Private 8-Days hiking in Southwest Crete from Heraklion

We invite all lovers of canyoning, trekking and just walking routes to an exciting tour dedicated to the unique Cretan canyons and gorges. Together with a professional instructor, you will explore the most interesting and picturesque gorges, visit picturesque cities and villages, and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday.

We are all used to the fact that the island of Crete means impeccable beaches, gentle sea, and delicious Greek cuisine… However, this fabulous island also boasts incredibly beautiful nature, which deserves special attention.

The main natural attraction of the island is the mountain ranges that stretch along the entire island.

The Cretan Gorges are a very popular canyoning destination. In total, the island has about thirty gorges available for tourists, some are quite simple to pass, others require special training and physical endurance, but absolutely all of them have incredibly beautiful reliefs!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion

This day is spent in the coastal town of Heraklion. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport (HER) and then transfer you to your hotel. In your free time, you can walk around the city of Heraklion on your own or visit the Palace of Knossos and/or the archaeological museum of Heraklion. Evening meal with your tour leader and the rest of the group, overnight in Heraklion. Note: Transfer time: 20min

Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City.

Day 2: Heraklion – Chania – Paleochora

In the morning, we take our private transfer along the north coast to the old town of Chania. Here, we have free time to explore the old harbor, the market (Agora), and various quiet neighborhoods with Venetian and Turkish architecture.

After lunch, a private transfer south to the small coastal town of Paleochora, on the deep blue Libyan Sea. En route, we visit a local winery where we have a tour and a wine tasting.

Evening meal and overnight in Paleochora. Transfer time: 2hrs

Overnight at hotel 3*, in Paleochora.

Day 3: Paleochora – Lissos – Sougia – Omalos

Our first hike of the week! All along the way this coastal walk offers magnificent views of the high White Mountains, down to the clear blue sea. On a clearly-marked path, we follow the coastline and pass the temple of Asklipios in ancient Lissos before arriving at the small village of Sougia for a well-deserved swim!

From here, transfer to Omalos mountain plain, evening meal, and overnight in Omalos. Transfer time: 1hr – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs 30´ (15km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-270-20-150-0.

Overnight at Omalos, in the small, family-run hotel.

Day 4: Samaria Gorge – Agia Roumeli

Samaria is just one of the many gorges on Crete, but it is definitely the best-known. This natural treasure lies in the heart of the Samaria National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its breathtaking scale and impressive topography attract visitors from all over the world and the magnificent scenery will not leave the hiker untouched. We start our hike from Omalos in the cool, early morning air, and after an approx. 6-7 hr hike, we reach the small, coastal village of Agia Roumeli (no road access), where we are rewarded with a refreshing swim! Evening meal and overnight in Agia Roumeli. Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (13+3km) – Elevation difference (m): 1250-0 Please note: if Samaria Gorge National Park is closed for any reason on this day, an alternative schedule is followed. Any transfer costs are included. Overnight remains in Agia Roumeli.

Overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge.

Day 5: Agia Roumeli – Marmara – Loutro

We follow the coastal path to Agios Pavlos beach with its picturesque, tiny, Byzantine chapel on the shore. From there, our path takes us gradually upwards through a pine forest then follows the coastline towards Marmara marble beach where a refreshing swim awaits us!

The last part of our path leads along the scenic coast to the small village of Loutro with no road access! Evening meal and overnight in Loutro. Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (14,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-110-150-0-70-0

Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.

Day 6: Loutro – Anopolis – Aradena Gorge – Loutro

The first part of our hike is uphill from Loutro to the plain of Anopolis, from where we are treated to outstanding views of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). The entrance to the lesser-known but equally impressive Aradena Gorge lies to the west of the plain. The dramatic landscape and rough outlines guarantee a stunning experience. The gorge ends at the turquoise waters of Marmara marble beach. Here there is time for a swim before the last part of our hike along the coast to Loutro. Evening meal and overnight in Loutro. Note: a less demanding route is followed depending on the level of the group. Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 7hrs 30′ (14km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-690-580-0

Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.

Day 7: Loutro – Glyka Nera – Chora Sfakion – Heraklion

The last hike of this tour takes us from Loutro to the beach of Glyka Nera (Sweet Water) along a well-marked, coastal path above the endless shades of blue in the sea below. The freshwater springs, both on the beach and in the sea, keep the water significantly cooler than usual even during the summer months.

The path then follows the side of the cliff and ends just above the village of Chora Sfakion (Sfakia). From here, private transfer to Heraklion. Evening meal and last overnight in Heraklion. Transfer time: 2hrs 30′ – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs (4,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-150-0

Transfer to Heraklion and check in at the hotel. Free time. Evening meal with your tour leader, overnight in Heraklion. Note: Transfer time: 2hr. 30min

Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City.

Day 8: Heraklion HER - Departure

Heraklion - departure. The last morning is spent in Heraklion, with free time in the town depending on your departure time. The tour leader’s duties end after breakfast. Transfer time: 20min