Not only is it the largest island in Greece, it also has deep ravines, jagged rocks and secluded bays. We are talking about Crete, a paradise for holidaymakers and hikers. Above all, the imposing mountain range of Lefka Ori, also called the ‘White Mountain’, is ideal for a stroll through Crete’s mountains. With every step you feel the connection with the Greek island a bit more. Immerse yourself in the world full of wild waters and pristine mountains as you stroll along the southwest coast.
Details about hiking holidays in Crete
Spend eight days and seven nights on the Greek island of Crete. From Chania via Paleochora, Sougia, Omalos to Loutro and back again, explore the entire island in the Mediterranean. If it gets too hot for hard-working hiking feet, the sea with its turquoise waves offers a wonderful and welcome cool down. Step by step you go through colourful alleys, over gentle hills, rocky ridges and lonely beaches.
The highlights of the hiking trip on Crete
Castello Selino: high on a hill above the village in Paleochora, the ruins of the Venetian fortress Castel Selino from 1272.
Crossing the Agia Irini Gorge: On adventurous paths you walk through a lush river bed with fragrant oleander bushes until you reach the Agia Irini Gorge. Numerous metres lie between you and safe ground. The crossing of the gorge is not for the faint of heart, but it will give you some unforgettable holiday memories.
Interesting facts about the hike in Crete
Tour Crete and get to know the coast and the highlands. Thanks to Eurohike’s individual tour, you can hike the largest island of Greece on your own - but without carrying your luggage. Because that will be waiting for you every day at the accommodation. In addition, the individual daily stages are designed so that they can be mastered in six hours with good basic fitness and sure-footedness.
Book the Greek hiking tour now and get memories for your photo album!
In the morning by bus into the pretty coastal town Paleochora, situated direclty at the sea. Enjoy a plunge into the cool turqoise waters and relax in the sun on the marvellous sandy beach. Take a stroll through the colourful alleyways, visit the historic fortress Castello Selino, towering high up on a hill above the village are all a must.
Wonderful hiking tour from the coast up to the plateau. Through a gorge you reach the ancient site of Lyssos, a paradise for archeologists due to the Greek and Roman remains. This site is only accessible from the sea or on foot, a green oasis with a marvellous bay and a beautiful harbour. After a rest you ascend again to a plateau and walk in the shade through the gorge of Selinou all the way to the village of Sougia.
Today a very special hiking highlight awaits with the crossing of the wild Agia Irini-gorge. You ascend on exciting paths, walk through a lush riverbed featuring fragrant oleander bushes and plenty more blooming plants. After that you can either reach Omalos by optional transfer or along remote hiking paths. The village is situated on a plateau, where you are greeted by grazing herds of sheep, today the sea appears far away.
Short transfer to Xyloskalo, the start of the famous Samaria-gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe. Between high rock faces and over small wooden bridges you get safely across the gurgling river, you steadily descend all the way to the Lybian Sea, always accompanied by spectacular views and unique impressions. In bad weather conditions transfer to Sougia and then directly by ferry to Agia Roumeli where you can take a dreamlike hike along the coast.
Hiking tour along the coast, past the historic site of Agios Pavlos and the chapel dating back to the 12th century. You reach Loutro, a beautiful village with white houses, in a very remote location and built spectacularly into the mountainside. Again and again you have the chance to jump into the sea, particularly the pretty village of Lykos with its little beach and the white marble slabs invites to a proper cool-off. Afterwards by water taxi to Loutro.
Today you have the entire day at your disposal. Maybe visit the Venetian fortress complex and observe the goings-on in the colourful alleyways, the restaurants situated in the pretty harbour serve local specialities and the catch of the day. As soon as you wish take the boat to Chora Sfakion and from there by bus back to Chania, where your holiday comes to a relaxed end.
Day
8
Departure or extension
Characteristics of the route
You walk on nice hiking paths along the coast and in the highland. For the hiking tours with walking times up to 6 hours through rocky terrain a good basic fitness level and surefootedness is required. Longer tours can be shorted by optional transfers. There is always plenty of time left, to enjoy the stupendous bays and cultural sights in peace and quiet.
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
Service hotline
Optional extras:
Transfer from/to Heraklion airport (up to 4 people), price per ride EUR 235. Reservation required, payable in advance.
Infos
Arrival / Departure:
Chania airport. Organised transfer to the arrival hotel and return transfer to the airport at the end of the tour. Transfers included in the tour price.
Heraklion airport and by bus in approx. 3 hours to Chania.
Things to note:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Luggage handling for bus and ferry trips on the 2nd and 7th day on your own
Entrance fee for Agia Irini- and Samaria gorge, approx. EUR 7 per person
Bus-, taxi- and boat rides (Chania – Paleochora, Sougia – Agia Roumeli, Lykos – Loutro, Loutro – Chora Sfakion, Chora Sfakion – Chania), approx. EUR 45 per person
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Contact & booking
Do you still have questions about the tour? We are happy to help and look forward to your inquiry.
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Eine landschaftlich wunderschöne Tour entlang der Südküste Kretas
Von der Buchung über die Hin-und Rückreise hat alles perfekt geklappt. Das Highlight der Wanderung war die Tour durch die Samaria-Schlucht (sicherlich empfehlenswert in der Vor-oder Nachsaison).
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5 stars
Christina S. |13.06.2023
Sehr empfehlenswert
Kreta im Frühling ist wirklich wunderschön. Die Samaria-Schlucht halte ich für etwas überbewertet. Ich würde eine unbekanntere weniger frequentierte Schlucht bevorzugen. Erforderlich sind unbedingt knöchelhohe Wanderschuhe. Und Wanderstöcke sind keine schlechte Idee.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Rudolf S. |18.06.2022
Erstklassige Tour auf Kreta
Highlight war die Samaria Schlucht. Aber auch alle anderen Routen waren sehr schön. Eine Betreuung vor Ort haben wir nicht bewertet, da wir keinerlei Kontakt zu einer Betreungsperson/ - organisation hatten. Aber letztlich hat alles gut geklappt - auch ohne unmittelbaren Kontakt. Die Reiseunterlagen waren offensichtlich nicht in deutscher Muttersprache verfasst worden, sondern sicher eine Übersetzung. Alle Unterkünfte waren sehr gut und das Personal war ausgesprochen freundlich. Die Unterkunft in Omelos war sicher am wenigsten komfortabel, dafür war das Personal um so freundlicher.