Why choose this Heraklion tour ?
Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port.
After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island.
There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons.
About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks.
Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.
Make the most of your Heraklion adventure
What makes Private Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal & Water Activities a unique experience ?
The island of Dia is an uninhabited island 6 miles north of Heraklion with crystal waters, beautiful wild scenery and rich history.
The legend says that it used to be a monster created by Zeus to destroy the Cretans but he turned it into a stone to save them eventually. In the bay of Saint George where we anchor there was an ancient Minoan port that got destroyed along with the Minoan Civilization and sometimes it is possible to find ancient ruins and artifacts in the bottom of the beach.
Nowadays there is a beautiful christian church of Aegean architecture. The island is home to many wildlife species such as rabbits, kri-kri goats, hawks and more while there is also a chance to meet the dolphins while sailing towards the island!
The site was first fortified by the Arabs in the 9th or 10th centuries. By the second Byzantine period, a tower known as Castellum Comunis stood on the site. In 1303, the tower was destroyed in an earthquake but was repaired.
In 1462, the Venetian Senate approved a programme to improve the fortifications of Candia.
Eventually, the Byzantine tower was demolished in 1523, and the Castello a Mare began to be built instead. The fortress was completed in 1540.
In 1630, the fort was armed with 18 cannons on the ground floor, and 25 cannons on the pathway leading to the roof.
During the 21-year long Siege of Candia, Ottoman batteries easily neutralized the fort’s firepower. The Ottomans eventually took the fort in 1669, after the Venetians surrendered the entire city.
They did not make any major alterations to the fort, except for the additions of some battlements and embrasures. They built a small fort known as Little Koules on the landward side, but this was demolished in 1936.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
Private Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal & Water Activities Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Use of Stand- Up paddle board (SUP)
- Fuel
- Use of Fishing equipment
- Swim stop
Not Included
- Towels
Trending Heraklion Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Cretan Sailing Cruises.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 7 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.
