Walking inCrete,Greece
$1675.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Crete
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...
Discover the rugged beauty and welcoming spirit of Crete on a sociable walking trip designed for those who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace. Based in the charming coastal town of Kissamos, this rewarding week combines guided walks with plenty of time to unwind. Hike ancient paths through olive groves, peaceful gorges, and flower-strewn hillsides, pausing to take in sweeping sea views that stretch to the horizon.
Stroll the winding alleys of Chania, relax on the golden sands of Falasarna, and follow the historic mule paths of the Rodopou Peninsula. With delicious Cretan meals, welcoming tavernas, and your own room to retreat to each night, this trip offers the perfect blend of fresh air, culture, and great company—everything a rejuvenating Greek escape should be.
What's included?
Return transfers from Chania Airport
Private Room
Daily breakfast, five lunches & three dinners
Welcome drink & information meeting
Five guided walks
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- 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
You will transfer from Chania Airport to our hotel in Kissamos. This evening, we come together with our fellow solo travelers 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: 7.5 miles | approx. 4 hours | ↑ 850 ft | ↓ 1,745 ft
- 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: 4.7 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | ↑ 770 ft | ↓ 770 ft
- 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.
- 7.5 miles | approx. 4.5 hours | ↑ 1,615 ft | ↓ 1,615 ft
- 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: 7.5 miles | approx. 3.5 hours | ↑ 115 ft | ↓ 660 ft
- 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: 4.3 miles | approx. 3 hours | ↑ 1,053 ft | ↓ 1,949 ft
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure day
After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Chania Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
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
Five guided walks are included in the program. The walking program is rated medium to hard, with daily walks ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 miles, including some ascents and descents, rough terrain, and high altitudes. Below are the approximate distances for each walk—please note these may change due to local conditions.
Ridge Route: Polyrrinia – Kissamos
7.5 miles | approx. 4 hours | ↑ 490 ft | ↓ 490 ft
Platanias Loop
4.7 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | ↑ 770 ft | ↓ 770 ft
Falasarna
7.5 miles | approx. 4.5 hours | ↑ 1,615 ft | ↓ 1,615 ft
Ravdoucha – Kissamos
7.5 miles | approx. 3.5 hours | ↑ 115 ft | ↓ 660 ft
Sirikari – Polyrinnia
4.3 miles | approx. 3 hours | ↑ 1,053 ft | ↓ 1,949 ft
- 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.
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From the 12th October 2025 the EU is introducing a new European Entry System (EES) that will be phased in and fully operational by the 10th April 2026. Non-EU nationals including British passport holders will now be required to complete biometric checks on arrival and exit to Schengen countries, which will include facial recognition and fingerprints. There is no cost for this, and no action needs to be taken prior to departure.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
- 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
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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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Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here to learn more.
IF A TRIP INCLUDES A HIGH RISK OPTIONAL EXCURSION OR INCLUSION – HOT AIR BALLOON, 4X4 OFF ROAD, SNOW MOBILING, QUAD BIKING, MOTORBIKES – the following sentence needs to be added to the insurance section.
If you are taking part in an excursion which includes hot air ballooning, 4 x 4 off road drives, quad biking, motorcycling or snowmobiling you need to check your travel insurer will offer you adequate cover. You will also need to sign a waiver form.
