Savour the essence of Crete, one step at a time, on our walking holiday where nature, history, relaxation, and delectable cuisine unite. Envision strolling ancient shepherd trails, the echo of your footsteps mingling with the whispers of vibrant gorges and rugged coastal paths. By the sun-drenched Mediterranean waters, explore the secrets of Crete's secluded southwest corner.
Commencing in the captivating city of Chania, your journey unfolds amidst the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), named after the limestone that glimmers beneath the Cretan sun. Traverse verdant gorges adorned with vibrant Cretan flora, immersing yourself in the island's natural beauty. History is uncovered along the southern coast, from tranquil Sougia to the ancient wonders of Lissos. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Asklepios, a once-renowned healing sanctuary, and witness mosaic floors telling tales of ages past.
Indulge in the exquisite flavours of Crete: signature cheeses from every village, crafted from sheep or goat's milk, and culinary wonders like Askordoulakous - mountain bulbs transformed into delightful salads or pickled delicacies. Along your journey, encounter the majestic golden eagles and vultures soaring above the White Mountains, while lower altitudes are graced with the vibrant hues of bee-eaters, hoopoes, blue rock thrush, and golden orioles.
Staying in intimate, family-run hotels, a few steps from the sea, your days will be filled with exploration, and your nights with the warm embrace of Cretan hospitality. Let this not merely be a walking holiday, but a fulfilling odyssey where each step reveals the heart of Crete, a land of captivating beauty, rich history, and exquisite Cretan wine.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Crete through our carefully selected family-run three-star hotels, each exuding warmth and character. Discover elegant rooms and the unique ambiance of a traditional hotel, offering you a glimpse into the island's rich heritage. Embrace the unhurried rhythm of life, relishing each moment on this idyllic Greek island. Here, the slow pace allows you to truly savour life, creating enduring memories that are bound to stay with you. Explore this magnificent island in a friendly, authentic manner, forging memories that will last a lifetime.
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 invites you to explore the unspoilt coastal beauty of the Libyan Sea while relishing in comfort and relaxation. Nestled in the charming village of Sougia, 300 metres from the beach, the three-star haven offers self-catered units with private balconies. Enjoy the modern fusion of traditional design in the spacious, air-conditioned studios and apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes, cosy seating areas, and well-appointed bathrooms. There are complimentary Wi-Fi across the property and hassle-free parking during your stay.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Set in the serene village of Agia Roumeli, at the southern exit of Samaria Gorge in Crete, Pachnes Bed & Breakfast offers a tranquil retreat for travellers seeking simplicity and peace. Comfortable rooms feature traditional-style furniture, private bathroom facilities, and balconies with picturesque mountain or sea views. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi. On the ground floor, a family-run Cafe-Taverna serves delightful local dishes, enhancing your peaceful stay in this quiet corner of Crete. Immerse yourself in the traditional hotel atmosphere and enjoy the authentic lifestyle of the locals.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
In the idyllic seaside village of Loutro, southwest Crete, Molos Apartments beckons as a traditional family-run gem. With twenty beautifully decorated apartments, where tradition seamlessly blends with modern comfort, offering guests a serene and relaxed holiday experience. Just 30 metres from the sea, the apartments boast panoramic views of Loutro Bay. Enjoy the convenience of private bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. Unwind on the terrace with a glass of wine, taking in the picturesque surroundings.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.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Always had excellent holidays with Headwater in beautiful locations and charming hotels, and very helpful staff at Head Office.
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
Briefing at the start of your holiday
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$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 18th May 2024 | US$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Jun 2024 | US$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Sep 2024 | US$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 14th Sep 2024 | US$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
Check availability |
| Check availability | ||||
| 28th Sep 2024 | US$2300 | US$228 | Tour only: US$2300 Single supp: US$228 |
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 by Headwater rep.
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.
