Walking Holidays in Greece - Crete - Greece - Contrasts of Crete Walk
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Walking Holiday in Greece - Crete
We have put together a stunning trek combining some of the prime walks South West Crete has to offer taking in three gorges and three coastal sections of the E-4 route. Walk along ancient mule tracks linking coastal villages often still only accessible by boat or on foot with a chance to take a swim in the enticing Libyan Sea along the way. Gorges including the renowned Samaria provide shady contrasts to the coastal sections and a night in Omalos at 1080m provides a feel for the high landscapes of the White Mountains. The walking is of moderate to challenging level with an element of scrambling and several short but potentially vertiginous sections. The only real hazard is dehydration during hotter months which may easily be prevented.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CHANIA
Arrive in the charming city of Chania. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains and busy market make it the ideal starting point. You'll be met in the afternoon by our local representative for your briefing.
Stay at the Hotel Kriti or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 2: CHANIA TO AGIA IRINI AND SOUGIA BAY 7KM/4.5MI
Today starts with a transfer to the White Mountains. The walk takes you through the narrow gorge of Agia Irini where areas of humidity and shade sustain a variety of plants, and gigantic plane trees grace a large clearing half way up. Ending at Agia Irini village a short transfer takes you to Sougia bay on the Lybian coast.
Stay at Idomeneas Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 3: SOUGIA BAY TO ANCIENT LISSOS 4KM/2.5MI
From Sougia walk along a path towards the ancient city of Lissos waterfront, the walk follows a beautiful small canyon with narrow yet high walls, after which the Temple of Asclepius appears in front of you. You walk amongst the scattered ruins of the ancient city discovering tombs, the Roman theatre and the church of Saint Kirikos. Return to Sougia the same way and time permitting relax at the beach before taking a boat transfer to the fishing village of Agia Roumeli where you spend the next two nights.
Stay at Pachnes B&B or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 4: SAMARIA GORGE 10KM/6.5MI
Walk from Agia Roumeli up part of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest gorge. Watch out for lammergeyers as you go over trickling streams and through forests of scented pines tp the 'Iron Gates' the narrowest point of the gorge where the rocks on either side are 600m high. Head back down the gorge to return to Agia Roumeli.
Stay at Pachnes B&B or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 5: AGIA ROUMELI TO LOUTRO 11KM/7MI OR 13.5KM/8.5MI
Enjoy a wonderful coastal walk today to the picturesque 13th century chapel of St Pavlos,where the apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete, stop for a swim before heading on to Marmara where you can enjoy lunch in a taverna and stop for another swim, continue on along the coastal path to Loutro or take a water taxi from Marmara (payable locally).
Stay at Molos Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 6: OPTIONAL WALK TO ARADENA 5KM/3MI
Spend the day relaxing in Loutro or take a leisurely hike via Foinikas to Marmara beach to the entrance of Aradena gorge. Return the same way or take a water taxi back to Loutro (payable locally).
Stay at Molos Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 7: LOUTRO TO HORA SFAKION (CHANIA) 7KM/4.5MI
Follow the coastal path to Freshwater beach, so-called because of the fresh spring water that bubbles just under the surface. Enjoy a swim and a picnic before continuing on to Hora Sfakion where a transfer takes you back to Chania for your last night.
Stay at the Hotel Kriti or similar (breakfast included)
DAY 8: LEAVE CHANIA
After breakfast, leave Chania.
We are no longer able to offer our Crete Holidays, however Experience is now part of the multi award-winning Exodus Travels and Headwater.
Headwater offer a similar itinerary in Crete, which you can view here: Greek Crete Walking Holidays, Walking in Crete | Headwater
· Discover the historical city of Chania, its busy harbour and bustling streets
· Walk in the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge and to Ancient Lissos
· Enjoy a dramatic, rocky seascape and unspoilt remote beaches
This self-guided walking holiday explores the most remote
south-west corner of Crete. there are often no roads within miles and most of
the local commuting is done by boat! You'll follow ancient paths and shepherd
trails through gorges and along stoney coastal paths that meander above hidden
coves, along virgin beaches and across pebbly promontories, often within metres
of the appetisingly clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Starting in Chania, the most charming city of Crete we head towards the White
Mountains (Lefka Ori) which take their name from the shining bleached limestone
in summer. Explore the lush Samaria and Agia Irini gorges blanketed with
colourful Cretan rock lettuce and Aubretia. Follow the southern coastline from
Sougia to Ancient Lissos, known for its famous Temple of Asklepios
(Aesculapium), where people came from all over Crete to be cured by the local
waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor
depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved. Continue along the
coast to Loutro, passing the chapel of St Pavlos, said to mark the place where
St Paul landed on Crete. There are plenty of swimming opportunities along the
way and your final walk takes you to Freshwater Beach before returning to
Chania.
You'll be treated to historical sites, fabulous swimming spots and a
spectacular variety of birds. The White Mountains have golden eagles and
lammergeyers and at lower altitudes you will find bee-eaters, hoopoes, blue
rock thrush and golden oreols.
The hotels you'll be staying in are small, family-run properties some of which
are close to the sea shore.
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This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.
Coast and Gorges Trek
Your hotels except for the last night will be small family run establishments. Small Greek hotels are not luxurious but each night you can be assured of a quiet sleep in a clean comfortable room always with private facilities. Breakfasts are simple but usually have the option of adding extra items for a small charge. Dinner is included on your first night to get you started, and on night 3 when you are in the mountains. For your last night you will stay in a family run 3* hotel right on the harbour front in Chania.
Availability Information
This trek is restricted by the ferry which only operates from Easter to October and the opening of the Samaria Gorge which is generally 1st May to October, the opening and closing times being dictated by rainfall. From July to September, although much hotter, with a little caution and frequent swims in the crystal clear sea walking is still feasible.
Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.
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