8 Days Hiking Tour in Southwest Crete from Chania

We invite all lovers of canyoning, trekking and just walking routes to an exciting tour dedicated to the unique Cretan canyons and gorges!

Together with a professional instructor, you will explore the most interesting and picturesque gorges of Crete, visit picturesque towns and villages, and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. The Cretan Gorges are a very popular canyoning destination.

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.

Overnight at hotel 3* in Chania City center.

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. Transfer time: 1h30´ – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs (7km) – Elevation difference (m): 800-200.

The freshwater 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. Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs (4,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 200-100-0

Evening meal and overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.

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

We then walk along the dry riverbed down to the turquoise sea at Marmara marble beach for a refreshing swim! Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 1hrs30′ (3km) – Elevation difference (m): 350-0

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.): 1hrs30′ (3km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-70- 0

Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.

Day 4: Marmara – Agia Roumeli.

In the morning, our private taxi 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

Overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge.

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.

Overnight at Omalos, in the small, family-run hotel.

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 them and even pick them up on the farm grounds! Evening meal and overnight in Omalos. Transfer time: 15mins + 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (7km) – Elevation difference (m): 800-650-900

Overnight at Omalos, in the small, family-run hotel.

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

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 kafenion, 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: 1hr20’

Overnight at hotel 3* in Chania City center.

Day 8: Chania HQ – 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 and departure.