Coastal treks in Crete (E4)

Walk through the narrow streets of the old town where you will notice the different architectural references of the Ottoman Empire, the Venetians and the beautiful houses of the Jewish quarter. You will walk to the lighthouse for great photos and continue to Kum Kapi, the favorite neighborhood of the locals, and the beautifully preserved old tanneries of Halepa, which have also been used many times as a movie set.

In the afternoon, you will meet your local guide who will brief you on the following days of your trip.

Overnight in Chania.

After an energizing breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the remote and rugged area of Sfakia, the heart of Chania, through a snake-like road with incredible landscapes and panoramic views. On this first hike, you will reach one of the most popular secluded beaches in the south, called Glyka Nera (Fresh Water), by following a well-marked coastal path above the endless shades of blue of the sea below. Freshwater springs on the beach and in the sea keep the water much cooler than usual, even during the summer months. The trail then follows the cliff side and ends at the whitewashed fishing village of Loutro, accessible only by boat or by the coastal path E4.

Overnight in Loutro.

Start early for a coastal trail along the steep sides of the mountains that plunge into the sea of southern Crete.

One of the most interesting and easy hikes will surprise you with its frequent changes of scenery and amazing coastlines, from forest trails to steep cliffs and secluded beaches like the beach of Agios Pavlos where St. Paul was stranded on his way to Rome or the beach of Marmara at the exit of the impressive Aradena Gorge - one of the deepest on the island. Most of the hike is done under the sun, so you should bring plenty of water.

Overnight in Agia Roumeli.

Have a healthy breakfast and get ready to walk through the famous and undeniably beautiful Samaria Gorge, but we'll go the other way around, from the exit to the entrance, thus avoiding the big crowds. A national park since 1962, it is home to the endangered species of kri kri, the island's wild goat. The Samaria Gorge is also distinguished by the narrowness of the part of the trail called "the gates", where the walls of the gorge close in, leaving a space of only four meters for hikers.

After 6-7 hours of walking, you finally arrive at Omalos.

Overnight in Omalos.

After a short transfer, we follow the Vassiliki Strata, the old paved road or kalderimi that connected Omalos to the south before modern roads existed. At the end of the Strata, we will reach the picturesque village of Agia Irini, at the entrance of the green gorge of Agia Irini, which runs deep at an altitude of 650 m and has its own personality. You can also head south and descend more steeply through the small Figou Gorge which joins the Agia Irini Gorge. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with the picturesque coastal town of Sougia, a popular destination for campers in the 1970s.

Overnight in Sougia.

Have an early breakfast for today's hike from Sougia to the lively town of Paleochora, through the Lissos Gorge to the ancient town of Lissos and its sanctuary of Asclepius with its impressive mosaic floors. The area is dotted with ancient ruins such as marble capitals and columns of temples, as well as two picturesque Christian churches,

Don't stay long, as you will also be tempted to swim at the beaches of Anydri or Gialiskari on your way from the bay of Lissos.

 Overnight in Paleochora.

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Krios beach. Soon after you begin to walk, you will pass by Viena beach before reaching the chapel of Agios Ioannis which provides a lovely view of Kedrodasos and Elafonissi.  After about 1.5 hours, we  will arrive at Kedrodasos, a famous juniper forest with a white sand beach. The last rocky coastal path will take us to Elafonissi, a NATURA 2000 protected area with a unique pink beach and clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim after your walk.

Overnight in Chania.

End of trip