Walking in Crete, Greece
£1795.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Crete | Solos Board
What to expect
Five Guided Walks
Ancient paths, olive groves & valleys
Town & Village Charm
Explore Chania, Polyrrinia & Falasarna
Traditional Cuisine
Local taverna meals with new friends
Seafront Kissamos Hotel
Stay at family-run Elena Beach Hotel
About this trip...
What's included?
Flights & transfers-
Airport taxes & charges
Twin/double room for sole use with private facilities
Solos Board: Daily breakfast, five lunches & three dinners
Welcome drink & information meeting
Five guided walks
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
What's extra:
- Insurance click here
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €5 per night, payable locally
Itinerary
- Arrival Day
- Ridge Route
- Platanias Loop & Chania
- Falasarna Hike
- Day at leisure
- Ravdoucha–Kissamos
- Sirikari–Polyrinnia
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival Day
We transfer from Chania Airport to our hotel in Kissamos. This evening, we come together with our fellow solo travellers for a welcome drink and dinner.
- Dinner included
Day Two: Ridge Route to Kissamos
After breakfast, we drive to the picturesque village of Polyrrinia. The day begins with a fascinating tour around ancient Polyrrinia, discovering the culture and history of this important archaeological site. We start our hike with a short but steep ascent before gradually making our way downwards. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views over the sea, mountains and valleys. From this vantage point, we can understand why this area was once of such strategic importance. We continue our descent, following paths that lead through fertile agricultural land and olive groves to Kissamos. We arrive just in time for lunch on the beach and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
- Polyrrinia - Kissamos: 12 km ± 4 hrs ↑ 259 m ↓ 532 m
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Three: Hiking in Platanias & Chania
Chania is an amazing town, first inhabited by the Minoans around four millennia ago. Its extensive history is reflected in its Venetian houses, iconic lighthouse and atmospheric Old Town with its maze of narrow alleys. On our way into town, we enjoy a short hike through the hills of Platanias. As we ascend the winding paths through olive groves, the landscape opens to sweeping views. The hills are dotted with small chapels and traditional stone houses, while wild herbs fill the air with the scent of thyme and sage.
- Platanias loop: 7.5 km ± 2.5 hrs ↑ 235 m ↓ 235 m
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Four: Hike to Falasarna
Today we take a longer hike, following a route from our hotel to the stunning sandy beach of Falasarna. We begin with an uphill stretch and, as we reach the top, we’re rewarded with amazing panoramic views. The path leads us through a pretty village, past olive groves and along a trail with beautiful sea views overlooking the west coast of Crete. We finish our walk at the sandy beach of Falasarna, where we take some time to relax before our transfer back to the hotel. There’s plenty of time for a swim in the crystal-clear water and lunch at one of the beachside tavernas.
- 12 km ± 4 ½ hrs ↑ 492 m ↓ 492 m
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Five: Day at leisure
Today can be spent at leisure to rest at the hotel or enjoy an optional excursion.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Six: Coastal path, along the gulf of Kissamos
The Rodopou Peninsula is an untouched gem, with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and ancient ruins. Its remoteness gives us a real sense of solitude, and we pass many churches and chapels along the way. We begin our hike near the hamlet of Ravdoucha. Today’s route follows part of the Kalderimi network — ancient mule paths that once connected rural communities with the rest of the island. The trail zigzags and meanders down to sea level, where we finish with a walk along the beach back to our hotel.
- Ravdoucha – Kissamos: 12 km ± 3.5 hrs ↑ 35 m ↓ 202 m
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Seven: The Gorge of Tsichliano
Today is the highlight of the trip as we’re driven to the heart of west Crete to begin our hike. We follow the path and descend into the valley of Tsichliano. There are some steep sections, but we take a slow and steady pace. Towering cliffs rise on either side, casting plenty of shade over the trail as it winds through a lush green biotope filled with unique flora and fauna. We may even be lucky enough to see Griffon vultures soaring overhead. As we descend deeper into the valley, a sense of peaceful isolation settles in, with only the sound of our footsteps echoing softly through the ravine. At the end of the gorge, we climb upwards to meet our driver, who will take us back to the hotel.
- Sirikari – Polyrrinia: 7 km ± 3 hrs ↑ 321 m ↓ 594 m
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure day
After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Chania Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
Elena Beach Hotel
The Elena Beach Hotel is a family-run hotel in Kissamos, Crete, with a beachfront location on the sandy shores of Mavros Molos. The hotel has a restaurant and a beach bar/tavern and access to the beach with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Rooms are bright and modern and come with private balconies, many offering direct views over the bay. AC, Wi-Fi, TV, safe, and hairdryer.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Falasarna: 12 km ± 4 ½ hrs ↑ 492 m ↓ 492 m
Ravdoucha–Kissamos: 12 km ± 3 ½ hrs ↑ 35 m ↓ 202 m
Sirikari–Polyrinnia: 7 km ± 3 hrs ↑ 321 m ↓ 594 m
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
- Gramvousa Boat Trip A full day excursion to this island where you can see the ruins of an ancient fortress and swim in the crystal clear waters of the wonderful lagoon of Balos. Lunch is not included in the price, but food is available on the boat. Approximate cost: €60.00
-
Elafonisi beach The Caribbean of Crete”, Elafonisi is an exotic beach and island known for its crystal-clear aquamarine water and pink tinged sand. A truly beautiful beach and protected area of outstanding natural beauty on the South West of Crete, it must not be missed. Always sheltered from rough sea conditions it is perfect for swimming and especially safe for children. Our bus takes in a short visit to the monastery of Chryssoskalitissa famous for its stunning location, beautiful church and fascinating history. The return journey includes a visit to the church of Agia Sofia nestled in the cave of wisdom that has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. And of course you get to spend 4 hours on the most amazing beach. Approximately €35
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