Hiking Crete: Gorges & Coastal Walks
7 days, Chania to Chania
Itinerary
Day 1Chania
Arrive at any time. Meet your CEO, an experienced local hiking guide, at tonight's welcome meeting. Head out for an optional dinner with the group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Arkadi Hotel Chania (or similar)
Day 2Chania/Omalós
Travel inland to the White Mountains, known to Cretans as Lefka Ori. Hike through the narrow Agia Irini Gorge, lush with ancient trees and a wide variety of plants. Transfer to the Omalos plateau, elevated over 1000m above the plains. Tonight, sit back and enjoy the evening breeze — the quiet broken, occasionally, by a goat's bell.
Hike to Agia Irini Gorge
Begin your hike through the White Mountains at the entrance to Agia Irini Gorge. The trail winds through areas of humidity and shade, with a large clearing halfway up graced by gigantic, ancient plane trees. Notice the wide variety of plants as you continue, ending the trek at Agia Irini village.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Neos Omalos (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Omalós/Agia Roumeli
Set off to hike the famous and spectacular Samariá Gorge, the longest in Europe and a highlight of any visit to Crete. Continue to the south coast and the town of Agia Roumeli, with its fine pebble beach and clear turquoise waters.
Hike to Samaria Gorge
Lace up your boots for a full-day hike though Samaria Gorge. Follow the path over trickling streams and through forests of pine to reach the "Iron Gates" — the narrowest part of the gorge, where the rocks on either side are 300m high. If we're lucky, we may spot a griffon vulture, wild goat, or maybe even a golden eagle. Descend to the coast town of Agia Roumeli.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Swimming
FreeDive into the clear waters of the Libyan sea along the coast of this coastal village.
Accommodation
Gigilos Hotel Agia Roumeli (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Agia Roumeli/Loutro
Head out on a beautiful coastal walk framed by the landscape of southern Crete. In the village of Marmara, opt to have lunch at a taverna overlooking the sea.
Hike to St. Pavlos and Marmara
With an early start, head past rocky shingle beaches to reach the picturesque chapel of St. Paul, said to mark the place where he first landed on Crete. Next to the chapel, stop by a unique freshwater spring. Continue to the beach of Marmara.
Free Time
Opt for a quick dip in the waters as we rest by a beach.
Hike to Loutro
Continue with a leisurely hike to the village of Loutro.
Accommodation
John Akroyiali Rooms Loutro (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Loutro
Enjoy a free day in the tiny fishing village of Loutro, accessible only from the sea or through hiking trails. Opt to spend the day in town, or head back towards Marmara to hike the Aradena Gorge. Tonight, sit down for a farewell dinner with Cretan food and a local house wine drink. Afterwards, enjoy some Greek dancing!
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day to relax or explore.
Your Foodie Moment: Local Cretan Family-style Dinner
Enjoy a local family-style dinner and feast on Cretan dishes, toasting with a homegrown drink called "tsikoudia".
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Hike to Aradena Gorge
Hike via Foinikas to Marmara beach, where the entrance to Aradena Gorge is located. The hike takes about an hour each way, with an option to return to Loutro by water taxi.
Accommodation
John Akroyiali Rooms Loutro (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Loutro/Chania
Follow a coastal path towards Sfakia, where the mountains meet the sea. Stop for a swim at Glyka Nera, also known as Sweetwater Beach. This afternoon, transfer back to Chania.
Hike to Sfakia
Trek through pebbled paths and steep rock faces that overlook the deep blue sea on a beautiful stretch of coastal trails.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Arkadi Hotel Chania (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chania
Depart at any time.