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The Aegean islands of Santorini and Crete provide the perfect combination for travellers looking for a packed week of stunning walks along the most magical of the Greek Islands' coastlines steeped in fascinating Greek history and mythology. By exploring these two Mediterranean gems on foot, you'll allow yourself extra time to absorb the stunning ocean vistas encountered each day as well as soak in the legends and many stories of the places you visit. On Santorini, walk via Ancient Thira, where you'll encounter ruins of temples, houses and other community buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period, as you make your way to the highest point on the island at Pyrgos. You'll also enjoy a spectacular walk to the postcard-famous village of Oia and enjoy a free day on the island before taking a ferry to Crete. Explore the Cretan capital, Heraklion, before heading west to discover relatively unspoiled parts of Crete at Loutro, the Samaria Gorge National Park and the remote fishing village of Hora Sfakion, where the swimming, walking and seafood will fill your days with the Greek Islands' magic you've always dreamed about
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38kg of CO2-e PP per day
(263kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Santorini Airport, transfer to hotel in Akrotiri
On arrival at Santorini Airport there will be a transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, a 20min drive, where you spend the first three nights of your trip. The remainder of the day is free to explore the small town, relax in the hotel swimming pool and take in the views on either side - the caldera and out to sea. Optional short walk around Akrotiri via Apothikes (caldera). Walk 2.5km, +150m, -150m, 1hr
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk from Perissa via Ancient Thira to Pyrgos (3hrs)
After breakfast you will transfer to Perissa beach to begin your first hike. A steep ascent takes you to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Ancient Thira. After visiting the site, continue over small summits for panoramic views of the whole island before reaching the historic village of Pyrgos, set at the highest point of the island. After strolling through the narrow streets, you return to the hotel in Akrotiri. Walk 5.2km, +500m, -230m, 3hrs
Meals: B
Day 3
Visit Fira and walk to Oia along the caldera (4hrs)
This morning you will transfer to the capital of Santorini, Fira. Located on the west coast of the island on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano, the town is busy with bars, restaurants, shops and accommodations. There are also interesting museums and a lively nightlife which is possible to access from your hotel (20 minutes by taxi). You explore Fira on foot before setting out on your hike around the caldera rim. This is one of the most scenic hikes in the Greek Islands, with panoramic views of small whitewashed villages built into the edge of the caldera and the endless sea on either side. On reaching Oia, pause for a refreshment and the views before transferring back to Akrotiri. Walk 10.6km, +275m, -365m, 4hrs
Day 4
At leisure in Santorini, late afternoon high speed ferry to Heraklion in Crete (1.5hrs)
Today is free to relax at the pool, explore the Akrotiri surrounds at your leisure, or shop in Fira - the choice is yours. In the late afternoon you take the high speed ferry (approx 1.5hrs) to Heraklion, Crete's largest city. On arrival, it's a short walk to your hotel near the port.
Day 5
Sightseeing in Heraklion, public bus to Chania (2.5hrs) and explore the old city
You can take an optional walk in the old city this morning to take in the sights of Heraklion and its museums, the Venetian fortress and Byzantine churches, together with its busy harbour and bustling heart. If you'd like to spend time exploring the Knossos archaeological site (palace and museum), you can request an extra night (at time of booking) in Heraklion. Later you take a public bus to Chania (2.5hrs, 140km) - they leave every hour on the half hour. The historic old town of Chania, once occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, is set on and around the hill of Kastelli, overlooking the sea. Throughout the walled town there are numerous vestiges of past civilisations including many Byzantine churches. Elaborately decorated Venetian manors co-exist with Turkish styled houses in the narrow lanes. On arrival take a walk around the old town to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market.
Day 6
Walk through Samaria Gorge to Agia Roumeli, ferry to Loutro (6hrs)
Early this morning you take a public bus (approx. 7.45am) to Omalos and to Xiloskala 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 village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a swim before taking the boat to the small port of Loutro, with its blue and white houses (note the last boat departure is at 5.30pm - not included, allow EUR8.50pp. The boat trip takes about 20minutes). Walk 16.3km, +50m, -1200m, 6hrs The Samaria Gorge is open from 1 May-31 Oct. In case the Samaria Gorge is closed due to bad weather, extreme heat etc. you travel by public bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion and from there you take the ferry or a taxi boat to Loutro. Here you have a choice of walks, a longer or a shorter version, both of which visit the amazing Aradena Gorge.
Day 7
Morning at leisure, afternoon walk to Chora Sfakion (3hrs)
This morning is at leisure to relax, swim and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion along the path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many fresh water springs coming out at the pebble beach). Overnight in Chora Sfakion. Walk 6.6km, +180m, -240m, 3hrs
Day 8
Transfer to Chania airport, trip concludes
After breakfast, transfer to Chania airport, where the trip concludes.
What's included
What's not included
The accommodations on this trip include a selection of 2-star and 3-star hotels and one night in a traditional pension. These properties have been chosen for their welcoming atmosphere, comfort, and proximity to the walking routes. Many of the rooms feature private balconies or terraces with stunning views, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
GRADE 2 - Daily walks of 2.5 to 6 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Crete and Santorini so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. Some coastal sections are along cliffs. If you very afraid of heights or suffer from acrophobia, this may be challenging. 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.
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8Days
Moderate
9Days
Introductory to Moderate