Island of Crete Hiking Tour

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Explore the Mountains, Gorges and Coastal Walks of Crete

• October 8: Meet in Chania and transfer to Vlatos by private bus
• October 9-10: Hikes in northern Crete
• October 11: Private bus to Omalos (visiting a traditional Cretan olive farm on the way)
• October 12: Hikes mountains above Samaria Gorge or costal hike (your choice)
• October 13: Hike Samaria Gorge then boat/ferry to Chora Sfakion
• October 14-15: Hike White Mountains and coast of southern Crete
• October 16: Free Day to explore on your own (we’ll help with planning and logistics)
• October 17-18: Hike White Mountains and Coast of southern Crete
• October 19: Private bus to Chania Airport or on to your next destination (arriving by 9:30AM)

Tour Highlights & Details:

Hotels:
– Chora Sfakion, Crete: The Authentic Village
– Omalos, Crete: Village Retreat
– Vlatos, Crete: Milia Mountain Retreat

Highlights 

• Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Archipelago 
• Elafonissi and Kendrodasos Beach 
• White Mountains 
• Samaria Gorge 
• Loutro

Vlatos: Vlatos is a charming mountain town located in the foothills of the White Mountains. Surrounded by groves of fig and olive trees, its slopes gently roll towards the unparalleled beauty of the Balos Lagoon and Falasarna coast. Its convenient location, halfway between the northern and southern coast, makes it the ideal base town for some of Crete’s most iconic coastal hikes.

Omalos: The Omalos plateau is the alpine heart of Crete. It’s a surprisingly green area for the island’s southerly latitude and it defies the idea that one might have of Crete. Omalos is the entrance point to the Lefka Ori, the White Mountains, the highest mountain range in Crete. This vertical mountain range is defined by high, jagged peaks, plunging into deep, shadowy gorges. Its slopes are carpeted by pine and cedar forests and dotted with remote villages where time has stood still for centuries. At the highest altitude, the White Mountains display a lunar-like landscape of barren peaks which is unique in Europe and offers views to the northern and southern coast at once. The Samaria gorge, considered one of Crete’s most important sites, is carved into this valleys and is the destination of one of our hikes. 

Chora Sfakion: Chora Sfakion is located where Europe ends. Here, at the southern edge of Crete, the Libyan Sea extends south to the horizon. Above the village the headlands of Crete’s southern coast culminate in the rugged desert-like beauty of the Lefka Ori, White Mountains, deep gorges, unspoiled coastlines, and solitary chapels. A sense of peace and remoteness complete the picture. If relaxation and Mediterranean carefree approach to life are what you seek, Chora Sfakion is the answer.

Logistics: 

Crete has two international airports: Chania and Iraklion. As the tour covers mostly the western part of the island, travelers should book a flight to Chania, where the group will meet. Chania has multiple daily flights to Athens, which, in return, has direct connections to the USA and Canada. Transport to and from trailheads as well as between base towns occurs exclusively on private buses and taxis. Public transportation exists but it’s not as efficient as in other countries in Europe. For two hikes we are going to make use of boats to access or get back from trailheads, adding charm to an already unforgettable experience. 

Guides: Shannon Harris, Cristiano Berta

Call 478/714-0829 to book your vacation or for more details.