Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Walking Holidays in Crete | Solos

What to expect on our Crete walking holiday

Five Guided Walks

Five Guided Walks

Ancient paths, olive groves & valleys

Town & Village Charm

Town & Village Charm

Explore Chania, Polyrrinia & Falasarna

Traditional Cuisine

Traditional Cuisine

Local taverna meals with new friends

Seafront Kissamos Hotel

Seafront Kissamos Hotel

Stay at family-run Elena Beach Hotel

About this trip...

Discover the rugged beauty and warm spirit of Crete on a sociable guided walking holiday designed for those who love exploring at an easy-going pace. Based in the charming coastal town of Kissamos, this rewarding week blends varied guided walks with plenty of time to unwind. You’ll hike ancient paths through olive groves, peaceful gorges and flower-studded hillsides, stopping to admire sweeping sea views that stretch towards the horizon. Explore the winding alleys of Chania, wander to the golden sands of Falasarna and follow the ancient mule paths of the Rodopou Peninsula. With delicious Cretan meals, welcoming tavernas and your own room to retreat to each night, it’s the perfect blend of fresh air, culture and great company—everything a refreshing Greek escape should be.

Our Crete walking holidays combine everything we love about Greece: by day we soak up the sun, sea, and stunning landscapes with our Solos group, and by evening you’re free to enjoy the local tavernas and a slice of Greek life.

Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return transfers
  • Sea-view room twin/double room for sole use with private facilities
  • Daily breakfast & two dinners
  • Snacks, fruit, local delicacies and mineral water on walking days
  • Welcome drink & information meeting
  • Five guided walks
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here
  • Climate Crisis Resilience Tax  – €5 per night, payable locally

Itinerary

  • Arrival Day
  • Ridge Route
  • Walking in the Platanias Hills & Chania
  • Falasarna Hike
  • Day at leisure
  • Ravdoucha–Kissamos
  • Sirikari–Polyrinnia
  • Departure Day

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrival Day

Day One: Arrival Day

On arrival at Chania Airport, we'll transfer to our beachfront hotel in the charming coastal town of Kissamos. After time to settle into your room, meet your fellow solo travellers over a welcome drink before enjoying dinner together and an introduction to the exciting week of walking ahead.

  • Dinner included
Day Two: Ridge Route to Kissamos

Day Two: Ridge Route to Kissamos

After breakfast, we travel to the picturesque hilltop village of Polyrrinia, home to one of western Crete's most important archaeological sites. Enjoy time to discover its fascinating history before setting off on our first walk of the week. Following a short but steady ascent, the route gradually descends through fertile countryside, olive groves and peaceful rural landscapes, with panoramic views across the sea, mountains and valleys. It's easy to see why this location held such strategic importance throughout history. 
We arrive back in Kissamos with free time to enjoy lunch at one of the local beachfront tavernas before spending the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
  • Polyrrinia - Kissamos: 12 km ± 4 hrs ↑ 149 m ↓ 149 m
  • Breakfast included
Day Three: Walking in the Platanias Hills & Chania

Day Three: Walking in the Platanias Hills & Chania

After breakfast, we head to the traditional village of Kirtomados to begin today's walk through the peaceful hills surrounding Platanias. Following quiet paths lined with olive groves, we pass small chapels and traditional stone houses while enjoying beautiful views across the Cretan countryside. Wild herbs such as thyme and sage perfume the air as we make our way towards the coast.

After the walk, we continue to the historic city of Chania. One of Crete's most picturesque towns, Chania is renowned for its charming Venetian harbour, iconic lighthouse and maze of narrow streets, where you'll have free time to explore, browse the local shops or enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés and tavernas before returning to Kissamos.
  • Kirtomados – Platanias: 6 km ± 2.5 hrs ↑ 88 m ↓ 108 m
  • Breakfast included
Day Four: Hike to Falasarna

Day Four: Hike to Falasarna

Today's walk is one of the highlights of the week as we make our way from our hotel to the spectacular sandy beach of Falassarna. Setting off from Kissamos, we tackle two hills, rewarded along the way with breathtaking panoramic views across Crete's dramatic west coast. Passing through a traditional village, olive groves and scenic coastal trails, we eventually arrive at the golden sands of Falassarna. There will be time to relax, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters or purchase lunch at one of the beachfront tavernas before our transfer back to the hotel.

  • 12 km ± 4 ½ hrs ↑ 492 m ↓ 492 m
  • Breakfast included
Day Five: Day at leisure

Day Five: Day at leisure

Today can be spent at leisure to rest at the hotel and enjoy the local resort.


  • Breakfast & dinner included

Day Six: Coastal path, along the gulf of Kissamos

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 included
Day Seven: The Gorge of Tsichliano

Day Seven: The Gorge of Tsichliano

We save one of the week's most rewarding walks until last as we travel into the heart of western Crete. Beginning near the mountain village of Sirikari, our route descends into the beautiful Tsichliano Gorge. The trail winds through a peaceful valley where towering cliffs provide welcome shade and create a haven for native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for griffon vultures soaring high above as we follow the path through this unspoilt landscape. Although there are a few steeper sections, we'll take them at a comfortable pace. At the end of our walk, there will be time to enjoy lunch in the local area before returning to the hotel.

This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate a wonderful week exploring western Crete.
  • Sirikari – Polyrrinia: 7 km ± 3 hrs ↑ 321 m ↓ 594 m
  • Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure day

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 welcoming, family-run hotel in the charming coastal town of Kissamos, ideally situated on the sandy shores of Mavros Molos Beach. Its beachfront location provides a relaxing base for exploring western Crete, while the town's cafés, traditional tavernas and local shops are all within easy walking distance. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant serving a selection of local and international dishes.

Rooms are bright and comfortable, each with a private balcony, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, safe and hairdryer.

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info
May 11 2027 May 18 2027 7
$1595
 
Oct 5 2027 Oct 12 2027 7
$1595
 

Essential Information

Gratuities
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €35.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Walking programme
Five guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme is graded moderate and you can expect to walk between 6-12 km per day with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions 

Ridge Route: Polyrrinia - Kissamos 12 km ± 4 hrs ↑ 149 m ↓ 149 m
 
Kirtomados – Platanias: 6 km ± 2 ½ hrs ↑ 88 m ↓ 108 m

Kissamos – Falassarna: 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

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. 
 
If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. 
 
Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
Flights & Airport Transfers
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless of if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
Travel Insurance
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.
Permissions

WhatsApp Group: Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader. If you choose to join the WhatsApp group, you’re consenting to your phone number being visible to other travellers. Photos or messages may be shared within the group. Solos may use group content for marketing purposes. You can opt out at any time by emailing: [email protected]

If you would prefer not to join the WhatsApp group, you can simply meet the group on your first day instead. Please note, if you have not received an email within 24 hours of departure, we recommend you check your email junk folder. Upon the conclusion of your holiday, please be informed that we will close your specific holiday WhatsApp group. Therefore, we recommend making personal arrangements with those you wish to stay in touch with before the holiday concludes. 

Photo Permissions: At the beginning of your trip, your Tour Leader will ask if you would be happy to sign a photo permission form. This means that any photographs taken during your holiday can be used by Solos to share what the Solos experience is all about. It also means you have lots of memories to go home with! Details will be given at your welcome meeting

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements Greece

We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.

Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.

Health requirements
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.
Time difference
Greece is 7 hours ahead of EST
What to Wear - Walking Days
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
  • 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.
Electrical Appliances
Voltage 230v Travel adaptor type C (EuroPlug)
Transfer Time
The transfer time from Chania Airport to the hotel takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

Feefo logo
quote icon

Fantastic time

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos trip and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia

quote icon

Highly Recommended

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David

quote icon

Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

quote icon

Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

As seen in...

Sign up for latest news and offers

Sign Up
Loading...