Call
Menu
Walking Tours

Walking in Crete

Greece

7 nights 2 Departures Available

View All Dates & Book

Explore Crete on a group walking holiday that takes in golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, emerald olive groves, seaside villages and ancient ruins

Overview

As the largest island in Greece, Crete has much to offer ramblers, from its shores fringed with ribbons of soft sand and coastal paths overlooking the azure sea, to inland mountains, dramatic gorges and fields of olive groves. Come to marvel at the remains of Minoan civilisations dating back to the 7th millennium BC, feast on fresh fish in harbourside hamlets and bathe in crystalline lagoons. 

There’s no better way to experience this historic island than on foot, breathing the tang of sea air as you pass through tiny villages where locals enjoy bowls of plump olives and shots of fiery raki. Stay on the sun-speckled northern coast, in the vibrant city of Chania, where you can wander the old town’s maze-like streets lined with Venetian mansions and Turkish architecture, leading down to a 14th-century harbour marked by an imposing lighthouse.

Take leisurely daily group walks, pausing to admire medieval churches, visit family-run olive oil producers and peruse the 1st-3rd-century ruins of Lissos. You’ll also enjoy free time to swim in the Mediterranean and sail along the rugged coast on scenic boat trips. Walking highlights include a coastal hike to paradisical Balos Lagoon, with its sherbet-white sands and warm shallows where loggerhead turtles swim, and a more challenging journey along Samaria – Europe’s longest Gorge – where you’ll be surrounded by sheer rock walls that tower up to 600 metres high.

Highlights

  • Walk through Samaria, the longest gorge in Europe
  • Unwind on the exotic beach at Balos Lagoon
  • Walk to ancient cities from bygone eras
  • Sample deliciously fresh Cretan cuisine
  • Meet a local olive oil producer
  • Explore the tiny streets of Chania’s Old Town
Walking in Crete Map 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Chania and enjoy a welcome dinner

Fly to Chania and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Samaria in the centre of Chania for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(D)

Day 2 - Explore the local villages with an introductory walk

Explore the villages surrounding Chania. The first day starts with a short transfer to the traditional village of Vamos. Our introductory walk follows easy terrain and offers plenty of stops to discover the charming villages of East Chania, including Vamos, Kefalas, and Gavalochori. En route we visit an interesting old chapel and an ancient olive oil producer, before walking through scenic olive groves all the way to the sea at Almyrida where you can enjoy a swim and a refreshing drink. Returning to Chania, tonight you’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 50m ascent/160m descent.

Day 3 - Walk through the gorges of Kandanos or Anidri

Paleochora Hill walk. After a transfer inland, we’ll explore the peaceful countryside to the east of Paleochora. Depending on local conditions our walk will begin between 500-700m above sea level and venture into the gorges of Kandanos or Anidri. They are known for both their serene landscapes and fascinating history, with some nice examples of medieval churches and ancient settlements that can be seen along the route.
(B)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 60m ascent/840m descent.

Day 4 - Transfer to Kaliviani village for a scenic beach trail

Falassarna Walk. Transfer to the west of the Island to the lovely village of Kaliviani, where a scenic trail winds its way through olive groves before descending towards the sea with amazing views of the whole bay. Falassarna beach lies within is a protected nature reserve, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and has regularly been voted the best beach in Crete. After time to relax, walk to the ruins of the ancient Greco-
Roman city of Falassarna, once a pirate stronghold.
(B)

Walking distance: 10kms (6 miles). Elevation: 180m ascent/220m descent.

Day 5 - Relax or join our optional excursion

Free day. A well-earned rest day with the opportunity to relax at the hotel or visit a nearby beach. Alternatively, an optional excursion may be arranged to walk the entire Samaria Gorge, Crete’s best-known natural feature. The challenging route descends over 1200m in 18km from Omalos Plateau to the sea at Agia Roumeli and is only recommended for strong, experienced walkers. Let us know if you’re interested in this at the time of booking.
(B)

Optional walking distance: 14kms (8.75 miles). Elevation: 0m ascent/1200m descent.

Day 6 - Travel by boat to the Balos Lagoon and walk up Tigani Hill

Balos Lagoon walk. Transfer by bus to Kissamos then board a boat to reach Crete’s western coast. Stop at the Gramvousa Fortress, an architectural masterpiece built in the 16th century by the Venetians, then continue by boat to the exotic Balos Lagoon. Relax, admire the spectacular views and enjoy a refreshing swim, then take a short walk up to Tigani hill on the northern tip of the peninsula for an impressive panorama of the surrounding area. Return to Chania by bus.
(B)

Walking distance: 3kms (1.8 miles). Elevation: 150m ascent/150m descent.

Day 7 - Walk the coastal route from Sougia village to Lissos

South coast walk to Lissos. Transfer in the morning to the village of Sougia on the south coast of the island. From here we walk a popular coastal route to the ancient city of Lissos, which was once the harbour of the Dorian city of Elyros. The city flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and First Byzantine periods, before being destroyed by the Saracen Arabs who arrived in large numbers from Spain in the 9th century. After visiting the ruins you’ll have the option of either walking back to Sougia or returning by private boat. From here we transfer back to Chania to enjoy a final group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 7kms (4.5 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/80m descent.

Day 8 - Fly home from Chania

Transfer to Chania airport for your return flight to London.
(B)

Notes:

Some walks may occasionally need to be altered or replaced in the event of adverse weather conditions. Samaria Gorge is closed on occasion when water levels are too high.

Reviews

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hotel Samaria, Chania, Crete, Greece, Exterior

Hotel Samaria - Crete

A contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of Chania, near the main square. Restaurant, pool, fitness centre and bar. 84 air-conditioned rooms with balconies, hairdryer, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

More

Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

Similar Tours

Ponta Da Piedade Algarve Portugal Istock 1150571684

 Walking the Secret Algarve

15 Nov 25

Uncover the Algarve’s hidden gems on this group walking tour that highlights windswept coastal paths, bird-spotted natural parks and pine-scented peaks

From £1945 pp

incl Flight
Read more
Makarska Riviera, Croatia

Walking the Dalmatian Coast

10 May 25,20 Sep 25

Discover the treasures of the Dalmatian Coast on foot as you ramble from topaz shores and ancient port towns to snaking river gorges and fortress-topped peaks

From £1925 pp

incl Flight
Read more
Tre Cima Di Lavaredo, Dolomites, Italy

Walking in the Italian Dolomites

8 Jun 25,14 Sep 25

Wander among saw-toothed peaks in the Italian Dolomites on this group walking tour, which showcases the region’s mountains, lakes and Tyrolean villages

From £2045 pp

incl Flight
Read more
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, French Riviera, France

Walks & Gardens of the Côte d’Azur

19 Oct 25

Come to the Côte d’Azur to wander swanky beach towns and stately gardens on a group walking tour of this coveted coastline, beloved by the rich and famous

From £2375 pp

incl Flight
Read more

Dates and prices

10 May 25,4 Oct 25

7 nights

From £2295 pp

per person incl flight
Book now