Walking in Crete

Our trip begins at Heraklion Airport (HER) at 4.00pm in the arrivals hall. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. Your tour leader will be waiting in the hall with an Explore signboard at the exit doors from the immigration/luggage retrieval area. Please be aware that they may be waiting to greet both customers whose flight has just arrived as well as those who arrived earlier, so they may be looking in a different direction to the one you're approaching from. After meeting up we will then travel together as a group (50 kilometre/31 miles, approximately 1 hour) to our hotel for the night in Zaros in the rugged Idi Mountains. After check in the Leader will organise timings for the welcome meeting, and a group meal for those interested. Zaros is a charming village located at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. It's known for its natural beauty, including the nearby freshwater Lake Zaros, which is a popular spot to enjoying the serene atmosphere. The village is also famous for its bottled spring water, sourced from the local springs and its traditional products, including olive oil, honey, and local herbs. Here you can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, in one of its tavernas.

Today we head out on our first walk at the Rouvas Gorge. After a short drive to our start point we begin with a 40-minute descent along a dirt road, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Rouvas Forest, a site of great ecological significance. This unique habitat is home to several native species of flora and fauna, including the Cretan kefalanthiro, a rare indigenous orchid. The forest is also populated by trees found only on Crete, particularly the Quercus coccifera (kermes oak), which has perfectly adapted to the environment. Alongside the oaks, we'll also see maples, cypresses, pines, and plane trees. Upon reaching Agios Ioannis, a plateau in the heart of Rouvas, we'll be greeted by ancient trees, some of which are estimated to be around a thousand years old. This is a perfect spot to refill water bottles and take a short rest before continuing our hike. From here, the trail follows the Rouvas River, where the canyon gradually narrows, and the vegetation becomes denser. Along the route, we'll find wooden benches for resting and navigate a mix of terrain, including sections where we cross boulders on the canyon floor and traverse wooden bridges. After approximately 90 minutes, we reach a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Zaros Lake area. The trail then continues along a short section with sheer drops to the side, before we re-enter the forest. Passing by a historic monastery, we make our way toward Zaros Lake, our final destination. Here, we'll take a well-deserved break by the tranquil waters before descending back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Today's 9 kilometre/5.6 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around four and a half hours.

Today we begin with a visit to the Mother Olive Tree, an incredible 2,800-year-old olive tree, where we have time to take photos and appreciate its ancient beauty. It is s short walk there and back of around 3 kilometres in total. After spending some time at this remarkable site, we return to the bus and continue our journey to Spili, a charming mountain village known for its Venetian-era fountains and traditional shops. Here, we have time to enjoy lunch, coffee, or browse for souvenirs before heading toward the south coast. Our next stop is the historic Preveli Monastery, perched on a hill with stunning views of the Libyan Sea. After exploring the monastery and its fascinating history, we continue our journey to Chora Sfakion, a picturesque coastal village. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel, with time to relax, swim in the sea, and enjoy a leisurely dinner by the waterfront. Today's 3 kilometre/1.8 mile leisurely grade walk is expected to take around one hour.

Today, we set off on a 30-minute drive to the starting point of Imbros Gorge, one of Crete's most scenic and accessible gorges. Beginning in the village of Imbros, we take a short walk to the entrance booth to purchase tickets before starting our descent. The trail winds gently southward, offering a comfortable yet rocky path that requires careful footing. The gorge narrows to less than two metres wide at one dramatic point, creating an enclosed, almost otherworldly atmosphere. With plenty of shade from trees and towering cliffs rising on either side, it's an ideal environment to spot native plants and flowers up close. About 110 minutes into the walk, we pass a striking natural stone arch, a key landmark along the route. From here, the gorge begins to widen slightly, and after another 15 minutes, we arrive in the village of Komitades, where several traditional tavernas offer a chance to relax and refresh. After our walk, a 15-minute drive takes us back to the hotel, where we can unwind after a rewarding day of exploring Crete's natural beauty. Today's 8 kilometre/5 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around three hours.

While our luggage is delivered to the next hotel, we set off on a stunning coastal walk from Chora Sfakion to Loutro, following a well-marked section of the E4 hiking trail. The first 30 minutes take us along the road before we join the scenic footpath. This stretch of the trail offers spectacular views of the Libyan Sea, with glimpses of Gavdos Island in the distance. The first milestone is Glyka Nera Beach, a 1 kilometres descent of approximately 95 metres down a rocky, single-file path with steep drop-offs, making for an exhilarating walk above the sea. As we continue, the trail ascends again, offering a mix of exposed sections and flatter terrain, winding past small, secluded beaches along the coastline. The landscape is wild and dramatic, with chalky, dry terrain underfoot, leading us to the charming former fishing village of Loutro, a place untouched by road access. From Loutro, we take a boat to Agia Roumeli, a journey of 16 kilometres (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour), enjoying the stunning coastal views from the water before arriving at our next destination. Today's 7 kilometre/4.5 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around three and a half hours.

Today's hike takes us up the Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most famous natural wonders. Covering 15 kilometres over 5 to 7 hours, this challenging trek involves rough, uneven terrain, steep ascents, stone steps, and stepping stones across the river in the spring season. Starting from Agia Roumeli, the first 2 kilometres are along a flat road leading to the lower entrance of the gorge. From here, we follow the rocky riverbed for another 2 kilometres, passing through the Iron Gates, the gorge's narrowest section. The path then begins a steady ascent, weaving along the riverbed and crossing wooden bridges where water flows. At the halfway point, we reach the abandoned village of Samaria, a perfect spot to rest, enjoy a snack, and refill water bottles. Beyond this, the trail becomes steeper, climbing 300 metres over the next 2.5 kilomtres to reach the Agios Nikolaos rest stop. From here, a final 2 kilometre ascent takes us up a steep switchback trail, originally built in Ottoman times, gaining 600 metres in elevation before reaching the gorge's upper exit. Throughout the hike, we are surrounded by towering cliffs, lush landscapes, Byzantine ruins, and plenty of water points to keep us refreshed. The Samaria Gorge is open only from May to October, making this a truly special experience in Crete's rugged interior. Today's 15 kilometre/9.3 mile Challenging grade walk is expected to take around six and a half hours with 1,250 metres/4,100 feet of ascent.

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to Chania, one of Crete's most charming and historic cities. Upon arrival, we drop our bags at the hotel before heading out for a walk around the city with our tour leader. Chania is renowned for its Venetian Harbour, picturesque alleyways, and rich cultural history influenced by the Venetians, Ottomans, and Greeks. Our walk takes us through the Old Town, where we explore its narrow cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and hidden courtyards. We pass by landmarks such as the Firka Fortress, the Grand Arsenal, and the Mosque of the Janissaries, Crete's oldest Ottoman building. Along the way, we'll see bustling markets, charming cafés, and local artisan shops. After the walk, we return to the hotel for check-in at 3:00 PM, with time to relax and soak in the city's lively atmosphere. The rest of the day is free to explore further, enjoy a seaside meal, or wander along the waterfront as the sun sets over the harbour. Today's 5 kilometre/3 mile leisurely grade walk is expected to take around one and a half hours.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Chania. There are no activities planned today, so you' re free to depart from Chania at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you' d like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Chania Airport (CHQ), which is about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.