What to expect on our Crete walking holiday

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 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.
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
- Insurance click here
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €5 per night, payable locally
What you'll be doing

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
- Polyrrinia - Kissamos: 12 km ± 4 hrs ↑ 149 m ↓ 149 m
- Breakfast included

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.
- Kirtomados – Platanias: 6 km ± 2.5 hrs ↑ 88 m ↓ 108 m
- Breakfast included

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
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
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
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.
- Sirikari – Polyrrinia: 7 km ± 3 hrs ↑ 321 m ↓ 594 m
- Breakfast & dinner included

Day Eight: Departure day
After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Chania Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
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
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
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.
- 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.














