40+
Years Experience
South Crete Tours SA
Based in Ierapetra, the heart of authentic South Crete, we are a family-run incoming travel agency founded in 1978. South Crete Tours is trusted by tour operators, partners, and travelers for reliable services, strong local network, and consistently high guest satisfaction.
Our purpose is to reveal the real East Crete to the world, through authentic experiences, quality services and local passion.
- Trusted, local destination experts
- Flexible, hassle-free contracting
- Real-time itinerary coordination
- Dedicated multilingual reps
- Dynamic allocation management
- Tailored programs for groups & MICE
East Crete's trusted local partner
East Crete, delivered right.
Since 1978, we’ve been helping European tour operators run their programs with precision, consistency, and a network built through years of local collaboration.
Exclusive itineraries
Tailor-made schedules that highlight Eastern Crete's coastal villages, mountain plateaus, and cultural gems.
Safety first
Licensed guides, vetted partners, and on-site support teams keep every traveller experience seamless and secure.
Dedicated local guides
Multilingual representatives who understand partner expectations and deliver authentic storytelling in every excursion.
Strong Supplier Network
Long-standing partnerships with trusted hoteliers and local operators ensure consistent quality, reliability, and flexibility across East Crete.
Clients & Partnerships
Trusted Long-Term Partnerships
Over 40 years of experience
With over four decades of operational excellence, our company proudly upholds a commitment to honoring not only our esteemed clients but also our valued suppliers. In fostering enduring partnerships, we have cultivated strong relationships that stand the test of time, a testament to our dedication to mutual success.
Our Clients Include:
Charter and tour operators
Groups and incentives specialists
Internet operators (OTA's)
GDS and large travel agencies
Our Partnerships Include:
Certified IT travel companies
Local bus companies
Excursion operators
Accommodation providers
Meet Our Team
Our operations are supported by a well-structured, multilingual team of tourism professionals, including experienced office managers, market-specific customer service staff, and a dependable network of drivers and tour guides. This organisation allows us to deliver consistent service standards, clear communication, and reliable in-resort support for partners and their guests throughout the season.
Damianos Talakis
Rentals Assistant Manager
Ursula Bennet
Customer Relations & Service
Timeline of Our History
Over four decades of growth and dedication to excellence
Polish language added
Polish language offered to our excursion program.
French language added
Our excursion program was enhanced with French language.
Czech market
Cooperating with large and mid-size tour operators in Czech, Slovak and Hungarian markets.
Branch office in Makrygialos
Branch office in Makrygialos, a region with great tourist interest.
English market opened
Forged strong partnerships within the English market by collaborating with Kosmar Villas for 25 years.
German & Austrian markets
Formed partnerships in the German and Austrian markets with Quo Vadis, ISTS, and SKR Reisen.
First buses added to our fleet
We expanded our fleet by introducing our very first bus, marking the beginning of our excursion services.
Car Rental Company established
Our car rental company commenced its operations with an initially modest fleet of five cars.
Swiss and Dutch markets collaboration
Venturing into the Swiss and Dutch markets with SSR from Switzerland and NBBS from the Netherlands.
First hotel management
George Mavrakis managed one of the first hotels in Ierapetra, named "Liya" until 1985.
South Crete Tours SA established
Established in Ierapetra, our company was founded by George Mavrakis in a region where tourism was just beginning.
About Our Company's Founder
Founded in 1978, during the early development of tourism in Crete, South Crete Tours S.A. started as a small, locally focused operation in East Crete. From the beginning, we built our company on hands-on involvement, close cooperation with local suppliers, and a strong understanding of international travel markets and their operational needs at destination level.
As demand grew, we expanded into transport services and began working closely with small and mid-size tour operators across Europe, initially in Switzerland and later in the Netherlands. Our focus during this phase was on operational consistency and dependable in-resort support. This phase formed long-term partnerships grounded in reliability, flexibility, and local knowledge.
Continued growth led to the development of key markets in Germany and Austria, followed by a major collaboration with a leading UK tour operator. This partnership lasted more than two decades and played a key role in strengthening our international presence and long-term credibility across Europe as a trusted local partner.
The enduring legacy of George Mavrakis continues through the active involvement of the next generation, with his sons, Giannis and Nikos, fully integrated into the family business. Their presence ensures continuity of values, hands-on leadership, and a shared commitment to the principles on which South Crete Tours S.A. was originally built, further strengthening its identity as a genuine family-run company.
Today, South Crete Tours S.A. operates with a dedicated local team and a well-established transport and mobility infrastructure, supporting a wide range of travel services across East Crete. From group transportation and excursions to car rental and in-resort support, our focus remains on delivering reliable operations, consistent quality, and attentive service at every level. We take pride in welcoming and supporting a large number of international guests each year, consistently meeting—and often exceeding—the expectations of partners and travelers alike through professionalism, experience, and strong local presence.
Partner With Us
Tour operators, travel agencies, groups, and suppliers — connect with our team to build successful partnerships across Crete.
Fair Partnership
Exclusive Rates
Marketing Support
Increase Bookings
Property Promotion
Real-time Data
Dedicated Support
Trusted local destination experts
Working With Us
We collaborate closely with tour operators, groups, hoteliers, and excursion suppliers to deliver reliable services, effective distribution, and consistent results. Our approach is built on clear communication, practical cooperation, and long-term partnerships that create value for all sides involved.
- ✓Dedicated account management and support
- ✓Marketing visibility across our channels
- ✓Transparent agreements and reliable payments
- ✓Access to our established partner network
- ✓Flexible collaboration for hotels and excursions
Let’s Work Together
Tell us about your business and how you see a potential cooperation. Through the form, you can select the partnership type that best fits your interest, and additional fields will appear to help you provide the information needed for a clear and efficient enquiry.