Your JourneyDay 1 Arrival in Paleochora (about 1.5 hrs by road from Chania). Day 2: Elafonissos to Paleochora (10.5 kms (3 – 4 hrs) During May to October take a ferry to the Elafonissos Lagoon then walk back to Paleochora via a coastal route. If there is no ferry a transfer will be provided. Day 3: Paleochora to Sougia (15 km, 5 hrs) Walk inland then along the coast to ancient Lissos, once a port for the Dorian city of Elyros and also a place people came to be cured by local waters. Nice spot for a swim and picnic lunch before continuing to Sougia via a beautiful narrow gorge. Day 4: Sougia to Omalos Plateau (12 or 16 kms, 6 – 7 hrs) Traverse two impressive gorges, from sea level up to 1000m from where you will enjoy stunning vistas. Your ascent ends at a chapel, Agios Theodorus. Transfer to your hotel on the Omalos plain, surrounded by the spectacular White Mountains. Day 5: Samaria Gorge (16.3 km, 5 – 6 hrs) Explore Europe’s longest and most famous gorge: the impressive Samaria Gorge, a descent of 1200m. At the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, at the end of the gorge, enjoy a rewarding swim in the crystal clear Libyan Sea. Day 6: Agia Roumeli to Loutro (14.6 kms, 5 – 6 hrs) Walk a scenic coastal route with marvellous views of mountains and gorges to Marmara Beach where you can have a swim stop. Reach the village of Loutro, hidden in a tiny, perfectly curved bay. Loutro is only accessible by ferry or walking so there are no cars. Day 7: Circuit walk from Loutro (8.7 or 15.7 km, 4 hrs) Climb a steep zig-zag path to the village of Anopolis then on to ancient Aradhena, located on the edge of the impressive Aradhena Gorge. Descend into the gorge then return along the coast to Loutro. Day 8: Take a ferry to Chora Sfakion from where there is public transport to Chania or Heraklion. TerrainEnergetic: strenuous day walks or trekking in sometimes mountainous areas. 5-7 hours walking per day (excluding breaks) sometimes carrying a small backpack with provisions for the day or for one night. The walks are mostly on unsurfaced tracks and mountain trails with height differences between 500m and 1000m per day. MealsBreakfast daily. Schedule2023: Start any day of the week, April-October. Price - 2023Please note that pricing is per person in Euros.
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Western Crete
Self Guided Tour - 8 Days / 7 Nights
This walk through the unknown hills of western Crete includes high mountains, deep gorges and a rugged coastline with almost deserted beaches. Olive groves, pine forests, fertile valleys and Byzantine architecture colour the walk.
On the south coast, you walk through two impressive gorges: the Aradhena Gorge and the dramatic Samaria Gorge. On the walks along the rocky southern coastline stopping for a dip in the crystalline waters at any number of small, deserted beaches is irresistible. You’ll stay in three different coastal villages with two of them accessible only by foot or boat!
Enjoy the warmth of Greek hospitality in Crete’s characteristic villages. The fine cuisine is based on fresh produce – stiffado, goat stew, moussaka, stuffed tomatoes, feta cheese, Greek salads and wonderful seafood.
