Crete: Mountains and Coast

Crete: Mountains and Coast

22 Views
8 Days From

$1329

Crete: Mountains and Coast

8 Days Starting and ending in Chania

Visiting: Greece

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

CMC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 15

Physical rating:

moderate

From: $1329

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Crete, the largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, is the cradle of Europe's earliest civilization and the land where ancient myth and modern reality blend seamlessly against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty. This eight day walking trip explores the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, the deep gorges and coastal trails that lead us to charming fishing villages and quiet beaches, accessible only by boat. Packed with highlights including an ascent of Mount Gingilos (2080m), scenic walks through numerous gorges including the longest in Europe, the Samaria Gorge, and sightings of the wild goats (Kri-kri) and griffon vultures on the Omalos plateau, the trip will appeal to lovers of coastal landscapes, history and traditional Greek culture. Whilst the focus is on walking, there is ample time to swim at unspoilt beaches, explore coastal villages and soak up the hospitality during stays at a selection of handpicked hotels.

Highlights

  • Experiencing the breathtaking coastal scenery of the south west coast of Crete

  • Walking the Samaria gorge and ascending Mt Gingilos

  • History, culture, incredible landscapes and wildlife

  • Wandering through the narrow streets of historic Chania

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In The Venetian Styled City Of Chania

Arrive in Chania. An arrival transfer can be arranged from Chania airport to the first hotel (included). 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 co-exist 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. Overnight Chania.

Day 2 : Walk Through The Agia Irini Gorge To The Seaside Village Of Sougia (4Hrs)

After breakfast, you will be transferred (approx 50km/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)

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 centre of hydrotherapy in ancient times and 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 Gingilos, Overnight Omalos Plateau (6Hrs)

Leave your luggage this morning at the hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of Samaria gorge.
Either by bus or taxi you will reach the entrance of Samaria gorge (at approx 1250m) at Omalos plateau, from where you will climb up Mt Gingilos (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 spend the night at a family owned hotel in Omalos plateau.
Distance 10km, altitude difference: 850m
Note: your luggage will be transferred directly to Agia Roumeli today, not to Omalos, so you will need to pack an overnight bag for this night.
There is the option to have your main luggage transferred to Omalos on request - supplement applies.

Day 5 : Walk Samaria Gorge To Agia Roumeli (6Hrs)

A short drive from the hotel will take you 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 where you can relax and enjoy a swim. Overnight Agia Roumeli.
Distance 17km, altitude difference: 1200m

Day 6 : Coastal Walk To The Blue And White Village Of Loutro (6Hrs)

Leave your luggage in your hotel's lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. Today's walk leads you 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. Stay the next 2 nights in Loutro.
Distance 14.5km, altitude difference: 150m

Day 7 : Walk Through Arathena Gorge Or Coastal Trail To Anopolis, Return To Loutro (4 Or 6Hrs)

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. Standard route 4hrs, extended route 6hrs. Overnight Loutro.
Distance 16km, altitude difference: 650m

Day 8 : Walk To Hora Sfakion And Return To Chania (2Hrs), Trip Concludes

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.
If you choose to hike to Hora Sfakion, you will need to start early in order collect your luggage from the boat at Hora Sfakion.
Distance 6.5km, altitude difference: 150m
Transfer to Chania airport (70km, approx 1.5hrs) where the trip concludes.
Or we can assist with booking extra nights in Chania on request, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in small inns and pensions

  • 7 breakfasts - breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices

  • 7 nights in small inns and pensions on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Information pack including maps, road book and route notes. GPS Tracks are also available

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • Arrival & departure transfers (1 transfer per party): on day 1 Chania airport to Chania town & on day 8 Sfakia to Chania airport or town

  • Transfers from Chania to Agia Irini, from Sougia to Omalos

  • VAT

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Chania and airport transfers except arriving/departing on day 1/day 8

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Chania and airport transfers except arriving / departing on day 1 / day 8

  • Drinks and all meals except breakfast

  • Entrance fees including at Samaria National Park and Agia Irini Gorge (allow EUR10 for Gorge and NP entrance) - subject to change without notice.

  • Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip

  • Optional luggage transfer at Omalos on day 4 - supplement applies

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

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).
Extra nights can be requested in Chania and Loutro on request (in Loutro only at time of booking) - note taxes for extra nights are payable locally. The arrival and/or departure transfer is included if extra nights in Chania before or after the trip are booked through us.

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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Hegg(Balmain, NSW)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

14 Sep 2017

Our Crete Mountains and Coast walking trip was such an amazing experience. The walks provided a wide diversity of landscapes from the stunning white mountains to the picturesque clear blue water of the Libyan sea, everyday was memorable.

R Packard(London)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

18 Aug 2021

Super experience with UTracks. The trip was fantastically organised with clean, comfortable hotels, stunning walks and nothing was too much trouble. They remained flexible and attentive when plans needed to change due to the heatwave. Thoroughly recommended.

Robert Carr(Lane Cove North, Australia)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

20 Jun 2023

Everything was so well organised with transfers, moving our luggage, accommodation and selection of walk. The only hard thing we actually needed to do was the hiking and it was spectacular!

F. Parkinson(New Zealand)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

02 Aug 2018

My husband and I recently completed the Crete Mountains to Coast self guided walking tour and just loved it! The clear directions and maps made navigation a breeze. We enjoyed the diversity of the walks; a nice range of mountains, forest and coast. The standard of accommodation was excellent and without exception the staff at each of these places were very welcoming and helpful. Thank you UTracks. This was a fantastic way to explore Crete. We can’t wait to try another one of your walking tours.

P. Shannon(Kingston, Australia)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

7 Jul 2023

Walks were great and a little more challenging than we had expected. Hotels were comfortable and always welcoming and the logistics worked perfectly. Weather was perfect but I would probably suggest May rather than June.

H. Griffiths(Barwon Heads, Australia)  

Crete: Mountains and Coast

4 Jul 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We were surprised at the degree of difficulty with the Mt Giglio section.

Read all 6 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • 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.

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