Hiking in Crete : from villages to coves
The southwestern coast of Crete is undoubtedly one of the most impressive on the island. From Chania Airport, the road winds through rugged mountains, offering spectacular views of this wild coastline and the Libyan Sea.
The gigantic cliffs form a natural barrier, protecting this coast from mass tourism. As you travel along, on foot or by boat, you will be enveloped by the majesty of the surroundings and the scents of Mediterranean plants. During your hike in Crete you will come across isolated coves.
Access to these places is often only possible on foot or by boat, making your adventure even more authentic. Here, in these fishing villages, you will be welcomed by locals whose hospitality exceeds all expectations.
Highlights
- Hiking in Crete : coves, gorges and the coastline
- Discover the local culture and Cretes history
- Explore Crete far from the mass tourism
8 days
/ 7 nights
Price: Consult us
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Multi-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 3 October to 3 October
Day by day program
Day 1 : Arrival in Sougia
Meet your taxi at the airport who will drive you to
Sougia.
Sougia is a very peaceful village, far from the masses of tourists.
Sougia is a very peaceful village, far from the masses of tourists.
Check into your accommodation for 3 nights.
Enjoy the beach nearby to end the day.
Day 2 : Hike to Lissos cove
The hike begins at the port of Sougia.
You hike on one of the most beautiful coastal hikes of your
stay in Crete !
You discover the archaeological site of Lassos, a hidden gem
of the coast that was discovered in the 1950s.
As you hike along the gorges lined with oleanders, enjoy
breathtaking views of the sea, before reaching a small
cove.
HIKING TIME : 3h30
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 350 m
DESCENT : 350 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse
Day 3 : Hike through Agia Arini gorges
You start off early for your hike through a lush
vegetation.
The trail, built in the 1990s, leads you to Sougia, with rest
areas and refreshing fountains along the way.
At the end of the trail, enjoy a stop at the "Tavern Oasis" to
cool down.
HIKING TIME : 4h30
DISTANCE : 12 km
ASCENT : 70 m
DESCENT : 600 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse
TRANSFER TIME : 7h by bus from Sougia (or you
can ask for a taxi)
Day 4 : Crossing to Agia Roumeli and Hike to Kastro
In the morning, you cross to Agia Roumeli by boat.
This hamlet, inaccessibl by road, is the southern end of
the famous Samaria Gorge.
Check into your accommodation for 2 nights. Enjoy a break at
the black pebble beach, next to the port.
Early afternoon, you hike to the ancient Turkish fortress of
Kastro that offers spectacular views of the bay and its long
beach.
HIKING TIME : 3h30
DISTANCE : 5 km
ASCENT : 250 m
DESCENT : 250 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse at Agia
Roumeli
TRANSFER TIME : by boat at 9 A.M.
Day 5 : Samaria gorge and Iron Gates
You hike to Samaria Gorge, one of the most famous and
impressive hikes in Crete.
From Agia Roumeli, you enjoy the hike in near solitude, as
most visitors take the opposite route.
The trail leads you to the Iron Gates, where the gorge narrow
to less than 3 meters wide.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 190 m
DESCENT : 190 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse at Agia
Roumeli
Day 6 : Short loop from Loutro to Finix
Crossing by boat from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, a small natural
harbor with white and blue houses, which stretches around a pebble
beach.
You discover Finix, a charming village where you can take a
break in shaded tavern.
HIKING TIME : 2h30
DISTANCE : 6 km
ASCENT : 200 m
DESCENT : 200 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse at
Loutro
TRANSFER TIME : by boat from Agia Roumeli to
Loutro
Day 7 : Sweet Water Beach
To reach Canée or Heraklion airport, there are two or three
bus departures from Chora Skafion.
If you take the morning bus, you won't have time for a final
hike, so you'll need to go directly to Chora Skafion on the morning
boat to catch the 11 a.m. bus.
If you take the late afternoon bus, you can enjoy a beautiful
walk to Sweat Water Beach.
Listed under the Greek name of Glika Nera, it takes its
name from the freshwater springs that flow directly onto the
beaches all year round.
Return to Loutro to collect your luggage just after midday in
order to catch the 6pm bus to Cané or Heraklion.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 7 km
ASCENT : 200 m
DESCENT : 200 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or guesthouse at
Cané
Day 8 : Departure from Crete
On this last day, you board the plane.
Dates and prices
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Trip Notes
Reviews of this trip
5
Lily
18 Septembre 2024
Hiking in Crete
A very enjoyable stay, thanks both to the well-organized itinerary and the fascinating landscapes and history of the island. Good guesthouses and small restaurants at reasonable prices.
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