Crete • Gorges of the Southwest

Arrival in Paleochora, by taxi (may be arranged in advance) or by public transport from Chania or Heraklion Airport. From Chania it takes about 1,5 hrs by taxi, from Heraklion the taxi ride is about 3,5 hrs. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have time for a first stroll through the pleasant seaside town of Paleochora, whose population of 1800 makes it one of the largest villages on the south-west coast. There is a Venetian fortress and several sandy and rocky beaches. 

In the morning you will be transferred by taxi to the village Azogires where your walk starts along the ‘Monastery of the 99 Monks’-trail. You will encounter a variety of scenery today including olive groves, the quiet hilltop village of Anidri with a Byzantine church and the popular school house tavern, the small gorge of Anidri, the tranquil beach of Gialiskari and a coastal stretch back into Paleochora. You may swim before going back to your hotel.

Challenge: 3 hours, 10,5 km / 6,5 mi, 75 m ascent, 450 m descent
 

Todays walk starts in Paleochora. You follow a dirt track into an undisturbed natural wilderness, then continue along a stunning coastal path (E4) overlooking the sea. You will pass ancient Lissos, an important harbour for the Dorian city of Elyros, which boasted a population of 30.000 at its peak. In ancient times, people came to Lissos to be cured by the local waters. You can enjoy a picnic lunch on this historic spot and swim in the curative waters before heading further east to Sougia, by way of a beautiful narrow gorge.

Challenge: 5 hours, 15 km / 9,3 mi, 375 m ascent, 375 m descent

Today you traverse two impressive gorges, from sea level up to 1000m! You walk through the impressive Irini Gorge along a well-made path. The ascent is demanding but not too steep. Leaving the Irini Gorge behind, you walk into the steeper Figou Gorge. From a certain height onwards, you will enjoy stunning views. The walk ends at a chapel, ‘Agios Theodoros’, where the hotel's minibus will pick you up. The hotel is on the Omalos plain surrounded by the spectacular summits of the White Mountains.

Challenge: 6-7 hours,12-21  km / 7,5 - 13 mi, 1200 m ascent, 100 m descent

Today you walk through Europe’s longest and most famous gorge: the Samaria Gorge. You can either start very early or rather late, avoiding the crowds of people who walk the gorge as a day trip. During quieter hours, you'll enjoy the true beauty of this spectacular gorge. You spend the night in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, at the end of the gorge, which leaves you as much time as you need for the walk. There will still be plenty of time for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear Lybian sea before you set off for dinner at one of the local taverns in Agia Roumeli.

Challenge: 5-6 hours, 16,3 km / 10 mi, 50 m ascent, 1200 m descent
 

*The Samaria gorge is open from 1st May onwards until autumn rains start, usually end of October and can be closed by authorities in case of extreme weather conditions.

Special notes 
• In case of heavy rains, the Samaria gorge can be closed. Guests will then travel with the 
luggage from Omalos to Sougia and take the ferry from Sougia to Agia Roumeli. There is a 
possible walk to the ‘Kastro’ from Agia Roumeli, 10 km (no route description at hand) 
• In case the ferry Sougia-Agia Roumeli is not running due to strong winds, but Samaria gorge 
is open, guests take basic needs for 1 night with them to Agia Roumeli. Luggage will then be 
sent on day 6 from Omalos to Loutro, via Sougia / per ferry. 
• In case on day 6, ferry is still not running

A splendid coastal walk with lots of variety. First you walk along the beach to the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos. Then you walk at a higher elevation through fir forest. From the forest, you continue on to the beach at “Marmara”. Great views to massive mountains at your left and the sea to your right. There's a tavern on the small beach at Marmara, and you may want to enjoy a swim here as well! From Marmara, you'll need another hour along the coast to reach the car-free village of Loutro.

Challenge: 5-6 hours, 14.7 km / 9 mi, 275 m ascent, 275 m descent
 

You take a steep zig-zag path up to the village of Anopolis. From here you walk further on to ancient Aradhena, situated at the edge of the impressive Aradhena Gorge. A spectacular path takes you down into the Aradhena Gorge all the way to the coast. The last part of today's walk follows a path along the coast back to Loutro. It is possible to do a shorter route of 4 hrs today, via the tiny village of Livaniana, then descend via the Aradhena Gorge to the sea. Depending on your flight departure tomorrow, you may need to travel back to Chora Sfakion by ferry today, and on to Chania or Heraklion

Challenge: 4hours, 15.7 - 8.7 km / 9.7 - 5.4 mi, 840/460 m ascent, 840/460 m descent

Today you travel back to Chora Sfakion by ferry in the morning and, from there, by public transport or pre-booked transfer to Chania or Heraklion Airport. Departure from one of the most beautiful areas of Crete.