"If we put ourselves in their shoes, we would want to be able to have a private life especially when dealing with sensitive or difficult issues," Petiford adds. "Yes, they have chosen to lead a life that is more in the public eye but they have not forfeited their human need to draw a distinct line between themselves and those who are interested in them."

You'd want the same privacy for yourself during  life's cruelest moments , wouldn't you?

"We need privacy to not only cope with the situation, but to also try to makes sense of what has happened or is happening to us and try to figure out how to move on," Carr adds.

Moreover, no one going through a difficult time wants to hear every opinion about their situation, whether you're a celebrity or not.

"Comments from other people can be upsetting and distracting," Morin says. "During a crisis, it's important to devote your energy to things that matter most. You only have so much time and energy and the last thing you want to do is waste it on combating outside forces that could affect your decision-making."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson

'Dear Evan Hansen' Broadway star Ben Platt heads to Austin with Honeymind concert tour

We live in an age when we watch Broadway stars grow up before our very eyes.

And before we know it, they turn into the kind of adept TV, movie, concert and recording artists whose early accomplishments seem like mere promises of the full-throated triumphs to come.

Ben Platt, who brings his "Honeymind Tour" concert to Bass Concert Hall on July 12, belongs among those rarefied ranks, which includes Lea Michele ("Les Misérables" to "Funny Girl") and Jonathan Groff ("Spring Awakening" to "Merrily We Roll Along").

Platt is a special case.

More: How to see 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Legally Blonde,' 'Little Mermaid' and more in Austin

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

He started very early — before age 10 — playing youngsters in big stagings of classics such as "The Music Man" and "The Sound of Music," and then moved on to portraying youths in "The Book of Mormon" and the Broadway premiere of "Dear Evan Hansen," which rocketed him to fame and earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical in his early 20s.

He followed that staggering success with more stage work (such as the well-received revival of "Parade") and movies (including the transfer of "Dear Evan Hansen"), as well as television appearances, songwriting and recordings. (Interscope Records recently released "Honeymind," the titular album for his current tour.)

How do you top that? This year, Platt did so with a three-week, blow-out series of concerts at New York City's legendary Palace Theatre, home to greats such as Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, Will Rogers, Harry Belafonte, Shirley MacLaine and Diana Ross.

Then on to tour the country, including Austin.

In the midst of all this madness, Platt answered a few of our questions. This interview was edited for clarity.

'The formula is there is no formula'

American-Statesman: As a performer who achieved major success at an early age, what advice do you give to young aspirants, such as Langston Lee, the Austin-area student from Rouse High School who won the national Jimmy Award in 2023? (Platt spoke at the awards.) Is there a formula for surviving all that with your mental and emotional health intact?

Ben Platt: The formula is that there is no formula. Stay in touch with your own individuality.

People are investing in what it is that makes them different. I think it's very easy when we're talking about musicals. There are preconceived roles to try to fit into, you know, lanes that have worked before. I think that can sort of diminish people.

That extends to all parts of the industry, to, you know, being a songwriter or an artist or being in film. When you walk into an audition room, the more that you can home in on what it is that you're going to bring energetically that no one else is going to bring.

More: Beat the Texas heat: Visit these 5 essential Austin art museums for chilly indoor bliss

If we're talking about being a singer, you can't sing without your instrument, so it has to be a priority to take care of your voice and hydrate and eat well. Take supplements and don't put yourself in a position where you're going to be misused. That can be a lifelong commitment.

Always prioritize your well-being.

'There's no finish line'

Since you came out at a relatively young age to your family, then to your fans, what do you say to kids who are figuring out who they are?

Be yourself. There's no finish line, and you need to be constantly figuring things out. Try to surround yourself with people who support your individuality and your queer identity.

On the concert tour

What can audiences expect on your new tour and on July 12 at Bass Concert Hall?

What's fun about this tour is that I can now be slightly more focused on myself and my work, but I've kept a couple of musical theater covers. And a couple of covers from James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.

More: Hold on, was that Austin? Could new subsidies usher in a second Golden Age of Texas film?

The audience can expect a band that's been working together now for almost two months, so we're all very synergistic. And we've got the "Honeymind" song from the new album and some from first two albums. And then of course, the musicals, you want to cap it off with those.

On 'Merrily We Roll Along'

Can you give us any insights into Austin-based Richard Linklater’s multiyear project “Merrily We Roll Along,” which I understand has already started filming? Does it help or hurt to have the imprint of the hit Broadway revival of the once-failed Sondheim show on the minds of viewers, or will they have put that aside by the time the Linklater project is done?

I think it's totally irrelevant, because the film won't come out for another 15 years. I don't know, there will probably be another (revival) by the time this movie comes out.

It's very uncharted territory, so I don't really know what it will feel like. It's interesting to see what comes of it. I feel just lucky to be involved with this one-of-a-kind piece, because I love it.

'Ben Platt: The Honeymind Tour'

• When: 8 p.m. July 12
• Where: Bass Concert Hall, University of Texas Campus
• Tickets: Start at $39.50
• Info: texasperformingarts.org