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8-Day West Crete Gorges

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Overview

Prepare your walking boots and follow along the most scenic Crete hiking trails on this 8-day itinerary which will take you around the picturesque gorges that are found in the western part of the island.

With more that 400 gorges dotted around the island, you'll be spoilt for choice on where to hike! This walking trip features one of the most popular attractions in Crete, the Samaria Gorge, as well as numerous lesser-known (but equally beautiful) trails like Karanos and Deliana Gorges.

Spend time in nature, take in the spectacular panoramas and take a dip in the turquoise waters surrounding the island on this hiking itinerary. If you love the outdoors and are looking to experience Crete in a unique way, this trip is perfect for you!
Hiking & Trekking
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Crete!

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Welcome to Crete!

Arrive today at Chania International Airport and take a bus transfer to your hotel in Kissamos, which is an hour-long journey. After you have checked into your accommodation, there will be a welcome dinner at the Cellar Taverna in the evening, which is situated right on the seafront. This family-run taverna of over 20 years has an excellent reputation for its fresh fish and seafood speciality dishes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    The Cellar Tavern

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis" to Kissamos

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

Day 2

Begin Your Crete Hiking!

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Begin Your Crete Hiking!

Kick-off your hiking week today with a circular walk from Karanos to Kydoni Gorges. Beginning in Karanos the path will lead you up to Kydoni. A shaded and scenic hike, you'll finish the morning in the botanical garden of Crete which is nestled at the foothills of the White Mountains and is home to a plethora of tropical plants, fruit trees and birds.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Karanos and Kydoni Gorges Walk

    Botanical Park and Gardens Of Crete

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Karanos

    Crete Region

Day 3

Sirikari Gorge Walk

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Sirikari Gorge Walk

This morning will start with a visit to a local farmhouse located in a rural village where you will immerse yourself in Cretan life and learn more about how the family here grows their own produce. After, walk uphill to the eco-village of Milia, followed by a hike through the tranquil Sirikari gorge, home to nesting Griffon vultures. An excellent taverna lunch will await you under the grapevines at the end of your walk, where you'll enjoy views of the entire Sirikari gorge.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Village Tour and Sirikari Gorge Walk

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Sirikari

Day 4

Samaria Gorge Hike

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Samaria Gorge Hike

Samaria Gorge is Crete’s' most famous attraction and the longest and most spectacular gorge in Europe. Although it is a long walk, it is a must-do whilst on the island. You will start your hike at around 8:30 am and after approximately 6 hours of walking you will arrive at the southern coast, where there will be time to swim in the crystal clear Libyan Sea before returning to the hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Samaria Gorge Hike

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Crete Region

Day 5

Free Day in Crete

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Free Day in Crete

Today you have a full day at your leisure to enjoy Crete as you please, giving you time to explore some other parts of the island if you wish. Enjoy a relaxed beach day at Seitan Limania, a great spot to chill out and enjoy the sparkling Aegean Sea. If you're looking for a more adventurous activity, the hike around Balos Lagoon provides some spectacular views. History buffs can visit the archaeological site in Heraklion, where you'll find centuries-old frescoes and baths.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    CreteOptional Activity

    HeraklionOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Agia Pelagia

    Heraklion

Day 6

Walking in Deliana and Roka Gorges

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Walking in Deliana and Roka Gorges

Today you will walk around 12 kilometres to Deliana and Roka Gorges. Two impressive gorges, these spectacular locations offer frescoed churches and delightful little villages within them. These gorges are also home to the impressive Griffon vultures which you will be sure to see on your walk. In the spring, you will also see Dragon Arums, stunning black flowers.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hike to Deliana Gorge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Crete Region

Day 7

Agia Irini Gorge

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Agia Irini Gorge

A wonderful place to visit if you have already walked Samaria, Agia Irini Gorge is a lot less crowded and has its own charm and character. A peaceful and stunning gorge, you'll pass through the White Mountains and follow the trail that leads to the shores of the Libyan Sea. Enjoy a refreshing swim and some lunch before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Agia Irini Gorge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

    Agia Eirini

Day 8

Departure From Chania

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Departure From Chania

Your Crete hiking adventure has come to an end. We hope that your legs are tired and your hearts full!
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Chania airport by bus in time to catch your departing flight home.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunny Bay Hotel3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Sunny Bay Hotel to Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis"

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kissamos

Included in Price

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • 6 activities
  • 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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