Crete : from mountain gorges to hidden beaches

Drive towards Chora Sfakion, crossing the spectacular landscapes of the majestic White Mountains. Once there, leave your car in a secure parking area in the village and take a boat transfer to Loutro, one of Crete’s most iconic coastal gems.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a scenic walk along the shore to Sweet Water Beach (Glika Nera). This wild beach, framed by cliffs, is famous for its fresh water springs that emerge from the sand. Take a refreshing swim in this peaceful setting before returning to Loutro.

Once there, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or continue on to Marmara Beach.

Along the way, several small traditional tavernas provide the perfect opportunity for a friendly stop and a relaxing terrace break.

From Loutro, a short boat transfer takes you to the village of Agia Roumeli, the perfect starting point to explore the famous Samaria Gorge - one of Crete’s most iconic hikes.

By spending the night in Agia Roumeli, you can start early in the morning, enjoying the calm and going against the usual flow of hikers. The atmosphere is peaceful and almost solitary, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the gorge.

The trail leads to the famous “Iron Gates,” one of the most dramatic sections of the gorge, where the cliffs narrow to less than three meters apart.

Today’s hike takes you to the tiny cove of Lissos with its turquoise waters - a true hidden gem! Nestled in a secluded valley, the archaeological site of Lissos, discovered in the 1950s, was once a highly prized Roman spa.

As you follow picturesque gorges lined with pink laurel trees, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the sea before reaching the peaceful cove, perfect for a refreshing break.

From Agia Roumeli, a short boat transfer brings you to the charming coastal village of Sougia. The day’s itinerary leads along the scenic gorge to Lissos, famous for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil setting, while the archaeological remains - including a temple, baths, and tombs - hint at its rich ancient history.

Morning bus transfer to the start of the hike. From the very first steps, you enter a lush landscape, where dense vegetation feels like a true jungle.

The trail, developed in the 1990s, is well-marked and dotted with natural fountains and rest areas, making the hike both pleasant and refreshing. It leads all the way to Sougia.

Upon arrival, a stop at the Oasis taverna, located at the gorge’s exit, is perfect for relaxing in the shade and enjoying a well-earned break. 

This morning, you take the ferry to Chora Sfakion, where you collect your vehicle after your peaceful seaside escape, away from the roads and crowds.

You leave the mountainous landscapes of the White Mountains behind and drive across the vast agricultural plains around Agia Galini toward another natural wonder: Preveli Beach.

We recommend a scenic hike through the heart of the Megalopotamos Valley to reach it. The trail winds through an unexpectedly exotic setting, with a dense palm forest lining the river as it flows to the sea. The hike starts near the tavern by the Venetian bridge at Kato Moni Preveli. From there, a pleasant loop takes you to Preveli Beach, perfect for a swim.

After your swim, return at a relaxed pace to the tavern to enjoy a delicious Cretan salad.

You then continue your journey to Matala, passing through Agia Galini and enjoying the mix of sea views and Cretan countryside along the way.

Today, enjoy a scenic walk to Red Beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its name comes from the warm, coppery hue of its sand, which contrasts beautifully with the deep blue of the sea. Quieter than Matala’s main beach, Red Beach is overlooked by dramatic cliffs, offering a truly spectacular setting, especially at sunset.

From the top of the hill separating the beaches, the view over Matala Bay and Kokkinos Bay is simply breathtaking.

You’ll spend the night in Matala, an iconic village in southern Crete. Once a fishing port, it became a meeting place for travelers seeking authenticity. The village is especially famous for its cliffside caves, which served as a refuge for hippie communities in the 1970s.

This morning, you leave Matala and begin your journey toward the far east of Crete, a wilder, more authentic region that feels like a world apart.

Along the way, you pass through vast agricultural landscapes, with endless olive groves and greenhouses mainly growing tomatoes and cucumbers. This drive across the fertile lands of southern Crete gives you a glimpse of the island’s thriving agricultural life.

After about 2½ hours on the road, you reach the foot of Pefki Gorge, where a beautiful beach awaits, bathed in crystal-clear waters-perfect for a refreshing swim and lunch at one of the local tavernas.

In the afternoon, set out on a hike through Pefki Gorge. Thanks to recent trail improvements, the route is accessible and well-marked. The shaded path remains pleasant even in the heat, winding through a spectacular natural landscape. Along the way, the iconic silhouette of the small white chapel perched on the conical hill above the village accompanies your walk.

By late afternoon, continue your journey to Zakros, at the gateway to eastern Crete’s wild landscapes.

From the village of Zakros, the easternmost outpost of Crete, set out to explore the Valley of the Dead, the most spectacular gorge in the region. This small, authentic fishing village feels like the end of the world-remote, peaceful, and untouched.

This hike marks the final stage of the famous E4 trail, Crete’s long-distance GR route. You’ll be amazed by the wild grandeur of this reddish gorge, where nature and history intertwine. Around 3,600 years ago, the Minoans built a palace here and placed their dead in caves perched high along the gorge, a remarkable funerary tradition.

During your round-trip walk, you’ll encounter numerous herds of goats seeking shade beneath the cliffs, adding to the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary landscape.

On the final day of your Crete road trip, from west to east, explore the island’s easternmost coves.

Start at Vai, home to Crete’s most beautiful palm beach, where over 5,000 palm trees create a truly magical setting. Enjoy a coastal walk along a wild trail that winds from cove to cove, discovering hidden beaches and secluded spots along the way.

Return to Vai before heading to your final hotel in Chania (or Heraklion) for the night, preparing for your departure from the airport. This last day offers a perfect farewell to the island’s wild and enchanting eastern coastline.