ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO GREECE 2010
Crete on Foot
Until now it has been all but out of the question to enjoy a self-guided walking holiday in Greece, for lack of maps and suitably located accommodation. In Crete this is now a possibility.
The largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, Crete boasts an astonishing variety of scenery and vegetation, and a rich history dating back to the 4000 year old Minoan civilization. At the island's western end rise the spectacular White Mountains, reaching almost 2500m, the peaks towering above a coastline of sheer cliffs cut by deep ravines running down to the sea. The walk alternates between coastal walks, magnificent gorges and peak ascents. Highlights along the way include the famous Samaria gorge, the longest in Europe, and last refuge of the 'kri-kri' mountain goats equally impressive but less visited neighbouring gorges and villages and chapels tucked among pine trees.
PRICE
£525.00 per person based on two people sharing a room
INCLUDED
Accommodation in double/ twin room on bed & breakfast basis in 3 star hotel in Chania and in comfortable pensions elsewhere, private taxi transfers as mentioned in programme, luggage transfers where applicable, and maps and route notes.
Taverna meals can be included on request.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to/from Crete, admission fees, meals that are not mentioned in the programme, drinks with meals.
DEPARTURE DATES
May 1st to 31st October
To book email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44)
(0)1242 254353
Day 1: Arrive in Chania. Explore the old “Venetian style” city of Chania with its picturesque harbour. Meeting with local representative, who will give you your route notes. (Overnight in Chania)
Day 2: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for your first hike. Agia Irini gorge offers a quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees. Sougia is a beautiful village on the southern coast of Crete where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 4 hours walking (Overnight in Sougia)
Day 3: Walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, thick with brilliant pink oleanders and carob trees, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important centre of hydrotherapy in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. Here you will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine, Asklipios and you will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. Refresh yourselves in the cove and return to Sougia. 3 hours (Overnight in Sougia)
Day 4: Leave your luggage at the hotel lobby to be transferred by boat to Agia Roumeli village, at the foot of the Samaria gorge. Either by local bus or by using a taxi reach the entrance of the Samaria gorge on the Omalos plateau, from where you will ascend Mt. Gigilos. This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live, as well as some of the rarest and most highly threatened with extinction wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the top there are some points where you may need to use your hands a little (an easy scramble, nothing technical). The summit provides spectacular views in all directions. Descend by the same route and spend the night at a family owned hotel on the Omalos plateau. 6 hours (Overnight Omalos)
Day 5: A short drive from the hotel will take you to the entrance of Samaria gorge. Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful. You walk on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a pretty stream and where you may see Cretan wild goats. Reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a swim. 6 hours (Overnight in Agia Roumeli).
Day 6: Leave your luggage in the hotel lobby to be transferred by boat to Loutro. A beautiful sea walk (coastal path) beside the Mediterranean Sea. Todays walk alternates between sand and shingles next to the sea and about 50m above sea level in pine forest and shrub. On the way to Loutro you pass picturesque St Paul’s chapel, built on sand. After a break at “Marmara” beach, arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent blue and white houses. 6 hours (Overnight in Loutro)
Day 7: Ascend an ancient path to Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here we see Cretans still wearing their traditional costumes. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just beyond Anopolis, are wonderful views to the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. Visit Anopoli’s square, relax at the coffee shop with the locals and return the same way.
For the energetic there is also the opportunity to continue across Arathena gorge to “Marmara” beach and thence to Loutro. This big loop provides an unforgettable contrast between mountain trail, spectacular gorge and coastal path. 6 hours (Overnight in Loutro)
Day 8: For the last day there are two optional ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return to Hania. Either a 2 hour hike via the coastal path that crosses “Sweet water beach” (here fresh water springs emrge from the pebble beach), or a 15 minutes boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. The trip ends at Hania, with its interesting market.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.
Unspoilt Greece; brilliant colours; timeless ways of life.
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
Traditional hotels in rooms with private bathrooms.
GETTING THERE
AIR: There are direct charter flights to Chania over the high season, otherwise it is necessary to fly to Athens and take a connecting flight from there.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sunhat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.
WHEN TO GO
May to October
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44) (0)1242 254353