Coastal hiking on Crete's wild side

Arrival to Paleochora by taxi (taxi transfer can be booked in advance) or by bus from Chania or Heraklion airport. From Chania it takes about 1.5 hours by taxi. If you have time we recommend strolling through the beautiful coastal town of Paleochora, with its 1800 inhabitants it is one of the largest towns along the southwest coast. There is a fortress and there are several sandy or pebble beaches to explore.

Accommodation in Paleochora 

Transfer after breakfast to Azogires where you start walking along the trail named The Monastery of the 99 Monks. You encounter a varied landscape with olive groves, the tranquil mountain village Anidri, the narrow Anidri gorge and the secluded beach Gialiskari before returning to Paleochora.

Accommodation in Paleochora 

Today's hike starts in Paleochora. Via a gravel road you reach an area of undisturbed nature and continue on the fantastic coastal path along the sea. You pass ancient Lissos, where at its peak 30,000 inhabitants once lived. Ancient people came to Lissos to be healed by the local water. You can eat your lunch at this historic site and bathe in the healing water before continuing further east to Sougia, which you reach through a small gorge.

Accommodation in Sougia

Through two impressive gorges you hike today from sea level up to 1000 meters altitude. You walk through the impressive Irini gorge along a well-marked trail. The ascent is demanding but not too steep. When you have left the Irini gorge behind you come to the steeper Figou gorge. Here you enjoy fantastic views. The hike ends at the chapel Agios Theodoros where the hotel's minibus picks you up. The hotel is located on the Omalos plateau, surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks from the White Mountains, Lefka Ori. It is possible to shorten the hike to 12 or 16 km if you wish.

Accommodation in Omalos

Today you hike through Europe's longest and most famous gorge, the Samaria gorge. A short transfer takes you to the start. You can either start very early or quite late, and thus avoid the main crowd that hikes through the gorge as a day trip. This way you can enjoy more of the spectacular surroundings. You overnight in the coastal village Agia Roumeli which is located at the end of the gorge so you can take as much time as you need for the hike. There is plenty of time for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear water before you get ready for dinner at one of the local tavernas in Agia Roumeli.

NOTE - The Samaria gorge is normally open from May 1st until the autumn rains begin, usually at the end of October. Please note that the gorge may be closed by authorities in case of extreme weather conditions.

Accommodation in Agia Roumeli 

A wonderful coastal hike with great variation. First you walk along the beach to the Byzantine church Agios Pavlos. Then you continue walking at higher elevations and through forest down to Marmara beach, you have fantastic views of the massive mountains to the left and the sea to the right. At the small Marmara beach there is a restaurant and you can enjoy a swim. After Marmara you need another hour's walk along the coast to the car-free village Loutro.

Accommodation in Loutro 

Via a steep zigzag path you go up to the village Anopolis. From here you go even higher up to ancient Aradhena which is located on the edge of the impressive Aradhena gorge. A spectacular path takes you down into the gorge which you follow until you reach the coast. The last part of today's hike is a path along the coast back to Loutro. It is possible to choose a shorter hike of 4 hours via the small village Livaniana.

Accommodation in Loutro

The trip ends after breakfast and you can take the boat to Chora Sfakion which takes 20 minutes. If you want to pre-book a taxi to the airport that is possible.