Classic & Undiscovered Crete

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 300 feet (90m)

In summary: A short journey to a splendid viewpoint and then our walk starts via olive groves to Rodopos village. Quiet tracks take us back to Kolimbari and a chance to visit the monastery or beach before a taxi ride back to the hotel.

Highlight: The Gonias Monastery and museum, one of the best preserved monasteries on Crete.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)

In summary: A short journey to the lovely village of Rodopos where we will make our way along old goat paths and quiet dirt tracks through this rocky spine of Rodopos Peninsula to our hotel.

Highlight: Mountain goat spotting, spy them scrambling over the rough, rocky terrain.

Distance: 4 miles (6½km) 

Total ascent: 300 feet (90m)

Total descent: 1,200 feet (360m) 

In summary: Our walk descends steeply into the deep gorge of Sirikari. At the bottom we pass abandoned dwellings on a rocky path that goes beneath high cliffs, home to eagles and vultures. At the end of the gorge we ascend to the ancient village of Polyrinia where there is time to explore before meeting our coach.

Highlight: Sitting amongst the flowers on the terrace of the unique little teashop in Polyrinia and eating a freshly-baked cake – yum!

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 500 feet (150m) 

Total descent: 2,000 feet (600m)

In summary: We follow the route of the easier group as far as Polyrinia. From here we continue along a wide open ridge with great views to reach the coast at the town of Kissamos.

Highlight: Stunning views of the turquoise Gulf of Kissamos and beyond to the Aegean Sea. When you reach it, take the chance to dip in a toe, or more, with a swim.

Distance: 4½ miles (7km)

Total ascent: no ascent

Total descent: 2,000 feet (600m) 

In summary: We drive to the little village of Imbros, high in the White Mountains. From here we head down the lovely, narrow Imbros Gorge which is usually very peaceful. Leaving the gorge we are met by our coach to make the short journey into the quaint little town of Chorio Sfakion, the capital of the region. As well as cafés and restaurants there is a pretty town beach and an opportunity to take the ferry to the remarkable resort of Loutro.

Highlight: Relax with a boat ride to the delightful resort of Loutro, a pretty blue and white village only accessible by boat.

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Total ascent: 100 feet (30m) 

Total descent: 4,000 feet (1,200m)

In summary: An early start takes us to the top of the Samaria Gorge, high up in the White Mountains with dramatic scenery. This stunning gorge is 10 miles long and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the sea at Aghia Roumeli. We follow a good but rough trail with rest stations, water and basic toilet facilities. We should arrive at the bottom with time to enjoy a drink or a swim in the Libyan Sea before taking the afternoon ferry to Chorio Sfakion. 

In April and late October or at times of poor weather the Samaria gorge is closed. In this situation alternative walks will be substituted.

Highlight: The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as ‘the Gates’, where the sides close in to a narrow passage and soar up to a height of 980ft (300m). 

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

In summary: We ascend steadily to Milia accompanied by great views. Here we may have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in a taverna before taking quiet tracks and lanes to Topolia.

Highlight: Stop at the taverna in Milia for refreshing home-made lemonade, or perhaps lunch, and soak up the magnificent view.

Distance: 9 miles (14½km) 

Total ascent: 2,200 feet (660m) 

In summary: We too start the day with a steady ascent to a pretty viewpoint above Milia. After a short refreshment we will continue to ascend through beautiful wild country to a wonderful plateau for lunch before making our way on good paths and quiet roads to Topolia to join the easier group.  

Highlight: Enjoy the feeling of serenity as you explore this wild and beautiful area of Crete.

Distance: 6 miles (9½km)

Total ascent: 500 feet (150m) 

Total descent: 1,200 feet (360m) 

In summary: From the historic village of Theriso we walk up to Zourva using a valley path or a quiet road with dramatic views of mountain villages in the distance. There will be an opportunity for a typical Greek meze-style lunch in Amelia’s tavern before turning down into a wooded valley and walking through orange trees into Meskla and a shady taverna.

Highlight: Visit historic Theriso.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

Total descent: 1,500 feet (450m)

In summary: From Theriso we follow shepherd’s tracks further up into the White Mountains. We will need to take care on a short rocky descent that takes us around the head of the valley before walking briskly to Zourva where we join the easier group for lunch and the walk down to Meskla including a pretty little gorge.

Highlight: Both walks can linger over a typical Greek meze-style lunch with a view in the acclaimed Amelia’s tavern – a great way to celebrate the holiday.