Outdoor & Wellness Experiences in Eastern Crete with NatureSoul Adventures

Dimitris Kampourakis
7 days ago
3 min read

If you are dreaming of a trip to Eastern Crete and you love nature, slow travel and authentic local culture, the area around Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Kritsa is an ideal base. Here you can combine gentle outdoor activities, moments of wellness and forest yoga, and cultural village experiences that bring you closer to the soul of Crete.

This is exactly what we do at NatureSoul Adventures: we design meaningful experiences where nature, culture and inner balance meet.

Why Choose Eastern Crete for Outdoor Activities?

Eastern Crete is a region of contrasts: quiet bays and clear waters, hills full of olive trees, small canyons and traditional villages that still keep their character.

It’s a perfect destination if you are looking for:

gentle hiking routes with sea views and easy access,
short outdoor adventures that fit into your holiday schedule,
a mix of nature, history and local life instead of crowded, “touristy” spots.

From the Mirabello Bay to the hills above Elounda and the historic village of Kritsa, our area offers many opportunities for soft adventure – activities that are enjoyable, accessible and respectful to the environment.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities Around Agios Nikolaos & Elounda

At NatureSoul Adventures we focus on small groups and slow pace. Our hikes are designed so that guests can really experience the landscape, not just rush from point A to point B.

Typical outdoor experiences include:

Coastal and hillside hikes with views over the Mirabello Bay and the islands.
Walks through olive groves, where you can learn about Cretan olive oil, traditional cultivation and the connection between the land and local families.
Short explorations near Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, ideal for guests who don’t want something too demanding but still wish to be active during their holidays.

Our aim is to create safe, guided experiences that suit different fitness levels, while keeping a strong focus on interpretation of the local nature and culture.

Forest Yoga – Finding Inner Balance in Nature

One of our most loved experiences is forest yoga in Eastern Crete.

Instead of practicing in a closed studio, we choose peaceful natural spots – among pine trees or in the shade of old olive groves. Guests roll out their mats on the ground, listen to birdsong, feel the breeze on their skin and let the mind slow down.

Our forest yoga sessions focus on:

gentle movement and conscious breathing,
relaxation and grounding after a day of travel or exploration,
mindfulness in nature, helping you reconnect with your body and the environment.

Forest yoga combines beautifully with hiking: a short walk, followed by a calm, guided practice, becomes a complete outdoor wellness experience that many guests describe as a highlight of their trip to Crete.

Cultural Village Tours in Elounda & Kritsa

Crete is not only beaches and views; it is also stories, people and traditions. That’s why NatureSoul Adventures offers cultural village tours that go beyond standard sightseeing.

Elounda: Between Sea, History and Everyday Life

In Elounda, we explore more than the famous hotels and views. We connect the present with the past: the old salt pans, the history of Spinalonga, and the everyday life of fishermen and farmers who shaped the area.Along the way, we share recommendations for local food, quiet spots and small details that many visitors miss.

Kritsa: A Village Full of Character

The village of Kritsa is one of the most traditional in Eastern Crete. Narrow alleys, stone houses, churches, small museums and weaving workshops tell stories of resilience and creativity.During our walks, guests:

meet local people,
hear legends and historical stories,
taste simple Cretan products and dishes.

These village experiences help travelers understand the cultural heart of Crete, not just its coastline.

Our Philosophy at NatureSoul Adventures

At NatureSoul Adventures, our philosophy is simple:

Respect for nature – choosing routes and practices that minimise impact and highlight the beauty of the landscape.
Support for local communities – collaborating with local partners, producers and small businesses.
Care for the individual traveler – keeping groups small, adapting pace and content, and creating space for real connection.

Our tagline, “Where Nature Meets Culture and Inner Balance”, is not just a slogan; it’s the way we design every experience, from a short morning hike to a full day of outdoor and cultural activities.