An 8-day hiking trip in nature, swimming in the crystal clear waters of Crete and meeting with Cretan culture and gastronomy. A proposal for a trip that will make you discover an exciting Crete.
Highlights
The guide will welcome you at your starting point and accompany you to your hotel, nestled in the heart of the capital. If you have time, we invite you to discover the city: its center, its archaeological site which still holds traces of the oldest European civilization, the Minoans, and the myths and legends that animate it (Minotaur, Princess Ariadne, …)
In the morning, you will take the road to travel the 140 km that separate you from Chania. You can then freely visit this ancient Minoan city, considered the most beautiful city in Crete, and discover its picturesque charm. Its colorful alleys, its Venetian port, its Orthodox cathedral, its 17th-century mosque, or its Kastelli district, where some Byzantine constructions still remain, will amaze you.
In the afternoon, departure for the village of Paleochora, on the southern peninsula of the island. You will spend the night there, after having enjoyed a first swim in the waters of the Libyan Sea and a meal in a local tavern.
Travel Time : 4 hours
Departure from Paleochora to reach Lissos on foot, a first hike along the coves during which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You will then discover the archaeological site of Lissos, with its ancient temples and mosaics, as well as its beaches where you can enjoy another swim. After lunch, a boat will take you to Sougia, a small seaside village of about a hundred inhabitants, which has retained all its charm and authenticity.
You can then stroll on the terraces of its cafes or walk along its grey pebble and sand beaches. After dinner, you will spend the night there.
Walking Time : 5 hours
Elevation Gain + : 500 m
Elevation Loss - : 500 m
You will travel 4 km by private vehicule to the starting point of your second hike, heading towards Omalos, passing through the Agia Irini gorge, nestled in the heart of lush vegetation made of maples, pines, cypress, oaks, and splendid olive trees. Arrived in Omalos, you will discover the mountain charm of this village located at 1050 m altitude and visit the village cheese dairy, renowned for producing one of the best cheeses in the region. Dinner and overnight stay in Omalos.
Walking Time : 5 hours 30 min
Elevation Gain + : 800 m
Departure for a new hike, in the heart of the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe with an extent of 16 km. Located 1200 m above sea level, in the only national park of Crete, the White Mountains Park, the Samaria Gorge will seduce you with its natural richness, with more than 470 species of flowers and plants coexisting there, 70 of which grow only in this gorge.
On the way, you will enjoy the fragrant cypress and pine forest, cross a few wooden bridges and discover the Iron Gates, the narrowest passage of the trail, measuring 300 to 700 m high depending on the sides. Some chance encounters with wild goats, the kri-kri, may occur. A stop is planned at the village of Samaria, closed since 1962 but which has retained some traces of daily life. Arrival at the end of the day in Agia Roumeli. You will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay there to appreciate the calm of this isolated village, whose access is only possible on foot or by boat.
Walking Time : 6 hours
Elevation Loss - : 1100 m
In the morning, hike along a path offering a panoramic view of the Libyan Sea and visit the chapel of Agios Pavlos, a remnant of the 13th century. You will enjoy a break for lunch and a swim in the deep blue waters of Marmara Bay, a small cove of white pebbles magnified by the marble rocks that surround it.
You will then reach Loutro on foot, a small village isolated around a cove, at the foot of the mountains. You will spend the end of the day there, and enjoy a landscape rich in colors, where the turquoise blue of the sea confronts the brownish grey of the mountains and the white of the dwellings. Dinner and overnight stay in the village.
Walking Time : 5 hours 30 min
Elevation Gain + : 350 m
Elevation Loss - : 350 m
Departure for the last hike of the stay, heading towards Hora Sfakion, a small port surrounded by the foothills of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and marked by a strong Sfakian spirit, forged by a historical tradition of resistance against the various Turkish and Venetian occupations in particular. On the way, a stop at Glika Nera beach will allow you to taste the sweetness of the clear waters of the Libyan Sea or enjoy a good nap in the shade of the tamarisk trees. Arrived in Hora Sfakion, a bus will take you to Heraklion where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Walking Time : 2 hours
Elevation Gain + : 200 m
Elevation Loss - : 200 m
After a well-deserved night's rest, you can enjoy a stroll in Heraklion to discover a little more of the cultural riches offered by this city and find some local souvenirs. We part with beautiful memories in our heads!
Tarif variable selon la taille du groupe. Le voyage se déroule en petit groupe de 6 à 14 personnes. Le départ du circuit est confirmé à partir de 6 participants. Le tarif s’entend par personne et sur la base d’hébergement en chambre double (ou exceptionnellement triple). Supplément chambre individuelle sur demande.
Natura Greca s’occupe de toute la complexité logistique de votre séjour (transports, transferts, logistique des bagages) pour vous laisser profiter pleinement de la marche et de l’authenticité grecque.
The program for the Crete hiking tour may be modified by your guide depending on the weather to ensure the best possible execution of the tour.
From 2 to 6 hours of walking per day. Positive elevation gain up to 600 meters depending on the day's program. Good physical condition required.
The trip takes place in a small group of 6 to 14 people. The tour departure is confirmed with a minimum of 6 participants.
Breakfast will be served either at the accommodation itself or at another establishment located nearby. Lunch: picnic based on local products or lunch in small taverns. Dinner: dinners in traditional local taverns.
During the hikes, we will only carry our backpacks with the personal effects necessary for the day. The luggage will be transported by a local vehicle.
Accommodation in a hotel in Heraklion. In the villages throughout the tour, we stay in family guesthouses or family hotels. These are small, simple, and clean accommodations with a very warm welcome from the owners. The rooms are double occupancy and are all equipped with a private bathroom.Given the limited accommodation availability in the small villages, it is possible that the group will be housed in two different structures but of the same category and located close to each other.
The hikes take place in nature and the trails evolve between ascents and descents of different elevations. The paths and trails pass over varied terrain: earth, gravel, rocks. Some parts of the trail are stony and require a little more attention. Good walking shoes with high ankles and non-slip soles are necessary.
All terrestrial or maritime transfers necessary for the smooth running of the tour will be carried out by public or private transportation.
Single Room Supplement : upon request
The rate is per person and based on accommodation in a double room (or exceptionally triple)
QualityWe offer you only the best throughout your trip
AvailabilityWe are here for you. Send us your requests, your wishes, or just a little hello, we will be happy to answer you!
ProfessionalismWe are a team of professionals from different backgrounds, possessing varied and complementary skills. But our common goal is to bring you an unforgettable and quality experience
SharingWe want to share with you the love we have for Greece and its culture
Ecological and Cultural AwarenessWe respect the environment and local culture
Experienced and passionate local partnersWe collaborate with the best local partners to ensure you a unique and authentic trip
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