Crete Sea to Summit

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Chania | Transfer to harborside hotel in Chania's old town

You’ll arrive in Chania and be transferred to our luxury hotel in the heart of the old city. Take time in the afternoon to explore the harborside shops and winding cobblestone alleys in this historic seaport. We’ll meet in the late afternoon for an orientation and welcome dinner. Evening in Chania (D)

Ascent: <50 feet | Descent: <50  feet | Distance: <2.0 miles (independent walking in Chania)

Day 2 – Exploring Chania and the surrounding areas

Enjoy a day with locals in the area surrounding Chania. You’ll discover the hidden corners of Chania and venture into the surrounding rural countryside to discover the rich history, culture, natural wonders, and cuisine of the region. Dinner and evening in Chania. (BLD)

Ascent: <200 feet | Descent: <200 feet | Distance: <3.0 miles (Ancient historical and cultural sites on Crete)

Day 3 – Loutro | Marmara Cove | Aradena Gorge

After breakfast we depart Chania for the southern coast of Crete where we take a taxi-boat to the seaside village of Loutro to reach the marvelous cove of Marmara—accessible only by foot or by sea. After lunch at a seaside taverna restaurant we start our ascent through the Aradena Gorge to arrive at Ai Giannis. Dinner and evening at our guesthouse in Ai Giannis. (BLD)

Ascent: 2460 feet | Descent: 1588 feet | Distance: 4.9 miles

Day 4 – Pachnes summit hike

After breakfast we’ll ascend a dirt road by 4x4s to the trailhead leading to the summit of Pachnes, which at 8048 ft (2453m) is the highest peak in the White Mountains of western Crete. We’ll enjoy a restful packed lunch at the summit before making our descent and return to our Ai Giannis guesthouse for dinner and the evening. (BSD) 

Ascent: 2631 feet | Descent: 2628 feet | Distance: 7 miles

Day 5 – Descent from mountain plateau to coast

From our guesthouse we walk through hill country pastures before making a steep descent to the idyllic beach at Agios Pavlos with its historic chapel and continue along a coastal path to the village of Agia Roumeli for dinner and the evening. (BLD)

Ascent: 33 feet | Descent: 2510 feet | Distance: 5.5 miles

Day 6 – Samaria Gorge

Agia Roumeli is the coastal entrance to the Samaria Gorge, the longest hiking gorge in Europe. The Samaria Gorge is a Protected Monument of Nature by the European Council and one of the most specteacular national parks in Greece. We conclude our traverse of the Samaria Gorge on the Omalos Plateau (οροπέδιο του Ομαλού) where we transfer to our hotel for dinner and the evening. (BSD)

Ascent: 3937 feet | Descent: 0 feet | Distance: 10 miles

Day 7 – Gigolos summit

At 6,824 ft (2028m), Gigolos may not be the highest peak in Crete’s White Mountains, but it’s the most dramatically beautiful hike and summit in the range. It’s an exciting and scenic ascent where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Samaria Gorge, the Omalos Plateau, and the Libyan and Aegean seas. Dinner and evening in Omalos. (BLD)

Ascent: 2395 feet | Descent: 2395 feet | Distance: 5.5 miles

Day 8 – Hiking the E4 Coastal Path from Sougia to Paleochora

From the vibey beach scene of Sougia we set out on a coastal walk along the E4 Coastal Path to the cosmopolitan beach resort of Paleochora. Along the way we pass by the gorge of Lissos and the ancient Asciepium by a small cove. Dinner and evening in Sougia. (BSD)

Ascent: 1050 feet | Descent: 1050 feet | Distance: 9 miles

Day 9 – Private boat tour to wild coves

From our base in Sougia, a private boat takes us along the coast to explore some of the most impressive coves and beautiful beaches in Crete. We’ll enjoy a magnificent lunch by some isolated rocks and a fisherman’s hut. Return to Sougia for dinner and the evening. (BLD)

Ascent: <50 feet | Descent: <50 feet | Distance: <2.0 miles

Day 10 – Shuttle return to Chania, depart

After breakfast you’ll be transferred by private car to Chania or the Chania Airport for return flights or onward travel. (B)