Walking in East Crete
Walking in East Crete
Walking in East Crete
7 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Palékastro, Kato Zakros, Zakros, Xerokampos, Heraklion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
675
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
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
Itinerary
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
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Arrival Transfer
You are met at Heraklion airport and transferred to a hotel in Palèkastro.
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Meals
Included meals are breakfast and dinner on most days, except drinks are not included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Palèkastro, Kato Zakros, and Xeròkambos.
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Departure Transfer
After breakfast on the last day, you are transferred by car to the airport or bus station of Heraklion.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.