Crete - Gorges of the South-West

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Paleochora, Crete
Arrival in Paleochora by taxi (may be arranged in advance) or by public transport from Chania or Heraklion Airport. From Chania, it takes about 1,5 hrs by taxi; from Heraklion, the taxi ride is about 3,5 hrs. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have time for a first stroll through the pleasant seaside town of Paleochora, whose population of 1800 makes it one of the largest villages on the southwest coast. There is a Venetian fortress and several sandy and rocky beaches - accommodation in Paleochora. -/-/D

Day 2. Walk through the Anidri Gorge
(only May-September, alternative walk from Elafonissos to Paleochora). In the morning, you will be transferred by taxi to the village of Azogires, where your walk starts along the 'Monastery of the 99 Trail. You will encounter a variety of scenery today, including olive groves, the quiet hilltop village of Anidri with a Byzantine church and the famous schoolhouse tavern, the small gorge of Anidri, the tranquil beach of Gialiskari, and a coastal stretch back into Paleochora. You may swim before going back to your hotel—accommodation in Paleochora.
(10,5/10 km,  ascent: 75 m/ 200 m, descent: 450 m/200 m 3/4h) B/-/-

From June to September you may opt for the alternative program for today, including a relaxing ferry journey from Paleochora to the enchanting Elafonissi Lagoon, from where you walk back towards Paleochora along the coast. Ferry runs daily except Sundays from June to September. En route, you will pass beautiful, remote sandy beaches - ideal spots from which to enjoy a refreshing dip. The walk ends at Kryos Beach, where a taxi will pick you up for the transfer back to your hotel. In case ferry is not running, you will have a taxi transfer to Azogires and walk down to Paleochora. Accommodation in Paleochora.

Day 3. Coastal walk: from Paleochora to Sougia
Today's walk starts in Paleochora. You follow a dirt track into an undisturbed natural wilderness, then continue along a stunning coastal path (E4) overlooking the sea. You will pass ancient Lissos, an important harbor for the Dorian city of Elyros, which boasted a population of 30.000 at its peak. In ancient times, people came to Lissos to be cured by the local waters. You can enjoy a picnic lunch on this historic spot and swim in the curative waters before heading further east to Sougia by way of a beautiful narrow gorge. Overnight in Sougia.
(15 km,  ascent: 375 m, descent: 375 m 5h) B/-/-

Day 4. Mountain walk: from Sougia to Omalos plateau
Today, you traverse two impressive gorges from sea level up to 1000 m! You walk through the impressive Irini Gorge along a well-made path. The ascent is demanding but not too steep. Leaving the Irini Gorge behind, you walk into the steeper Figou Gorge. From a certain height onwards, you will enjoy stunning views. The walk ends at a chapel, 'Agios Theodoros,' where the hotel's minibus will pick you up. The hotel is on the Omalos plain, surrounded by the spectacular summits of the White Mountains. Overnight in Neos Omalos.
(12 km/16 km/21 km,  ascent: 1200 m, descent: 100 m 6/7/8h) B/-/-

Day 5. Walking the Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is open from 1st May onwards until autumn rains start, usually at the end of October. Today, you walk through Europe's longest and most famous gorge: the Samaria Gorge. You can either start very early or relatively late, avoiding the crowds of people who walk the gorge on a day trip. During quieter hours, you'll enjoy the true beauty of this spectacular gorge. You spend the night in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, at the end of the gorge, which leaves you as much time as you need for the walk. There will still be plenty of time for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear Lybian sea before you set off for dinner at one of the local taverns in Agia Roumeli. Please note that authorities can close the gorge in case of extreme weather conditions. Overnight in Agia Roumeli.
(16 km,  ascent: 50 m, descent: 1200  m 5/6h) B/-/-

Day 6. Coastal walk: from Agia Roumeli to Loutro
It is a splendid coastal walk with lots of variety. First, you walk along the beach to the Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos. Then, you walk at a higher elevation through the forest. From the forest, you continue to the beach at "Marmara." Great views of massive mountains to your left and the sea to your right. There's a tavern on the small beach at Marmara, and you may also want to enjoy a swim here! You'll need another hour from Marmara along the coast to reach the car-free village of Loutro - Accommodation in Loutro.
(15 km,  ascent: 275 m, descent: 275  m 5/6h) B/-/-

Day 7. Round walk from Loutro
You take a steep zig-zag path up to the village of Anopolis. From here, you walk further to ancient Aradhena, situated at the edge of the impressive Aradhena Gorge. A spectacular path takes you down into the Aradhena Gorge to the coast. The last part of today's walk follows a path along the beach back to Loutro. It is possible to take a shorter route of 4 hours today via the tiny village of Livaniana and then descend via the Aradhena Gorge to the sea. Depending on your flight departure tomorrow, you may need to travel back to Chora Sfakion by ferry today and then to Chania or Heraklion—accommodation in Loutro.
(16 km/9 km, ascent 840 m/460 m, descent: 840 m/460 m 4h) B/-/-

Day 8. Departure
Today, you travel back to Chora Sfakion by ferry in the morning and, from there, by public transport or pre-booked transfer to Chania or Heraklion Airport. Departure from one of the most beautiful areas of Crete. B/-/-

Recommended travel period: April-October. In the summer months, it gets very hot.
The walks are primarily unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, and mountain trails.