Daily itinerary 8 days
West & South-West Crete
Day 1. Arrival at Chania airport, by
18.00 at the latest.
Transfer to our hotel in
Kissamos.
Day 2. The first walking day brings us to the peninsula of
Rodopou.
A circular walk with, amongst others, the villages of Ravdoucha and Melissourgio. We walk partly along the coast with spectacular views on the peninsula of Gramvousa and the bay of Kissamos (Kastelli).
Also a visit to the monastery of Gonia, known for its resistance against the Turks and also active in WW II.
In the afternoon we walk to the bay of Balos.
Not more than half an hour walking time, but not less than 445 steps downhill, to reach the turquoise waters of the
Balos lagoon, where we have the opportunity to swim.
Walking time 3.5 hours – 150 m up- and downhill.
In afternoon 2 x half an hour walking time and 155 m↑↓
Day 3. A circular walk through the green
gorge of Tsichliana.
We walk uphill to the village of Sirikari. Then, we descend through an imposing gorge with steep cliffs.
In the afternoon we visit the antique Dorian city of
Polirinia. The walls of the acropolis are situated high on a hill, where the views on the penisulas of Gramvousa and Podopou are breathtaking.
Walking time 4 hours - 300 m up- and downhill
Day 4. En route to the next place we will stay,
Paleochora, we walk from the village of Mouri to that of Katsomatados.
First amongst olive groves, then uphill through a short gorge and with great views on the surrounding area.
Next we descend to where we will have lunch.
We will also visit a small cave with a chapel, dedicated to
Agia Sophia.
Walking time 4 hours – 150 m uphill, 300 m downhill
Day 5. A walk from
Azogires to
Anidri.
We use sheep tracks, old foot paths and dirt roads with great views over the Libyan Sea and a valley lower down.
In Azogires we visit the local museum. After a brief pause in Anidri, we continue our walk via a short gorge towards the sea.
Walking time 4 hours – 150 m up- and downhill
Day 6. Today we walk to
Elafonisi, famous for its pink sandy beaches.
We cross rather desolate hills and pass several small bays (a swim?). Uphill and down, sometimes via small tracks but always with a sea view. Then we walk amidst juniper bushes which are protected under Natura 2000. In Elafonisi there will be plenty of time to swim and enjoy the area, before we sail back to Paleochora.
Walking time 4 uur - 180 m up- and downhill
Day 7. As the finishing touch of this week, one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete: the
Irini gorge.
Only 7 km long, but a very attractive one with its rich vegetation, steep cliffs and some very narrow passages! In
Sougia there is the opportunity to swim, before we sail back to Paleochora.
Walking time 3 + 1 uur - 550 m downhill
Day 8. After breakfast it is time to say goodbye and leave for the airport in Chania.
N.B. Due to the distance to the airport, your return flight should not be earlier than
11.00 in the morning!
Date in 2020 Saturday September 12 - Saturday September 19
Price 625 € per person; Single supplement 75 €
Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.
