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Classic & Undiscovered Crete

Early Booking Offer

■ Location: Greece

■ Duration: 7 nights

■ Board Basis: Half Board

■ Travel Dates: Apr-Oct 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 4 & 6 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 1121kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,749

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Inc flights

Members From

£1,699

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Inc flights

Members Save £50 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Greece’s largest island rolls out over 600 miles of coastline dotted with palm-fringed sandy stretches, plus an impressive line-up of ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, and historic cities. There’s also a wealth of wonderful walking trails that up the ante for epic scenery. Trek through the White Mountains for their eyebrow-arching views of soaring cliffs, wildflowers, and Cretan wild goats known as Kri Kri and discover the national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is Samaria Gorge. Stretching for over 9.94 miles (16km) it’s one of the longest gorges in Europe.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The family-owned Spilia Village hotel is a luxury 4-star resort surrounded by citrus orchards and olive groves just 3km from the charming village of Kolimbari. A former olive oil processing plant, it has been lovingly restored using local stone and wood and the original millstones of the plant are on display in reception. As for facilities, the hotel boasts free Wi-Fi throughout, two outdoor pools, and an excellent restaurant decked out in Venetian style.
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Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 6

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Completing the dramatic Samaria Gorge walk
  • Admiring beautiful foothills, stunning coastline, and ancient ruins
  • Keeping your eyes peeled for rare wildlife
  • Staying in an authentic Cretan village near Kolimbari
  • Visiting the Venetian city of Chania on your free day

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Kolimbari
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hotel Spilia Village. Unpack and settle in.

Today both groups will visit Rodopos village with its narrow streets, stone houses and beautiful churches.

Option 1 - Rodopos

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.

Option 2 - Rodopos Peninsula

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.

Our coach follows the coast road west from Kolimbari towards Kissamos and then drives inland to the rural interior of the island.

Option 1 - Sirikari Gorge & Polyrinia

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!

Option 2 - Sirikari Gorge, Polyrinia & Kissamou

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.

Today we offer a choice of the famous Samaria Gorge or the very attractive but shorter Imbros Gorge.

Option 1 - The Samaria Gorge

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. 

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). 

Please note that the Samaria Gorge is at the high end of the HF Grade 3 level walk and guests must be in good health and steady on their feet to maintain a reasonable pace. Whilst the paths are rough, they are not steep or exposed, but this can be a tiring walk.

In April and late October, or at times of poor weather, the Samaria Gorge may be closed. In this case, a suitable alternative walk will be arranged by our knowledgeable local leaders. 

Option 2 - The Imbros Gorge

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.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. The more popular options for your free day include:

Chania: 

Many guests take the opportunity to visit the delightful Venetian city of Chania. The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants. The centrepiece of the city is the main harbour, from where there are regular boat trips available. The cafés that line the harbour side are attractive places to have lunch and watch the world go by. Other interesting sights include the Venetian defences and the indoor market – a hive of bustle and activity with lots of local produce.

Spilia Village: 

For a relaxing day you may prefer to spend time around the hotel and pool or perhaps a stroll in the olive groves or to ancient local churches.

Both walks visit the mountain village of Milia. This ancient village was abandoned in 1948 and then rebuilt using the traditional materials of timber and stone in the 1990s. As much of the original village as possible was preserved or recreated and the nearby gorge was reforested. It is now used as a mountain retreat and enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding forested slopes. 

Option 1 - Milia & Topolia

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.

Option 2 - High Country around Milia

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.

Enjoy dramatic mountain views and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional taverna lunch.

Option 1 - Snowy Mountain Villages

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 a break with opportunity for a typical Greek lunch before turning down into a wooded valley and walking through orange trees into Meskla.

Highlight: Visit historic Theriso.

Option 2 - White Mountain Approaches

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 to break for lunch, then walk down to Meskla including a pretty little gorge.

Highlight: Meet our fellow walkers in charming Zourva.

We hope to see you again soon.

View all

Accommodation

Spilia Village - Crete

The family-owned Spilia Village hotel is a luxury 4-star resort surrounded by citrus orchards and olive groves just 3km from the charming village of Kolimbari. A former olive oil processing plant, it has been lovingly restored using local stone and wood and the original millstones of the plant are on display in reception. As for facilities, the hotel boasts free Wi-Fi throughout, two outdoor pools, and an excellent restaurant decked out in Venetian style.

Spilia Village has two outdoor swimming pools. 

There is a pool bar, open during the daytime.

Internet access and Wi-Fi are free of charge.

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Our holidays at Spilia Village are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.

Breakfast

A self-service buffet is available each morning including a wide range of options.

Lunch (payable locally)

Ingredients for your picnic lunch can be bought locally - there is a supermarket in the village which is 15-20 minutes' walk. On some walks it will be possible to eat in a local tavern; your leaders will advise. The hotel can also provide a packed lunch on request, which can be added to your bill.

Evening meal

Dinner is served in the traditional Taverna "Halara", an historic structure dating from the Venetian period. The Taverna at the hotel serves local style cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms and villages. This will be buffet style on our arrival night, with a choice of two dishes per course on other evenings. One evening, we will also dine externally at a local restaurant to experience traditional cuisine, which will be a set menu.

Drinks

The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.

Spilia Village has 30 comfortable en-suite rooms. All have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, direct dial phones, two channel radio, satellite TV, mini bar, safe deposit box, laundry service, and hairdryer.

In common with most European hotels, tea and coffee making facilities are not available in the bedrooms; however hot drinks can be purchased from the bar/café. Twin rooms comprise one double bed and a day bed/sofa bed. 

Address

Spilia Village Hotel
Spilia Village
Kolimbari
Chania 73006

Tel: 0030 2824 083300

More Information

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

If you are booking on a land-only basis, you can join the group transfer at an additional cost. To do so, your arrival and departure times must be in line with the scheduled group flight timings. Guests travelling at different times will need to arrange their own transfers. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options and costs.

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 

  • Waterproof jacket 

  • Waterproof trousers 

  • Insulated jacket/top 

  • Walking clothing  

  • Walking socks (plus spares)  

  • Sunhat 

  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat

  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  

  • Headtorch

  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  

  • Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)

  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 

  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  

  • Mobile phone 

  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 

  • Passport 

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC) 

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 

  • Swimwear and travel towel

  • Snacks

  • Dry bags

  • Rubbish bags

  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 

  • Sit mat

  • Flask for hot drinks 

  • Durable lunch box

  • Gaiters 

  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

The local language is Greek.

If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number.
To dial a UK number 0044
To dial a Greek number 0030

The local currency is the Euro (€)

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

There are several ATM machines in nearby Kolimbari where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint - 1121kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Dates & availability

Classic & Undiscovered Crete

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

24 Apr - 1 May 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,799 £1,749

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,749 £1,699

£1,399 £1,349

pp
Single rooms

£2,129 £2,079

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£2,079 £2,029

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£1,779 £1,729

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£1,729 £1,679

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8 May - 15 May 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,899 £1,849

£1,439 £1,389

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Members

£1,849 £1,799

£1,389 £1,339

pp
Single rooms

£2,229 £2,179

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£2,179 £2,129

pp

£1,769 £1,719

pp

£1,719 £1,669

pp
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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

11 Sep - 18 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,999 £1,949

£1,579 £1,529

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Members

£1,949 £1,899

£1,529 £1,479

pp
Single rooms

£2,389 £2,339

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£2,339 £2,289

pp

£1,969 £1,919

pp

£1,919 £1,869

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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

18 Sep - 25 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,999 £1,949

£1,579 £1,529

pp

Members

£1,949 £1,899

£1,529 £1,479

pp
Single rooms

£2,389 £2,339

pp

£2,339 £2,289

pp

£1,969 £1,919

pp

£1,919 £1,869

pp
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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

25 Sep - 2 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,899 £1,849

£1,569 £1,519

pp

Members

£1,849 £1,799

£1,519 £1,469

pp
Single rooms

£2,229 £2,179

pp

£2,179 £2,129

pp

£1,899 £1,849

pp

£1,849 £1,799

pp
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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

2 Oct - 9 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,949 £1,899

£1,599 £1,549

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Members

£1,899 £1,849

£1,549 £1,499

pp
Single rooms

£2,279 £2,229

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£2,229 £2,179

pp

£1,929 £1,879

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£1,879 £1,829

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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

9 Oct - 16 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,899 £1,849

£1,569 £1,519

pp

Members

£1,849 £1,799

£1,519 £1,469

pp
Single rooms

£2,229 £2,179

pp

£2,179 £2,129

pp

£1,899 £1,849

pp

£1,849 £1,799

pp
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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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