Πεζοπορία

3rd – 10th May 2022

4th – 11th October 2022

Crete is a beautiful island and there is no better way to experience the wonderful flora, fauna and stunning scenery than on foot, in the company of like-minded people.

During this very popular week, you will learn about the culture, history, myths and legends of the Real Crete and be able to feel the genuine “filoxenia” (hospitality) of the local people. You will see and smell the aromatic wild herbs and plants of the White Mountains such as thyme, oregano, chamomile, Cretan Dittany and marjoram. There will also be many native buzzards, vultures and migrating birds to watch. The walks are classed as easy to moderate and range from 2 to 5 hours. Some involve a degree of rocky terrain so walking shoes/boots are essential as is a reasonable level of fitness.

Walkers in Crete – Mistral Hotel

There are four scheduled walking days and here is a selection of the walks (all dependant on weather conditions and group ability):

Nopigia – Ravdouha (Moderate/Difficult – 3 hours)

A stunning coastal walk along the Rotherpou Peninsular starting from the ancient village of Nopigia and ascending to great heights overlooking the Kissamos Bay. This circular walk finishes in the traditional village of Ravdouha for lunch.

Gouverneto Monastery (Moderate – 3 hours)

This walk starting at the 16th Century Gouverneto Monastery on the Akrotiri peninsular follows an ancient path originally traced by an 11th Century hermit who founded the island’s earliest monastery. From an elevated position, there is a steep descent firstly to a cave dedicated to Panagia Arkoudiotissa with a huge bear shaped stalagmite at its centre. Then a further walk down to the ruins of Katholikou Monastery built into the escarpment.

Anidri Gorge to Paleochora (Easy/Moderate 3 hours)

Starting from the tiny village of Anidri, this gorge may not be impressively high or with vertical walls but it forms part of a diverse ecosystem and is ideal to observe Cretan nature. The gorge finishes at the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea where you will continue the trail along the shore to Paleochora.

Agia Irini Gorge (Moderate/Difficult – 4 hours)

West of Samaria is the gorge of Agia Irini which makes up part of the world famous E4 European Walking Path. We drive for around an hour to reach the entrance to the gorge which has high mountains on both sides and rocky terrain. Vegetation consists of plane trees, pine and cypress trees and many different wild herbs and spices.

Deliana Gorge (Easy – 2 hours)

Deliana gorge provides another very scenic walk and is not too strenous. You walk downhill surrounded by towering cliffs on either side with Hawks and Griffon Vultures wheeling overhead. A tiny church in a clearing provides a resting place at the bottom of the gorge before the track levels out and ends in the village of Deliana.

Sirikari Gorge (Moderate – 2.5 hours)

The valley floor of this rocky gorge is full of lush vegetation. Steep cliffs surround us on this gentle walk which finishes at the Archaeological site of Polyrheneia, an ancient city dating from 300BC.

Elafonissi to Paleochora (Moderate/Difficult – 4 hours)

This beautiful coastal walk follows the turquoise sea and sandy beaches on the south west coast of Crete. There are plenty of opportunites to enjoy the flora and fauna during the walk which ends at a famous beach where you can swim.

The restored village of Milia (Easy/Moderate – 3 hours)

Milia is a lovely little village up in the hills where all local produce is organic and you can sample the wonderful food and local wine provided by the taverna. You may stop to look at a tiny whitewashed Byzantine church before the walk downhill through the flower-filled chestnut and olive groves.

Walking Week Dates and Prices
	Standard room 7 nights	Deluxe room 7 nights
3rd – 10th May 2022	1239€	1400€
4th – 11th October 2022	1239€	1400€

All repeat guests will receive a 5% discount on accommodation. The price includes Chania airport transfer, single accommodation in double or twin rooms, 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners (with wine and coffee), four guided walks with either taverna lunch or packed lunch and all transportation. The price does not include flights or travel insurance.

What to bring: walking shoes/boots, walking pole (optional), water bottle, camera, rucksack, sunhat and suncream.