Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 01:07
Contrasts of Crete Walking Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Greece
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: W07GI
Trip Overview
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.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH and 3-star hotels
- All breakfasts
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Walking transfers on days 2, 3 and 7
Is This Trip for You?
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.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Chania
- End City: Chania
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Chania
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.
Chania to Agia Irini and Sougia Bay
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.
Sougia Bay to Ancient Lissos
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.
Samaria Gorge
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 tp 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.
Agia Roumeli to Loutro
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).
A shorter walking option is also available.
Optional walk to Aradena
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).
Loutro to Hora Sfakion (Chania)
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.
Leave Chania
The tour ends after breakfast in Chania.
Accommodation
Contrasts of Crete Walking
The hotels you’ll be staying in are small, family-run properties some of which are close to the sea shore.
Single supplement from £ 152
Food & Drink
Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on some days to eat at a taverna. For dinner, in each place you stay there will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Transfer Details
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Small daypack (for water bottle, camera etc)
Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper 2-3 season
Walking boots or trekking shoes with good grip
Long walking trousers (some paths may be overgrown)
Warm clothes for departures between October and March (including a warm hat and gloves)
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer departures
Walking poles are strongly recommended
Water bottle: while mineral water is available at the hotel and shops, it’s safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water bottles and keep hydrated during the day
Optional Equipment
A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
Swimming costume for where there is a pool at the hotel
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
Practical Information
Visa
Greece
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Vaccinations and Health
Greece
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.