Crete: Mountains and Coast Guided Walk
Crete: Mountains and Coast Guided Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Chania, Greece
Visiting: Chania, Crete, Lissos, Omalos Plateau, Samaria Gorge, Loutro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CMG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 11
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Crete with the "Crete: Mountains and Coast Guided Walk" tour. This adventure takes you from the historic streets of Chania to the breathtaking coastal scenery of the southwest coast. Experience the thrill of walking through the Samaria and Agia Irini gorges, ascending the majestic Mt Gingilos, and exploring the ancient city of Lissos. Enjoy the serene beauty of the blue and white village of Loutro and the traditional charm of Anopolis. With comfortable accommodations in small inns and pensions, delicious dinners at local taverns, and the expertise of an English-speaking walking guide, this tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In The Venetian Styled City Of Chania
Location: Chania
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Chania. A group arrival transfer can be arranged from Chania airport to the first hotel or you can make your own way to the joining hotel. The historic old town, once occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, is set on and around the hill of Kasteli overlooking the sea. Throughout the walled town there are numerous vestiges of past civilizations including many Byzantine churches. Elaborately decorated Venetian manors coexist with Turkish styled houses in the narrow lanes. Make sure you allow time to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market. In the evening you will meet your guide and group for a briefing, before dinner at a traditional tavern for your first taste of Cretan cuisine. Overnight Chania.
Day 2 : Walk Through The Agia Irini Gorge To The Seaside Village Of Sougia (4Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Inn in Sougia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred (50km, approx 1hr) to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for your first hike. Agia Irini gorge trail follows a quiet path next to a stream, surrounded by pine and chestnut trees. Follow the trail towards Sougia, a beautiful little 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. Spend the next 2 nights in Sougia.
Distance 12km, altitude difference: 580m
Day 3 : Through The Gorge Of Selinou To The Ancient City Of Lissos (3Hrs)
Location: Lissos
Accommodation Name: Inn in Sougia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A cultural day 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 explore this interesting city. After a dip in the cove return to Sougia.
Distance 7km, altitude difference: 100m
Day 4 : Ascend Mt Gigilos, Overnight Omalos Plateau (6Hrs)
Location: Omalos Plateau
Accommodation Name: Family owned hotel in Omalos plateau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave your luggage at the hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of Samaria gorge. A transfer by mini-bus brings us to the entrance of Samaria gorge (at approx 1250m) at Omalos plateau, from where you will climb up Mt Gigilos (2080m). This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and almost extinct wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points where you may need to 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.
Note: your luggage will be transferred directly to Agia Roumeli, not to Omalos, so you will need to pack an overnight bag for this night.
Distance 10km, altitude difference: 850m
Day 5 : Walk Samaria Gorge, The Longest Gorge In Europe To Agia Roumeli (6Hrs)
Location: Samaria Gorge
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Agia Roumeli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A short drive by mini-bus from the hotel will take us to Xiloscalo 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 small village of Agia Roumeli for overnight accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy a swim.
Walk: 17km/10.5mi
Day 6 : Coastal Walk To The Blue And White Village Of Loutro (5 1/2 Hrs)
Location: Loutro
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Loutro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave your luggage in your hotel's lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. Today's walk leads us along a beautiful sea walk (coastal path) on the Mediterranean Sea, alternating 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 refreshing break at "Marmara" beach, you arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with blue and white houses. Spend the next 2 nights in Loutro.
Distance 14.5km, altitude difference: 150m
Day 7 : Walk To The Village Of Anopolis And Cross Arathena's Gorge, Return To Loutro (7Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Loutro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ascend an ancient path until you reach Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here you can see "authentic" Cretans with their traditional costumes. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just outside 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 to Loutro.
For strong hikers we recommend you continue and cross Arathena’s gorge that ends at Marmara beach and return to Loutro by following the E4 path. This big loop offers unforgettable scenery alternating between mountain trail, spectacular gorge and coastal path. Overnight Loutro.
Distance 16km, altitude difference: 650m
Day 8 : Walk To Hora Sfakion And Return To Chania (2Hrs), Trip Concludes
Location: Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
For the last day there are two ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return to Chania. Either a 2 hour hike along the coastal path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15 minute boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. The trip ends at Chania where you can take a walk through Chania’s market. If we choose to hike to Hora Sfakion, we need amn early start in order to collect the luggage from the boat at Hora Sfakion.
Distance 6.5km, altitude difference: 150m
Group return transfer (70km/approx 1.5hrs) to Chania airport where the trip concludes.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in small inns and pensions -
7 breakfasts
Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices.
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7 nights in small inns and pensions
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Single rooms available on request - supplement applies.
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7 dinners at local taverns
Enjoy dinners at local taverns.
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Scheduled group transfer to/from airport
Group transfer to/from the airport on day 1 and day 8.
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Transfers within Crete
Transfer from Chania to Agia Irini and from Sougia to Omalos.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees in Samaria National Park and Agia Irini Gorge.
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English speaking walking guide
Guided walks with an English speaking walking guide.
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Local taxes
VAT and the overnight stay tax are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Chania
Travel to and from Chania and airport transfers except arriving/departing on day 1/day 8.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory.
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Entrance fees for additional sites
Entrance fees for museums, monasteries, caves, etc.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in small inns and pensions. During the trip you will be accommodated in hotels in the main towns and local inns and village pensions during the rest of the trip (all with private facilities).
Grading
MODERATE - GRADE 3
The walking is graded moderate with 2 to 6 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Crete and your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. 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.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
Scheduled group transfer to/from airport on day 1 and day 8. Transfer from Chania to Agia Irini and from Sougia to Omalos. Luggage transfer is also provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in small inns and pensions. You will be accommodated in hotels in the main towns and local inns and village pensions during the rest of the trip, all with private facilities. Single rooms are available on request, but a supplement applies.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners at local taverns. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. You are allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
The tour is graded as moderate, with 2 to 6 hours of walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs, and your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and it is recommended to undertake regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, stair walking, and jogging two to three times a week for three months prior to departure.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees for Samaria National Park and Agia Irini Gorge are included in the tour package.
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Is there a guide provided during the walks?
Yes, the tour includes guided walks with an English-speaking walking guide.
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What is the mode of transportation during the tour?
The tour includes scheduled group transfers to and from the airport on day 1 and day 8. Additionally, there are transfers from Chania to Agia Irini and from Sougia to Omalos.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.