Coastal Hiking Tour in Crete

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

 Welcome to Chania, one of the most beautiful cities in Crete, with its picturesque harbor, old town and castle. Upon request, we can transfer you from the airport or the port to your hotel for an extra charge.  

Get to stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town, visit its Archaeological Museum for a bit of history and enjoy the stunning sunset at the harbor. Overnight Chania. 

Day 2: Hike Agia Irini Gorge (7km/+130m)

Today, your hiking adventure begins! After a good breakfast, we transfer you from Chania to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge. Walking along the gorge, the aromas of dittany, sage and lavender will mesmerize you, while the plane and pine trees will keep you under their shade. After exiting the gorge, we will transfer you to Palaiochora. Palaiochora, the Nymph of the Libyan Sea, is a seaside town located at the southwest coast of Crete that you will spend the night. Overnight Palaiochora.  

Day 3: Hike from Palaiochora to Sougia (15.1km/+530m)

Get to enjoy breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea, while you follow the hiking route from Palaiochora to the small village of Sougia. On your way, don’t miss the chance to visit Ancient Lyssos, admiring the well-maintained mosaic and the remains of the temple of Asklepion, the god of medicine. While you are in Sougia, you can enjoy your coffee at the local cafes or dive in the crystal waters of the lovely beach. Return by boat to Palaiochora. Overnight Palaiochora.  

Optional: If you miss your ferry to Palaiochora, there is the option of taking a taxi. This service isn’t included, and it usually costs 50€ up to 4 people.  

Day 4: Hike Samaria Gorge (14.5km/+757m)

This day is dedicated to Europe’s longest gorge, the fantastic Samaria Gorge with its incomparable beauty. In the morning, we transfer you to the starting point of the gorge, at Omalos and the exploration begins! Samaria gorge is the 2nd most visited attraction in Crete after Knossos, a designated National Park, and is home to unique wildlife and many rare species like the wild goat called kri kri in Greek. Kindly note that Samaria Gorge is open from May up to end of October. In case it is closed, an alternative hiking route is provided. At the exit of the gorge, the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli will welcome you! After a great hike, a great dinner is a must!  Overnight Agia Roumeli. 

Day 5: Hike from Agia Roumeli to Loutro (14km /+384m)

Leaving Agia Roumeli behind, today you are heading to Loutro. The white houses, the traditional small boats and the azure waters create an image from a postcard. The highlight of today’s route is the picturesque 13th century chapel of St Pavlos, where the apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete. If you are tired from hiking Samaria gorge, you can shorten the route to 11km, by stopping at Marmara beach and catching the boat to get to Loutro. Overnight Loutro. 

Day 6: Free day in Loutro  

A rest day is essential, after hiking for 5 days!  Enjoy the sea and the sun in Loutro! If you still wish to hike on this day, you can opt to go to Marmara beach and then return to Loutro. Overnight Loutro.  

Day 7: Hike from Loutro to Chora Sfakion (7km/+120m)

After a good breakfast, we leave behind the lovely Loutro and head to Chora Sfakion. Chora Sfakion can only be accessed by boat or by walking. Enjoy the amazing sea views and keep an eye out for Golden Orioles! After exploring Chora Sfakion, we transfer you to Chania.  Overnight Chania.  

Optional: Extra day Hike Imbros Gorge (6.6km/+21m)

 If you would like to extend your stay in Crete, you can opt to hike the Imbros Gorge. After hiking from Loutro to Chora Sfakion, you will spend your night in Chora Sfakion. The next day, we will transfer you to the starting point of Imbros Gorge. Explore the amazing Imbros gorge up to Komitades. At the end of it, you will be transferred to Chora Sfakion and then to Chania. Overnight Chania  

 Day 8: Departure

Your hiking adventure came to an end, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot extend your stay in Crete. If you would like, we can arrange for you to spend a couple of days in Herakleio or Rethymno and visit Knossos, the Minoan palace and its surrounding remains from 2000-1400 BC. Upon request, we can transfer you to the airport or the port. We Greeks don’t like to say goodbye. Instead, we prefer to say «Εις το επανιδείν» which means that we hope to see you again some time!