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Discover a quieter side of Crete, the largest and most mountainous of the Greek Islands where rugged mountains, remote beaches and traditional hospitality shape this walk. This eight-day guided walk explores the dramatic southwest coast of Crete. Following coastal paths and descending into deep gorges, you’ll walk through remote villages only accessible on foot or by boat, with highlights including the Samaria Gorge – the longest in Europe – and an optional summit of Mount Gingilos (2080m) in the White Mountains. The itinerary balances scenic walking with time to swim at unspoilt beaches and soak up life in charming fishing villages. Along the way, you'll stay in handpicked accommodation and enjoy the comfort of luggage transfers, allowing you to focus on the natural beauty and cultural richness that define this lesser-travelled corner of Crete.
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30kg of CO2-e PP per day
(211kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in the Venetian styled city of Chania
Arrive in Chania. A group arrival transfer can be arranged from Chania airport to the first hotel or you can make your own way to the joining hotel. The historic old town, once occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, is set on and around the hill of Kasteli overlooking the sea. Throughout the walled town there are numerous vestiges of past civilizations including many Byzantine churches. Elaborately decorated Venetian manors coexist with Turkish styled houses in the narrow lanes. Make sure you allow time to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market. In the evening you will meet your guide and group for a briefing, before dinner at a traditional tavern for your first taste of Cretan cuisine. Overnight Chania.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk through the Agia Irini gorge to the seaside village of Sougia (4hrs)
After breakfast, you will be transferred (50km, approx 1hr) to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for your first hike. Agia Irini gorge trail follows a quiet path next to a stream, surrounded by pine and chestnut trees. Follow the trail towards Sougia, a beautiful little village on the southern coast of Crete where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. Spend the next 2 nights in Sougia. Distance 12km, altitude difference: 580m
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Through the gorge of Selinou to the ancient city of Lissos (3hrs)
A cultural day walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, thick with brilliant pink oleanders and carob trees, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years, which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here you will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asklipios and explore this interesting city. After a dip in the cove return to Sougia. Distance 7km, altitude difference: 100m
Day 4
Ascend Mt Gigilos, overnight Omalos Plateau (6hrs)
Leave your luggage at the hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of Samaria gorge. A transfer by mini-bus brings us to the entrance of Samaria gorge (at approx 1250m) at Omalos plateau, from where you will climb up Mt Gigilos (2080m). This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and almost extinct wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points where you may need to use your hands to climb (easy scramble, nothing technical). The summit provides spectacular views in all directions. You descend by the same route and you spend the night at a family owned hotel in Omalos plateau. Distance 10km, altitude difference: 850m
Day 5
Walk Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe to Agia Roumeli (6hrs)
A short drive by mini-bus from the hotel will take us to Xiloscalo at the entrance of Samaria gorge. Samaria is the longest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful. You walk on a good path through a shady pine forest and beside a flowing stream. You reach the small village of Agia Roumeli for overnight accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy a swim. Walk: 17km/10.5mi
Day 6
Coastal walk to the blue and white village of Loutro (5 1/2 hrs)
Leave your luggage in your hotel's lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. Today's walk leads us along a beautiful sea walk (coastal path) on the Mediterranean Sea, alternating on sand and shingles next to the sea and about 50m above the sea level in pine forest and bushy areas. On the way to Loutro you pass the picturesque St Paul's chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea. After a refreshing break at "Marmara" beach, you arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with blue and white houses. Spend the next 2 nights in Loutro. Distance 14.5km, altitude difference: 150m
Day 7
Walk to the village of Anopolis and cross Arathena's Gorge, return to Loutro (7hrs)
Ascend an ancient path until you reach Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here you can see "authentic" Cretans with their traditional costumes. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just outside Anopolis, you have the chance to enjoy the wonderful view to the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. Visit Anopoli’s square, relax at the coffee shop with the locals and return the same way to Loutro. For strong hikers we recommend you continue and cross Arathena’s gorge that ends at Marmara beach and return to Loutro by following the E4 path. This big loop offers unforgettable scenery alternating between mountain trail, spectacular gorge and coastal path. Overnight Loutro. Distance 16km, altitude difference: 650m
Day 8
Walk to Hora Sfakion and return to Chania (2hrs), trip concludes
For the last day there are two ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return to Chania. Either a 2 hour hike along the coastal path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15 minute boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. The trip ends at Chania where you can take a walk through Chania’s market. If we choose to hike to Hora Sfakion, we need amn early start in order to collect the luggage from the boat at Hora Sfakion. Distance 6.5km, altitude difference: 150m Group return transfer (70km/approx 1.5hrs) to Chania airport where the trip concludes.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be accommodated in small family run hotels along with local inns and village pensions all twin share with ensuite facilities. These properties are chosen for their charm, location and hospitality.
GRADE 3 - The walking is graded moderate with 2 to 6 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Crete and your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Introductory to Moderate