Crete: Secluded beaches, mountain villages and coastal hikes, 8 days

The hike starts on an old cobbled path called the “Vasiliki Strata”, which was once the only connection between Omalos mountain plain and the villages below before roads were built. The route runs through an area with cypress forest mixed with pine trees, but also points with stunning views of the Gulf of Chania – Kolymbari. In some areas of the route vultures nest.The hike ends in the village of Agia Irini, from where you will be transferred to Sougia port to catch the afternoon ferry to Agia Roumeli.

Overnight in Agia Roumeli.

• Total distance: 4,3 km
• Hiking hours: 2
• Difficulty: 1/5

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 and “the lazy way”, from the exit to the impressive Iron Gates, where the walls of the gorge close in, leaving a space of only four meters for hikers. Of course you can always go a bit further and go back to the Agia Roumeli exit. In the afternoon, while waiting for the crowds to leave, you can visit the old abandoned village and the Agia Roumeli fortress. After the last boat departs, you will experience the calm beauty of the village and enjoy it all to yourselves.

Overnight in Agia Roumeli.

• Total distance: 3 km
• Hiking hours: 1h
• Difficulty: 1/5

After yesterday’s lazy day, be prepared for a longer hike leading after 1 ½ hour to the long sandy stretches of Agios Pavlos beach and the Byzantine church to the green and leafy village of Agios Ioannis, passing by some of the greatest viewpoints to the Libyan Sea and Samaria Gorge. Because the last leg of the hike is upwards through a pine forest, you can also catch a taxi boat to Sfakia and get transferred to the village.

Overnight in Agios Ioannis.

• Total distance: 5.5 km
• Hiking hours: 2,5 hours
• Difficulty: 2/5

The old mule cobbled path starts from the square of Anopolis village, which is connected to Agios Ioannis by the Iron bridge of Aradena, a popular site for bungee jumping enthusiasts. The path then descends a 600-meter slope to Loutro. We will make a short detour to the ancient Anopolis ruins, located on a hill west of Agia Ekaterini, for an unforgettable view. After 1.30 hours we reach the white-washed and car-free Loutro, a fishing village reachable only on foot or by boat.

Overnight in Loutro.

• Total distance: 4 km
• Hiking hours: 2 hours
• Difficulty: 2/5

After a hearty breakfast, you can start your day by heading out of Loutro towards Livaniana. The descent to the ravine bed is a bit steep, but the views along the way are breathtaking. Once you reach the bottom of the ravine, you will enter the Aradhena Gorge, which is a short but spectacular section of the hike. The towering cliffs and crystal-clear water make for an unforgettable experience.

After exiting the gorge, you will arrive at Marmara Beach, which is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the island. Here, you can indulge in some well-deserved relaxation and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the seafront tavernas. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean.

To return to Loutro, you have the option of taking a taxi boat or walking along the coast for an additional hour. Either way, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Crete.

• Total distance: 4 km
• Hiking hours: 2h
• Difficulty: 2/5

We are heading towards a hidden treasure in the South known as Fresh Water Beach (Glyka Nera), where we encounter underground rivers that merge with the sea. The freshwater, being lighter than the saltwater, floats on top of it as it flows into the ocean.

After arriving in Chora Sfakia, we will visit a local bakery for local products and start our return to Chania.

Note: although the path is generally safe and not challenging, individuals with vertigo may find certain sections slightly difficult, despite them being mostly 1.5 meters wide.

Overnight in Chania

• Total distance: 6 km
• Hiking hours: 3 hours
• Difficulty: 2/5

End of trip