Highlights

Wander around the historical city of Chania, one of the longest continuously inhabited city sites in the world
Walk through Samaria, Europe's longest gorge and Crete's 'must-do' experience
Climb Mt. Gigilos the legendary peak overlooking Samaria with its 2080m high summit
Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the dramatic, rocky seascape while breathing in the fresh, salty air of remote and unspoiled beaches

Source: Trekking Hellas

Description

Our hiking in the white mountains of Crete trip starts in Chania, probably the most charming Cretan city. From there we will head towards White Mountains (Lefka Ori). They take their name after the shining bleached limestone cliffs and the rich snow cover during the winter. For a whole week we will hike on a network of ancient paths and shepherd trails. We will follow the stunning southern coastline, climb to imposing summits, enter into the depths of some of the most beautiful gorges of the island, including the most famous of all – the legendary Gorge of Samaria. On a hot summer day, heading downhill towards the entrance of a Cretan gorge is an ideal hike. We will hike under shade, protected from the summer sun, looking forward to a refreshing swim at the end as a reward.

Source: Trekking Hellas

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Chania | We love Chania and we believe you will too. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains, busy market, and nearby beaches make it the ideal spot. In the afternoon our local representative will meet at your hotel and give you a briefing on the hikes accompanied by a booklet and maps. | This day includes: Dinner | Overnight in Chania.
Day 2 : From Chania to Agia Irini Gorge and Omalos plateau | Wake up and get ready to enter the White Mountains through the narrow gorge of Agia Irini. Areas of humidity and shade sustain a variety of plants, and gigantic ancient plane trees grace a large clearing halfway up. Our hike ends at Agia Irini village and from there we will be transferred to Omalos plateau. In the heart of Omalos, at an altitude of more than 1000m, enjoy the evening breeze listening to the jingling of the occasional goat’s bell. | This day includes: Breakfast, lunch box, dinner | Hiking distance: 7km / Hiking Duration: 3h 30min, Elevation Gain : +900m | Driving distance: Chania to Entrance of the gorge 70km, 1h 30min | Overnight in Omalos.
Day 3 : Climb to the summit of Mt. Gigilos | Take a deep breath of the mountain fresh air and gear up for today’s high ascent. Today you will climb Mt. Gingilos the legendary peak overlooking Samaria with its 2080m high summit. Its north face, a near vertical slope of solid rock will try to scare us, but we will trick it by following the path round the back in order to reach the summit with only a little scrambling. Lammergeiers, the biggest birds in Europe, from Samaria gorge, glide past this cliff top so often at midday on their foraging trips it is well worth keeping an eye out for them. | This day includes: Breakfast, dinner | Hiking distance: 9km / Hiking Duration: 6 Hours, Elevation Gain : +900m | Overnight in Omalos.
Day 4 : Samaria Gorge Crossing | “Kalimera!” How about a dip in the clear turquoise waters of the South coast? Yes! But first we have to trek through Samaria, Europe's longest gorge which lead us to our goal over trickling streams, through forests of scented pines and the "Iron Gates", the narrowest point where the rocks on either side are 600m high. After a 16km descent we’ll reach the welcoming resort of Agia Roumeli, with its much appreciated fine pebble beach and sparkling sea. | Hiking distance: 16km / Hiking Duration: 6h 30min, Elevation Loss: -1000m. | Overnight in Agia Roumeli
Day 5 : Agia Roumeli to Marmara and Loutro | A wonderful coastal walk. We make an early start in the cool of the morning, walking on sand and shingle next to the sea to the picturesque chapel of St. Pavlos (Paul), said to mark the place where Saint Paul landed on Crete. Next to the chapel is a freshwater spring coming out of the pebble beach. We make a short stop for swimming. Our next stop is Marmara beach where we can refresh ourselves with another swim and superb lunch on the taverna overlooking the azure sea.From here we hike to Loutro or a water taxi will transfer you to Loutro settlement (taxi cost not included). | This day includes: Breakfast, dinner | Hiking distance:11 km / Hiking Duration:4,5hours,Elevation Gain :+400m | Overnight in Loutro.
Day 6 : Free day Loutro or optional walk to Marmara & Aradena | Spend a day in the tiny fishing village of Loutro which is only accessible from the sea or hiking trails. You can either spend a leisure day or hike via Foinikas to Marmara beach where the entrance of Aradena gorge is. The hike each way is about 2 hours so you can either go and return hiking or arrange for water taxi to bring you back to Loutro. | This day includes: Breakfast, dinner | Hiking distance to Marmara beach :4,8 km / Hiking Duration: 2,5hours per way | Aradena gorge Hiking distance : 6 km per way / Hiking Duration : 3 hours per way | Overnight in Loutro.
Day 7 : Loutro to Sfakia and return to Chania. | We follow the coastal path to Chora Sfakion this morning, stopping for a swim at Glika Nera Beach. This 3-hour stretch has some fine path building on a steep rock face overlooking the deep blue sea. From Chora Sfakion transfer to Chania city. | This day includes: Breakfast | Hiking distance: 6.6km / Hiking Duration: 3h30m | Driving distance: Chora Sfakion to Chania 70km, 2 Hours | Overnight in Chania.
Day 8 : Departure day | After a mighty Mediterranean breakfast, and a “Greek” coffee, it’s time to say “goodbye”! | This day includes: Breakfast

Source: Trekking Hellas

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What's included

All accommodations as listed (or similar) based on double occupancy
All transportation during the trip
Entrance fees at the Gorges of Agia Irini and Samaria
Services of a leader/guide throughout the tour
A bottle of water per day
Hotel taxes and service charges
Transport and handling of one reasonably sized suitcase and one carry-on per person
Included meals: Day 1: Dinner / Day 2-7: Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner / Day 8: Breakfast

Source: Trekking Hellas

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Not included

Domestic and/or international air fare
Medical expenses, travel or emergency evacuation insurance
Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
Transfer to and from the airport/port
Other items of a personal nature.

Source: Trekking Hellas

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Cancelation Policy

Cancellation up to 45 days before the excursion: the Company will refund the amount paid, minus 50% of the deposit to cover the costs of management and cancellation of hotels or other services.
Cancellation 45-30 days before the excursion: the Company retains 100% of the deposit.
Cancellation 29-15 days before the excursion: the Company keeps 30% of the amount paid.
Cancellation 14-7 days before the excursion: the Company retains 50% of the amount paid.
Cancellation 6-0 days before the tour: the Company retains the full amount paid.
In case of non-appearance of the customer, the Company reserves the right to keep the entire amount paid.

Source: Trekking Hellas

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Meeting Point

Your Hotel in Chania

Chania, Greece

About the provider

Explore Greece through Trekking Hellas adventure tours and activities.

4.6 72 Reviews

5/5

30.03.2025

Trekking Hellas provided an unforgettable sea kayak experience at Cape Sounion, beneath the stunning Temple of Poseidon. Our guide, Pantelis, was the perfect blend of humor, politeness, and expertise. His...

milena dimitrokallis
5/5

05.07.2021

By far the best and most professional adventure tour operator in Greece. They have committed to provide quality services and most of all safety for any adventurous trip you're planning....

1MATION- Yannis Xylouris
5/5

26.07.2022

Wonderful experience! I ended up being the only person booked for the evening sea Kayaking tour to the Temple of Poseidon. At first I thought it would be weird being...

Tanya Krejberg
5/5

09.11.2025

Just Perfection!!! Great Team, Super Professionals!!!

panos varelas
5/5

01.09.2020

Amazing host, amazing experience, above and beyond Not for the unfit but not too challenging with basic good health!

Olivia Stupart

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Flexible cancellation policy

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You can message us on WhatsApp

+30 698 0419 772

or email us at

[email protected]

Book with confidence

We have carefully selected the most trusted experience providers across Greece.
Handpicked tours & activities

All our tours and activities have been chosen for maximum quality and reliability.
Flexible cancellation policy

Discover Greece is in close contact with providers to ensure flexibility in the event of cancellation.

Have a question?

You can message us on WhatsApp

+30 698 0419 772

or email us at

[email protected]