Crete Walking Holidays : Walk Crete Coast to Coast

Crete Coast to Coast

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 33 reviews

Discover the less touristy side of the Greek Island of Crete
Stay in the traditional village of Vamos with its cobbled alleys
Absorb the lush agricultural landscapes of the Apokonoras plain
Make your way through the magnificent Imbros Gorge
Swim in the deep blue and clear waters of the Libyan Sea

Discover a diversity of unspoilt landscapes as you walk from the north to the south coast on the Greek island of Crete through lush valleys, magnificent gorges, fields of wild flowers and olive groves. Explore secluded and pristine beaches, the Lefka Ori (or White Mountains), the fertile and green Apokonoras plain and the impressive Imbros and Aradhena gorges, surrounded by peaks that will be snow-capped during the spring. Explore the traditional areas of Crete that few tourists get to see, walking through white-washed and cobblestoned villages, Greek Orthodox monasteries and churches, while enjoying delicious Greek food and wine in the local tavernas.

What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

This walking tour explores traditional parts of Crete that a regular visitor does not often see. It is a real insider’s view into its landscapes and traditions. Not only this, but you will also discover many different walks along the coast, in the mountains and through gorges. This is all rounded off by excellent Greek food and wine.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Grade & Terrain

This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. Although the daily distances are not that far, it has been rated moderate as there are quite significant elevation gains and losses, especially towards the middle and end of the tour, although there are options on some of the more difficult days offering easier walks. Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain in Greece tends to be very stony and rocky, especially during the gorge-walking and in Loutro. After wet weather in the spring and autumn months, the paths can also become slippery with higher streams to cross, especially in the gorges and so extra care should be taken. You will mostly be walking on unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads. Expect the walks to take 4-6 hours per day (excluding breaks).

Navigation

Much of the walk is not way-marked however you will be supplied with detailed route notes and maps so you will have no problem finding your way each day. You can also navigate the walks using the GPX tracks in our Macs Adventure Spmartphone App.

Accommodation Information

This 7 night, 8 day Crete Coast to Coast self-guided walk in Greece includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels, guest houses and pensions. All of the hotels have been specifically chosen for their atmosphere, comfort and hospitality. All rooms have private facilities and in most cases a balcony or terrace.

Alternative accommodation

During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. This walk is also suitable for solo walkers although there is a single supplement payable.

Included

7 Nights guest houses, hotels and pensions
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers including one by ferry from Loutros to Chora Sfakion
Detailed maps, information pack and route notes,
Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in Greece and our office
Transfer on day 1 from Chania Airport to Vamos. Or taxi from Vrysses to Vamos (if arriving and travelling from Heraklion airport by public transport)
Transfers to and from the beginning or end of walks.
GPX tracks and access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Chania/Heraklion
Ferry ticket from Loutros to Chora Sfakion (cost is approximately €4.50)
7 Dinners and Lunches
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment
Mountain rescue / emergency assistance

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When To Go

April, May, June, September and October are the best time to walk in the Greek Islands as July and August are too hot for most people to walk. May, June and September can still be hot however, so please be prepared for walking in hot weather. It should also be noted that in the spring and autumn months, after wet weather the water levels can rise quickly in the gorges and loose stones can also occur, as well as flash floods, leading to deeper stream crossings appearing on your route. We recommend you check local weather reports before setting out on your tour. Please note that at the very beginning and end of the season (early April and end of October) any swimming pools at accommodations may be closed and restaurant offerings may be more limited during this time.

Getting to the Start

The nearest airport is Chania. There are many flights to and from the UK and from other gateways in Europe. From here an included transfer brings you to your accommodation in Vamos. Alternatively, you may also fly into Heraklion Airport, which is further away but there is a direct public bus service from here to Vyrsses. From Vrysses we can then arrange a transfer from Vrysses to Vamos. We can also offer a supplemented taxi transfer direct from Heraklion Aiport to Vamos that will cost approximately €110. Please let your adventure specialist know if you would like to add this.

Getting from the End

On the final morning, you will take a boat from Loutros to Chora Sfakion (not included in the price- approx 4 euros). Please check the ferry website for more information on times and prices. In case there is no early morning ferry from Loutro to Chora Sfakion you may also travel via private taxi boat. From Chora Sfakion you can catch a public bus to either Chania or Heraklion. Alternatively for a supplemented extra cost, we can arrange a private taxi transfer instead.

Baggage Transfer

All baggage transfers are included. On Day 6 the luggage transfer from Chora Sfakion to Loutro is via a ferry, which is very common in this part of Crete and is very safe. Please bear in mind that luggage is not always handled gently, so please pack accordingly. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.

General Information

Transfers: If you fly into Chania Airport an included transfer brings you to your accommodation in Vamos. If you fly into Heraklion, you can take a public bus to Vrysses, (which is the closest place the bus goes to) and a transfer from here to Vamos is included. This itinerary includes a few transfers, some of which are necessary to get to and from the walks. On Day 2 at the end of the walk you will be transferred from Georgioupolis to Vamos, on Day 3 you will be transferred and picked up in Nippos, and on Day 4 there is a short transfer to Imbros to the start of the walk. At the end of the tour on Day 8, you will take a short 20 minute ferry ride to Chora Sfakion (not included) and from here a transfer to Chania (approximately 2 hours) or Heraklion (approximately 3 hours) is included.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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