Crete is more than just Greece’s largest island—it’s where mountains meet myths. This 8-day trek will take us to the island’s southwest, away from the busy tourist paths. We’ll hike through towering gorges, along sunny beaches, and into old mountain villages with breathtaking views. As we walk, Crete’s rich history will come to life around us—we’ll discover ancient Roman ruins, Venetian harbors, and Minoan palaces, some dating back over 4,000 years. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time, uncovering the stories that shaped this remarkable Greek island.
Forget modern life for a while and slip into the shoes of Minoan royalty, Roman governors, and Venetian merchants
Hike part of Europe’s longest gorge, Samaria, and explore the narrow Aradena Gorge
From lively tavernas to scenic picnics, you’re in for some unforgettable meals—Zeus was born here, after all!
Explore Crete's less-traveled paths on these 8-day walking holidays. Hike part of Samaria Gorge, visit quiet mountain villages, and uncover ancient history. All the basics are taken care of: an expert guide, comfortable accommodation, full board, all transfers within Crete, and entrance fees for your journey through Cretan heritage. Pack your hiking boots and come ready to walk and learn!
Once you land in Heraklion, you’ll be taken to your hotel in the heart of this port city, where you’ll meet your guide. We’ll have dinner together and prepare for the start of our Cretan adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Heraklion
A 90-minute transfer will take us to Argyroupoli, where we’ll explore a rich Roman fortress, ancient Minoan, Greek, and Roman remains, and the beautiful historic center. The area surrounding Argyroupoli is full of things you wouldn’t expect to find in Crete, so we’ll often stop by springs, waterfalls, and windmills. We’ll stroll through chapels, sheepfolds, and authentic villages before a 40-minute transfer to Plakias, a charming seaside resort with a crescent-shaped bay and beautiful sandy beaches. If you’re up for it, we can walk along the Libyan Sea to Akra Kakomouri Cape and its caves before dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking time: 2 hours
Elevation: +200 m / +656 ft, -200 m / -656 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Plakias
We’ll start the day by boating to Preveli palm grove, then hiking to Piso Moni, a historic Greek Orthodox monastery overlooking the Libyan Sea. Making our way down through the gorge, we’ll reach Preveli beach, a unique spot where the river meets the sea. We’ll swim in the refreshing water and relax on the sandy shore before returning to Plakias by boat.
In case boating isn’t possible, we’ll transfer from Plakias to the monastery of Piso Moni by bus (approx. 20 minutes), then hike to Preveli’s gorges and beach. To return, we’ll either boat back or take the bus after a 600-meter walk to another beach, the peaceful Drymiskiano Ammoudi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours, depending on our route
Elevation for option 1: +200 m / +656, -200 m / -656 ft
Elevation for option 2: +450 m / +1476 ft, -450 m / -1476 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Plakias
Today we’re heading to the White Mountains, known for their striking white limestone. En route, we’ll stop at Frangokastello village for an hour to see its imposing Venetian fort. We’ll ferry from the coastal town of Chora Sfakion to Loutro, a seaside village accessible only on foot or by boat. A short hike takes us to Marmara Beach and our lunch spot. If you want to go the extra mile, we can hike through the oleander-lined walls of Aradena Gorge. We’ll return to Loutro either on foot along the marble beach or by taxi boat. Our day ends with dinner at our hotel in Loutro.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking time: 2 hours (3.5 hours with the Aradena Gorge)
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Elevation: +80 m / + 262 ft, -90 m / -295 ft
With the optional Aradena hike: 6.5 km / 4 miles distance, +210 m / + 689 ft, – 220 m / -722 ft elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: Hotel in Loutro
We’ll start our day by boating along the coast to Agia Roumeli, a picturesque village situated at the mouth of a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the famous Samaria Gorge. Located in the heart of Crete’s only national park, the Samaria Gorge stretches 16 km (10 mi), making it Europe’s longest. Our hiking tour will take us through part of the gorge, known for its incredible biodiversity and endemic plant species. Starting from sea level, we’ll hike to Afentis Christοs, where we’ll stop for a picnic. After our break, we’ll retrace our steps back to Agia Roumeli. Finally, we’ll boat back to Loutro for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Elevation: +450 m / + 1476 ft, – 450 m / – 1476 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Loutro
After breakfast, we’ll hike from Loutro to the pristine Glyka Nera beach. We’ll relax on this secluded shore before catching a taxi boat to Chora Sfakion. We’ll enjoy our lunch in the harbor, then take a 1.5-hour transfer to the historic Arkadi monastery below Mount Ida. The monastery is both an architectural gem and a powerful symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman occupation. We’ll learn all about its rich history during our 45-minute visit. Our day wraps up with a 1-hour and 15-minute transfer to Heraklion and dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
Elevation: +30 m / + 98 ft, – 50 m / -164 ft
Accommodation: Hotel in Heraklion
We’ll dedicate our last day of walking holidays in Crete to explore Heraklion’s rich heritage. We’ll begin with Knossos Palace, where we’ll learn all about its rich history from a cultural guide. If we’re up for more exploration, we can check out the on-site museum for an additional ticket fee. We’ll head back to Heraklion on a scheduled bus, then have some free time to explore the city. You might visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to see its extensive collection of Minoan artifacts. Or explore other sights—Heraklion has plenty to offer, from historical landmarks to local markets and cafés.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Heraklion
We’ll gather for a farewell breakfast and reflect on our week together. There will be an organized transfer taking you to Heraklion Airport. Alternatively, feel free to stay longer and keep on exploring the area!
Meals: Breakfast
The itinerary is subject to change based on trail conditions, weather, or group dynamics. Any tweaks are for your safety and to improve your experience. If Loutro lodging is unavailable, we’ll stay in Chora Sfakion.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
These guided walking holidays in Crete are suitable for all skill levels. You will walk from 2 to 4 hours per day, with 200 to 400 m / 656 to 1312 ft of elevation gain per day—you can find detailed hiking times and elevation changes in the itinerary.
You can expect easy paths and tracks with some rocky and uneven sections, but no significant technical difficulties. The difficulty lies not so much in the length of the hikes or the difference in altitude, but in the intense heat during the summer. Many of Crete’s hiking trails, such as the famous Samaria Gorge, are well-shaded in parts, but some exposed areas can get very hot. Since the dry conditions and intense sun can lead to dehydration, it’s important to carry plenty of water and stay hydrated.
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.
Crete experiences typical Mediterranean weather, with hot, dry summer days and warm evenings. Daytime temperatures typically range from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F), with occasional peaks in July and August. Rain is extremely rare during the summer.
The heat can make summer hiking demanding, particularly at midday. Early morning or late afternoon treks are recommended to dodge the most intense sun. Make sure to stay hydrated for the best walking holidays experience in Crete.
Group sizes and pricing
Walking holidays in Crete 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 walking holidays in Crete is Heraklion. To get there, most people fly into Heraklion International Airport (HER). From there, a transfer to a hotel in Heraklion will be arranged.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in Heraklion. The exact time and place, along with the name and contact details of your guide, will be provided before your departure.
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!
Please note that travel insurance is compulsory to obtain a Schengen visa. It must cover medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation in the event of illness or accident, with a minimum cover of €30,000.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
