Cretan Odyssey - Guided Hike

Transfer (1h30) to Argyroupoli in the hinterland of Rethymnon. This mountain village is full of surprises! 

A powerful town since ancient times, with a rich Roman fortress, Argyroupoli (formerly Lappa) is packed 

with Minoan, Greek and Roman remains, and boasts a beautiful historic centre. But it's also its surroundings that are extraordinary, and quite different from the classic landscapes of Crete: springs, waterfalls and windmills, set in a lush environment, are enchanting.

Visit Argyroupoli and stroll through the surrounding countryside: chapels, sheepfolds, authentic villages. Transfer (approx. 40 mins) to Plakias, a charming seaside resort with a crescent-shaped bay and beautiful sandy beaches. Option to walk along the Libyan Sea to Akra Kakomouri Cape and the caves.

About 2 hours of walking, +200 m, - 200 m.

Dinner and overnight in Plakias.

We take a small boat to the Prévéli palm grove. The monastery we visit is Piso Moni, which we reach on foot from the palm grove. Return by the same route through the gorge to the beach. The river, surrounded by palm trees, flows into the sea - a delightful freshwater swim! After a break on the sandy beach, return to Plakias by boat. 

Alternative if there is no boat:

Bus transfer from Plakias to the monastery of Piso Moni in Preveli (approx. 20 minutes).

After visiting the monastery, we walk to the gorges and beach of Preveli.

We enjoy the beach and a walk through the palm forest near the gorge.

The return journey can be made either by boat or bus, after a 600-metre walk (footpath) to the next beach, Drymiskiano Ammoudi.

About 3 to 4 hours depending on the route chosen, +200 m to 450 m, -200 m to -450 m.

Dinner and overnight in Plakias.

Transfer to the White Mountains! In winter, snow covers them, then the sun reflects off the dazzling 

white limestone peaks. En route, take a break and visit the village of Frangokastello (1 hr), famous for 

its imposing Venetian fort, a witness to the turbulent history of Crete. At Chora Sfakion, we take the ferry to Loutro, a charming seaside village in its own cove, accessible only on foot or by boat. Hike to the marble beach (Marmara Beach) and have lunch on the beach. Those wishing to do so can hike through the Aradena Gorge, returning by the same route. These narrow, easy gorges are magnificent, lined with oleanders. Return to Loutro on foot along the marble beach or by taxi boat.

From Loutro to the marble beach: about 2 hours of walking, +80 m, -90 m, 5 km

Aradena Gorge (round trip) : about 1h30 of walking, +130 m, -130 m, 1,5 km.

Dinner and overnight in Loutro.

By boat along the coast to the small port of Agia Roumeli, at the entrance to the famous Samaria Gorge. 

Located in the heart of Crete's only national park (the White Mountains National Park: Lefka Ori), the 

16km-long Samaria Gorge (the longest in Europe) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the "nature" 

category. It is home to an incredible biodiversity, including many endemic species of plants and flowers. 

The Samaria Gorge, which runs from the Omalos plateau at 1250m to the sea, has also played an 

important role in the island's history. We set off from the sea as far as Afentis Christοs, where we will 

take a picnic break. Return walk. Return to Loutro by boat.

About 3h30 of walking, +450 m, -450 m, 8 km.

Dinner and overnight in Loutro.

After breakfast, we leave Loutro on foot for a hike along the coast to Glyka Nera beach. We enjoy this 

magnificent beach before taking a taxi boat to Chora Sfakion. Lunch in the harbour, followed by a 1h30 

transfer to the Arkadi monastery. Situated 20 km south-east of Rethymnon on a fertile plateau at the 

foot of Mount Ida, the monastery is not only a highly interesting cultural monument but also a historic 

site, symbolising Cretan resistance against Ottoman occupation. We spend around 45 minutes there. 

Transfer to Heraklion (1h15).

About 1h15 of walking, +30 m, -50 m, 3,5 km.

Dinner and overnight in Heraklion. 

A day devoted to Heraklion and its rich heritage. Transfer to Knossos Palace and visit with an English-speaking cultural guide (approx. 1? to 2 hours). Those who wish can visit the museum (admission not included). Return to Heraklion by scheduled bus, followed by free time. Possibility of visiting the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important in Greece and home to the most complete collection relating to Minoan civilisation.

Dinner and overnight in Heraklion.

End of your trip after breakfast. Transfer to Heraklion airport.