Hiking throught the mountains of Western Crete for 8 days with great viewpoints! Crete, the largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, is the cradle of Europe’s earliest civilization and the land where ancient myth and modern reality blend seamlessly against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty. Our 8-day trip, explores the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, the deep gorges and coastal trails that lead us to charming fishing villages and quite beaches, accessible only by boat.
Starting from Chania with its picturesque Venetian port you will depart for the village of Agia Irini to hike through its quite gorge before emerging at the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. Follow ancient paths to reach the second Roman city in Crete, visiting the temple of Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period.
Ascending well-maintained trails you will reach the summit of Mountain Gingilos (2080m), for stunning views to Omalos plateau, the White Mountains and the Samaria gorge – Europe’s largest gorge that offers one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden, the home of the wild goats (Kri-kri) and griffon vultures.
Our superb coastal walk passes by the picturesque St Paul’s chapel and the azure blue waters of Marmara beach to end up at the white-blue washed houses of the charming village of Loutro.
Relax in Loutro or hike to Anopolis -one of the most “authentic” Cretan villages, cross the Aradena gorge with its pink oleanders and drink fresh water from the “Sweet water beach”.
Itinerary
Arrive in Chania
Arrive in Chania. Explore the old “Venetian style” city of Chania with its picturesque harbor.
Overnight in Chania
Walk Through Agia Irini gorge
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for your first hike. Ag.Irini gorge leads to the village of Sougia and provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees. Sougia is a beautiful 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. (4 hours walk)
Overnight in Sougia
Walk to the ancient town of Lissos
Cultural 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 you will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. Refresh yourselves in the cove and return to Sougia. (3 hours walk)
Overnight in Sougia
Ascend Mt. Gigilos at 2080m.
Leave your luggage at the hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Ag. Roumeli village; which is located at the foot of Samaria gorge. Either by bus or by using a taxi you will reach the entrance of Samaria gorge at Omalos plateau, from where you will climb up mountain Gigilos. This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and highly threatened with extinction wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points that you may 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. (6 hours walk)
Overnight in Omalos
Walk throught Samaria gorge
A short drive from the hotel will take you at the entrance of Samaria gorge. Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. You walk on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a melodic stream. This is where you may see the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri). You reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a swim. (6 hours walk)
Overnight in Agia Roumeli
Walk the coastal path to the village of Loutro
Leave your luggage at hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. A beautiful sea walk (coastal path) close the Mediterranean Sea. Today’s walk alternates 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 needed-refreshing break at “Marmara” beach, you arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with the blue and white houses. (6 hours walk)
Overnight in Loutro
Walk to the village Anopolis
Ascend the ancient path until Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here we see “authentic” Cretans with their traditional costumes that “take us back in time, to other centuries”. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just over 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 back.
For the strong hikers we propose to continue and cross Aradena’s gorge that ends at “Marmara” beach and return back to Loutro by following the E4 path. This big loop may give an unforgettable picture that alternates between mountain trail, spectacular gorge and coastal path. (6 hours walk)
Overnight in Loutro
Walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion
For the last day there are two optional ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return back to Chania. Either 2 hours hike by taking the coastal path that crosses “Sweet water beach” (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15 minutes boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. The trip ends at Chania where you will find really interesting a small walk in Chania’s market.
If you choose to hike to Hora Sfakion, leave your luggage to the owners of the hotel to put them in the boat and start the hike early in order collect your luggage from the boat at Hora Sfakion.
End of Services
At Chania
Participation fee:
- Low Season (May to June & October): 2-8 pax 795€ – Single supplement: 130€
- High Season (July – September): 2-8 pax 820€ – Single supplement: 140€
All accommodation with breakfast, Group transfers from Chania Airport, from Chania to Agia Irini, from Sougia to Omalos and from Sfakia to Chania airport, Baggage transfers, English hiking description, Maps and information, Overnight stay tax, VAT.
Transport to and from Crete, All meals (lunches & dinners), Entrance fees in Samaria National park, Entrance fees in Agia Irini gorge, Personal expenses and drinks, Everything that is not listed above.
Fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of participation fee, physical and mental health.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
Accommodation:
Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities). The trip prices are based on double occupancy.
What participants should have with them:
Daypack (25-35 l.), Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes, Mountain clothing, Walking sticks, Water Bottle, Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn), Hat Sunglasses, Sun cream, Swimming suit, Casual clothing.
Extra services:
If clients wish to have their luggage in Omalos on day 4, they may consider the extra cost of 60€ (for the whole group)
Suitable for ages: 8-80 years.
