West of Crete Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Chania

Upon your arrival to Crete, you will transfer from Chania airport to your hotel. Those who choose to fly into Heraklion airport will have a transfer to Heraklion Town included, but must book their own transfer to Chania to begin the tour (2.5-3.5h by bus).

After arriving in the most beautiful city in Crete, you will notice the stunning Venetian architecture, Turkish district and janissary mosque, Venetian port, and museums. Take some time to explore, wandering in the alleys, along the port, or simply hang around at the terrace of a café before turning in for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chania
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Chania to Paleochora

Today you will take a two-hour bus ride to Paleochora (not included), which is a charming Cretan seaside village. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisure day immersed in the Cretan atmosphere. Relax on the beautiful sandy beach, swim, and explore the village that is dominated by the ruins of Castello Selino, a 1279 Venetian construction.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paleochora
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Visit the Lagoon of Elafonissi

Head to Krio beach (transfer included) for the commencement of your hiking adventure. Here, you will follow the coastal path to Elafonissi, passing by the charming Agios Ioannis white chapel. Elafonissi’s turquoise lagoon and pink sand rank it among Crete’s most stunning seaside locations, though it can get crowded in the summer. Return to Paleochora with included transportation.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paleochora
Distance: 9km, 180m of ascent, 180m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Hike from Paleochora to Sougia

Today you will embark on a magnificent coastal hike that ascends to a plateau, before descending through a gorge to the ancient Lyssos. Rich in Greek and Roman remnants, Lyssos is a historian’s paradise. Accessible solely by sea or foot, its emerald cove and port create a lush oasis. After, continue through the shady gorges of Selinou, where you will reach the picturesque village of Sougia with its port and beaches.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sougia
Distance: 14km, 450m of ascent, 450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Rest Day in Sougia or Day Hike to Pikilassos

Today you will have the option to either take a day of rest on the splendid beach of Sougia or set out on a coastal hike towards the church of Agios Antonios and the site of Pikilassos, which is a small Cretan fishing village. There, you can swim in paradise and make the return trip to Sougia by foot or taxi-boat (not included). You can also decide to make the most of the village and of its beach.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sougia
Distance: 10km, 500m of ascent, 490m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Explore he Agia Irini Gorges

After breakfast you will make your way to the Agia Irini gorge’s starting point (5 km), which can be done either on foot or by transfer (not included). On the hike, you will ascend the Agia Irini gorge, characterized by its wilder terrain compared to Samaria. Lush greenery lines the streambed with plane trees and oleanders; occasionally the water in the gorge flows until July.

After, you can either continue walking to Omalos village or arrange a transfer (not included; coordinate with the hotel in advance), reaching the plateau amidst grazing sheep. If you choose to walk directly to Omalos, add 2 hours and a 400 m ascent to the day’s activities.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Omalos
Distance: 12km, 610m of ascent, 30m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Climb Gingilos (2,080m)

Begin the day with a transfer to the starting point for climbing Gingilos (2,080 m), which offers commanding views of Omalos plateau, Samaria gorges, the Aegean Sea to the north, and the Libyan Sea to the south. This captivating hike gradually reveals its beauty, with the final steep section offering splendid vistas. Opt for a route leading to the Kallergi mountain refuge (1,650 m) for a breathtaking perspective of the Samaria gorges. Return to Omalos on foot or by taxi (not included).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Omalos
Distance: 4km, 780m of ascent, 100m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 The Samaria Gorges

After breakfast, enjoy a brief transfer to Xyloskalo (included). This is the starting point of the renowned Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO-classified 16 km-long marvel. Descend through this breathtaking gorge to the village of Agia Roumeli on the southern coast, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. Note that the Samaria Gorge is open from May 1st to October 15th. If closed or due to inclement weather, a morning transfer to Sougia (approximately 1 hour, included) and a ferry journey (not included, around €12/person) to Agia Roumeli (departure at 09:20 am, arrival at 10 am) provide an alternative for exploration.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agia Roumeli
Distance: 15km, no ascent, 1277m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Agia Roumeli to Loutro

Today you will embark on a coastal hike that passes Agios Pavlos, a site with a 12th-century chapel believed to be where St. Paul landed and baptized the first Christians in the West. After, you will continue on to Loutro, an isolated village on the seaside that clings to the mountainside.

Throughout the hike, you will have the chance to alternate between walking and swimming, especially at Lykos beach with its turquoise waters and ancient Phoenix with a small port near Loutro. A taxi-boat can directly take you from the marble-slabs beach to Loutro. Explore the Venetian fort overseeing the sea and village. Loutro is exclusively accessible by sea or on foot.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Loutro
Distance: 14km, 300m of ascent, 300m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 The Aradena Gorges

Day 10 of the tour will see you set out on a stunning journey from Loutro, ascending to the olive tree-covered plateau of Anapoli where a rewarding panoramic view of the entire coast awaits. Take a moment at Anapoli to savor the mountain atmosphere in a local tavern. The return path winds through the deep gorges of Aradena, a haven for wild goats (kri kri), leading back to Loutro. For a shorter hike, descend to the gorge’s lower part via Livaniana village. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely day in Loutro with walks, swims at the marble beach, and visits to the Venetian fort in this idyllic setting.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Loutro
Distance: 16km, 860m of ascent, 860m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Return to Chania

Today you will be able to enjoy some free time to explore or relax before taking the boat to Hora Sfakion (not included), then a regular bus back to Chania (not included).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chania
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Departure Day

Take one final morning to enjoy breakfast on Crete prior to your departure. Depending on the departure time of your flight, you might have some free time before making the transfer to Chania airport (included).
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast