Daily itinerary 10 days walking tour
WALKING COCKTAIL CENTRAL CRETE
Day 1. We meet at Heraklion airport. Transfer by minibus along the north coast to our first hotel in
Rethymnon.
Day 2. Our first walk shows us the Prassano Gorge near Rethymnon.
Its cliffs are huge and imposing. We'll see them from different angles. Vultures have their homes there in inaccessible caves. If we are lucky they will be setting off in the morning, slowly rising using thermals in the air. Further on the walk leads through hilly landscape, an area with varied green vegetation. In Chromonasteri we see a former Venetian palace, now being converted into an army museum.
Day 3. Today's walk is particularly interesting for its unusual geological landscape, splendid views and an abundance of flowers.
From Kare we walk down into a valley where fossils of large shells tell us about the distant past when Crete was still part of the bottom of the sea. The mosaic floor of a former basilica shows us something of the history of the area. There are splendid views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the afternoon we drive to
Spili, our next resort. Spili is a lively mountain village.
There are interesting shops and it is also a bishop's see.
Day 4. A 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. At the end of this day there is the possibility of visiting the beach at Agios Pavlos.
Day 5. This walk starts on a high plateau between Spili and Gerakari, known for its tulips and orchids. In the background we see the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis, with snow on its slopes. First we go uphill, cross-country, then following tracks and old footpaths we descend to Gerakari, situated in the Amari valley.
After lunch we make a loop around the village and walk gradually up again to the plateau.
Day 6. Starting at Mournes, 3 km from Spili, we'll find orchids on a hill close to the village. Today we will also visit two Byzantine churches. Crossing the pass of the Xiron mountains we walk down to Drimiscos, partly along an ancient Roman road. This part of the walk has an abundance of flowers! We continue our walk, ending not far from Spili.
From there we drive to
Hora Sfakion, our next resort.
Day 7. A day off. There is a possibility of a short walk in the surroundings of Loutro or through the Imbros gorge.
Day 8. A walk in the beautiful surroundings of Anapolis and the Aradena gorge. We choose our route according to our condition and available walking energy, especially regarding going up and down.
Views of the Libyan Sea are everywhere spectacular!
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 2010
» Friday May 7 - Sunday May 16
Price
» 690 € per person
» additional charge single room 95 €.
Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.
