Discounted

Walking in Crete

Greece - Trip code CR Walking and Trekking
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
166Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Get a step closer to island life on our walking tour of Crete. Discover isolated beaches, secluded coves, and impressive canyons as you walk and hike through the island's most-icon landscapes. Take on routes through the White Mountains and Samaria and Zaros Gorges, then, at the end of the day, refuel with traditional Greek grub in local tavernas.

Why we love this trip
  • Samaria Gorge - Put your walking boots to the test with a rewarding hike through Europe's longest gorge.
  • Discover Loutro - Take a boat trip along the coast to explore the picturesque remote fishing village.
  • Cretan hospitality - Enjoy a typically Cretan welcome, sampling traditional food and rubbing shoulders with locals.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Ferry

    Taxi

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Walking grade:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip at Heraklion Airport. Drive to Zaros

Our trip begins at Heraklion Airport (HER) at 4.00pm in the arrivals hall. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. Your tour leader will be waiting in the hall with an Explore signboard at the exit doors from the immigration/luggage retrieval area. Please be aware that they may be waiting to greet both customers whose flight has just arrived as well as those who arrived earlier, so they may be looking in a different direction to the one you're approaching from.

After meeting up we will then travel together as a group (50 kilometre/31 miles, approximately 1 hour) to our hotel for the night in Zaros in the rugged Idi Mountains. After check in the Leader will organise timings for the welcome meeting, and a group meal for those interested.

Zaros is a charming village located at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. It's known for its natural beauty, including the nearby freshwater Lake Zaros, which is a popular spot to enjoying the serene atmosphere. The village is also famous for its bottled spring water, sourced from the local springs and its traditional products, including olive oil, honey, and local herbs. Here you can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, in one of its tavernas.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walk the Rouvas Gorge

Today we head out on our first walk. After a short drive to our start point we begin with a 40-minute descent along a dirt road, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Rouvas Forest, a site of great ecological significance. This unique habitat is home to several native species of flora and fauna, including the Cretan kefalanthiro, a rare indigenous orchid. The forest is also populated by trees found only on Crete, particularly the Quercus coccifera (kermes oak), which has perfectly adapted to the environment. Alongside the oaks, we'll also see maples, cypresses, pines, and plane trees.

Upon reaching Agios Ioannis, a plateau in the heart of Rouvas, we'll be greeted by ancient trees, some of which are estimated to be around a thousand years old. This is a perfect spot to refill water bottles and take a short rest before continuing our hike.

From here, the trail follows the Rouvas River, where the canyon gradually narrows, and the vegetation becomes denser. Along the route, we'll find wooden benches for resting and navigate a mix of terrain, including sections where we cross boulders on the canyon floor and traverse wooden bridges. After approximately 90 minutes, we reach a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Zaros Lake area.

The trail then continues along a short section with sheer drops to the side, before we re-enter the forest. Passing by a historic monastery, we make our way toward Zaros Lake, our final destination. Here, we'll take a well-deserved break by the tranquil waters before descending back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

Today's 9 kilometre/5.6 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around four and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Visit ancient olive tree, Preveil monastery en route to Chora Sfaklion

Today we begin with a visit to the Mother Olive Tree, an incredible 2,800-year-old olive tree, where we have time to take photos and appreciate its ancient beauty. It is s short walk there and back of around 3 kilometres in total. After spending some time at this remarkable site, we return to the bus and continue our journey to Spili, a charming mountain village known for its Venetian-era fountains and traditional shops. Here, we have time to enjoy lunch, coffee, or browse for souvenirs before heading toward the south coast.

Our next stop is the historic Preveli Monastery, perched on a hill with stunning views of the Libyan Sea. After exploring the monastery and its fascinating history, we continue our journey to Chora Sfakion, a picturesque coastal village. Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel, with time to relax, swim in the sea, and enjoy a leisurely dinner by the waterfront.

Today's 3 kilometre/1.8 mile leisurely grade walk is expected to take around one hour.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Walk the Imbros Gorge

Today, we set off on a 30-minute drive to the starting point of Imbros Gorge, one of Crete's most scenic and accessible gorges. Beginning in the village of Imbros, we take a short walk to the entrance booth to purchase tickets before starting our descent. The trail winds gently southward, offering a comfortable yet rocky path that requires careful footing.

The gorge narrows to less than two metres wide at one dramatic point, creating an enclosed, almost otherworldly atmosphere. With plenty of shade from trees and towering cliffs rising on either side, it's an ideal environment to spot native plants and flowers up close. About 110 minutes into the walk, we pass a striking natural stone arch, a key landmark along the route. From here, the gorge begins to widen slightly, and after another 15 minutes, we arrive in the village of Komitades, where several traditional tavernas offer a chance to relax and refresh.

After our walk, a 15-minute drive takes us back to the hotel, where we can unwind after a rewarding day of exploring Crete's natural beauty.

Today's 8 kilometre/5 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around three hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Coastal Walk from Chora Sfakion to Loutro and Boat to Agia Roumeli

While our luggage is delivered to the next hotel, we set off on a stunning coastal walk from Chora Sfakion to Loutro, following a well-marked section of the E4 hiking trail. The first 30 minutes take us along the road before we join the scenic footpath. This stretch of the trail offers spectacular views of the Libyan Sea, with glimpses of Gavdos Island in the distance.

The first milestone is Glyka Nera Beach, a 1 kilometres descent of approximately 95 metres down a rocky, single-file path with steep drop-offs, making for an exhilarating walk above the sea. As we continue, the trail ascends again, offering a mix of exposed sections and flatter terrain, winding past small, secluded beaches along the coastline. The landscape is wild and dramatic, with chalky, dry terrain underfoot, leading us to the charming former fishing village of Loutro, a place untouched by road access.

From Loutro, we take a boat to Agia Roumeli, a journey of 16 kilometres (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour), enjoying the stunning coastal views from the water before arriving at our next destination.

Today's 7 kilometre/4.5 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around three and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Hiking Up the Samaria Gorge

Today's hike takes us up the Samaria Gorge, one of Crete's most famous natural wonders. Covering 15 kilometres over 5 to 7 hours, this challenging trek involves rough, uneven terrain, steep ascents, stone steps, and stepping stones across the river in the spring season.

Starting from Agia Roumeli, the first 2 kilometres are along a flat road leading to the lower entrance of the gorge. From here, we follow the rocky riverbed for another 2 kilometres, passing through the Iron Gates, the gorge's narrowest section. The path then begins a steady ascent, weaving along the riverbed and crossing wooden bridges where water flows.

At the halfway point, we reach the abandoned village of Samaria, a perfect spot to rest, enjoy a snack, and refill water bottles. Beyond this, the trail becomes steeper, climbing 300 metres over the next 2.5 kilomtres to reach the Agios Nikolaos rest stop. From here, a final 2 kilometre ascent takes us up a steep switchback trail, originally built in Ottoman times, gaining 600 metres in elevation before reaching the gorge's upper exit.

Throughout the hike, we are surrounded by towering cliffs, lush landscapes, Byzantine ruins, and plenty of water points to keep us refreshed. The Samaria Gorge is open only from May to October, making this a truly special experience in Crete's rugged interior.

Today's 15 kilometre/9.3 mile Challenging grade walk is expected to take around six and a half hours with 1,250 metres/4,100 feet of ascent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Exploring Chania

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to Chania, one of Crete's most charming and historic cities. Upon arrival, we drop our bags at the hotel before heading out for a walking tour of the city with our tour leader.

Chania is renowned for its Venetian Harbour, picturesque alleyways, and rich cultural history influenced by the Venetians, Ottomans, and Greeks. Our walk takes us through the Old Town, where we explore its narrow cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and hidden courtyards. We pass by landmarks such as the Firka Fortress, the Grand Arsenal, and the Mosque of the Janissaries, Crete's oldest Ottoman building. Along the way, we'll see bustling markets, charming cafés, and local artisan shops.

After the tour, we return to the hotel for check-in at 3:00 PM, with time to relax and soak in the city's lively atmosphere. The rest of the day is free to explore further, enjoy a seaside meal, or wander along the waterfront as the sun sets over the harbour.

Today's 5 kilometre/3 mile leisurely grade walk is expected to take around one and a half hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Chania

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Chania.

There are no activities planned today, so you' re free to depart from Chania at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you' d like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Chania Airport (CHQ), which is about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Greece

Climate

Greece has such a vast geographical difference between the mainland and the islands, and travel is possible at all times of year but the climate can vary depending on when you go. During late spring or early autumn, in the months of April-May or September-October, temperatures are warm and pleasant, usually hovering around 77 degrees. Rainfall is low, but can be erratic during these months. Cooler evenings take the heat off the day. If you have booked a walking holiday, wild flowers bloom during the spring, adding color to the hiking trails. Summers are hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. Temperatures can go north of 95 degrees in July and August. On the islands, restaurants and bars may be busy with cruise ship passengers. While this period definitely gives you a ‘summer holiday’ feeling, those wishing to explore Greece’s ancient sites may find the heat challenging. When traveling in winter, from late November to early March, the villages will be very quiet. Temperatures in Athens at this time are around 50 and 60 degrees, while the nights will be colder. Hotels in northern Greece in particular are well adapted to deal with cold winters, having proper heating and warm fires to retreat to after a day of exploring. This makes it a good destination for travel between November-March.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Orthodox

Language

Greek

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Loutro - Water taxi to nearby beaches €7 approx.
Ferry from Agia Roumeli to Loutro - €13
Cooking Lesson - €15

Heraklion airport - luggage storage €6 for 6 hours, €11.50 for 24 hours, Public airport bus from city centre €2 (from main bus station, 20-3 30 minutes' drive) or taxi to the airport is €20 (10 minute's drive)
17

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

We recommend you bring lightweight walking boots with ankle support, make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water. You will be carrying only your day bag during the walks and main luggage shall be transported from hotel to hotel by car.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Greece

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£12.00 - 16.00
Beer price
£3.5
Water price
£0.9
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP Sterling or US Dollars, cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATMs from all types of cards in most areas in Greece, including the islands.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Ferry, Taxi

Accommodation notes

During this trip, we'll use a mix of simple and comfortable accommodation. As is the nature of hotels in this part of the Mediterranean, the size and standard of rooms can vary. Rooms are generally decorated in a plain style with private bathrooms, and some have a balcony or terrace.
We try to use smaller, family-run hotels and pensions that give us an authentic experience but don't offer the same luxuries as larger chain hotels. In Agia Roumeli, we'll stay in a family-run property on the beach. The en-suite rooms are plainly decorated with minimal furnishings.

Greece

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Greece: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

1400

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Greece

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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