Daily itinerary 10 days
walking tour CENTRAL CRETE
Day 1. We meet at Heraklion airport at 18.00 hrs. We drive by minibus to our first accommodation, the village of
Arolithos, close to Heraklion.
In this village there are workshops, with antique handicrafts and an ethnological museum.
Day 2. We leave Arolithos and have a walk in the verdant vineyard area of Archanes, where we will also visit the interesting archaeological museum. Afterwards we head south to our next hotel in
Sivas. On our way we take a short walk at Gortys, the former Roman capital of Crete, where the remains of old temples lay scattered between the olive trees.
Day 3. A short drive to Matala brings us to the coast. Here we have the opportunity to visit the caves, carved out of the limestone rocks, where in the sixties many hippies lived.
We start with some clambering on the rocks. An unpaved road brings us with a gentle slope to a plateau. We come to a place that must have been a sanctuary in ancient times. On the road there is also an old fountain and we pass a sheep farm. Then we see from high above the monastery "Moni Odigitria".
It gives the impression of a fort in the totally bare landscape.
In the afternoon there is the possibility of a swim at the beautiful Komos beach. Here you can also visit the excavations of the ancient harbour of the Minoan Palace of Festos.
Day 4. On our way to
Spili we walk in the mountains of Bouvala. Starting from Melambes we follow a high mountain ridge with spectacular views of the south coast and the Paximadi islands. Leaving Saktouria we take a different loop back to the foot of the mountain, partly along a riverbed with a good chance of finding orchids! For the last descent we walk along an old footpath in between two hills.
Day 5. From Spili we walk to Gerakari, a village in the Amari valley.
First we ascend over an old footpath, then we cross a plateau and continue through rough mountain area.
Gerakari is known for its cherry trees.
Day 6. Departure from Spili.
The village of Gianniou, the old and new monasteries of Preveli and the Megalopotamos river bank are ingredients of this circular walk.
The views over the river bed and later on over the Libyan sea are stunning. We also descend to the palm beach of Preveli.
On our way to our next hotel in
Hora Sfakion, we pay a short visit to the Venetian fortress Frankokastello.
Day 7. A day off. There are many possibilities to go for a longer or shorter walk, for example along the coast to Loutro, an idyllic village which can only be reached on foot or by boat.
You can also take the boat to Agia Roumeli and from there walk a part of the famous Samaria gorge. There are also small boats which can take you to the beautiful "Marmara" beach.
Day 8. Today the imposing and beautiful gorge of Aradena is on our programme. We start with a spectacular drive up to the village Anopolis. The walk goes along paved, very old mule tracks to the almost deserted village of Aradena. The steep walls of the gorge are nearly vertical!
With luck we may see vultures circling in the air.
Now and then there is some climbing involved over and in between big boulders. When the oleander is flowering it gives the impression of a pink ribbon through the gorge.
At the end of the walk we have stunning views of the south coast.
Day 9. Departure from Hora Sfakion.
From the village of Amoudari we first drive uphill, almost to the level of the Niato plateau. In various directions we walk across this plateau and its amazing surroundings. We will see impressive rockformations with a specific White Mountains character. In wintertime dangerous area because of hidden gaps under the snow. In summertime it is very typical sheep grazing area. An unforgettable walk this last walking day!
Drive to
Rethymnon, our last place to stay.
Day 10. After breakfast transfer to Heraklion airport.
Dates in 2012
» Friday May 11 - Sunday May 20
Price:
» 690 € per person
» additional charge single room 95 €
Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.
