Crete: the mountains and the coast [8days]

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the entrance of Agia Eirini gorge, for your first hike. Agia Eirini gorge trail follows a quiet path next to a stream, surrounded by pine and chestnut trees. Follow the trail towards Sougia, a beautiful little village on the southern coast of Crete where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Overnight in Sougia

A cultural day walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years, which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here you will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asclepios and explore this interesting city. After a dip in the cove return to Sougia. Overnight in Sougia

Leave your luggage at the hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of Samaria gorge. Either by the local bus or by taxi you will reach the entrance of Samaria gorge at Omalos plateau, from where you will climb up Mountain Gigilos (2080m). This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the rarest and almost extinct wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points where you may need to use your hands to climb (easy scramble, nothing technical). The summit provides spectacular views in all directions. You descend by the same route and you spend the night at a family-owned hotel in Omalos plateau. Note: your luggage will be transferred directly to Agia Roumeli, not to Omalos, so you will need to pack an overnight bag for this night. Overnight in Omalos

A short drive from the hotel will take you to Xiloscalo at the entrance of Samaria gorge. Samaria is the longest and one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe. You walk on a path through a shady pine forest and beside a flowing stream. You reach the small village of Agia Roumeli for overnight accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy a swim. Overnight in Agia Roumeli.

Leave your luggage in your hotel’s lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. Today’s walk leads you along a beautiful sea walk (coastal path) on the Mediterranean Sea, alternating on sand and shingles next to the sea and about 50m above the sea level in pine forest and bushy areas. On the way to Loutro you pass the picturesque St Paul’s chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea. After a refreshing break at “Marmara” beach, you arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with blue and white houses. Overnight in Loutro

Ascend an ancient path until you reach Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here you can see “authentic” Cretans with their traditional costumes. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just outside Anopolis, you have the chance to enjoy the wonderful view to the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. Visit Anopolis square, relax at the coffee shop with the locals and return the same way to Loutro. For strong hikers we recommend you continue and cross Arathena’s gorge that ends at Marmara beach and return to Loutro by following the E4 path. This big loop offers unforgettable scenery alternating between mountain trail, spectacular gorge, and coastal path. Overnight in Loutro.

For the last day there are two ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return to Chania. Either a 2-hour hike along the coastal path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many freshwater springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15-minute boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. The trip ends at Chania where you can take a walk-through Chania’s market. If you choose to hike to Hora Sfakion, you will need to start your hike early in order collect your luggage from the boat at Hora Sfakion. Group return transfer to Chania airport where the trip concludes.