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  • Spring and Autumn Guided Country
    Walking within Western Crete

    Spring Walking  09-16 May 2024
    Autumn Walking 01-08 October 2024
    £1095pp (single supp £100)

     

Five days of leisurely to medium paced walks of about 6 to 7 miles in the rolling countryside and dramatic gorges of Western Crete visiting villages and ancient sites amidst the abundance of Spring flowers with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Walks are 3 to 4 hours ending in lunch at a village taverna to sample local Cretan cuisine.

Walks take in the hills and the valleys of Western Crete as well as traditional villages and quiet ancient sites which are particularly beautiful in the Spring and Autumn with the abundance of wild flowers and plants. New walks include Stylos – Machairi – Neo Chorio and Azogires (near Paleochora) to Anidri and down the Anidri gorge, as well as our old favourites  of Nippos/ Vafes,  Polyrinnia/ Sirikari Gorge and Argiroupolis.   Walks are best described as moderate and are suitable for all ramblers. During this walking week you will not be climbing mountains although inclines can never be avoided in this part of the world. Rather you will be exploring Crete’s open countryside, its gorges, hills and villages under the leadership of tour guide Sophia Chapman.

Sophia is our Greek-English tour leader for our walking holidays. Born and raised in Chania, bilingual in English and Greek, she has over 8 years of experience in leading and organising walks and excursions in Crete. Her love of Crete along with her enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of her homeland with visitors, will contribute to a memorable time during your holiday!

Testimonials

  • "The reward after a walk was the most amazing food from a local Taverna all hand-picked by Sophia, fresh food that made you feel like you were sat in a small Cretan kitchen eating with the family"

  • "Sophia had organised the walks with such care and attention to detail. Every walk took us to a different area of Crete, with stunning views, and beautiful flora and fauna"

  • "Sophia our guide made our small group feel part of Crete, her knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious"

     

  • "One week really not long enough. Can't wait to go again!!!"

Each walk of 3 to 4 hours (about 10-12 kilometres) has regular rest stops and ends in the early afternoon in a village taverna, where you will have the chance to sample a delicious array of local Cretan dishes and wine before being driven back to the village accommodation in the late afternoon. Meals are not included in the cost of the walking holiday in Crete (except for the first day evening meal). 

Walking boots or strong comfortable shoes are recommended.

Using the Ramblers UK grading, the walks are Leisurely in pace and Easy to Moderate in terms of difficulty.

Inevitably almost all of the walks necessitate a number of ascents, usually steady, now and again short and quite steep

All walks are on tracks/paths

Accommodation for walkers is within Megala Chorafia/Aptera

Spaces are limited to 14, so early booking is recommended

Note that temperatures in Crete even in May and October can be many degrees warmer than that of the UK which may affect your usual walking stamina

Please discuss with us at the time of booking any medical conditions you feel may affect your walking ability

Single supplement applies

**Please note clients for the walking holiday should outline their general level of fitness and any medical conditions at the time of booking.  This will be requested before a deposit payment is taken and we will await a response before confirming your booking. Please provide your walking guide in Crete with any additional information relevant to the above at the Welcome Meeting or preferably beforehand.  Although our guides carefully monitor individual abilities over the week, ideally you be required to have a good level of fitness and agility and therefore this holiday is only suitable to those used to walking the above distances and terrain on a regular basis.

The Pure Crete walking holiday in Crete is suitable for single travellers as well as couples and small groups. The price per person for Spring and Autumn Walking is £1095pp which includes your flight, all transfers, guide, complimentary welcome meal and a week of Pure Crete self catering accommodation within the hilltop village of Aptera in North Western Crete. Single supplement and regional flight supplement applies.
              

Country Walking in Crete  2024

(Itinerary subject to change due to local conditions)

  • Day 1

    Arrival into Chania airport. Transfer to accommodation.
    Evening welcome meeting and meal in taverna Aptera

    Day 2

    Walk: Xirosterni–Gavalochori–Aspro-Douliana  (approx. 9km / 3-3,5hrs)
    Lunch in taverna: Gavalochori

    Day 3

    Walk: Stylos –Machairi-Nio Chorio (approx. 8-9km / 3-3,5hrs)
    Lunch in taverna : Kalyves

    Day 4

    Free day

  • Day 5

    Walk: Argiroupolis – Kato Poros – Argiroupolis (circular)
    Lunch in taverna: Kournas

    Day 6

    Walk: Along both sides of the valley in between Margarites and Lagka villages
    Lunch: Margarites (pottery) village 

    Day 7

    Walk: Polirrinia village visit – Sirikari gorge
    Lunch in taverna: Topolia

    Day 8

    Transfer for departure from Chania airport.

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