Crete: Mountains and Coast Guided Walk

Welcome to Chania, a city steeped in history and culture. Upon arrival, you can arrange for a group transfer from the airport to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the historic old town, a testament to the city's Venetian and Turkish past. Wander through the narrow lanes, admire the Byzantine churches, and soak in the atmosphere of the charming Venetian harbor. In the evening, meet your guide and group for a briefing, followed by a delightful dinner at a traditional tavern. Overnight in Chania.

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge for your first hike. The trail, surrounded by pine and chestnut trees, leads to Sougia, a beautiful village on the southern coast of Crete. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend the next two nights in Sougia.

Today, we'll embark on a cultural walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, leading to the ancient city of Lissos. This city was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient times. Here, you'll visit a well-preserved temple dedicated to Asklipios, the God of medicine, and explore the city's fascinating history. After a dip in the cove, we'll return to Sougia for the night.

Leave your luggage at the hotel's lobby as we transfer you by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of Samaria gorge. A mini-bus will then take us to the entrance of Samaria gorge at Omalos plateau, from where you'll climb up Mt Gigilos. This area is home to the wild goats of Crete and some of Europe's most rare birds. The summit offers spectacular views in all directions. We'll descend by the same route and spend the night at a family-owned hotel in Omalos plateau.

A short drive from the hotel will take us to Xiloscalo at the entrance of Samaria gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. You'll walk through a shady pine forest and beside a flowing stream, reaching the small village of Agia Roumeli. Here, you can relax and enjoy a swim before settling in for the night.

Today's walk takes us along a beautiful coastal path on the Mediterranean Sea. On the way to Loutro, you'll pass the picturesque St Paul's chapel. After a refreshing break at Marmara beach, you'll arrive at the small port of Loutro, a village adorned with blue and white houses. Spend the next two nights in Loutro.

Today, we'll ascend an ancient path to Anopolis village, a historic area known for the revolution against the Turks in 1866. From Agia Ekaterini's church, enjoy the wonderful view of the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. Visit Anopoli's square, relax with the locals, and return to Loutro. For strong hikers, we recommend crossing Arathena's gorge that ends at Marmara beach and returning to Loutro by following the E4 path. Overnight in Loutro.

On the final day of our tour, we'll head to the village of Hora Sfakion, either by a 2-hour hike along the coastal path that crosses Sweet Water beach or by a 15-minute boat ride from Loutro. From Hora Sfakion, we'll return to Chania where you can take a leisurely walk through Chania's market before concluding the trip.