Overview
Walking in west Crete, on this centre-based holiday, is a perfect way to explore the island’s hiking highlights over eight days. Staying in a small, traditional hotel on the coast in Hóra Sfakíon, you have daily transfers to some stunning treks, with walking itineraries on four days out of eight. Leaving you plenty of time to enjoy Crete’s coast, ancient sites, local philoxenia (hospitality) and superb food. Hiking highlights include part of the iconic Samaria Gorge, trails through the White Mountains and Imbros Gorge.
- Samaria Gorge
- White Mountains
- Imbros Gorge
- Car-free village of Loutro
- Chania
- Askifou Plateau
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Hóra Sfakíon
You are met at the airport in Chania and transferred to Hóra Sfakíon, on the south-east coast of the island. Hóra Sfakíon is the capital of the remote and mountainous region of Sfakiá. It’s a stunning coastal town, still with a traditional feel where, over the week, you have a chance to get to know its fishing harbour, tavernas, shops and quiet local beaches.
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel by the sea or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
Day 2: Askifou | 7km
After breakfast, take a taxi or bus to the village of Kares. From here, this relatively easy route follows quiet tarmac roads across the Askifou Plateau in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). You are enveloped by peaks, many of which are still snow-covered in spring. Walk as far as the village of Imbros on the south side of the plateau, a perfect place for a drink or lunch in one of the local tavernas. From Imbros you take a local bus or taxi back to Hóra Sfakíon.
- Walking for the day: 7km, 2h, ↑150m ↓125m
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 3: Imbros Gorge | 12.5km
Taxi or local bus transfer back to Imbros village to get some supplies in the mini-market before heading towards the trail through Imbros gorge. Walk for about two hours along a rocky riverbed, through otherworldly landscapes. At its narrowest point, Imbros gorge is only 1.60m wide. At the end of the gorge you arrive at Komitades, another perfect eat and rest your feet spot. Continue your walk through Sfakia Gorge back to Hóra Sfakíon, in time for a sunset swim.
- Walking for the day: 12.5km, 4h, ↑350m ↓1,100m
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 4: Samaria Gorge | 7.2km
This is the highlight of the trip for many, taking on some of Crete’s most celebrated trail. Take a ferry (1h) to Agia Roumeli, which is located at the end of the gorge. Walk to a very narrow passage near the gorge’s end, known locally as Portes, which translates as gates. Make sure to catch the last ferry at 17.00 to get back to Hóra Sfakíon.
Please note: Samaria gorge is open from 01 May until the autumn rains start (usually mid-October). It is also possible for the gorge to be closed at any time by local authorities in the event of flash flood alerts. If this happens, we suggest an alternative walking route for today.
- Walking for the day: 7.2km, 3h, ↑375m ↓375m
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 5: Chania rest day
Take the local bus to Chania, which is famous for its coastal heritage, 14th-century Venetian harbour, elegant townhouses and traditional market. We also recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum of Chania and the Maritime Museum of Crete.
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 6: Coastal walk to Loutro | 6.6km
Follow the E4 coastal trail from Chora Sfakion to Loutro, walking through rugged limestone terrain and descending twice to isolated beaches, including Sweetwater Beach. The village of Loutro is accessible only on foot or by ferry and is free from vehicular traffic. From Loutro, extend the day with a circular route through Old Phoenix Bay, returning along a coastal section that passes ancient ruins and the chapel of Sotiros Christou. Return to Chora Sfakion by ferry or walk back along the same E4 route.
- Walking for the day: 6.6km, 3h, ↑180m ↓240m
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 7: Free day
Enjoy a free day on the beach.
- Accommodation: Samaria to Livikon Hotel or similar in Hóra Sfakíon
- Meals: breakfast
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, our local representative drives you back to Chania Airport.
Meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
Your accommodation is in Samaria to Livikon Hotel in the coastal village of Hóra Sfakíon, which is a 5m drive from Iliggas and Ammoudi beaches. All rooms have a private balcony with sea views, air conditioning, and are ensuite.
Click to view images from Samaria to Livikon Hotel
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with traditional breakfast made with locally-sourced produce, when possible. You can order a packed lunch at the hotel, payable locally. There are plenty of local tavernas for dinner and lunches.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy to moderate and is suitable for both less experienced walkers and seasoned hikers (read more about difficulty grades). The walks are mostly on stony trails, relatively short and easy to follow, and there is a great variety in landscape on every walk. The coastal section goes along exposed cliffs that require a head for heights.
We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, as well as GPX files, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from beginning of April until mid-October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season. The best period to visit is between June and the beginning of October.
Crete has a Mediterranean climate, with mild and rainy winters, and hot and sunny summers. From mid-May to mid-September, the Meltemi (or Etesian) blows from the north-west. The southern coasts are more sheltered from this wind, especially in the coastal stretches that are located south of the mountains.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Chania Airport (CHQ). An alternative is Heraklion Airport. (HER).
By train or bus
- Transfers from Chania Airport (1.5h) are included. Optional transfer from/to Heraklion airport available upon request (3h).
- The bus ride from/to Heraklion could take up to 3h, for more information, please visit KTEL. Otherwise, book a 2.5h taxi.
- For more detailed information, use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Arrival and departure transfer from/to Chania airport
- Detailed road book and maps (a digital copy, provided before the tour)
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers other than Chania airport
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
- Any local bus or taxi journeys, such as those needed on days two, three and five
- Ferry ticket on day four
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights at any of the accommodations along the way as well as in Chania and Heraklion
- Private arrival and departure transfers from/to Heraklion airport
