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Active Adventure
We typically walk along either dirt-roads or stony footpaths, some of which can be irregular underfoot. On Gingilos there are some optional short stretches of footpath which, although not dangerous, may be uncomfortable for vertigo-sufferers. In the gorges, we spend some time in the river-beds which may have water flowing at times. On the coast we also walk on sand and shingle for short stretches. Some days involve altitude gains of 800-900m. A stick may be useful.
Typical Day
Day 1 - Meet in Chania
Meet in Chania in the afternoon (latest at 7 PM.
In the evening, we have dinner all together at a taverna close to the old picturesque harbour.
Day 2 - Chania - Sougia (3-5 hrs)
After breakfast we leave by bus to Agia Irini while our bags will continue to Sougia; we rejoin them in the evening. From village Agia Irini we walk through the Agia Irini gorge to Sougia (3 hrs walk). This is a lesser-known gorge than Samaria, but rivals its neighbour for beauty and spectacle.
Day 3 – Around Sougia (3-4 hours)
For those who are interested in the Greek history, today’s walk will be a rewarding one with the visit of the ancient site of Lissos, a spa in Roman times with a mosaic floor as highlight. Pic-nic in the deserted Lissos bay. Overnight in Sougia.
Day 4 - Sougia - Omalos - Samaria Gorge (5-6 hrs)- Agia Roumeli.
An early local bus (or car) brings us to the plain of Omalos (Omalos means “smooth”). A short lift takes us to the head of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest and certainly one of its most spectacular. The descent begins on a good path in shady pine forest, dropping steeply and crossing the river before reaching the deserted village of Samaria. Soon the path is in the riverbed itself before we climb away again at the point where the (underground) river re-emerges. Now the path criss-crosses the river before bringing us out to the village of Agia Roumeli and the sea. After a swim and/or drinks, we settle into our rooms.
Day 5 - Agia Roumeli to Loutro (5 hrs)
A coastal walk. We make an early start in the cool of the morning, walking on sand and shingle next to the sea to the picturesque chapel of Agios Pavlos, said to mark the place where Saint Paul landed on Crete. Next to the chapel is a freshwater spring coming out of the pebble beach. After 5 hours walk we arrive at the small port of Loutro. Overnight in pension.
Day 6 - Loutro
Today we have two options. Either walk to Anopolis village, where we see the most “authentic” of the village communities in full swing - men in head-dress and local costume, and descent the Aradena gorge (5-6 hrs), (or an easiest root) or remain in Loutro for a most relaxing day at the blue sea of Liviko Pelagos.
Day 7 - Loutro to Chora Sfakion (2 hrs) and return to Chania.
We follow the coastal path to Chora Sfakion this morning, stopping for a swim at Freshwater Beach. This 2-hour stretch has some fine path-building on a steep rockface overlooking the deep blue sea. From Chora Sfakion a bus brings us to Chania.
Meet in Chania in the afternoon (latest at 7 PM.
In the evening, we have dinner all together at a taverna close to the old picturesque harbour.
Day 2 - Chania - Sougia (3-5 hrs)
After breakfast we leave by bus to Agia Irini while our bags will continue to Sougia; we rejoin them in the evening. From village Agia Irini we walk through the Agia Irini gorge to Sougia (3 hrs walk). This is a lesser-known gorge than Samaria, but rivals its neighbour for beauty and spectacle.
Day 3 – Around Sougia (3-4 hours)
For those who are interested in the Greek history, today’s walk will be a rewarding one with the visit of the ancient site of Lissos, a spa in Roman times with a mosaic floor as highlight. Pic-nic in the deserted Lissos bay. Overnight in Sougia.
Day 4 - Sougia - Omalos - Samaria Gorge (5-6 hrs)- Agia Roumeli.
An early local bus (or car) brings us to the plain of Omalos (Omalos means “smooth”). A short lift takes us to the head of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest and certainly one of its most spectacular. The descent begins on a good path in shady pine forest, dropping steeply and crossing the river before reaching the deserted village of Samaria. Soon the path is in the riverbed itself before we climb away again at the point where the (underground) river re-emerges. Now the path criss-crosses the river before bringing us out to the village of Agia Roumeli and the sea. After a swim and/or drinks, we settle into our rooms.
Day 5 - Agia Roumeli to Loutro (5 hrs)
A coastal walk. We make an early start in the cool of the morning, walking on sand and shingle next to the sea to the picturesque chapel of Agios Pavlos, said to mark the place where Saint Paul landed on Crete. Next to the chapel is a freshwater spring coming out of the pebble beach. After 5 hours walk we arrive at the small port of Loutro. Overnight in pension.
Day 6 - Loutro
Today we have two options. Either walk to Anopolis village, where we see the most “authentic” of the village communities in full swing - men in head-dress and local costume, and descent the Aradena gorge (5-6 hrs), (or an easiest root) or remain in Loutro for a most relaxing day at the blue sea of Liviko Pelagos.
Day 7 - Loutro to Chora Sfakion (2 hrs) and return to Chania.
We follow the coastal path to Chora Sfakion this morning, stopping for a swim at Freshwater Beach. This 2-hour stretch has some fine path-building on a steep rockface overlooking the deep blue sea. From Chora Sfakion a bus brings us to Chania.
Age range, type of group
Your tour leader will be with you throughout the week to guide you along the route, help organise and interpret in the villages and assist the group in any other way possible.Our leaders are fluent in English and Greek as well as often another language, and have walked and often lived in the area before. They will try and give you a real insight into the local way of life. We expect to run this trip with a group of 8-16 participants.
Restrictions
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry all your luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also remember you unpack and repack on most nights. Luggage not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Chania where we meet.
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