Crete Coast to Coast

Arrive at Chania Airport and a private transfer (of 45 mins) brings you east to Vamos, a traditional village. Drink raki or local wine with the locals in the “kafeneion” and discover your delightful guest house, which has been restored from one of the old traditional stone houses.

Today's walk is a very nice introduction to the surrounding area and brings you from Vamos to the villages of Gavalochori and Douliana and back to Vamos. There is plenty to see, including local, traditional churches and also great views to appreciate over Souda Bay and Drapanos Mountain. While walking you'll get a good impression of village life in the agricultural area of Apokoronas. Pass the interesting Folklore Museum of Gavalochori which is well worth a visit. Also included is a loop to the coast and the little beach resort of Almyrida where you can stop for lunch in a taverna overlooking the sea. There also is a shorter version of under 12km if you don't want to go to the beach.

Ascent/Descent: 345m / 346m

After a short transfer (15 mins) to Nippos you begin today’s walk, which takes you through lush green areas covered with cypress trees and olive groves. In the spring you may be able to see the snow-capped Lefka Ori mountain range whose peaks rise over 2000m. You will also pass by the Krionerida Cave, of historical interest, as during the Ottoman Occupation it was used as a secret hiding place to harbour women and children.

Wander through Fres, one of the largest villages in the area and see the large typical church from afar as you approach. It has an impressive square surrounded by tavernas and you may catch the aroma of a traditional bakery or tasty Greek dishes. Ta Lemonia is an example of such a tavern and the owner, Micalis, cooks everything himself.

From the end of the walk in Nippos you will travel in comfort by taxi to your next accommodation in Askifou.

Ascent/Descent: 400m / 400m

At the end of the walk today you will have reached the southern coast of Crete! Again, a short transfer from the hotel brings you to the village of Imbros where you can get some supplies in the mini market for lunch, before entering the second most famous gorge of Crete, Imbros. You will be walking for about two hours along a rocky riverbed with loose stones and rocks alternated with easier sections. The landscapes here are other-worldly; at its narrowest point, the Imbros gorge is only 1.60m wide! When you sit and have your picnic lunch and listen to the silence it will be hard to imagine the immense forces that created this impressive landscape.

At the end of the gorge you come to Komitades where you may relax and have lunch in one of the taverns. Then you continue your walk through agricultural fields and across the Sfakiano gorge until you reach Chora Sfakion, located on the Libyan Sea. You may end you day with a refreshing swim.

Ascent/Descent: 350m / 1100m

Today presents two walking options. The first is the more challenging walk of 10.2 km with some significant ups and downs and which takes you inland, through the Ilinga Gorge and to the authentic village of Anopolis (literally translated as “Upper City”). Then descend on a delightful zig-zag trail into the small village of Loutro which is car-free as it is only accessible by ferry or on foot.

The second option is a shorter and easier 6.6km walk which takes you along the coast to Loutro. This walk follows old Cretan trails that connects villages such as Kambia to Loutro. 

Be sure to explore this tiny remote seaside village of Loutro before leaving with its white typically-Greek architecture, turquoise green waters and rocky mountains rising up behind. No cars means no crowds! 

Whichever walk you opt to do a delightful local ferry ride from Loutro back to Chora Sfakion completes your day where your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel.

Walk 1 - Chora Sfakion to Loutro (via Ilingas Gorge) 10.2km Ascent/Descent: 600m / 670m

Walk 2 - Chora Sfakion to Loutro (Coastal Route) 6.6km, Ascent/Descent: 180m / 240m

Today transfer (1H) to the seaside town of Plakias which lies to the east of Chora Sfakion. Upon arrival you may embark on today's delightful walk around Cape Kako Mouri. This walk has some nice surprises as you will walk through a pedestrian rock  ‘tunnel’ and climb stairs that are built into a cliff to get over a promontory. There will be great views over the sea and you also walk through olive groves as bit further inland. All in all a delightful walk.

Ascent/Descent: 295m / 295m

After breakfast, take a public bus (approx. 3 EUR; payable locally) from Plakias to Preveli Bridge, from where the hike begins. If the bus does not run, you can also take a local taxi (approx. 15 EUR; payable locally). You can opt to only walk down to the beach with or without the optional loop to the fabulous Monastery of Preveli. From Preveli Beach you can either walk back to Preveli Bridge via another route uphill, or you take it easy and opt to and take a local small boat back to Plakias (approx. 9 EUR; payable locally). If you finish your walk in Preveli Bridge you will need to take another local bus back to Plakias. 

Ascent/Descent: 375m / 375m

The tour finishes after breakfast. A private transfer brings you to Chania Airport (1H 40) from your accommodation in Plakias.