Booked the Balos catamaran day for our 10th anniversary in late September. Captain Manolis spotted us a quiet swim cove away from the bigger boats. Food was way better than expected.

Did the Chania old town walking tour with two teenagers (12 and 15). Pavlos kept them engaged for nearly three hours, no small task. Sensible pace, fair price for what you get.

Wine tasting near Archanes with three mates. Owner walked us through the vines, told us about losing the business in '08 and starting again. Felt real, not a sales pitch.

The pottery workshop was the only thing my husband actually wanted to do and somehow I loved it more than him. Came home with two bowls and a small jug. Ask for Maria, she's lovely x

Olive harvest day with a local family in Apokoronas, last October. Worked the trees in the morning, ate at a long table outside. Grandmother kept refilling our plates. €89 each, would do again.

Honest take: the sunset sail was good, not life changing. Boat was clean, the crew knew the coast. One of the kids got seasick on the way back, bring tablets if you're prone.

Did the Samaria gorge with a small guided group rather than alone. Best decision we made. Our guide knew the cold spring stops that aren't on the map. Proper hiking shoes are a must.

Came in May with my wife. Booked two experiences, both confirmed within the hour. Operator messaged on WhatsApp the day before each. Small thing but matters when you're not from there.

Jet lagged and exhausted on day one but did the Heraklion food tour anyway. Raki at 11am wasn't on the agenda but absolutely the right call. Ate too much, had to take a nap before dinner.