This walking holiday in Crete allows you to explore the western part of the island, where you discover its majestic mountains, breathtaking gorges, charming remote villages, and picturesque coastline, including Elafonisi island, renowned for its pink sand and clear waters.
- Hike the Samaria Gorge
- Stay in traditional villages
- Walk in varied landscapes
- See the pink sand beaches of Elafonisi
- Swim & relax on beaches
Discover Crete through the enchanting landscapes where ancient history intertwines with breathtaking natural beauty during this self-guided walking holiday, from ancient ruins, charming villages, and awe-inspiring panoramic views. Hiking in Crete offers plenty of highlights to the avid walker including Imbros, Samaria and Anydri gorges, Elafonisi island and the historic village of Anopolis. The hikes are typically on paths or coastal trails, with mixed terrain from gravel or natural pathways to sections of loose rock and shingle.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival day
Upon arrival at Chania Airport, a transfer takes you to your hotel in Chania. If time permits after your flight lands, you can explore the harbour town of Chania or relax on one of its beaches.
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Day 2: Trek from Imbros Gorge to Chora Sfakion or Loutro
After a transfer, today’s trek takes you through the Imbros Gorge. Following the trail, you pass fig, cypress and almond trees. When reaching Chora Sfakion, you can either take a local ferry to Loutro or continue along the coastal path to Loutro, which extends the walk by seven kilometres.
Walking distance: 10 kilometres | Ascent: 75 metres | Descent: 695 metres
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Day 3: Trek from Anopolis & Aradhena Gorge
A zigzag path takes you to the village of Anopolis, from here you head to the ancient town of Aradhena before following the coastal path to Loutro. Along the route, there's the possibility of swimming at Marmara Beach and seeing Griffon vultures.
Walking distance: 15 kilometres | Ascent: 1,040 metres | Descent: 1,040 metres
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Day 4: Trek from Marmara to Agia Roumeli
After a boat trip to Marma Beach, follow part of the E4 hiking trail, before arriving at the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos. Continue along the trail until reaching Ag. Roumeli, where you can unwind, and enjoy another swim. The hike ends with a ferry to Sougia.
Walking distance: 15 kilometres | Ascent: 270 metres | Descent: 255 metres
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Day 5: Day at leisure
Today is spent at leisure, allowing you to relax on Sougia Beach or explore the town and surrounding area independently.
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Day 6: Trek Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge, the second longest in Europe, is home to approximately 450 unique plant species. The hike commences from the village of Omalos, and covers a distance of 16 kilometres until reaching the seashore and village of Agia Roumeli. The first six kilometres of the walk has steep sections as you descend. Upon reaching Agia Roumeli, you can enjoy a refreshing swim before taking the ferry back to Sougia.
Walking distance: 15 kilometres | Descent: 1,230 metres
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Day 7: Trek from Lisso to Palaiochora
Today, set off on a coastal trek past stunning beaches, enchanting coves, and passing the remarkable archaeological site of Lissos. The trek leads you to the tranquil beach of Gialiskari, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The last part of the hike follows a mostly flat coastal path until reaching Palaiochora.
Walking distance: 15 kilometres | Ascent: 470 metres | Descent: 470 metres
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Day 8: Trek from Azogires to Palaiochora
A taxi takes you to the charming village of Azogires, a village steeped in history. Embark on a hike along a scenic trail, passing by a magnificent waterfall, a beautiful Venetian stone bridge, and the 'Monastery of the 99 Monks'. The journey continues through the Anidri Gorge, before reaching Palaiochora.
Walking distance: 10 kilometres | Ascent: 100 metres | Descent: 445 metres
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Day 9: Trek from Palaiochora to Elafonisi
Follow the E4 hiking trail to the breathtaking Elafonisi. After walking through a shallow part of the sea, you arrive at the stunning island. Elafonisi peninsula is a true gem of nature, once there, take your time to unwind, discover the hidden coves and stroll along the pink sandy beach. In the early evening, return by boat to Palaiochora.
Walking distance: 10 kilometres | Ascent: 245 metres | Descent: 250 metres
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Day 10: Departure day
You have free time to relax before a transfer to the airport in time for your flight.
Please note: You have the option to book this amazing holiday with a combination of transfers, some of which can be purchased locally. Alternatively, we can include all transfers and ferry tickets for an extra fee. If you wish to extend your holiday, we can add extra nights in the beautiful resorts you stay in as part of the holiday, allowing you more time to explore or simply unwind and relax - contact us to find out more.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 10 days from £1,059 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 days from £1,359 per person
- Single room supplement: From £300
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: 1,230m
- Min people: 2
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights, apartment x 2 nights
- 7 x breakfasts
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 4 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
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| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2026 | From 1 Apr to 30 Apr | £1,059 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 1 May to 30 Jun | £1,159 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 1 Sep to 30 Sep | £1,159 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 1 Oct to 31 Oct | £1,059 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
