Walking in Crete

Fly to Chania and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Samaria in the centre of Chania for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(D)

Explore the villages surrounding Chania. The first day starts with a short transfer to the traditional village of Vamos. Our introductory walk follows easy terrain and offers plenty of stops to discover the charming villages of East Chania, including Vamos, Kefalas, and Gavalochori. En route we visit an interesting old chapel and an ancient olive oil producer, before walking through scenic olive groves all the way to the sea at Almyrida where you can enjoy a swim and a refreshing drink. Returning to Chania, tonight you’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 50m ascent/160m descent.

Paleochora Hill walk. After a transfer inland, we’ll explore the peaceful countryside to the east of Paleochora. Depending on local conditions our walk will begin between 500-700m above sea level and venture into the gorges of Kandanos or Anidri. They are known for both their serene landscapes and fascinating history, with some nice examples of medieval churches and ancient settlements that can be seen along the route.
(B)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 60m ascent/840m descent.

Samaria Gorge walk. Hailed as ‘the longest gorge in Europe’, the Samaria Gorge is Crete’s best known natural feature and certainly the most popular walk on the island. The full route descends 18km from the Omalos Plateau along rocky terrain all the way to the sea at Agia Roumeli, offering spectacular scenery and a fabulous sense of achievement. But it is a challenging route that is unlikely to be suitable for the entire group. For those keen to walk the entire Samaria Gorge you’ll take an early transfer to the north entrance to the gorge at the village of Omalos, to start your long day ahead.

For those preferring a less demanding day, another bus will transfer the rest of the group to Anopolis at the foot of the white mountain, from where you will enjoy a most amazing walk down to the fishing village of Loutro, with breathtaking views of the sea, the gorges and the red rocks that typify the region. Both options culminate with a lovely scenic boat trip along the river to the coastal port of Skafia, from where we transfer back to Chania to compare stories over dinner at the hotel. Today will be a long but memorable day out for all. (B, D)

Full Samaria Gorge walking distance: 14kms (8.75 miles). Elevation: 0m ascent/1200m descent.
Shorter option walking distance: 7kms (4.5 miles). Elevation: 70m ascent/630m descent.

Free day. A well-earned rest day with the opportunity to relax at the hotel or visit a nearby beach. Alternatively explore the charming Venetian city of Chania built around its picturesque harbour.
(B)

Balos Lagoon walk. After breakfast, transfer by bus to Kissamos then board a boat to reach Crete’s western coast. From here a short stroll leads to one of the island’s most famous beaches – the exotic Balos Lagoon. After time to relax, take in the spectacular views and enjoy a refreshing swim, we’ll take a short walk to discover the northern tip of the peninsula. In the afternoon return to Chania by bus.
(B)

South coast walk to Lissos. Transfer in the morning to the village of Sougia on the south coast of the island. From here we walk a popular coastal route to the ancient city of Lissos, which was once the harbour of the Dorian city of Elyros. The city flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and First Byzantine periods, before being destroyed by the Saracen Arabs who arrived in large numbers from Spain in the 9th century. After visiting the ruins you’ll have the option of either walking back to Sougia or returning by private boat. From here we transfer back to Chania to enjoy a final group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 7kms (4.5 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/80m descent.

Transfer to Chania airport for your return flight to London.
(B)