Hiking in Crete – From the Samaria Gorge to the Lassithi Plateau
Hiking in Crete – From the Samaria Gorge to the Lassithi Plateau
Discover Crete on foot, following ancient donkey trails across the Lassithi Plateau and hiking through fertile valleys framed by steep cliffs, flowering oleander, fragrant wild herbs and ancient olive trees. The spectacular Rouvas and Samaria Gorges are highlights of this walking holiday and require a good level of fitness. The other hikes are generally of moderate difficulty.
Along the way, there is plenty of time to relax on beautiful beaches or enjoy a coffee in a traditional Greek café. Explore the fascinating history and legends of the Palace of Knossos, and discover the authentic flavours of Crete with a visit to an olive press or a taste of local cheese at a shepherd’s farm.
This is the perfect journey for anyone who wants to experience Crete’s diverse landscapes, culture and cuisine through active exploration.
Highlights
- Discover Crete’s highlights: Samaria Gorge, the Lassithi Plateau, Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and the Palace of Knossos
- Spectacular hiking routes: Explore some of Crete’s finest mountain and coastal trails
- A variety of hiking levels: Mostly moderate walks, plus two challenging hikes lasting up to six and a half hours
- Authentic accommodation: Stay in a traditional mountain village, picturesque Chania and by the beach
- Local food and culture: Enjoy several included meals, including three dinners in traditional tavernas and a picnic
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Hiking in Crete – 10 Days of Gorges, Mountains, Villages and the Mediterranean
Hiking in Crete – 10 Days of Gorges, Mountains, Villages and the Mediterranean
Tour operator: Studiosus Reisen
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Crete
Travel by first-class rail to the departure airport, followed by a flight to Heraklion. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore the historic old town or relax at a traditional café with a refreshing Greek frappé. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local taverna and discover the flavours of Cretan cuisine.
Overnight: Heraklion. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: From Knossos to the Mountains
Begin your walking holiday with a hike through the Knossanos Gorge and the fertile countryside around Mount Juktas. Vineyards, cypress trees and ancient plane trees line the route.
Afterwards, visit the legendary Palace of Knossos, a major archaeological site associated with King Minos and the Minotaur. Continue into the impressive Ida Mountains to the village of Zaros. Meet a local weaver and learn about traditional Cretan textiles, colours and patterns.
Dinner is served at the hotel’s family-run restaurant, featuring local produce and traditional recipes.
Walking: Approx. 2.5 hours, moderate; ascent 250 m, descent 150 m.
Overnight: Zaros, for two nights. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Hiking Through the Rouvas Gorge
Today’s hike begins near Gergeri and leads towards the chapel of Agios Ioannis before descending through the beautiful Rouvas Gorge. Expect pine forests, aromatic thyme and sage, dramatic rock formations and refreshing mountain streams.
At Lake Votomos, enjoy a picnic featuring local specialities such as olives, tomatoes and sheep’s cheese. The afternoon is free to explore Zaros, take a leisurely walk or relax by the hotel pool.
Walking: Approx. 4 hours, moderate to challenging; descent approx. 600 m.
Overnight: Zaros. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.
Day 4: Ancient Gortyna and the Beach at Matala
Discover the Roman heritage of ancient Gortyna, including the Basilica of St Titus and its remarkable ancient legal inscription. Continue with a walk through the surrounding olive-growing countryside, enjoying the Mediterranean vegetation and rural scenery.
The route ends at Matala, where there is time to relax on the beach or swim in the sea. On the way to Chania, stop in Spili, a picturesque village known for its historic fountain decorated with Venetian lion heads. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Cretan taverna.
Walking: Approx. 2 hours, moderate; ascent 100 m, descent 150 m.
Overnight: Chania, for three nights. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: The Spectacular Samaria Gorge
Experience one of Crete’s most famous natural landmarks: the Samaria Gorge. The demanding descent takes you between towering limestone cliffs, through a dramatic landscape of narrow passages and rugged mountain scenery, towards the coast.
At Agia Roumeli, enjoy a well-earned break by the beach before taking a boat to Chora Sfakion and returning by coach to Chania.
If weather conditions make the Samaria route unsuitable, an alternative hike through the Imbros Gorge may be arranged.
Walking: Approx. 6.5 hours, challenging; descent approx. 1,200 m. Alternative: approx. 3 hours, moderate.
Overnight: Chania. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6: Mountain Forests in Western Crete
Explore the quieter mountain landscapes of western Crete on a trail through the Tsichlianas Gorge. The route passes plane trees, holm oaks and oleanders before reaching Polyrinia, where panoramic views open across Kissamos Bay.
Back in Chania, the afternoon is free for sightseeing, shopping or enjoying a coffee in the atmospheric old town. In the evening, sample a selection of Greek mezedes at a local taverna.
Walking: Approx. 2.5 hours, moderate; ascent 250 m, descent 100 m.
Overnight: Chania. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: The Mili Gorge and Historic Rethymno
Walk through the lush Mili Gorge, a green valley with streams, walnut trees and the remains of old watermills. The peaceful surroundings offer a different perspective on Crete’s landscape.
Continue to Rethymno for a stroll through its charming old town, with its narrow streets and Venetian fortress. Take time to sample traditional Greek pastries before travelling to your beach hotel near Heraklion.
The afternoon is free for swimming, relaxing by the pool or enjoying the beach.
Walking: Approx. 2 hours, easy; ascent 50 m, descent 350 m.
Overnight: Ammoudara, for three nights. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Olive Oil, Ancient Trails and the Bay of Mirabello
Visit the Vassilakis family olive press and learn about the challenges and traditions of organic olive cultivation. A tasting introduces you to local olive oil and other regional specialities.
Later, follow an ancient trail towards the village of Flamouriana, passing carob and almond trees and fragrant herbs. After a break in the harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, continue to Elounda for a boat trip with views towards Spinalonga, the island known for its former leper colony.
Walking: Approx. 1.5 hours, easy; descent approx. 150 m.
Overnight: Ammoudara. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Hiking on the Lassithi Plateau
Travel through apple orchards and almond groves to the Lassithi Plateau, a fertile highland region surrounded by mountains. Follow scenic paths through the countryside and stop at a local shepherd’s farm to taste traditionally made mountain cheese.
In Tzermiado, discover village houses and traditional rural scenery. Continue to the peaceful Vidiani Monastery, set among cypress trees, before stopping at Seli Pass for sweeping views across the landscape.
Return to the hotel for a relaxing final evening on Crete.
Walking: Approx. 2 hours, moderate; ascent 250 m, descent 200 m.
Overnight: Ammoudara. Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Departure from Crete
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some final time at the beach or by the hotel pool. Transfer to Heraklion Airport for your return journey. Alternatively, extend your stay with a few extra days by the sea.
Meals: Breakfast.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 10 days
- Destination: Crete, Greece
- Main highlights: Samaria Gorge, Rouvas Gorge, Lassithi Plateau, Knossos, Chania, Rethymno and Matala
- Activity level: Mostly moderate hikes, with two more demanding gorge walks
- Accommodation: City hotel, traditional mountain village hotel and beach hotel
- Experiences: Cretan cuisine, olive oil tasting, traditional crafts, local cheese and historic sites
Booking Enquiries
This walking tour is organised by Studiosus Reisen, a specialist tour operator offering guided cultural and activity holidays.
For information about current departure dates, availability, travel arrangements and prices, please contact Studiosus Reisen or enquire with SportMeeting about suitable walking holidays in Crete.
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