Walking in Crete

Fly to Chania and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Samaria in the centre of Chania for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(D)

Explore the villages surrounding Chania. The first day starts with a short transfer to the traditional village of Vamos. Our introductory walk follows easy terrain and offers plenty of stops to discover the charming villages of East Chania, including Vamos, Kefalas, and Gavalochori. En route we visit an interesting old chapel and an ancient olive oil producer, before walking through scenic olive groves all the way to the sea at Almyrida where you can enjoy a swim and a refreshing drink. Returning to Chania, tonight you’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 50m ascent/160m descent.

Paleochora Hill walk. After a transfer inland, we’ll explore the peaceful countryside to the east of Paleochora. Depending on local conditions our walk will begin between 500-700m above sea level and venture into the gorges of Kandanos or Anidri. They are known for both their serene landscapes and fascinating history, with some nice examples of medieval churches and ancient settlements that can be seen along the route.
(B)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 60m ascent/840m descent.

Falassarna Walk. Transfer to the west of the Island to the lovely village of Kaliviani, where a scenic trail winds its way through olive groves before descending towards the sea with amazing views of the whole bay. Falassarna beach lies within is a protected nature reserve, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and has regularly been voted the best beach in Crete. After time to relax, walk to the ruins of the ancient Greco-
Roman city of Falassarna, once a pirate stronghold.
(B)

Walking distance: 10kms (6 miles). Elevation: 180m ascent/220m descent.

Free day. A well-earned rest day with the opportunity to relax at the hotel or visit a nearby beach. Alternatively, an optional excursion may be arranged to walk the entire Samaria Gorge, Crete’s best-known natural feature. The challenging route descends over 1200m in 18km from Omalos Plateau to the sea at Agia Roumeli and is only recommended for strong, experienced walkers. Let us know if you’re interested in this at the time of booking.
(B)

Optional walking distance: 14kms (8.75 miles). Elevation: 0m ascent/1200m descent.

Balos Lagoon walk. Transfer by bus to Kissamos then board a boat to reach Crete’s western coast. Stop at the Gramvousa Fortress, an architectural masterpiece built in the 16th century by the Venetians, then continue by boat to the exotic Balos Lagoon. Relax, admire the spectacular views and enjoy a refreshing swim, then take a short walk up to Tigani hill on the northern tip of the peninsula for an impressive panorama of the surrounding area. Return to Chania by bus.
(B)

Walking distance: 3kms (1.8 miles). Elevation: 150m ascent/150m descent.

South coast walk to Lissos. Transfer in the morning to the village of Sougia on the south coast of the island. From here we walk a popular coastal route to the ancient city of Lissos, which was once the harbour of the Dorian city of Elyros. The city flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and First Byzantine periods, before being destroyed by the Saracen Arabs who arrived in large numbers from Spain in the 9th century. After visiting the ruins you’ll have the option of either walking back to Sougia or returning by private boat. From here we transfer back to Chania to enjoy a final group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 7kms (4.5 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/80m descent.

Transfer to Chania airport for your return flight to London.
(B)