Crete is a majestic island and well known from the mythology as the birth land of Zeus.
Nowadays, this island welcomes the hikers as it is the ideal location for a hiking adventure, at the very south end of Europe.
Crete is famous for the crystal sea waters, but also for its high mountains, the magnificent gorges and canyons and the extended trail network, both seaside or in the mainland.
The guests will experience a unique combination of Mythology, culture, history, food, and unspoiled nature.
The trip runs the south coastline of Crete / Chania region, and day by day we discover some of the most virgin and isolated areas of southern Europe.
Daily walks are approximately 5 hours, on the seaside and mountain trails, close to beaches and seafront villages where we will overnight.
Mediterranean homemade food, fish and exceptional wine, Greek hospitality and traditional Cretan dances will all be part of this adventure, every afternoon before the sunset... Everyone is welcome to join.
Day 1: Meeting in Crete Island / Chania town – Samaria Gorge
Meeting with the guests in Chania town. Transfer to Samaria Gorge entrance .
The longest and most well know gorge in Europe welcomes the hikers, and via the well-marked trail, we will hike 16 km of unspoiled nature inside the gorge and exit at the Mediterranean Sea.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Vertical drop: 1250m
The seafront village Agia Roumeli is our nest. We will relax, swim and taste traditional Mediterranean food. Overnight stay at the village / guest house.
Day 2: Again Roumeli – White Mountains – St. John
Breakfast at the guest house and start hiking the seaside trail towards St. John mountain village. Too far away from the civilization, we will enjoy the magnificent view almost to the African coastline, we will talk about the wild herbs and flowers, the
history and mythology of the area and finally, we will access St. John village.
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Vertical ascent: 800m
After the hike, we'll settle down in a guest house, have dinner and a briefing about the next day schedule.
Day 3: Aradaina Gorge
Breakfast at the guest house and transfer towards the Aradaina Gorge.
Smaller and less demanding than Samaria Gorge, this hidden gem of the Cretan nature, excites the hikers with the impressive rock formations, the smells of the Mediterranean herbs and the wild animals on the way to the beach.
The Marble Beach is our destination. A small hidden and isolated bay, where we will relax and swim.
Duration: 4 hours
Vertical Drop: 600m
Late afternoon, transfer with a boat to Loutro village, the most iconic and magnificent part of the south Crete.
Settle down in a seafront hotel for a great dinner.
Day 4: Loutro Bay – Hiking to Phoenix Bay
The diversity of today's schedule is unique :
Hiking in the morning, snorkelling or sea kayaking in the afternoon.
The nature and bays around Loutro are magnificent, and today we will experience the trails of the ancient Cretan farmers from one village to the other.
Same afternoon we will paddle with sea kayaks.
Late afternoon, paddle back to the village - dinner - overnight.
Day 5 : Loutro Bay - Sfakia
Via a magnificent seaside trail, we will access the marvellous Sweet Waters beach and finally the historic Sfakia village.
Duration: 3 hours
The nearby Iligas Beach is another well-kept secret of the area. We'll have lunch in a traditional taverna and early afternoon transfer towards Chania town.
End of trip