This self-guided walking holiday explores the most remote south-west corner of Crete. there are often no roads within miles and most of the local commuting is done by boat! You'll follow ancient paths and shepherd trails through gorges and along stoney coastal paths that meander above hidden coves, along virgin beaches and across pebbly promontories, often within metres of the appetisingly clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Starting in Chania, the most charming city of Crete we head towards the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) which take their name from the shining bleached limestone in summer. Explore the lush Samaria and Agia Irini gorges blanketed with colourful Cretan rock lettuce and Aubretia. Follow the southern coastline from Sougia to Ancient Lissos, known for its famous Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), where people came from all over Crete to be cured by the local waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved. Continue along the coast to Loutro, passing the chapel of St Pavlos, said to mark the place where St Paul landed on Crete. There are plenty of swimming opportunities along the way and your final walk takes you to Freshwater Beach before returning to Chania.
You'll be treated to historical sites, fabulous swimming spots and a spectacular variety of birds. The White Mountains have golden eagles and lammergeyers and at lower altitudes you will find bee-eaters, hoopoes, blue rock thrush and golden oreols.
The hotels you'll be staying in are small, family-run properties some of which are close to the sea shore.
Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain often tends to be very stony and rocky, particularly during the gorge-walking. You will mostly be walking on footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads and be prepared for few steeper passages. The coastal walks are quite exposed with little shade.
Arrive in the charming city of Chania. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains and busy market make it the ideal starting point. You'll be met in the afternoon by our local representative for your briefing.
Stay at the Hotel Kriti or similar (breakfast included)
Today starts with a transfer to the White Mountains. The walk takes you through the narrow gorge of Agia Irini where areas of humidity and shade sustain a variety of plants, and gigantic plane trees grace a large clearing half way up. Ending at Agia Irini village a short transfer takes you to Sougia bay on the Lybian coast.
Stay at Idomeneas Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
From Sougia walk along a path towards the ancient city of Lissos waterfront, the walk follows a beautiful small canyon with narrow yet high walls, after which the Temple of Asclepius appears in front of you. You walk amongst the scattered ruins of the ancient city discovering tombs, the Roman theatre and the church of Saint Kirikos. Return to Sougia the same way and time permitting relax at the beach before taking a boat transfer to the fishing village of Agia Roumeli where you spend the next two nights.
Stay at Pachnes B&B or similar (breakfast included)
Walk from Agia Roumeli up part of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest gorge. Watch out for lammergeyers as you go over trickling streams and through forests of scented pines to the 'Iron Gates' the narrowest point of the gorge where the rocks on either side are 600m high. Head back down the gorge to return to Agia Roumeli.
Stay at Pachnes B&B or similar (breakfast included)
Enjoy a wonderful coastal walk today to the picturesque 13th century chapel of St Pavlos,where the apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete, stop for a swim before heading on to Marmara where you can enjoy lunch in a taverna and stop for another swim, continue on along the coastal path to Loutro or take a water taxi from Marmara (payable locally).
Stay at Molos Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
Spend the day relaxing in Loutro or take a leisurely hike via Foinikas to Marmara beach to the entrance of Aradena gorge. Return the same way or take a water taxi back to Loutro (payable locally).
Stay at Molos Apartments or similar (breakfast included)
Follow the coastal path to Freshwater beach, so-called because of the fresh spring water that bubbles just under the surface. Enjoy a swim and a picnic before continuing on to Hora Sfakion where a transfer takes you back to Chania for your last night.
Stay at the Hotel Kriti or similar (breakfast included)
After breakfast, leave Chania.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Idomeneas Apartments are just 350 from the pebbly beach. Rooms are spacious and have a balcony.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Pachnes Bed & Breakfast is situated in a quiet and relaxing location in the village of Agia Roumeli, at the southern exit of Samaria gorge in Crete. There are 5 new and comfortable rooms with mountain or sea view.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The traditional hotel Molos, is a small family business, located in the picturesque, sea-village of Loutro.Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers on days 2, 3 and 7
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
| Departing | Tour only | Prices  |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th May 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 18th May 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Jun 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Sep 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 14th Sep 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 28th Sep 2024 | US$2179 | US$213 | Tour only: US$2179 Single supp: US$213 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Saturday departures from 11th May 2024 to 28th Sep 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
