Crete • Walking from Coast to Coast

Travel from Chania or Heraklion Airport take public transport or a pre-arranged transfer to the picturesque village of Vamos. Rinse off the dust from your journey and stroll out to explore your surroundings.

Your week kicks off with a rural route through farmland in the Apokoronas and you hit various villages hiking toward the seaside town of Georgioupolis. Breathe in the country air and linger as you love the views. Then look at your list of highlights and check off a monastery, scattered churches and the oldest olive press in Western Crete.

Challenge: 4 hours, 12 km /7,5 mi, 100 m ascent, 325 m descent

Start your circuit in Nippos, a village embedded in lush green landscapes of the Apokoronas District. Cypresses and olive groves carpet the hills with the Lefka Ori’s snowy summits in the background and you’ll believe you’ve walked right into an exquisite painting. After your route, a comfortable taxi transfer takes you to the next accommodation situated on the vast Askifou Plain beneath the aptly named ‘White Mountains’.

Challenge: 4 hours, 14 km / 8,5 mi, 400 m ascent, 400 m descent

Steel yourself for a challenging mountain hike up to 1300 metres, where you’ll gaze at 2000-metre-high peaks covered with snow in spring. There are no villages in this remote area but you may bump into a shepherd herding his goats or sheep. It’s easy to see why the heart of Sfakia was sought as a suitable hideout over the centuries. Circling back to Askifou you walk down a gorgeous old woodland path through dense forests, peeking out occasionally for fab views across the plain.

Challenge: 6 hours, 16 km / 10 mi, 700 m ascent, 700 m descent

Today’s walk connects you to the southern coast of Crete!

First off a short transfer takes you to Imbros, where you procure some lunch supplies and venture into the island’s second most famous gorge. It’s a tough two hours on stony terrain along a rocky riverbed with the occasional easier section to boost your spirits. The landscape here seems other-worldly and, at its absolute narrowest point, the Imbros Gorge shrinks down to a mere 1m60 wide! Sit in silence to enjoy your lunch as you try to imagine the immense forces that created this striking landscape.

Komitades waits at the end of the gorge, with an array of tempting taverns for a break. Once rejuvenated, you march off through farmed fields to reach Chora Sfakion, a perfect cluster of white-washed buildings huddle beside the deep blue waters of the Libyan Sea. Top your day off with a refreshing well-earned swim.

Challenge: 4 hours, 12.5 km / 8 mi, 350 m ascent, 1100 m descent

Climb confidently up through the Ilinga Gorge to reach authentic Anopolis where you meet locals at the ‘kafeneion’ and try some excellent Sfakiana pitta, a delectable sort of pancake filled with cream cheese and honey. Revived with new energy for the remainder of the walk, you traipse along a terrific path down to the village of Loutro, hidden beside a tiny perfectly round bay. This dreamy car-free spot can only be accessed by ferry or on foot. What better, more peaceful place to spend the next two nights?

Challenge: 4.5 hours, 6.6 - 10 km / 4 - 6 mi, 180 / 600 m ascent, 240 / 670 m descent

Conquer a steep zig-zag section up to the village of Anopolis then hike onward to ancient Aradhena, situated at the edge of a stunning gorge. A breath-taking path leads down into it and all the way out to the coast, then you circle back to Loutro. Looking for a shorter option today? Choose a 4-hour route via tiny Livaniana and walk down the Aradhena Gorge to the sea. If you have an early flight tomorrow, get the ferry to Chora Sfakion today and spend tonight in Chania or Heraklion.

Challenge: 4 hours, 15.7 - 9 km / 10 - 5,5 mi, 840 / 460 m ascent, 840 / 460 m descent

Jump on the morning ferry back to Chora Sfakion and travel to Chania or Heraklion Airport by public transport or pre-arranged taxi transfer. Say farewell as you depart from one of the most beautiful areas on Crete.