Off Road Driving Experience · Malia
How to choose
10 off-road tours run out of Malia, from 75 € to 450 €, covering half-day to full-day formats. The entry point is straightforward: half-day options (75 €) suit anyone short on time, while full-day routes (83–95 €) push deeper into Crete's interior, tackling gorges, plateaus and remote southern coastlines. Most tours are rated "Everybody welcome", meaning no prior off-road experience required. The Safari Experts Crete Psiloritis and private 4x4 tours carry an "Occasionally sporty" rating, making them the step up for those who want rougher terrain and more physical engagement. Budget pick: start at 75 € with Go Crete Safari. Maximum intensity: the Psiloritis trails at 92 € or the private guided 4x4 at 450 €. The deciding factor is simple: if you want raw mountain terrain over a full day, go for the Psiloritis route. If you want a private vehicle and total flexibility, the 450 € option is the only one that delivers it.
10 offers available
Our picks
Sunset Jeep Safari from Malia near Hersonissos in Crete
At 75 €, this half-day Elounda route with Go Crete Safari is the lowest price on the list and open to everyone, no experience needed.
Jeep Off-Road Tour around Psiloritis Trails from Malia in Crete
The Safari Experts Crete Psiloritis Trails tour is the only full-day route rated 'Occasionally sporty', tackling the most rugged mountain terrain in Crete at 92 €.
Jeep Adventure on Agiofarao Route from Malia near Hersonissos in Crete
The Agiofarao Route with Go Crete Safari runs a full day at 95 €, guided in 5 languages, and is the top-priced group option before crossing into private territory.
Private Guided 4x4 Tour around East Crete: Milatos Cave, Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos
At 450 €, this private guided 4x4 tour from Safari Experts Crete covers Milatos Cave, Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos with a dedicated vehicle and guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any off-road driving experience to join these tours?
No. The majority of tours are listed as 'Everybody welcome', so zero experience is required. Two tours from Safari Experts Crete are rated 'Occasionally sporty', meaning the terrain is rougher, but you're still a passenger, not the driver.
What is the most intense route available from Malia?
The Jeep Off-Road Tour around Psiloritis Trails is the roughest option, rated 'Occasionally sporty' and running a full day. Psiloritis is Crete's highest mountain massif, so the track conditions and altitude are significantly more demanding than the coastal or plateau routes.
What is the cheapest way to get an off-road experience from Malia?
Two tours start at 75 €: the half-day Jeep Safari to Elounda and the Sunset Jeep Safari, both operated by Go Crete Safari. Both run a half day and are open to everyone.
What is the difference between a group jeep safari and the private 4x4 tour?
The group safaris run at fixed prices between 75 € and 95 € and follow set routes in shared vehicles. The private guided 4x4 tour costs 450 € and covers East Crete, including Milatos Cave, Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, with a dedicated guide and vehicle for your group only.
Which tour covers the most ground in a single day?
The full-day routes, including the Lassithi Plateaus, East Crete, Gorge and Trypitis Beach, Southern Crete secrets, Sarakina Gorge Trail, Psiloritis Trails and the Agiofarao Route, all maximise driving time. The East Crete full-day and the Agiofarao route push furthest in terms of geographic range across the island.
What languages are the tours guided in?
Go Crete Safari tours are guided in German, Russian, Greek, French and English. Safari Experts Crete tours operate in Greek and English only.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.8°C | 32.3 mm | Good |
| February | 12.2°C | 47 mm | Good |
| March | 14°C | 52.5 mm | Good |
| April | 17.1°C | 17.8 mm | Peak |
| May | 22.2°C | 6.9 mm | Peak |
| June | 25.7°C | 2.7 mm | Peak |
| July | 27.9°C | 1.9 mm | Peak |
| August | 27.8°C | 1.5 mm | Peak |
| September | 24.6°C | 1.4 mm | Peak |
| October | 20.7°C | 18 mm | Peak |
| November | 16.7°C | 31.1 mm | Peak |
| December | 12°C | 70.7 mm | Good |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear closed-toe shoes and light, flexible clothing you don't mind getting dusty. Full-day routes (up to 6h or more) across Crete's interior call for sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
Getting there
All tours depart from Malia: Go Crete Safari meets at Dominikou Theotokopoulou 12, Malia 700 07, and Safari Experts Crete at Agiou Georgiou, Malia 700 07, roughly 35 km east of Heraklion along the northern coastal road.
See also
Other activities in Malia
Updated March 2026