dossier

Coastal Crete Walk

COASTAL CRETE WALK  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Porto Veneziano  ***
Hania   Days 1+7

Situated 300m from the centre of the city on the old Venetian Harbour, this beautiful 3 star hotel is in an ideal location for exploring Hania and its surrounding area. All rooms are en-suite and have air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and telephone.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1   Arrive in Crete

We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in the old Venetian harbour in Hania (20 mins).

Day 2   Heart of the White Mountains  6km/4mi/3hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr

After a spectacular ride to the Omalos Plateau, you walk through a blazing profusion of anemones, orchids and bright pink tulips. As you climb southwards into the high mountains there are dramatic views of Mount Gingilos. Watch out for the majestic lammergeier vultures which still haunt the area. There’s a great picnic spot just above the Samaria Gorge with spectacular views into the heart of the White mountains.

Exari Hotel  **
Omalos,  Day 2

Omalos is a paradise for walkers, it is surrounded on all four sides by high mountains, and the only real all year round inhabitants of Omalos are a few shepherds and sheep! The Omalos plateau is situated at 1080 metres. There are only 4 hotels, of which the Exari is the biggest with 24 rooms and the only one open all year round. All rooms are simply furnished, but are en-suite, clean and comfortable.

Day 3   Samaria Gorge  15km/9mi/5.5hr

Today’s walk is simply breathtaking. We give you a lift to the top of the Samaria Gorge, at 11mi/18km the longest in Europe. From here you wend your way down through woods, crossing streams and passing tiny chapels to the Iron Gates, where you can almost touch each side of the cliff towering above you. Falcons circle above and crag martins dive dramatically as you emerge into the breathtaking setting of Agia Roumeli, 200m directly above the bay. You spend the next two nights here.

Hotel Farangi  **
Agia Roumeli   Days 3+4

Agia Roumeli is a modern village founded in 1954 after a huge flash flood that destroyed the old village further up from the sea. The Farangi is a small, 2 star, traditional hotel with only 10 rooms. All of these are en-suite (shower only), with air-conditioning and hairdryer. The hotel also has its own restaurant with terrace area at the front, ideal for dining outside during warm weather. There is also a small bar and a garden for relaxing in.

Day 4   Exploring Agia Roumeli

Today’s optional walk takes in two old Turkish fortresses above the town where there are many tavernas for a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, relax on the beach, and enjoy a swim in the clear crystal waters.

Day 5   Agia Roumeli to Phenix 16km/10mi/5hr

Today’s walk follows the most remote part of the Cretan coastline. There are no roads within miles and you have the whole area to yourselves. You start out along the long graceful beaches, perhaps with a quick dip, until you reach the 13C St Paul’s chapel, where the Apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete. After lunch in Stamati’s friendly taverna, the path undulates and meanders through the heavenly scent of carob trees and Calabrian pines, across pebbly beaches and into secret rocky coves. Lovely views into crystal clear turquoise pools as you descend into the beautiful fishing village of Phenix.

The Old Phoenix  **
Phenix   Day 5+6

The Old Phoenix is a family run hotel located about 0.6mi/1 km from Loutro. Right on the beach the 28 rooms have air-conditioning and large balconies overlooking the sea. In the centre of the complex, directly above the water is a shaded terrace where meals and refreshments are served all day.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 6   Exploring Phenix

Today you might like just to relax in the sun in one of the many idyllic little  coves or follow a circular walk up to the base of the dramatic Aradhena gorge. This path zigzags through olive terraces and wild pear trees to the verdant bed of the gorge itself. Be sure to drop in on our friends at the ‘Little Paradise’ hotel in Likos (the name is very ‘quaint’ but it actually is!) It’s run by four brothers who together fish, cook, serve food and tend to the sheep. It really does have a fun atmosphere.

Day 7   Phenix to Hania  9km/6mi/3.5hr

You may want to take the coastal path up to the ruined Turkish fortress of Loutro before continuing through lovely endemic green asphodels to idyllic Sweetwater Beach, so-called because of the fresh spring water that bubbles just under the surface. A swim and leisurely picnic and then a beautiful walk, the air heavy with the scent of aromatic wild herbs, along the breathtaking and deserted coastline to the old port of Hora Sfakion. The drive to Hania still leaves time to explore the delightful old Venetian quarter before your final dinner.

Day 8   Return home

WALKING DETAILS

he walking is on good paths however as they are stony and uneven underfoot, ankle-supported walking boots are essential.  You do need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker as the terrain (and, at times, heat) make this a slightly more demanding holiday than the distances might suggest.

For extra nights we recommend Hania.