For a full week, Crete is our playground—we’ll hike, explore, and taste everything this stunning island has to offer. On this walking tour, the five hikes mix it up: wildflower-strewn trails, dramatic gorges, and forest paths that feel straight out of a myth. It’s not just about walking; it’s about diving into Crete’s rich culture, from mountain villages to local tavernas. Even the rest days are packed with options—hit the beach or wander Europe’s southernmost town. It’s the kind of adventure that lets you truly feel the island, so grab your boots and let’s make this week one for the books!
Join us for an unforgettable all-women walking tour in Crete, where stunning landscapes meet rich culture! We’ll hike through picturesque mountain villages, lush gorges, and vibrant wildflower trails. Later on, it’s time to enjoy leisurely strolls, from the ancient paths of Mithi to the serene coastal views of Mirtos. Each evening, we’ll unwind in charming tavernas, indulging in delicious local cuisine and soaking up the lively atmosphere. With opportunities to connect with the local community and experience their music and traditions, this trip promises not just stunning views but also a taste of authentic Cretan life. Come for the hikes, stay for the flavors—adventure awaits in the heart of Crete!
The transfer to Mirtos will be waiting for us at the airport around 3pm. We’ll settle into our accommodation, and then have an orientation walk through the village and a welcome dinner in a taverna in Mirtos.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
This walk in the region of Anatoli, a mountain village above Mirtos, leads through a beautiful landscape with special rock formations and great views to both sides of the island. We’ll walk on a dirt road which becomes an easy mountain path to the peak of Estavronmenos. In the evening, we’ll have dinner in a taverna in Mirtos.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 300 m / 984 ft
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
Only 5 km behind Mirtos is the village of Mithi, located in a beautiful landscape. We’ll start to ascend from there via an old footpath, and continue later at a dirt track towards the shepherd’s settlement Karidi and Agia Marina. After a rest, we’ll descend back to Mithi on another footpath. It is an old mountainous footpath uphill with some dirt tracks along the route. Fairly steady underfoot.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation: 500 m / 1,640 ft
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
Today’s tour brings us quite a bit east of Mirtos to the picturesque mountain village of Pefki. An old path leads us along the scenic Pefki Gorge. After a short descent with great views of the south coast, we will walk back through the gorge to the village.
The path begins as an old footpath which becomes a dirt track to the beginning of the gorge. The path above the gorge is an easy walk but care is needed while going downhill, which is steep and stony. Poles would be needed for those who use them. There’s a meal waiting for us in a local taverna at the end of the walk, where we will be spoiled with delicious local dishes. Evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking time: 3 hours
Elevation: 350 m / 1,148 ft
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
On day 5, there’s a chance to spend some hours at the beach of Mirtos, just a few minutes on foot from the accommodation. Another option is to go to Ierapetra to visit the weekly farmers’ market and to explore the southernmost town of Europe.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
Today’s walk consists of 1.5 hours of steep uphill hiking, with the rest of the route on forest paths back to the village. It’s a circular walk in the forest region at the south side of the Dikti Mountain range. A steep path leads up to a viewpoint with great views over the surrounding villages and the sea. We’ll continue along dirt tracks through the pine tree forest, pass an archaeological site, and return via an almost-abandoned settlement back to the starting point.
We’ll have an early evening meal in taverna Aphrodite in Kato Simi with delicious local dishes. The rest of the evening is free to do whatever we want.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation: 400 m / 1,312 ft
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
Day 7 is reserved for a beautiful circular walk on easy dirt tracks from village to village along an old vineyard hill, with fantastic views to the north coast and the Cretan sea. In the evening, we’ll have a final dinner together and say our farewells.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking time: 3 hours
Elevation: 250 m / 820 ft
Accommodation: Studio or apartment in Mirtos
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport in Heraklion. Make sure to book your flights after 2pm.
Meals: Breakfast
I have throughly enjoyed my holidays with Walking Women ! Well organised and responsive and always lovely warm and inclusive groups. The fab accommodation and wonderful places ensure that I will be booking regular trips with them.
A wonderful holiday with walking women, I wouldn’t hesitate to go again. Extremely well organised from start to finish.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
For this all-women Crete walking tour, you’ll be walking for 3-5 hours each day of hiking, and gaining no more than 500 m / 1,640 ft of elevation. The trip is rated moderate, and there will be no scary ridges. Paths could be perfect, but they can also be rocky. Good fitness and flexibility is required for this hiking adventure.
For more hiking adventures in Greece, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Greece can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your all-women Crete walking tour is Mirtos. To get there, most people fly into Heraklion Airport. There will be a group transport from the airport to Mirtos arranged in the afternoon of arrival day. Additional transfers can be arranged for an extra cost of 120 EUR (130 USD) for the taxi (up to 4 people) for a one way transfer to Mirtos.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in a predetermined location. Your guides will provide all the necessary info before the trip starts.
The transfer for your departure will leave after breakfast on Day 8, so make sure to book your return flight for after 2pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
A really great holiday in Crete. All the organisation was seamless, interesting and enjoyable.