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CRETE: WALKING THE ISLE OF THE GODS
Chania . Omalos . Agia Roumeli. Loutro
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, offers breathtaking landscapes and abundance of hiking trails that cater to all levels of walkers. The island's mild climate makes it an ideal destination for year-round exploration, with each season offering a unique perspective of its stunning scenery.
With its diverse terrain, hikers can explore everything from rugged mountains to serene coastlines. One of the most popular hiking routes is Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can descend its stunning 10 mile path, taking in towering cliffs and flora and fauna along the way. Once at the bottom, a refreshing ocean swim is the sweet reward.
The island's rich history is intertwined with its natural beauty, and trails often lead to ancient ruins and charming villages, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the local culture.
The White Mountains, known as the Lefka Ori, provide a challenging yet experience, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're strolling through the lush landscapes of the Agia Irini Gorge or enjoying a coastal walk, Crete's hiking paths unforgettable adventures.
Details
Duration:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From $1149 per person sharing
Departures:
Please enquire about small group
or private group departures
Includes:
Transportation by private vehicle and on foot
2 nights Chania hotel
1 night Omalos hotel
1 night Agia Roumeli hotel
2 nights loutro hotel
Locally guided walks and experiences as per itinerary
6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This tour is a series of linked walks. Private vehicles are only used to take travelers to the start of their walk for the day, or to avoid busy roads.
Accommodation is in small, family-run guesthouses, or locally-owned hotels in excellent locations.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Chania
Arrive at any time. Meet your tour guide, an experienced local hiking guide, at tonight's welcome meeting. Head out for an optional dinner with the group
Stay: Arkadi Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Omalos
Travel by vehicle inland to the White Mountains, known to Cretans as Lefka Ori. Hike 4.5 miles through the narrow Agia Irini Gorge, lush with ancient trees and a wide variety of plants.
Transfer by vehicle to the Omalos plateau, elevation over 3000' above the plains. Tonight, sit back and enjoy the evening breeze — the quiet broken, occasionally, by a goat's bell.
Afternoon at leisure.
Stay: Hotel Neos Omalos, or similar (B)
Day 3 Omalos - Agia Roumeli
Set off on a10 mile downward hike of the famous and spectacular Samariá Gorge, the longest in Europe and a highlight of any visit to Crete. 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 1000' high. If you're lucky, you may spot a griffon vulture, wild goat, or maybe even a golden eagle. At the beach at the end of the trail, take a swim to cool off.
Continue to the south coast and the town of Agia Roumeli, with its fine pebble beach and clear turquoise waters.
Stay: Gigilos Hotel Agia Roumeli, or similar (B)
Day 4 Agia Roumeli - Loutro
Head out on a beautiful 4.5 mile coastal walk 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. Walk on to the beach village of Marmara, and opt to have a swim and lunch at a taverna overlooking the sea.
After lunch, continue to the seaside village of Loutro.
Stay: John Akroyiali Rooms Loutro, or similar (B)
Day 5 Loutro
Enjoy a free day in the tiny fishing village of Loutro, accessible only from the sea or through hiking trails. relax at the beach for the day, or 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.
Tonight, sit down for a special dinner with Cretan food and a local house wine drink. Afterwards, enjoy some Greek dancing - opa!
Stay: John Akroyiali Rooms Loutro, or similar (B, D)
Day 6 Loutro - 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.
Stay: Akadi Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 7 Depart Chiana
Depart at any time.
(B)