Crete Coast to Coast
- Walk through a diversity of unspoilt landscapes on the Greek island of Crete
- Stay in the traditional village of Vamos with its cobbled alleys and stone paths
- Lush and green landscapes of Crete's interior with row upon row of olive groves
- Make your way through the other-worldly landscapes of the Imbros Gorge
- Swim in the deep blue and clear waters and take a rest in a sandy cove near Loutro
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Vamos and overnightArrive 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.
This unique accommodation is located in the heart of Vamos’s old quarter. Traditional stone houses have been restored and now provide lovely guest houses. With views of the White Mountains and flowering gardens, your stay here is sure to be delightful.
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.
Ascent/Descent: 345m / 346m
This unique accommodation is located in the heart of Vamos’s old quarter. Traditional stone houses have been restored and now provide lovely guest houses. With views of the White Mountains and flowering gardens, your stay here is sure to be delightful.
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
Into a slope, over the Askifou mountain plateau in Sfakia area, there is the Lentari family’s “Panorama”. “Panorama” includes a traditional taverna, rooms and studios with marvelous view on the plateau and the Osman fort “Koule”.
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
Located in the heart of Sfakia, the most traditional and wild region of Crete, Hotel Livikon boasts rooms with private balconies with sea views. The hotel has its own restaurant, using local ingredients and serving fresh fish and local Sfakian and traditional Cretan dishes.
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
In the heart of Sfakia, the most traditional and wild region of Crete, we have been providing hospitality for almost 30 years. The hotel has been completely renovated at April 2019, has 10 rooms - 5 in the first floor and 5 in the second floor all with direct sea view. Hotel Livikon offers an exquisite seaside restaurant for your breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu consists of a full palette of local Sfakian and traditional Cretan dishes, and international cuisine.
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.
In the afternoon you have ample time to do the round walk along Cape Kako Mouri. This walk has some nice surprises. You walk through a pedestrian ‘tunnel’ through a rock and you climb stairs that are built into a cliff to get over a rock. 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: 240m / 240m
Located a few steps from the sandy beach of Plakias and a 5-minute walk from the village, Lamon Hotel offers a swimming pool, a snack bar and air-conditioned accommodation all with balconies.
This hotel is situated 50m from the beach and you can relax in its cocktail bar or by the swimming pool. The renovated guest rooms and apartments are well-equipped and offer comfortable beds with comfortable mattresses. They all feature balconies with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Centrally located in Plakias, just a few steps from the long sandy beach and 50 metres from the city centre, Hotel Sofia offers bright rooms. Taverns and shops are within a few metres distance. Guests can use the swimming pool and the pool bar of the nearby sister hotel located 100 metres away. Sofia Hotel has a terrace where guests can have their buffet breakfast, as well as a lounge area.
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
Located a few steps from the sandy beach of Plakias and a 5-minute walk from the village, Lamon Hotel offers a swimming pool, a snack bar and air-conditioned accommodation all with balconies.
This hotel is situated 50m from the beach and you can relax in its cocktail bar or by the swimming pool. The renovated guest rooms and apartments are well-equipped and offer comfortable beds with comfortable mattresses. They all feature balconies with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Centrally located in Plakias, just a few steps from the long sandy beach and 50 metres from the city centre, Hotel Sofia offers bright rooms. Taverns and shops are within a few metres distance. Guests can use the swimming pool and the pool bar of the nearby sister hotel located 100 metres away. Sofia Hotel has a terrace where guests can have their buffet breakfast, as well as a lounge area.
The tour finishes after breakfast. A private transfer brings you to Chania Airport (1H 40) from your accommodation in Plakias.
Other Information
Is it for me?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.
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!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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 the paths can also become slippery especially in the gorges and extra care should be taken. You will mostly be walking on unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads.
This tour includes 7 nights in guest houses and hotels. In Vamos you will stay in traditional stone houses, which although quite simple are very charming. All of the accommodation has 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 again there is a supplement payable.
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.
- 7 Nights guest houses and hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Transfer from Chania Airport to Vamos
- Transfer from Plakias to Chania Airport
- Detailed information pack, and navigation via the Macs Adventure Smartphone App
- Transfers to and/or from walks on certain days
- Transfer from Chora Sfakion to Plakias
- 24/7 support from our local partner and Macs Adventure Office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to and from Chania Airport
- Ferry ticket from Loutros to Chora Sfakion
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Mountain rescue / emergency assistance
- Additional nights before or after the holiday
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. 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.
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.
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.
All baggage transfers are included.
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.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
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.
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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as some of the accommodations on this tour are quite small.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
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.
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.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Speak to your accommodation providers, as locals, they will be able to give you advice and help you arrange your transport.
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