Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion (or Chania)

Transfer independently to our hotel near the Venetian port and within walking distance of the city center. Welcome drink and introduction to the week’s program. Dinner at a lively city restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. D

Day 2: Chora Sfakion – Loutro

Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / -200 m | Hiking time: 2h | Distance: 7 km

After breakfast, private minibus transfer to the south coast to the village of Chora Sfakion. Lunch on the port, then departure for Loutro. Hike along a spectacular coastal trail for about two hours. Midway, stop at Sweet Water Beach, famous for its freshwater springs right on the sand, nestled under vertical cliffs over 800 m high. Arrival in Loutro, a stunning village accessible only by foot or boat. B,L,D

Day 3: Loutro – Anopolis – Aradena Gorge – Marmara Beach

Elevation gain/loss: +690 m / -670 m | Hiking time: 5h | Distance: 17 km
This day is a highlight for scenic beauty. Hike behind our accommodation up a lovely trail to Agia Ekaterini Church with panoramic views of Loutro Bay 650 m below. Continue through the village of Anopolis to the entrance of Aradena Gorge, featuring an impressive suspension bridge
The descent is wild and stunning, with pink laurel in bloom. Arrival at Marmara Beach is a must, with a bar and swimming opportunity. Return to Loutro by boat. B,L,D

Day 4: Loutro – Agia Roumeli

Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -400 m | Hiking time: 5h | Distance: 15 km
Follow the E4 trail along the coast at the foot of the mountains. The route passes pebble beaches, a remarkable Byzantine chapel, a small pine forest providing shade, and a welcoming taverna. Arrival at Agia Roumeli, a remote seaside village at the entrance of Samaria Gorge. A beautiful and easy coastal trail, considered one of Crete’s finest. B,L,D

Day 5: Hiking Up Samaria Gorge

Elevation gain/loss: +1160 m / -50 m | Hiking time: 5h30 | Distance: 19 km
Hike through Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge and Crete’s most famous, part of a National Park. Most hikers descend, but we ascend for a quieter experience, enjoying the first three-quarters of the hike ahead of the crowds. Stop for lunch away from the crowds. Pass the Iron Gates, narrow 3-meter-wide vertical cliffs, and the abandoned village of Samaria. Finish the ascent through forested terrain to Xyloskalo at the gorge summit. Short transfer to Omalos Plateau for the night. B,L,D

Day 6: Omalos – Agia Irini Gorge – Sougia

Elevation gain/loss: +130 m / -1000 m | Hiking time: 5h | Distance: 20 km
Cross the Omalos Plateau (1200 m) and follow a mule track with stone retaining walls down to Agia Irini Gorge. Smaller than Samaria and Aradena but with lush upper vegetation and narrow passages further along, making for an enjoyable hike. Well-maintained trail with rest areas and fountains leads through the gorge. At the exit, a bar awaits before a short transfer to Sougia, where we stay for 2 nights. B,L,D

Day 7: Sougia – Tripiti – Sougia

Elevation gain/loss: +730 m / -730 m | Hiking time: 5h | Distance: 12 km
From Sougia, spot today’s destination: a chapel perched on a distant promontory to the east. Boat transfer to Tripiti and the gorge entrance. Climb directly to a col and the ruins of a Venetian citadel strategically located. The chapel is just 15 minutes away, perched 400 m above the sea. Coastal trail back to Sougia offers panoramic views of the wild coastline and encounters with wild Kri-Kri goats. B,L,D

Day 8: Sougia – Paleochora – Heraklion

Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -450 m | Hiking time: 4h | Distance: 10 km
Hike through a romantic, wild gorge with pink laurels, an arid plateau, and panoramic coastal paths. Pass the archaeological site of Lissos, rediscovered in the 1950s, an ancient thermal and minting site. End at Sandy Beach for a final swim and a well-deserved drink. Private transfer in the afternoon to Heraklion or Chania for a celebratory dinner. B,L,D

Day 9: End of Stay

Breakfast at the hotel. End of trek. Independent transfer to the airport for departure or extension of your holiday. B

B: breakfast | L: lunch | D: dinner
Note: For safety reasons, terrain conditions, or weather, the guide may modify the itinerary.

Self-guided hiking tour organized and led by a certified Mountain Guide.

The trek is moderate to moderately challenging on some sections, with 4 to 6 hours of walking per day on mostly well-maintained trails, though some paths can be rocky or exposed in the gorges and along coastal routes. Good physical condition and sturdy hiking or trail shoes are required. Trekking poles are recommended but not mandatory.

You carry a light daypack with your essentials (camera, water, picnic, spare clothes), except on Day 5 at Omalos, where you must carry gear for 2 days due to no access to your luggage. Picnic lunches with local products or stops in small tavernas punctuate your days.

Private transfers: hotel in Heraklion (or Chania) → Chora Sfakion (~2h30) and Paleochora → Heraklion or Chania (~3h).

Transfers during the hike: Samaria Gorge summit → hotel at Omalos, Irini Gorge exit → Sougia.

Boat transfers: Marmara Beach → Loutro and Sougia → Tripiti (small boats, ~20 seats).

LUGGAGE

Your luggage is transported by ferry from accommodation to accommodation, except for the night at Omalos, where you must carry your belongings for 2 days.

3* hotel in Heraklion or Chania on the first and last night.

Loutro: 2 nights in quiet apartments/villa or hotel.

Agia Roumeli: family-run hotel by the beach.

Omalos Plateau: night in a family mountain hotel.

Sougia: 2 nights in apartments or hotel.

Single rooms require a special request due to limited accommodation capacity at some locations.

*Information subject to availability.

Potable water is available everywhere; bottled water can also be purchased in small shops.

Local cuisine: fresh vegetables, lamb, fish, and fruits.
Included meals:

Breakfast (B): coffee/tea, juice, bread, butter, jam, eggs, yogurt with fruit, depending on the accommodation.

Picnics (L): prepared with fresh local products, sometimes enjoyed in a local tavern.

Dinners (D): at the hotel or a local restaurant, with multiple choices of starters and main courses, dessert, and raki.

Lefka Ori / Sfakia: TOP 25 Crete 11.11 – 11.12, 1:25,000, Anavasi
Samaria / Sougia: TOP 25 Crete 11.13, 1:25,000, Anavasi

Euro (€).

ATMs available in Heraklion, Hania, Chora Sfakion, and Sougia.

Bring cash for purchases in more remote areas (souvenirs, drinks, etc.).