Overview
Traversing the remote trails of West Crete: A Hiking Odyssey around the White Mountains
This multi-day hiking program offers a deep dive into the diverse mountainous topography of Western Crete and in the deep exploration of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The journey is defined by the dramatic contrast between the untamed beauty of the Cretan mountains and the crystalline deep-blue waters of the Libyan Sea, the ancient cities that flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman years and the modern life of the Cretans.
From Alpine Heights to Ancient Shores
Hikers who decide to walk the ancient paths of Crete do not enchanted only from the scattered antiquities along the coastlines, but also from the isolated coastal villages of the South such as the all-white Loutro, the secular Paleochora and the historic Sfakia. An undisputed attraction is the Samaria Gorge. Famous throughout the world, the core of the White Mountains and the heart of that multi-day hiking trip. Part of our hiking program is also the European Long Distance Trail E4, a path that crosses ancient coastal arteries and connects ancient cities and historical symbols of the Cretan land. A hiking Odyssey, a journey through time and geology, in history and mountainous topography, which passes through the most emblematic locations of the White Mountains and Western Chania region, crosses the most famous gorges of Crete and climbs the most brilliant peaks of the Mediterranean.
Highlights
- Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges.
- The Archaeological site of Ancient Lissos
- Staying in the all-white & car free coastal village of Loutro
- Swimming in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Paleochora
After welcoming you at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paleochora. Depending on the time, you will have free time to explore the beautiful coastal town of South Crete. Then, early in the afternoon we will give you a briefing about the upcoming program and all the necessary information about Crete.
After the briefing follows dinner in a local taverna, based on the authentic Cretan culinary.
Overnight in Paleochora
Driving | 1:30 hour / 84km
Day 2: Paleochora - Sougia
The trail between Paleochora and Sougia is characterized by sunlit cliffs, hidden pebbled coves accessible only by water, and important archaeological sites.
We start early in the morning along the coastal trail and though the European path E4 we reach to Ancient Lissos, one of the most charming archaeological sites of Crete, a famous hydrotherapy center in the Hellenistic and Roman times. After we swim in the deep blue waters of Lissos, we continue to reach the seaside village of Sougia where we shall overnight.
Overnight in Sougia
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15km – Elevation Gain/Loss 431m./549m.
Day 3: Agia Irini Gorge
The Gorge of Agia Irini is one of the most beautiful and pristine gorges of Crete which highlighting’s the island’s unique flora, while it is extremely shady and its vertical cliffs are breathtaking.
We start our day with a short 15-minute drive from Sougia to the entrance of the gorge. The path through the gorge is mainly shady and has some uphill sections about halfway through. At the exit, our bus will be waiting for us to take us to Omalos, at the heart of the White Mountains, where we will spend the next two nights.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 1:15 hour / 39km
Hiking | 5 hours / 9km – Elevation Gain/Loss 508m./61m.
Day 4: Gigilos Peak
Gigilos rises right above the Samaria Gorge and the Omalos Plateau, offering one of the most breathtaking mountain experiences on the island.
The climb is demanding but offers unique images. The path is quite uphill in the first few kilometres but well-carved without any technical difficulty. In its last part, just before the summit, it becomes a little more challenging since in some parts we have to use our hands for the climb (scrambling). We return from the same way back to the starting point.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 10 minutes
Hiking | 6 hours / 10km – Elevation Gain/Loss 880m./880m.
Day 5: Samaria Gorge
Imagine an imposing 16-kilometer “cleft” that cuts the White Mountains in two, starting from the icy coolness of Omalos plateau and ends in the hot sun of the Libyan Sea. This is the Samaria Gorge. An elegy of the Cretan nature and undoubtedly the most iconic hike in Greece.
Like the previous day, the route starts from the same point (Xyloskalo) early in the morning, just 5 minutes by car from our hotel. After crossing the gorge, approximately after 7 hours, we will reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli where we shall spend the night there.
Overnight in Agia Roumeli
Driving | 5 minutes
Hiking | 6 hours / 16km – Elevation Gain/Loss 55m./1200m.
Day 6: Agia Roumeli - Loutro
The journey continues with the coastal path of Agia Roumeli – Loutro. A hiking route that highlights the absolute isolation of the South Chania and the White Mountains region.
Passing by the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos, perched on the sand dunes of the homonymous beach and through the white shores of the Marmara beach, we end up in Loutro, a seaside settlement that remains completely inaccessible by road, maintaining a maritime serenity and a slower pace of life, far from the tourist bustle of Northern Crete.
Overnight in Loutro
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15km – Elevation Gain/Loss 740m./749m.
Day 7: Loutro - Anopoli
The hike between Loutro and Anopoli follows an ancient path that was once the main link between the sea and the mountainous areas.
As we climb the view of the Libyan Sea stretching towards the horizon and becomes increasingly impressive with the island of Gavdos dominating the horizon. Once we reach the top, at the chapel of Agia Ekaterini, and a short distance walking, we will reach the village square where our bus will take us to Chora Sfakion and then to Chania.
Overnight in Chania
Driving | 1:45 hour / 84km
Hiking | 3 hours / 5km – Elevation Gain/Loss 650m./78m.
Day 8: Chania - Departure
On the last day, depending on your flight time, you will have free time to explore the city of Chania and its picturesque Venetian harbour.
Alternative Crete’s services end at noon (12:00) and after made all the necessary arrangements for your transfer to the airport.
Essential info
Group size. The programme is run only with a minimum group size of 4 persons and the maximum group size is 17 persons. For bigger groups, please contact us.
Availability. The itinerary is available from April until October. The best time to undertaken it is in April to June and in September, October, so, you can avoid the high temperatures and the crowdedness of July & August.
Transportation. All group transfers, to and from the airport and between the hikes, are made by an air-conditioned 20-seater minibus. For any additional transportation beyond the program, private or group, there is an extra charge.
Accommodation. We stay at small two or three star hotels, where possible, with double (DBL) or twin (TWN) rooms on a BB basis (Bed & Breakfast). Please notice that the trip prices are based on double room occupancy and if you want to upgrade your accommodation, it is with extra charge.
Activity Levels. The difficulty of a multi-day trekking itinerary is defined from the hardest day of the trip, that’s why it is important to check the activity levels here.
Climate & Terrain. The terrain in Crete is rocky with loose stones at some parts. The coastal trails are dry with intense sun exposure and also must navigate sharp limestone “karst” landscapes and significant elevation changes. That’s why participants should be in good physical condition with a little experience.
Logistics. The local ferry network acts as a vital support system, allowing for luggage transfers between coastal points, which enables hikers to tackle the difficult terrain with only a day pack.
Insurance. Alternative Crete is covered by a professional third party liability insurance from Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA. It is recommended that each participant has taken out travel insurance before visiting Greece. If any traveller wishes to be covered for personal insurance, we offer additional travel insurance. The cost is not included in the total price of the trip and offered upon request and at an extra charge.
Please notice that on the first day of trip (Day 1) each participant must sign the participant agreement, waiver and recognition Risk. If not, you can not take part in the trip and no compensation or refund will be given.
For more details regarding the insurance, booking & cancellation policy, read the Terms & Conditions field.
Overview
Traversing the remote trails of West Crete: A Hiking Odyssey around the White Mountains
This multi-day hiking program offers a deep dive into the diverse mountainous topography of Western Crete and in the deep exploration of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The journey is defined by the dramatic contrast between the untamed beauty of the Cretan mountains and the crystalline deep-blue waters of the Libyan Sea, the ancient cities that flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman years and the modern life of the Cretans.
From Alpine Heights to Ancient Shores
Hikers who decide to walk the ancient paths of Crete do not enchanted only from the scattered antiquities along the coastlines, but also from the isolated coastal villages of the South such as the all-white Loutro, the secular Paleochora and the historic Sfakia. An undisputed attraction is the Samaria Gorge. Famous throughout the world, the core of the White Mountains and the heart of that multi-day hiking trip. Part of our hiking program is also the European Long Distance Trail E4, a path that crosses ancient coastal arteries and connects ancient cities and historical symbols of the Cretan land. A hiking Odyssey, a journey through time and geology, in history and mountainous topography, which passes through the most emblematic locations of the White Mountains and Western Chania region, crosses the most famous gorges of Crete and climbs the most brilliant peaks of the Mediterranean.
Highlights
- Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges.
- The Archaeological site of Ancient Lissos
- Staying in the all-white & car free coastal village of Loutro
- Swimming in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Paleochora
After welcoming you at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paleochora. Depending on the time, you will have free time to explore the beautiful coastal town of South Crete. Then, early in the afternoon we will give you a briefing about the upcoming program and all the necessary information about Crete.
After the briefing follows dinner in a local taverna, based on the authentic Cretan culinary.
Overnight in Paleochora
Driving | 1:30 hour / 84km
Day 2: Paleochora - Sougia
The trail between Paleochora and Sougia is characterized by sunlit cliffs, hidden pebbled coves accessible only by water, and important archaeological sites.
We start early in the morning along the coastal trail and though the European path E4 we reach to Ancient Lissos, one of the most charming archaeological sites of Crete, a famous hydrotherapy center in the Hellenistic and Roman times. After we swim in the deep blue waters of Lissos, we continue to reach the seaside village of Sougia where we shall overnight.
Overnight in Sougia
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15km – Elevation Gain/Loss 431m./549m.
Day 3: Agia Irini Gorge
The Gorge of Agia Irini is one of the most beautiful and pristine gorges of Crete which highlighting’s the island’s unique flora, while it is extremely shady and its vertical cliffs are breathtaking.
We start our day with a short 15-minute drive from Sougia to the entrance of the gorge. The path through the gorge is mainly shady and has some uphill sections about halfway through. At the exit, our bus will be waiting for us to take us to Omalos, at the heart of the White Mountains, where we will spend the next two nights.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 1:15 hour / 39km
Hiking | 5 hours / 9km – Elevation Gain/Loss 508m./61m.
Day 4: Gigilos Peak
Gigilos rises right above the Samaria Gorge and the Omalos Plateau, offering one of the most breathtaking mountain experiences on the island.
The climb is demanding but offers unique images. The path is quite uphill in the first few kilometres but well-carved without any technical difficulty. In its last part, just before the summit, it becomes a little more challenging since in some parts we have to use our hands for the climb (scrambling). We return from the same way back to the starting point.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 10 minutes
Hiking | 6 hours / 10km – Elevation Gain/Loss 880m./880m.
Day 5: Samaria Gorge
Imagine an imposing 16-kilometer “cleft” that cuts the White Mountains in two, starting from the icy coolness of Omalos plateau and ends in the hot sun of the Libyan Sea. This is the Samaria Gorge. An elegy of the Cretan nature and undoubtedly the most iconic hike in Greece.
Like the previous day, the route starts from the same point (Xyloskalo) early in the morning, just 5 minutes by car from our hotel. After crossing the gorge, approximately after 7 hours, we will reach the coastal village of Agia Roumeli where we shall spend the night there.
Overnight in Agia Roumeli
Driving | 5 minutes
Hiking | 6 hours / 16km – Elevation Gain/Loss 55m./1200m.
Day 6: Agia Roumeli - Loutro
The journey continues with the coastal path of Agia Roumeli – Loutro. A hiking route that highlights the absolute isolation of the South Chania and the White Mountains region.
Passing by the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos, perched on the sand dunes of the homonymous beach and through the white shores of the Marmara beach, we end up in Loutro, a seaside settlement that remains completely inaccessible by road, maintaining a maritime serenity and a slower pace of life, far from the tourist bustle of Northern Crete.
Overnight in Loutro
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15km – Elevation Gain/Loss 740m./749m.
Day 7: Loutro - Anopoli
The hike between Loutro and Anopoli follows an ancient path that was once the main link between the sea and the mountainous areas.
As we climb the view of the Libyan Sea stretching towards the horizon and becomes increasingly impressive with the island of Gavdos dominating the horizon. Once we reach the top, at the chapel of Agia Ekaterini, and a short distance walking, we will reach the village square where our bus will take us to Chora Sfakion and then to Chania.
Overnight in Chania
Driving | 1:45 hour / 84km
Hiking | 3 hours / 5km – Elevation Gain/Loss 650m./78m.
Day 8: Chania - Departure
On the last day, depending on your flight time, you will have free time to explore the city of Chania and its picturesque Venetian harbour.
Alternative Crete’s services end at noon (12:00) and after made all the necessary arrangements for your transfer to the airport.
Essential info
Group size. The programme is run only with a minimum group size of 4 persons and the maximum group size is 17 persons. For bigger groups, please contact us.
Availability. The itinerary is available from April until October. The best time to undertaken it is in April to June and in September, October, so, you can avoid the high temperatures and the crowdedness of July & August.
Transportation. All group transfers, to and from the airport and between the hikes, are made by an air-conditioned 20-seater minibus. For any additional transportation beyond the program, private or group, there is an extra charge.
Accommodation. We stay at small two or three star hotels, where possible, with double (DBL) or twin (TWN) rooms on a BB basis (Bed & Breakfast). Please notice that the trip prices are based on double room occupancy and if you want to upgrade your accommodation, it is with extra charge.
Activity Levels. The difficulty of a multi-day trekking itinerary is defined from the hardest day of the trip, that’s why it is important to check the activity levels here.
Climate & Terrain. The terrain in Crete is rocky with loose stones at some parts. The coastal trails are dry with intense sun exposure and also must navigate sharp limestone “karst” landscapes and significant elevation changes. That’s why participants should be in good physical condition with a little experience.
Logistics. The local ferry network acts as a vital support system, allowing for luggage transfers between coastal points, which enables hikers to tackle the difficult terrain with only a day pack.
Insurance. Alternative Crete is covered by a professional third party liability insurance from Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA. It is recommended that each participant has taken out travel insurance before visiting Greece. If any traveller wishes to be covered for personal insurance, we offer additional travel insurance. The cost is not included in the total price of the trip and offered upon request and at an extra charge.
Please notice that on the first day of trip (Day 1) each participant must sign the participant agreement, waiver and recognition Risk. If not, you can not take part in the trip and no compensation or refund will be given.
For more details regarding the insurance, booking & cancellation policy, read the Terms & Conditions field.
Included
- Certified, English speaking, hiking guide
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
- 4 Dinners on D1, D3, D4 & D7
- Entrance fees in Agia Irini gorge & Samaria National park
- All group transfers during the trip
- Daily luggage transfers
- Hotels Sustainability fee
Not Included
- Flights to & from Crete
- Your lunches, drinks & dinners on D2, D5, D6, D8
- Your Personal expenses
- Extra transfers beyond the itinerary group transfers
- Everything not clearly mentioned above
- Gratuities
