Crete Walking Holidays: Coast to Coast
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
The beautiful island of Crete is the largest of Greece's 2,000 islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Among its more than 8,000 m2, it hides beautiful Hellenic villages, untouched beaches and archaeological remains of the ancient Minoan civilization.
This route from north to south will take you both along coastal as well as mountainous trails, in the interior of the island. On one hand, you can visit the beautiful beaches at Glyka Nera, Filaki, Marmari, among many others.
You'll also enter Crete's most important mountain range: Lefka Ori Park or White Mountains, where you can explore beautiful trails, peaks, and plains.
- Get to know the beautiful and picturesque village of Chania
- Visit the Imbros Gorge, the second most visited on the island.
- Tour the Sfakia Canyon out to the splendid Libyan Sea.
- Bungee jumping from the Aradena Canyon Bridge.
- Relax and take a swim on the amazing turquoise beaches.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Vamos
Vamos is a small, traditional town, capital of the municipality of Apokoronas, and is located on a hill and 25 km from Chania. It was formerly inhabited by Arab pirates and was subsequently the seat of the Ottoman barracks during the Turkish invasion.
Explore its steep streets, old buildings and visit some of the cafes, restaurants and shops that make up it. You can also visit the 12-arch mill, the Church of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Georgios, the school that was built in 1863.
Explore its steep streets, old buildings and visit some of the cafes, restaurants and shops that make up it. You can also visit the 12-arch mill, the Church of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Georgios, the school that was built in 1863.
Overnight in Vamos
Vamos Traditional Village
With beautiful views of the White Mountains, this hotel has comfortable air-conditioned rooms and a small kitchen with refrigerator for you.
You can enjoy free parking, bike or car rental and the fireplace in the lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
You can enjoy free parking, bike or car rental and the fireplace in the lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day around Georgioupolis 6,9 miles | 11 km
Today's route will take you along rural trails surrounded by eucalyptus and cypress trees to the charming seaside village of Georgioupolis, approximately 10 km from Vamos.
Georgioupolis is located in the north of Crete and is one of the most touristic places in the region due to its beautiful beach stretching for over 9 km and the Kalyvaki Beach on the other side of the River Almiros.
Relax in front of the ocean, visit the village square and stop at one of its tavernas to enjoy a lunch of Cretan salad or saganaki mussels (made with tomatoes and feta cheese), or another local speciality, before taking the inclusive transfer to Vamos.
Georgioupolis is located in the north of Crete and is one of the most touristic places in the region due to its beautiful beach stretching for over 9 km and the Kalyvaki Beach on the other side of the River Almiros.
Relax in front of the ocean, visit the village square and stop at one of its tavernas to enjoy a lunch of Cretan salad or saganaki mussels (made with tomatoes and feta cheese), or another local speciality, before taking the inclusive transfer to Vamos.
Overnight in Vamos
Vamos Traditional Village
With beautiful views of the White Mountains, this hotel has comfortable air-conditioned rooms and a small kitchen with refrigerator for you.
You can enjoy free parking, bike or car rental and the fireplace in the lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
You can enjoy free parking, bike or car rental and the fireplace in the lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day around Nipos 8 miles | 13 km
A short transfer will take you to this small village 33 km from the town of Chania, where you will start your walk between plains and olive groves. In the distance, you will see the extensive Lefka Ari or White Mountains, named after the layer of snow that covers them.
Among many other geographical accidents, the White Mountains are composed of the Pachnes Peak at 2,453 m, the Omalos and Askifou Plateau, and more than 50 gorges, such as Samaria.
Follow your path until you reach the village of Fres, a former municipality in the Chania region of just over 400 inhabitants. You can take a break in the main square, surrounded by taverns and cafeterias before returning to Nipos to travel to Askifou.
Among many other geographical accidents, the White Mountains are composed of the Pachnes Peak at 2,453 m, the Omalos and Askifou Plateau, and more than 50 gorges, such as Samaria.
Follow your path until you reach the village of Fres, a former municipality in the Chania region of just over 400 inhabitants. You can take a break in the main square, surrounded by taverns and cafeterias before returning to Nipos to travel to Askifou.
Overnight in Askifou
Panorama Askifou
Panorama is composed of accommodation with a TV, a balcony, a refrigerator and a dining table. Some units have a kitchen and a seating area with a fireplace.
Enjoy its outdoor pool and extensive garden while observing the beautiful White Mountains. Don't forget to sample Cretan dishes in its local cuisine restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its outdoor pool and extensive garden while observing the beautiful White Mountains. Don't forget to sample Cretan dishes in its local cuisine restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day in the White Mountains 10 miles | 16 km
As well as coastal tours, you also can walk in the mountains. Today you will move onto the most important mountain range in Crete. Explore beautiful valleys with a diversity of flora such as tulips, cypresses, orchids, white peony (endemic to the region), elms, among others.
Reach the village of Imbros, where you can visit the Imbros Gorge, the second best known on the island, after the Samaria Gorge. If you travel with children, don't worry, the tour is not difficult, but a little rocky.
Follow your route in the middle of the quiet natural area and on little-travelled paths to the Askifou Plateau, located 730 m above sea level. Stop in the middle of the vineyards to admire the panorama before embarking on the walk back to your accommodation.
Reach the village of Imbros, where you can visit the Imbros Gorge, the second best known on the island, after the Samaria Gorge. If you travel with children, don't worry, the tour is not difficult, but a little rocky.
Follow your route in the middle of the quiet natural area and on little-travelled paths to the Askifou Plateau, located 730 m above sea level. Stop in the middle of the vineyards to admire the panorama before embarking on the walk back to your accommodation.
Overnight in Askifou
Panorama Askifou
Panorama is composed of accommodation with a TV, a balcony, a refrigerator and a dining table. Some units have a kitchen and a seating area with a fireplace.
Enjoy its outdoor pool and extensive garden while observing the beautiful White Mountains. Don't forget to sample Cretan dishes in its local cuisine restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its outdoor pool and extensive garden while observing the beautiful White Mountains. Don't forget to sample Cretan dishes in its local cuisine restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Imbros to Hora Sfakion 9,5 miles | 15 km
To begin this route, we will transfer you to the village of Imbros where you will be taken on a 2-hour adventure to one of the least-explored and least-known natural landscapes in the region of Skafia, in the south of Crete: the Imbros Canyon.
This canyon is the second most well-known on the island, after the Samaria Gorge. It is 11 km long and is ideal to visit with children, as it can be covered in approximately 2 to 3 hours and, although the terrain is a bit rocky, it is not difficult to walk through.
If you wish, you can make a detour to the beautiful Filaki Beach or continue to Hora Sfakion, located next to the Libyan Sea, a part of the Mediterranean Sea, on the northern coast of Libya.
This canyon is the second most well-known on the island, after the Samaria Gorge. It is 11 km long and is ideal to visit with children, as it can be covered in approximately 2 to 3 hours and, although the terrain is a bit rocky, it is not difficult to walk through.
If you wish, you can make a detour to the beautiful Filaki Beach or continue to Hora Sfakion, located next to the Libyan Sea, a part of the Mediterranean Sea, on the northern coast of Libya.
Overnight in Hora Sfakion
Lefka Ori
The air-conditioned rooms feature Wi-Fi, heating and a private bathroom with shower. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchen.
Relax in the tavern with a terrace that offers incredible views over the Libyan Sea.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Relax in the tavern with a terrace that offers incredible views over the Libyan Sea.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Hora Sfakion to Loutro 6 miles | 10 km
Lutro is a small town that can only be reached by sea, by taking a ferry on your account, or by walking, as the use of cars or other public transport is impossible because there are no roads.
If you choose to walk, you can take a tour along the coast lasting a little more than 2 hours. Admire the vastness of the Mediterranean Sea as you explore beautiful beaches such as Vrissi or Glyka Nera, and Timios Stavros Bay.
If you choose to walk, you can take a tour along the coast lasting a little more than 2 hours. Admire the vastness of the Mediterranean Sea as you explore beautiful beaches such as Vrissi or Glyka Nera, and Timios Stavros Bay.
Overnight in Loutro
Hotel Porto Loutro
Quietly located on the secluded beach of scenic Loutro, this property offers a seafront snack bar. It features air-conditioned accommodations with balcony and views of the Libyan Sea.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day around Loutro 5 miles | 8,6 km
This last day is ideal to get to know more about this charming coastal town as well as the surrounding villages and beaches.
You will go to the town of Anopolis to have a complete tour of the Aradena Canyon, where you will have important ascents and descents over rocky trails, but will reward you with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.
While descending you will find Marmari Beach, one of the most iconic in the region. From there, follow the path along the coast through other amazing beaches such as Likos or Finikas until you reach Loutro.
You will go to the town of Anopolis to have a complete tour of the Aradena Canyon, where you will have important ascents and descents over rocky trails, but will reward you with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.
While descending you will find Marmari Beach, one of the most iconic in the region. From there, follow the path along the coast through other amazing beaches such as Likos or Finikas until you reach Loutro.
Overnight in Loutro
Hotel Porto Loutro
Quietly located on the secluded beach of scenic Loutro, this property offers a seafront snack bar. It features air-conditioned accommodations with balcony and views of the Libyan Sea.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Chania
You will need to take the ferry to return to Hora Sfakion and from there return to Chania.
If you have a few days off, we recommend staying in this magical city and touring the ancient Venetian port, the lighthouse, Firka Castle or just relaxing on its turquoise beaches such as Golden Beach or Nea Chora.
End of our services.
If you have a few days off, we recommend staying in this magical city and touring the ancient Venetian port, the lighthouse, Firka Castle or just relaxing on its turquoise beaches such as Golden Beach or Nea Chora.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
Take an international flight to one of the two main airports in Crete: Heraklion International Airport (HER) or Chania International Airport (CHQ).
If you arrive at Herakliton Airport Take an E-Ktel Crete bus to Chania. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
If you arrive at Chania airport you can go either by bus (45 min) or by taxi (15 min) to the bus station in Chania centre.
From the bus station in Chania, buses depart to Vamos, your starting point. These buses are also operated by E-Ktel Crete and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
To return from the last location, Loutro, you have to take a boat to Chora Sfaikon. This boat is operated by Anendyk and you can buy tickets on the website or at the port.
From Chora Sfaikon, take a bus operated by E-Ktel Crete to Chania station and from there, you have bus connections to Chania airport or Herakliton airport.
If you arrive at Herakliton Airport Take an E-Ktel Crete bus to Chania. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
If you arrive at Chania airport you can go either by bus (45 min) or by taxi (15 min) to the bus station in Chania centre.
From the bus station in Chania, buses depart to Vamos, your starting point. These buses are also operated by E-Ktel Crete and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
To return from the last location, Loutro, you have to take a boat to Chora Sfaikon. This boat is operated by Anendyk and you can buy tickets on the website or at the port.
From Chora Sfaikon, take a bus operated by E-Ktel Crete to Chania station and from there, you have bus connections to Chania airport or Herakliton airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This route runs between coastal, rocky and/or slippery trails, with some ascents and descents, so it is important that you have a good physical condition and a little mountain walking experience.
Although rated as of medium-low difficulty, temperatures in the Mediterranean can be very high, so you will need to be in the best physical condition to perform the stages smoothly.
What is the best time of year to do this route?
So that you can enjoy the beautiful island of Crete, our recommendation is to visit it in spring, late summer and early autumn, when the weather is much cooler.
Between July and August, temperatures are quite high, and although the sea breeze helps to mitigate the heat, the sun can be very intense from sunrise to sunset.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you. If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
Why Choose Orbis Ways?
Find Your Ideal Trip
Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.
Tailor-Made Budget
We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
