Hiking in Southwest Crete m #2

Private tour Crete Gorges up to 6 persons

8 days / 7 nights

Crete Gorges Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Chania CHQ – overnight in Chania town 

This day is spent in the coastal town of Chania. 

Depending on the time of your arrival, free time to explore the old part of Chania. Evening meal with your tour leader and rest of the group, overnight in Chania. 

Note: private transfer (taxi or minibus) from airport to hotel can be arranged at an extra cost. Transfer time: 20mins 

Day 2 Imbros – Glyka Nera – Loutro  

The day starts with a transfer to the small mountain village of Imbros from where the impressive gorge  offers a gentle, steady hike down towards the south coast and Komitades village. From here, a short  transfer takes us to the start of the coastal path that we follow down to Glyka Nera (Sweet Water beach)  where the turquoise shades of the sea invite us for a swim. The fresh water springs on the beach and in the  sea keep the water refreshingly cool even during the summer months! From here, we continue alongside  the sea to the small coastal village of Loutro which has no road access. 

Evening meal and overnight in Loutro. 

Transfer time: 1h30´ + 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs+3hrs (7 + 4,5km) – Elevation difference (m):  800-200-100-0 

Day 3 Loutro – Livaniana – Aradena – Loutro 

After breakfast by the sea, we follow the path out of the bay and up to Livaniana village, overlooking the  Aradena Gorge. From here we are treated to superb views across the gorge as we follow the old mule path  into the gorge itself. We then walk along the dry riverbed down to the turquoise sea at Marmara marble  beach for a refreshing swim! The walk back to Loutro is along the coastline and offers breathtaking seaside  views all along the way. 

Evening meal and overnight in Loutro. 

Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs30′ (4,5+2+3+3km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-270-350-0-70- 0 

Day 4 Marmara – Agia Roumeli 

In the morning, our private taxi-boat takes us to Marmara where we start our hike following part of the E4  trail west along the coastline. The scenery changes along the way leading into the beautiful pine forest  behind the beach of Agios Pavlos. The picturesque, tiny, Byzantine chapel of St. Paul right on the beach  itself takes us back in time to a very distant age. The last part of our hike is along the path at the back of the  beach which ends in the little village of Agia Roumeli, again with no road access! 

Evening meal and overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge. Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (11,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-150-110-0 

Day 5 Samaria Gorge – Omalos 

Samaria is just one of the many gorges on Crete, but it is definitely the best-known. This natural treasure  lies in the heart of the Samaria National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is home to  numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its breathtaking scale and impressive topography attract  visitors from all over the world and the magnificent scenery will not leave the hiker untouched. Hiking in  the opposite direction to most, we have fewer people around us for much of the time.

As we reach the top of the gorge, the sound of sheep bells welcomes us to the tranquility of the plain of  Omalos, high up in the mountains. 

Evening meal and overnight at Omalos. 

Transfer time: 10mins – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs30´ (3+13km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-1250 Please note: if Samaria Gorge National Park is closed for any reason on this day, an alternative schedule is  followed. Overnight remains in Omalos.  

Day 6 Voidodema – Omalos 

Today’s hike includes a forgotten stone-built path (“Voidodema“) with ancient cypress trees and panoramic  views. This path used to be the only connection between the mountain villages before roads were built. After about 5 hours of hiking, we arrive at the plain of Omalos and visit a local herb farm where we find out  about other herbs that flourish in the area and their use. We can taste and even pick them in the farm  grounds! 

Evening meal and overnight in Omalos. 

Transfer time: 15mins + 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (7km) – Elevation difference (m): 800-650-900 

Day 7 Azogires – Anidri – Chania 

Our morning transfer takes us west to the small village of Azogires from where we start our hike through a  valley rich in history. We hike past a gushing waterfall, a Venetian stone bridge and a monastery built into  the mountainside. The well-marked path leads gently down to Anidri village, offering panoramic views  across the olive groves down to the coast. The old school building in Anidri, now renovated and used as the  local kafeneion, welcomes us for our lunch stop on its shady garden patio. 

From here, transfer back to Chania town, where we have some free time during the afternoon.  Evening meal and last overnight in Chania. 

Transfer time: 45mins +1hr20’ – Hiking time (approx.): 2hrs (4,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 400-250 

Day 8 Chania CHQ – departure 

The last morning is spent in Chania, with free time in the town depending on your departure time. The tour leader’s duties end after breakfast. 

Private transfer to the airport upon request (extra cost) and departure. 

Transfer time: 20mins 

How to book a tour to Gorges of Crete

In order to sign up for the tour, please contact Moysidis Travel at: +30 699 280 0329, +49 1577 559 3278 or write to e-mail: moysidistravel@gmail.com.