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Crete - Trek |
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Coast &
Gorges |
See also our
Centred Walking in Crete click
here
The Trek
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.
Self Guided
We provide detailed walking notes and a contoured
map showing paths and tracks. Walk at you own pace and
linger at whichever of the many viewpoints you wish.
Self Guided Guided
A guide can be provided for groups on request.
The Route
Day 1 Arrive
in Crete. Following a short welcome brief by our local partner, transfer
to your first hotel in Paleochora. Settle into the slow pace of life
with an aperitif in the hotel bar followed by dinner (included) at a
nearby restaurant.
Day 2 Today’s walk
takes you along a stunning coastal path to Sougia. The highlight of the
walk is the Roman settlement of Lissos where you can explore its a
archaeological sights followed by a swim from the gorgeous bay. Continue
to Sougia for overnight stay. 10 miles 4½ hours 280m ascent 250m
descent.
Day 3 Away
from the sea, today you walk up through the lush Agia Irene Gorge.
Carpeted with Oleander and Chestnut Trees and redolent with the smells
of sage, rosemary and thyme (no parsley) the walk is pleasantly shaded.
A short transfer takes you to the mountain village of Omalos for your
overnight stay. This night is without baggage. Dinner included. 6½ miles 3 hours 310m ascent nil
descent.
Day 4 An early
start today and a short transfer to Xiloskalo at the head of the Samaria
Gorge. Spend the day enjoying one of the finest gorges in Europe with
its ancient settlements, vegetation and 600m high walls. End the day
with a swim and overnight in Agia Roumeli. 11¼ miles 5½ hours nil
ascent 1240m descent.
Day 5 Perhaps our favourite walk of the trek, this magnificent coastal path
takes you past the ancient beach-side church of St Paul, along herb
covered cliffs and down to secluded coves perfect for swimming. End at
Loutro accessible only on foot or by boat. Here you stay for 2 nights. 9
miles 5 hours 780m ascent 780m descent.
Day 6 Today
you may prefer to relax in Loutro, hire a canoe, sunbathe and swim………or,
take a stiff climb up to the remote Aradena Gorge which winds its way
down to Marmara Bay. Enjoy lunch in the lovely Taverna, swim, relax and
return by water taxi to Loutro. Overnight Loutro. 4 miles 3 hours 570m
ascent 570m descent
 Day
7 Before setting off along another stunning coastal path, take a
stroll around the ancient sites of Loutro. Then a reasonably short walk
along the coast via the stunning Sweetwater Bay (a must for a swim) to Sfakia where you will be met by your driver to return to the historic
and beautiful walled harbour town of Chania. Spend your last night in a
luxurious 3 star hotel and choose one of the many harbour side tavernas
for dinner. Overnight in Chania. 4½
miles 2 hours 150m ascent 150m descent.
Day 8
Depending on your departure time, spend the morning exploring old Chania
port before meeting your driver to return to the airport.
The hotels and food
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.
Baggage transfer
Every day your baggage
is transported on to your next hotel either by taxi or boat enabling you
to walk with just a day rucksack, except when in the mountains at Omalos
when you will need to carry overnight kit for a one night stay.
How to get there
Chania is the most convenient airport
with flights from May to October from the major UK airports. More
distant Heraklion also has flights from April. You can also travel to
Chania via Athens from November to March.
When to go
This trek is restricted by the ferry, which only
operates from Easter to October, and the opening of the Samaria Gorge which is
generally middle April to October, the opening and closing times are dictated by
rainfall. However when the gorge is not open we can alter the journey so that
you can still enjoy the gorge without walking its full length. From July to
September, although much hotter, with a little caution and frequent swims in the
crystal clear sea walking is still feasible.
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