Find your dream journey
This self-guided walking holiday explores the most remote south-west corner of Crete.
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.
Crete, the largest Greek island, has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Average summer temperatures can get up to 30 degrees C in July & August whilst June and September are slightly cooler at an average high of 27 degrees. April, May and October range from 20-24 degree highs. Coastal areas will feel cooler when there are sea breezes.
During the summer months the sun almost always shines and there is almost never any rain, hence the semi-arid landscapes. Hours of sunlight range from an average of 6.5 in October and 8-12 hours between May - September.
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.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.
| AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | Single room supplement | TRAVEL STATUS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 11 May 2024 / Sat, 18 May 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available | |
| Sat, 18 May 2024 / Sat, 25 May 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available | |
| Sat, 01 Jun 2024 / Sat, 08 Jun 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available | |
| Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Sat, 14 Sep 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available | |
| Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available | |
| Sat, 28 Sep 2024 / Sat, 05 Oct 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | Available |
| AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT | TRAVEL STATUS | |
| Sat, 11 May 2024 / Sat, 18 May 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request | |
| Sat, 18 May 2024 / Sat, 25 May 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request | |
| Sat, 01 Jun 2024 / Sat, 08 Jun 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request | |
| Sat, 07 Sep 2024 / Sat, 14 Sep 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request | |
| Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request | |
| Sat, 28 Sep 2024 / Sat, 05 Oct 2024 | NOK 19 085 | On request | NOK 2 075 | On request |
We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.
SEND REQUEST
