Daily itinerary 10-day tour
WEST CRETE
Day 1. Arrival at
Chania airport. You organise your own travel to Chania town (transport from Rethymno can be organised).
The hotel is within walking distance of the bus station.
We meet at
18.00 hours in the hotel lobby.
After an introductory chat, we head for Chania harbour for a meal.
Day 2. Departure from Chania.
On our way to
Omalos a walk in the forested surroundings of the villages of Meskla and Lakki.
The route leads underneath a high imposing cliff, part of the northern border of the White Mountains.
Day 3. First we descent from the Omalos plateau to the beginning of the Irini gorge. The walk leads over an old footpath, known as "the Kings Road"; parts of the original pavement are still there.
Thereafter we walk through the imposing and green
Irini gorge, mostly descending between steep slopes. In Sougia we have a few hours for relaxing and a refreshing swim.
Day 4. Today a walk in the immediate surroundings of our hotel.
After a short and slightly steep climb – at slow pace – our route leads through chacteristic landscapes, entirely deserted. Only maybe a single sheppard will be there. We walk cross country and for a part along an age old path in the midst of magnificent nature with wide views of surrounding mountains and the northern coastal area of Crete.
Day 5. A late start for the walk through the famous
Samaria gorge, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the late afternoon atmosphere.
At 18 km long it is the longest gorge of Europe. Beyond the end of the gorge we arrive at the village of Agia Roumeli.
Transfer by boat to the village of
Loutro.
Day 6. A day off.
There is the option to do the coastal walk from Loutro to Agia Roumeli. Return by boat to Loutro.
Day 7. A varied walk through the Aradenna gorge to the village of
Anopolis.
From Loutro we follow an old, zig-zag donkey path to the village of Livadiana. From here we walk parallel to the
Aradena gorge, first high above it, then slowly descending onto the riverbed.
In the gorge some clambering is involved!
Via a beautiful "kalderimi" (an old donkey path) we arrive in the deserted village of Aradena. Another half hour brings us to the village of Anopolis.
Day 8. A circular walk in the wildest part of the White Mountains, partly on dirt roads and partly on old donkey paths.
And... will Mount Pachnes be snow free?
Day 9. A beautiful descent towards the Libyan sea, followed by a coastal walk to Chora Sfakion.
After a visit to the chapel of Agia Ekaterini, built high on a hill, we descend to Loutro via an old footpath. We follow the coast and pass, amongst others, "
Sweet Water Beach", where fresh water bubbles up. The next part of the path is sometimes rather demanding and some clambering is involved.
Our walk ends in Chora Sfakion.
Day 10. After breakfast it is time to say goodbye and leave for the airport in Chania or to Rethymno.
N.B. Due to the distance to the airport, your return flight should not be earlier than 11 in the morning!
Date in 2018 Friday May 25 – Sunday June 3
Price 740 € per person; Single supplement 95 €
Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.
