NEW TRIP
Minoan Palaces, Ancient Villages, Coastal Mountain Hikes, and Delightful Cuisine
Hidden Treasures of Crete
Overview
The Mediterranean island of Crete is perfect for hikes and walks, with high mountains close to the sea, ancient footpaths, tiny villages of character, and spectacular seaside gorges. Our journey brings us up rocky slopes to mountaintops that hold Minoan sanctuaries, across deserted beaches to sacred caves and farming villages, and to the top of Crete’s highest peak, Mt. Psiloritis (8,056'). Our final hike leads through the picturesque Agia Irine Gorge to the azure sea, where we can cool off with a swim. As we explore, we’ll delve into the cultural tapestry of Crete, one of the most history-rich islands in the world, with a Minoan civilization dating to 2,000 BC and sacred caves and shrines dotting the mountains. Crete’s food is famous (Greeks consider Crete’s olive oil, honey, and cheese to be the country’s best) and our Trip Leaders know all the secret spots, so we’ll be well fueled for our hikes and cultural rambles on this storied island.
Arrive: Heraklion, Crete
Depart: Chania, Crete
Highlights
- Hike on Mt. Kofinas, with its Minoan cave sanctuary
- Follow trails on Mt. Psiloritis, Crete’s highest mountain
- Walk along remote beaches and to farming villages perched on mountainsides
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, mythological home of King Minos and the Minotaur
- Enjoy the best of Crete’s famed cuisine, fresh from the land and sea
Itinerary
In Heraklion, Crete’s harbor capital, we’ll explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the vast Palace of Knossos, dating from the second millennium BC. It was the mythological home of King Minos and the Minotaur.
We’ll have lunch in Matala, a fishing town that became famous in the 1960s and 1970s as a hideout for “hippies,” then head to the mountain village of Kapetaniana for a hike on Mt. Kofinas, the site of a Minoan cave-sanctuary. Another hike brings us from the beach at Eligia to a Cretan farming village overlooking the sea.
Anogia, a mountain village that spills down the hillside into a warren of narrow streets, is our base for a hike to the high crags of Mt. Psiloritis. On the Nida Plateau (5,000'), an important place in Greek mythology, we'll explore the Zeus Cave.
En route to lovely Chania, known for its 14th century Venetian harbor and waterfront restaurants, we'll visit the Arkadi Monastery, one of the finest Venetian churches in Crete, and have lunch by the sea in the pretty coastal city of Rethimno, once a bastion of the Venetians. Our final hike through the spectacular Agia Irini Gorge, part of the E4 European Long Distance Path, leads us to the sea at peaceful Sugia Bay, where we can take a refreshing dip. Depart Chania on Day 11.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Day hikes and cultural exploration are our focus of our trip. You will need to be comfortable hiking about five miles a day (the longest hike is almost 7 miles), being on your feet for up to at least five hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
- 4 miles
- 4-5 hours,
- 500 feet gain/loss
Challenge Day
- Day 7: 3 miles, 5.5 hours, 2,700' ascent/2,700' descent
Our hikes are often on rocky terrain with some uneven footing and some steep sections, both uphill and downhill. We will also be hiking along beaches and sea cliffs. Some of these paths are ancient and worn, so it's important to have good traction and ankle support.
We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercise. Stair climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.
We offer our trips in April and October, avoiding the crowded summer season. April is very good time to be in Crete because the cruise boats have left and spring weather brings many wildflowers that last til mid-May. Likewise, October is a great time for Crete because of fewer travelers and plentiful autumn colors up in the mountains where we hike.
The hotels have been chosen for their comfortable amenities and location, but please note that the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
The majority of our meals are at local restaurants or at our hotels, with a few packed lunches on the trail. Crete is known for its cuisine, and we'll find that every corner of the island has something unique to offer, and specialties in one district that may be unfindable in another. The close proximity to the sea and richness of the land make the island self-sufficient in year-round fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as in seafood and meat. A favorite appetizer at tavernas is a serving of dakos, bread crusts soaked in olive oil and topped with chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta, oregano, and fresh basil. Crete's traditional pies are often filled with wild greens and local cheeses. Meat such as lamb or goat are often cooked on wooden skewers around a fire. Please note that in Crete, the dinner hour is later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 or 8:00 pm.
Client Testimonials
"Fabulous trip! A fantastic combination of hiking and cuisine and culture."
Barbara N.
Oakland, CA
"A marvelous trip. A great amount of information about the history and culture of Crete. Wonderful cooking lessons and great meals and wine. The three guides really complemented each other with their specific skills and talents; as a result it was a superb trip."
Marie Jose D.
Lovingston, VA
"This trip was a fantastic combination of hiking, food, history, and cultural experience. The organization was amazing. The hike to St. Anthony’s Cave, the feast of lamb roasted over an open fire followed by Greek dancing was a once in a lifetime experience."
Rebecca C.
Davis, CA
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.