Santorini and Crete Walk
8 Days Starting in Santorini, Greece and ending in Chania, Greece
Visiting: Santorini, Heraklion, Samaria Gorge, Chora Sfakion, Chania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SCW
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Santorini and Crete Walk" tour, where you'll experience the stunning coastal scenery of Crete and the volcanic beauty of Santorini. This self-guided walking holiday takes you through the Samaria Gorge, to the highest point of Santorini at Pyrgos, and along the scenic caldera rim from Fira to Oia. Wander the historic streets of Chania and Fira, and stay in handpicked hotels that offer comfort and atmosphere. Enjoy Greek-style breakfasts, convenient transfers, and a digital information pack to guide your adventure. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for those seeking an active and immersive Greek island experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Santorini Airport, Transfer To Hotel In Akrotiri
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
On arrival at Santorini Airport there will be a transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, a 20 minute drive, where you spend the first three nights of your trip. The remainder of the day is free to explore the small town, relax in the hotel swimming pool and take in the views on either side - the caldera and out to sea. Optional short walk around Akrotiri via Apothikes (caldera).
Walk 2.5km, +150m, -150m, 1hr
Day 2 : Walk From Perissa Via Ancient Rhira To Pyrgos (3Hrs)
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will transfer to Perissa beach to begin your first hike. A steep ascent takes you to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Ancient Thira. After visiting the site, continue over small summits for panoramic views of the whole island before reaching the historic village of Pyrgos, set at the highest point of the island. After strolling through the narrow streets, you return to the hotel in Akrotiri.
Walk 5.2km, +500m, -230m, 3hrs
Day 3 : Visit Fira And Walk To Oia Along The Caldera (4Hrs)
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Akrotiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will transfer to the capital of Santorini, Fira. Located on the west coast of the island on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano, the town is busy with bars, restaurants, shops and accommodations. There are also interesting museums and a lively nightlife which is possible to access from your hotel (20 minutes by taxi). You explore Fira on foot before setting out on your hike around the caldera rim. This is one of the most scenic hikes in the Greek Islands, with panoramic views of small whitewashed villages built into the edge of the caldera and the endless sea on either side. On reaching Oia, pause for a refreshment and the views before transferring back to Akrotiri.
Walk 10.6km, +275m, -365m, 4hrs
Day 4 : At Leisure In Santorini, Late Afternoon High Speed Ferry To Heraklion In Crete (1.5Hrs)
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to relax at the pool, explore the Akrotiri surrounds at your leisure, or shop in Fira - the choice is yours. In the late afternoon you take the high speed ferry (approx 1.5hrs) to Heraklion, Crete's largest city. On arrival, it's a short walk to your hotel near the port.
Day 5 : Sightseeing In Heraklion, Public Bus To Chania (2.5Hrs) And Explore The Old City
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
You can take an optional walk in the old city this morning to take in the sights of Heraklion and its museums, the Venetian fortress and Byzantine churches, together with its busy harbour and bustling heart. If you'd like to spend time exploring the Knossos archaeological site (palace and museum), you can request an extra night (at time of booking) in Heraklion.
Later you take a public bus to Chania (2.5hrs, 140km) - they leave every hour on the half hour.
The historic old town of Chania, once occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, is set on and around the hill of Kastelli, overlooking the sea. Throughout the walled town there are numerous vestiges of past civilisations including many Byzantine churches. Elaborately decorated Venetian manors co-exist with Turkish styled houses in the narrow lanes. On arrival take a walk around the old town to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market.
Day 6 : Walk Through Samaria Gorge To Agia Roumeli, Ferry To Loutro (6Hrs)
Location: Samaria Gorge
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Loutro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early this morning you take a public bus (eg 7am) to Omalos and to Xiloskala 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 village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a swim before taking the boat to the small port of Loutro, with its blue and white houses (note the last boat departure is at 5.30pm - not included, allow EUR8.50pp. The boat trip takes about 20minutes).
Walk 16.3km, +50m, -1200m, 6hrs
The Samaria Gorge is open from 1 May-31 Oct. In case the Samaria Gorge is closed due to bad weather, extreme heat etc. you travel by public bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion and from there you take the ferry or a taxi boat to Loutro. Here you have a choice of walks, a longer or a shorter version, both of which visit the amazing Aradena Gorge.
Day 7 : Morning At Leisure, Afternoon Walk To Chora Sfakion (3Hrs)
Location: Chora Sfakion
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Chora Sfakion
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is at leisure to relax, swim and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion along the path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many fresh water springs coming out at the pebble beach). Overnight in Chora Sfakion.
Walk 6.6km, +180m, -240m, 3hrs
Day 8 : Transfer To Chania Airport, Trip Concludes
Location: Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Chania airport, where the trip concludes.
What's Included
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7 breakfasts
Breakfasts are usually Greek style inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Accommodation
6 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in a pension on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital information pack
Includes a navigational app with route notes, maps, and GPX.
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Arrival transfer
Transfer from the airport to Akrotiri on day 1.
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Internal transfers on Santorini
Transfers from Akrotiri to Perissa and Pyrgos to Akrotiri on day 2, Akrotiri to Fira and Oia to Akrotiri on day 3 as part of the walk itinerary.
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Transfer to port
Transfer from Akrotiri to the port on day 4 with luggage.
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Catamaran/high speed ferry
Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion on day 4 with luggage.
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Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers on days 6 and 7 between Chora Sfakion and Loutro (on the ferry).
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Transfer to Chania Airport
Transfer from Chora Sfakion to Chania Airport on day 8 with luggage.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Santorini / from Chania Airport
Travel to Santorini and from Chania Airport is not included.
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Lunches, dinners, and drinks
Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday; no guide is included.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest are not included.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Transfers in Crete on public buses
Transfers in Crete on public buses with luggage: Heraklion-Chania day 5 (approx EUR 13), Chania-Chora Sfakion day 6 (approx EUR 6.
90) are not included. -
Entrance ticket to Samaria Gorge
Entrance ticket to Samaria Gorge (EUR 5) is not included.
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Luggage transfer fee on day 6
Luggage transfer fee on day 6 is payable locally, allow EUR 3-7 per piece.
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Boat trip Agia Roumeli to Loutro
Boat trip Agia Roumeli to Loutro (allow EUR 10 pp one way) is not included.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel (and environment) taxes are to be paid locally.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights hotels. The accommodations for this trip have been chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, hospitality and access to transport. All rooms have private facilities and most will have a balcony or terrace. In Akrotiri (Santorini) and Heraklion (Crete), it is possible to upgrade room types for an additional cost - twinshare only - price on request, speak to your consultant for further details. AKROTIRI, SANTORINI - 3 nights. Standard room type: double room (18 square metres / 193.7 square feet). Upgrade room type: maisonette - split-level unit (30 square metres / 322.9 square feet). HERAKLION, CRETE - 1 night. Standard room type: double standard room (20-25 square metres / 215-269 square feet). Upgrade room type: double sea view room (22-27 square metres / 236.8-290.6 square feet).
Grading
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 2
The walking is graded introductory to moderate with 2.5 to 6 hours walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Crete and Santorini so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. Some coastal sections are along cliffs. If you very afraid of heights or suffer from acrophobia, this may be challenging. 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.
Mode of Transport
Arrival transfer from airport to Akrotiri on day 1. Internal transfers on Santorini: Akrotiri to Perissa & Pyrgos to Akrotiri on day 2, Akrotiri to Fira and Oia to Akrotiri on day 3 as part of walk itinerary. Transfer Akrotiri to port on day 4 with luggage. Catamaran/high speed ferry from Santorini to Heraklion on day 4 with luggage. Luggage transfers on days 6 and 7 between Chora Sfakion and Loutro (on the ferry). Transfer Chora Sfakion to Chania Airport on day 8 with luggage.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in hotels chosen for their atmosphere, comfort, hospitality, and access to transport. All rooms have private facilities, and most will have a balcony or terrace. In Akrotiri (Santorini) and Heraklion (Crete), it is possible to upgrade room types for an additional cost.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a short walk around Akrotiri via Apothikes on the first day, exploring the Knossos archaeological site in Heraklion, and taking a walk around the old town of Chania to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually Greek style and inclusive of breads, tomato, olives, feta cheese, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.
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Is there any luggage transfer service provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers are provided on days 6 and 7 between Chora Sfakion and Loutro (on the ferry). Additionally, there are transfers for luggage from Akrotiri to the port on day 4 and from Chora Sfakion to Chania Airport on day 8.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks during the tour?
The walking is graded as introductory to moderate with 2.5 to 6 hours of walking each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike in Crete and Santorini, and some coastal sections are along cliffs. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
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What happens if the Samaria Gorge is closed due to bad weather?
If the Samaria Gorge is closed due to bad weather, extreme heat, or other reasons, you will travel by public bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion and from there take the ferry or a taxi boat to Loutro. You will have a choice of walks, either a longer or a shorter version, both of which visit the amazing Aradena Gorge.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are hotel taxes (to be paid locally), transfers in Crete on public buses, boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, entrance fees for museums and other sights of interest, and items of a personal nature.
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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.