Walking Holidays in Greece - Crete - Hotel to Hotel

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.

Baggage Transfer

Walk Grading

Self Guided-Moderate to Challenging

For information about walking grades please click here

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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 archaeological sights followed by a swim from the gorgeous bay. Continue to Sougia for overnight stay. 10 miles 5½ hours 280m ascent 280m 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 580m 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 37m ascent 1250m 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 271m ascent 251m 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.

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This trek is restricted by the ferry which only operates from Easter to October and the opening of the Samaria Gorge which is generally 01st 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.

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