Overview
Discover the authentic soul of Crete on a journey that bridges the island’s most scenic landscapes.
From the shimmering pink sands of west Crete to the ancient pottery workshops of the heartland, this multi-day trekking expedition is designed for those who seek more than just a holiday. “A Cretan Wanderlust” takes you off the beaten path and onto the ancient trails of the Chania and Rethymno regions, offering a perfect harmony of physical challenge and cultural immersion.
A hiking adventure from pink-sand beaches to ancient pottery workshops
This isn’t just a hiking trip, it’s a deep dive into the diverse landscape of the South coastlines of the Libyan sea and the hospitable Cretan hinterland. You will navigate the rugged “E4” coastal trail, descend through the iron gates of Europe’s longest gorge, and walk through olive groves that have stood for centuries. Experience the raw beauty of the South Cretan coastline as we trek from the crystal waters of Elafonisi to the bohemian charm of Paleochora and the secluded shores of Sougia. Test your mettle in the Samaria Gorge, UNESCO’S biosphere reserve, where towering limestone walls and the elusive Kri-Kri goats (Cretan wild goat) create a cathedral of nature. Shift gears in Rethymno as we walk from the archaeological wonders of Ancient Eleftherna to the artisan village of Margarites, concluding our journey at the iconic palm forest of Preveli.
Highlights
- Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges.
- The Archaeological site of Ancient Lissos & Ancient Eleftherna
- The world-famous pink beach of Elafonisi & the Preveli palm beach
- The pottery workshops in the village of Margarites
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Kissamos
After welcoming you at the airport, you will be transferred to Kissamos and to your hotel. Depending on the time, you will have free time to explore the beautiful coastal town of North-West Crete and its beaches. 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 Kissamos
Driving | 1:00 hour / 57km
Day 2: Elafonisi beach - Paleochora
The hike from Paleochora to Elafonisi is one of the most scenic coastal sections of the European E4 Long Distance Path in Crete. It offers a stunning blend of rugged Mediterranean terrain, ancient ruins, and some of the island’s most famous beaches.
From Kissamos we have approximately 1 hour driving till the starting point of the hike, the well-known beach of Elafonisi. The coastal E4 trail leads us to Paleochora through the most iconic coastal views of Crete and through some impressive beaches of the South coast, such as the Kedrodasos & Krios beach.
Overnight in Paleochora
Driving | 1:15 hours / 50km
Hiking | 5 hours / 10km – Elevation Gain/Loss 244m./252m
Day 3: 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 through the European path E4 we reach 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 and from here with the bus to Omalos plateau.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 55 minutes / 38 km
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15klm – Elevation Gain/Loss 431m./549m
Day 4: 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 5: Rethymno Road Trip
We’ll start with an early morning boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by a scenic drive towards Rethymno. Along the way, we’ll stop for an olive oil tasting and enjoy lunch at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Our final destination is the charming town of Rethymno, where we’ll take a city tour through its beautiful Venetian Old Town and picturesque port.
Overnight in Rethymno
Sailing | 1:00 hour
Driving | 1:30 hour / 73km
Day 6: Margarites Valley
This hike is widely considered one of the most rewarding cultural treks in Crete as it connects the island’s grand archaeological past with its living artisan traditions, that is the ancient site of Eleftherna which was a significant Hellenistic town and later Roman, to the nearby village of Margarites, Crete’s most famous pottery village.
The trail is a scenic hiking route as we walk through silver-green olive groves, vineyards and past prickly pear cacti. The transition from the ancient ruins to the artistic village becomes more and more rural with the traditional dry-stone walls and the occasional sound of the goat bells echoing through the olive trees.
Overnight in Rethymno
Driving | 1:00 hour / 48km
Hiking | 3 hours / 5,5km – Elevation Gain/Loss 268m./136m.
Day 7: Preveli beach trail
The Preveli Beach hiking trail is one of the most stunning coastal walks in Crete, offering a dramatic transition from rugged cliffs to a tropical palm oasis.
This trail follows the banks of the river through the lower section of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. We will walk through olive groves and along high ridges that offer views deep into the canyon, and finally at the palm beach where you can swim in the refreshing waters of the river or the salty Libyan sea.
Overnight in Chania
Driving | 50 minutes / 30 km
Hiking | 3:20 hours / 7,5klm – Elevation Gain/Loss 269m./269m
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 making 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
Discover the authentic soul of Crete on a journey that bridges the island’s most scenic landscapes.
From the shimmering pink sands of west Crete to the ancient pottery workshops of the heartland, this multi-day trekking expedition is designed for those who seek more than just a holiday. “A Cretan Wanderlust” takes you off the beaten path and onto the ancient trails of the Chania and Rethymno regions, offering a perfect harmony of physical challenge and cultural immersion.
A hiking adventure from pink-sand beaches to ancient pottery workshops
This isn’t just a hiking trip, it’s a deep dive into the diverse landscape of the South coastlines of the Libyan sea and the hospitable Cretan hinterland. You will navigate the rugged “E4” coastal trail, descend through the iron gates of Europe’s longest gorge, and walk through olive groves that have stood for centuries. Experience the raw beauty of the South Cretan coastline as we trek from the crystal waters of Elafonisi to the bohemian charm of Paleochora and the secluded shores of Sougia. Test your mettle in the Samaria Gorge, UNESCO’S biosphere reserve, where towering limestone walls and the elusive Kri-Kri goats (Cretan wild goat) create a cathedral of nature. Shift gears in Rethymno as we walk from the archaeological wonders of Ancient Eleftherna to the artisan village of Margarites, concluding our journey at the iconic palm forest of Preveli.
Highlights
- Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges.
- The Archaeological site of Ancient Lissos & Ancient Eleftherna
- The world-famous pink beach of Elafonisi & the Preveli palm beach
- The pottery workshops in the village of Margarites
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Kissamos
After welcoming you at the airport, you will be transferred to Kissamos and to your hotel. Depending on the time, you will have free time to explore the beautiful coastal town of North-West Crete and its beaches. 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 Kissamos
Driving | 1:00 hour / 57km
Day 2: Elafonisi beach - Paleochora
The hike from Paleochora to Elafonisi is one of the most scenic coastal sections of the European E4 Long Distance Path in Crete. It offers a stunning blend of rugged Mediterranean terrain, ancient ruins, and some of the island’s most famous beaches.
From Kissamos we have approximately 1 hour driving till the starting point of the hike, the well-known beach of Elafonisi. The coastal E4 trail leads us to Paleochora through the most iconic coastal views of Crete and through some impressive beaches of the South coast, such as the Kedrodasos & Krios beach.
Overnight in Paleochora
Driving | 1:15 hours / 50km
Hiking | 5 hours / 10km – Elevation Gain/Loss 244m./252m
Day 3: 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 through the European path E4 we reach 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 and from here with the bus to Omalos plateau.
Overnight in Omalos
Driving | 55 minutes / 38 km
Hiking | 5:30 hours / 15klm – Elevation Gain/Loss 431m./549m
Day 4: 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 5: Rethymno Road Trip
We’ll start with an early morning boat trip from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, followed by a scenic drive towards Rethymno. Along the way, we’ll stop for an olive oil tasting and enjoy lunch at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Our final destination is the charming town of Rethymno, where we’ll take a city tour through its beautiful Venetian Old Town and picturesque port.
Overnight in Rethymno
Sailing | 1:00 hour
Driving | 1:30 hour / 73km
Day 6: Margarites Valley
This hike is widely considered one of the most rewarding cultural treks in Crete as it connects the island’s grand archaeological past with its living artisan traditions, that is the ancient site of Eleftherna which was a significant Hellenistic town and later Roman, to the nearby village of Margarites, Crete’s most famous pottery village.
The trail is a scenic hiking route as we walk through silver-green olive groves, vineyards and past prickly pear cacti. The transition from the ancient ruins to the artistic village becomes more and more rural with the traditional dry-stone walls and the occasional sound of the goat bells echoing through the olive trees.
Overnight in Rethymno
Driving | 1:00 hour / 48km
Hiking | 3 hours / 5,5km – Elevation Gain/Loss 268m./136m.
Day 7: Preveli beach trail
The Preveli Beach hiking trail is one of the most stunning coastal walks in Crete, offering a dramatic transition from rugged cliffs to a tropical palm oasis.
This trail follows the banks of the river through the lower section of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. We will walk through olive groves and along high ridges that offer views deep into the canyon, and finally at the palm beach where you can swim in the refreshing waters of the river or the salty Libyan sea.
Overnight in Chania
Driving | 50 minutes / 30 km
Hiking | 3:20 hours / 7,5klm – Elevation Gain/Loss 269m./269m
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 making 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
- 3 Dinners on D1, D3 & D7
- 1 Lunch on D5
- Entrance fees in Samaria National park
- All group transfers during the trip
- Daily luggage transfers
- Hotels Sustainability fee
Not Included
- Flights to & from Crete
- Your meals and drinks (lunches & dinners that they are not mentioned above)
- Your Personal expenses
- Extra transfers beyond the itinerary group transfers
- Everything not clearly mentioned above
- Gratuities
