ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

GREECE 2008

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

£520.00 per person based on two people sharing a room
Quotation for the escorted version of this tour for individual travellers or private parties upon request.

INCLUDED

Accommodation in double/ twin room on bed & breakfast basis (Chania: Porto del Colombo Traditonal Hotel Omalos: Neos Omalos Hotel Agia Roumeli: Kri-Kri Hotel Loutro: Porto Loutro Hotel), 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 and other extras are not included, meals that are not mentioned in the programme, drinks with meals.

Departure dates 2008: May 1st to 31st October

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1: On arrival in Chania airport you will be met and taken to your hotel. After a brief orientation meeting about your week's walking you are free to explore the old town and port of Chania Overnight Chania.

Day 2: A short transfer will take you to the village of Therisso, from where the path leads you into the foothills of the White mountains. Stop at the picturesque village of Zourva to enjoy the superb views of the north coast, before descending through orange groves to a small village with an exquisite Byzantine chapel before your transfer back to Chania. This day's walk will take about 5 hours, uphill & downhill, of moderate difficulty. Overnight in Chania.

Day 3: Late morning transfer to the beautifu Omalos Plateau (1050m) in the heart of the White Mountains. During this day you can either explore the plateau or, with the help of a lift from the hotel to Xiloskalo, at the head of the Samaria Gorge you can walk up to the Kallergi Mountain Hut (1689m) to admire the magnificent view before walking back down the track to Omalos in the cool of the early evening. Overnight in Omalos.

Day 4: You pack minimum requirements for one night and leave your main luggage at Omalos to be sent round to Loutro where you will find it on day 5. After a lift to Xiloskalo you start your walk down the full length of the Gorge of Samaria. This is a popular walk and you are unlikely to be the only ones on the trail, but by starting a little later or a little earlier you can avoid the crowds. The gorge is one of the finest in Europe with forest trees of pine, cypress and holly oak, and massive plane trees. Sixteen kilometres long, the gorge walls rise in places to 600 metres. The flora of the gorge is particularly abundant in the spring. On the way down you pass the chapel of Ag. Nikolaos, surrounded by some of the largest and most ancient cypress trees in Crete, and later, the old deserted village of Samaria. Next, the gorge narrows to a mere two metres at the famous Iron Gates. Emerge finally at the village of Agia Roumeli where you can swim in the Libyan sea and enjoy well-earned drinks and dinner at the family run hotel booked for you. Total day's walking is 18km, approximately 6 hours. Overnight in Agia Roumeli.

Day 5: Today's itinerary follows the most remote part of the Cretan coastline and is for many the favourite walk of the week: a magnificent coastal walk, at first along the pebbly beach, then above low cliffs through fragrant woodland of Calabrian pine, dropping down at one point to the beach to visit the little church of Agios Pavlos, where St Paul is said to have landed on his voyage to Rome then across a bare and rocky hillside before descending to the oasis-like Marble Beach. Lovely views into crystal clear turquoise pools as you descend along the cliffs into the calm fishing village of Loutro. You should carry swimming things, but there is no need to carry a picnic, as you can buy lunch at Marble Beach or Loutro. Today's walking is 15km long, approximately 5 hours. Overnight in Loutro.

Day 6: Today you might like just to relax in the sun in one of the many idyllic little coves, hire a canoe or do a circular walk to the base of the dramatic Aradena gorge. Overnight in Loutro.

Day 7: We suggest you take the coastal path up to the ruined Turkish fortress of Loutro before continuing to the idyllic Sweetwater Beach, so-called because of its fresh spring water that bubbles under the surface. A swim and leisurely picnic and then a beautiful walk along the breathtaking and deserted coastline to the old port of Sfakia. An easy walk of 7km, about 4 hrs in total. Late afternoon transfer to Chania, with plenty of time to do some shopping and enjoy your last dinner in Crete. Overnight in Chania

Day 8: Transfer to Chania airport for departure

 

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

moderate

GROUP SIZE

This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.

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HIGHLIGHTS

If you have attended this walk previously We would love to hear your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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, sun hat, 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 whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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