dossier

Coastal Crete Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Crete
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Hania (20 mins) where our rep, Dominique, will chat you through your walking programme.

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.

Day 3: Samaria Gorge  16km/10mi/6hr
Today’s walk is simply breathtaking. We give you a lift to the top of the Samaria Gorge, at 16km 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.

Day 4: Exploring Agia Roumeli 6km/4mi/2hr
Today’s walk takes in two old Turkish fortresses above the town where there are many tavernasfor a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, relax on the beach, and enjoy a swim in the clear crystal waters.

Day 5: Coastal Paths and Hidden Coves  17km/11mi/5.5hr
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 Loutro.

Day 6: Exploring Loutro
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: Lautro to Hania  8km/5mi/3hr
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