Crete Coast to Coast

This self-guided walking tour in Crete begins in Vamos, a traditional village east of Chania. 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 morning begin your exploration by taking rural routes to the coast. You will be walking through the agricultural landscapes of the Apokonoras plain and through several picturesque villages such as Alexandrou, and Kalamitsi-Amygdalle.

With great views along the way you will also see a monastery, scattered Greek Orthodox churches and one of Crete’s oldest olive oil presses. Walk past the Monastery of Agio Georgios which is 500 years old and worth a visit.

On arrival in the beachside town of Georgioupolis perhaps you would like to have lunch in a seaside tavern. The transfer back to your accommodation in Vamos is at 5pm.

Ascent/Descent: 130m / 313m

After a short transfer 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 which during the Ottoman Occupation was used as a secret hiding place to harbour women and children.

Wander through one of the largest villages in the area, Fres and you can see the 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: 338m / 337m

Today’s fairly challenging walk takes you into the nearby mountains where you will probably not encounter another soul. Start walking along an old trail which is more or less parallel with the surfaced road to the village of Imbros, where you will begin your ascent. Here in Imbros you may wish try one of the local and traditional pancakes, “Sfakiana Pita” which is filled with sheep’s cheese and honey.

Ascend to the Askifou Plateau and then walk to the Niato Plateau before returning back through a forest. Enjoy a really peaceful day of hiking truly immersed in nature, free from the sights and sounds of civilisation.

Ascent/Descent: 666m / 665m

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 and it is here that you follow a dirt road and then continue on mountain trails. You will be following routes through the lesser-known Sfakia Gorge and for several hours you will be walking along a rocky riverbed with loose stones and rocks. However it is well worth it as the landscapes here are other-worldly. 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.

When you arrive in Chora Sfakion, which is located on the Libyan Sea, there should be time for a relaxing and refreshing swim.

Ascent/Descent: 346m / 1112m

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 and takes you around the coast to Loutro. This walk follows old Cretan trails that connects villages such as Kambia to Loutro. En route you will encounter Fresh Water Beach, so-named because there are underground rivers here that flow into the sea. As the fresh water runs out to sea it floats on the sea water as it is not as heavy as the salt water.

Walk 1 - Chora Sfakion to Loutro (via Ilingas Gorge) 10km Ascent/Descent: 615m / 629m

Walk 2 - Chora Sfakion to Loutro (Coastal Route) 7.2km, Ascent/Descent: 506m / 516m

After breakfast head out of Loutro to Livaniana and descend to a ravine bed. From here you will walk through a short section of the incredible Aradhena Gorge before arriving in Marmari Beach. Another hour’s walk along the coast will bring you back to Loutro, although you can also take the small ferry if you wish.

 Walk 1:Loop walk from Loutro (via Livaniana) 8.6km, Ascent/Descent: 591m / 594m 

The tour finishes after breakfast and you then take a small ferry back to Chora Sfakion and from here a transfer back to Chania or Heraklion is provided.