Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Paleochora
You'll arrive at either Chania or Heraklion airport and head to Paleochora, choosing between public transport or a private taxi for the journey. Once there, wander through the charming streets and check out the local cafes and restaurants. The coastline here stretches about 11 km with a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, and you can see what's left of a Venetian fortress that used to guard the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore the cosy streets of Paleochora with cafes and restaurants
- Visit Paleochora's beaches - sandy and rocky beaches along the approximately 11 km coastline
- Visit the remains of the Venetian fortress
Landmarks Venetian Fortress of Paleochora - Day 2
Paleochora
After breakfast, you're transferred to Azogires to start a circular hiking trek. The path takes you through different Cretan landscapes with olive groves, green hills where goats graze, Byzantine churches, and a schoolhouse tavern. Before reaching the peaceful Gialiskari beach for swimming, you'll pass through the small rocky Anidri Gorge. Depending on the season, you'll either walk back along the coast to Paleochora (April-October) or take a ferry to Elafonissi Lagoon (June-September).
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided circular hiking trek starting from Azogires village
- Hike through Anidri Gorge
- Beach time at Gialiskari beach with swimming opportunity
Optional Activities
- Ferry to Elafonissi Lagoon (June-September, subject to availability; ferry tickets not included)
- Coastal walk with stops at deserted beaches back to Paleochora
- Taxi transfer from Kryos Beach back to Paleochora (not included)
Landmarks Monastery of the 99 Monks Trail Anidri Gorge Gialiskari Beach Elafonissi Lagoon Kryos Beach - Day 3
Paleochora to Sougia
After breakfast, you hike from Paleochora toward Sougia on a dirt path that becomes natural wilderness, then follows the coastal route (E4) with views over the sea. The trail passes through ancient Lissos, which was once a major harbor for the Dorian city of Elyros. You can stop to swim in the healing waters before walking through a narrow gorge to reach Sougia.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hiking trek from Paleochora to Sougia along coastal path (E4)
- Visit ancient Lissos archaeological site
Optional Activities
- Swimming at Lissos in the healing waters
Landmarks Ancient Lissos E4 Coastal Path - Day 4
Sougia to Omalos
Today you trek through two gorges at elevations above 1000m. First comes the Agia Irini Gorge with a well-maintained trail shaded by plane and pine trees, then the deeper Figou Gorge where higher elevations offer views across the hills. Along the way, you'll see the chapel Agios Theodoros, built by locals during the Ottoman period when these gorges sheltered Cretan rebels. A car takes you to your hotel in the Omalos plain with views of the White Mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hiking trek through Agia Irini Gorge
- Hiking trek through Figou Gorge
- Visit chapel Agios Theodoros
Landmarks Agia Irini Gorge Figou Gorge Chapel Agios Theodoros White Mountains - Day 5
Omalos to Agia Roumeli
You'll tackle Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's popular gorge hikes. The gorge operates from May 1st through October when autumn rains typically start, and starting early or later helps avoid crowds. Your hike ends at the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. You'll have time to swim in the waters before dinner and can take your time since there's no rushing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hiking trek through Samaria Gorge
Optional Activities
- Optional walking trek to Kastro (Castle of Agia Roumeli) from Agia Roumeli - 10 km
Landmarks Samaria Gorge Agia Roumeli Kastro (Castle of Agia Roumeli) Libyan Sea - Day 6
Agia Roumeli to Loutro
After breakfast, you start another coastal trek from Agia Roumeli. First, visit the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos sitting right on the beach, then head through a coniferous forest until the trail drops to the white-pebbled Marmara beach. Spend time relaxing at a tavern serving fresh local food, then continue along the coast to reach Loutro, a village of white houses that's only accessible by foot or boat. No cars are allowed here, so you can settle in for a quiet evening by the calm waters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos
- Hiking trek to Marmara beach
- Coastal walk to Loutro
Optional Activities
- Lunch at tavern on Marmara beach
Landmarks Church of Agios Pavlos Marmara Beach Loutro - Day 7
Loutro
Your final trek is a circular walk above Loutro. You'll head up a steep zig-zagged path to Anopolis, then continue to the abandoned village of Aradena at the gorge entrance. Two options are available: a shorter 4-hour route through Livaniana village that descends via Aradena Gorge, or the longer full gorge route that's more challenging but offers exceptional beauty with rare plants and animals. If you need to catch a ferry to Chora Sfakion today for tomorrow's flight, the shorter route works better.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Circular walking trek above Loutro to Anopolis
- Visit abandoned village of Aradena
Optional Activities
- Full hiking route through Aradena Gorge
- Shorter 4-hour alternative route via Livaniana village
Landmarks Anopolis Village Aradena Village Aradena Gorge Livaniana Village - Day 8
Departure from Loutro
You'll say goodbye to Loutro and board a ferry to Chora Sfakion. From there, head to either Chania or Heraklion airport by public transport or your pre-arranged private transfer.
Landmarks Chora Sfakion
