Walking in East Crete

Walking in East Crete

13 Views
7 Days From

$939

Walking in East Crete

7 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece

Visiting: Palékastro, Kato Zakros, Zakros, Xerokampos, Heraklion

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

675

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Tour operated in:

English
From: $939

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

A week of walking in East Crete, through the UNESCO Geopark of Sitìa which clings to the coast and, as well as having superb beaches, has the Zakros Mountains as backdrop. Explore this remote region of Lasithi, its karst limestone shoreline boasting an array of ancient fossils, caves and gorges including Zakros Gorge, aka Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their people here. There are also some ancient archaeological sites, such as the Zakros’ Minoan palace or abandoned village of Hamètoulo, turning this coast into a sun-drenched museum

Highlights

  • Arrival in Palèkastro with time to explore the town and enjoy a traditional dinner.

  • Coastal walk from Ítanos to Palèkastro featuring ancient archaeological sites, beaches, and palm forests.

  • Walk from Palèkastro to Kato Zakros through rural areas, coastal paths, and a Minoan cave.

  • Explore the famous Gorge of the Dead and the village of Zakros with views of Zakros Bay.

  • Visit the archaeological site at Zakros' Minoan palace before walking to the coastal village of Xeròkambos.

  • Choose from various walking routes in Xeròkambos, including a clifftop walk to Agìa Irini beach or exploring Xeròkambos Gorge.

  • Opportunity to extend your trip to explore Heraklion's cultural sites, including the Archaeological Museum and Palace of Knossòs.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Palèkastro

Location: Palékastro

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Palèkastro

Meals Included: Dinner

You are met at Heraklion airport and transferred (2h 30mins) to a hotel in Palèkastro, where our representative discusses the walks that lie ahead. You have time to take in the town and have a traditional dinner.

Day 2 : Ìtanos To Palèkastro

Location: Palékastro

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Palèkastro

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a 15mins transfer, you start your coastal walk through this area on a day that promises ancient archaeological sites, beaches, palm forests and much more. Don’t forget to bring the swimsuit with you. Ovenight in Palèkastro.

Day 3 : Palèkastro To Kato Zakros

Location: Kato Zakros

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kato Zakros

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The first part of today’s walk is in a rural area, bringing you to the coast at Skiniàs. Follow a coastal path past some striking rock formations and a Minoan cave as far as the pretty village of Kato Zakros.

Walking for the day: 6h (elevation gain 650m)

Day 4 : Gorge Of The Dead And Zakros

Location: Zakros

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kato Zakros

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s walk takes you to the famous Gorge of the Dead and then onto the village of Zakros. The gorge is so so called because ancient Minoans walked for miles to bury their dead in the gorge’s caves and walls here. From Zakros, you walk back to Kato Zakros following a track that has great views of the gorge and Zakros Bay.

Walking for the day: approx 5h (elevation gain 650m)

Day 5 : Zakros To Xeròkambos

Location: Xerokampos

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Xeròkambos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a shorter walk to the coastal village of Xeròkambos passing some fantastic beaches. Before starting your walk, take some time to visit the archaeological site at Zakros’ Minoan palace.

Walking for the day: 3h (elevation gain 250m)

Day 6 : Xeròkambos Walks

Location: Xerokampos

Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Xeròkambos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending on how much would you like to walk today you can choose between three routes: a clifftop walk to Agìa Irini beach, Xeròkambos Gorge or a longer walk to Xeròkambos Gorge and the abandoned village of Hamètoulo, then down to the Agìa Irini beach and back to Xeròkambos. You may also just want to have a day at the beach and you are spoiled for choice here, with an array of crystalline coastal idylls.

Walking for the day (option 1): 3.5h (elevation gain 200m)
Walking for the day (option 2): 5h (elevation gain 800m)
Walking for the day (option 3): 7h (elevatioin gain 1,000m)

Day 7 : Departure

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you are transferred by car to the airport or bus station of Heraklion (3h). We also recommending extending your trip to explore the city’s cultural sites including the Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossòs, a walk along the Venetian walls and Koules fortress.

What's Included

  • Arrival Transfer

    You are met at Heraklion airport and transferred to a hotel in Palèkastro.

  • Meals

    Included meals are breakfast and dinner on most days, except drinks are not included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in Palèkastro, Kato Zakros, and Xeròkambos.

  • Departure Transfer

    After breakfast on the last day, you are transferred by car to the airport or bus station of Heraklion.

  • Daily Transfers

    Daily short transfers are provided to the starting points of the walks, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

Drinks are not included with meals.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a transfer from Heraklion airport to Palèkastro and a return transfer to the airport or bus station. Daily short transfers are provided to the starting points of the walks, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable accommodations in Palèkastro, Kato Zakros, and Xeròkambos, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Enjoy the convenience of being close to the walking routes and local attractions, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in comfortable accommodations in Palèkastro, Kato Zakros, and Xeròkambos, which offer a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. These accommodations are conveniently located close to the walking routes and local attractions, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included in the tour package. Breakfast and dinner are provided on most days, although drinks are not included with the meals.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation includes a transfer from Heraklion airport to Palèkastro and a return transfer to the airport or bus station. Daily short transfers are provided to the starting points of the walks, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.

  • What are the walking options available in Xeròkambos?

    In Xeròkambos, you can choose from three walking routes: a clifftop walk to Agìa Irini beach, a walk through Xeròkambos Gorge, or a longer walk that includes the abandoned village of Hamètoulo and Agìa Irini beach. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing at one of the many beautiful beaches.

  • Is there an opportunity to explore cultural sites during the tour?

    Yes, there is an opportunity to extend your trip to explore Heraklion's cultural sites, including the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossòs. Additionally, you can visit the archaeological site at Zakros' Minoan palace during the tour.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

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Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
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Wednesday - Tuesday

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Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
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Wednesday - Tuesday

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Sunday - Saturday

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Monday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
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Tuesday - Monday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
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Wednesday - Tuesday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
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Thursday - Wednesday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
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Wednesday - Tuesday

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Tuesday - Monday

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Wednesday - Tuesday

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Thursday - Wednesday

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Friday - Thursday

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Sunday - Saturday

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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