Crete is a walker's paradise. There are only few places in Europe where you can find the combination of high mountains close to the sea, mild climate with long dry seasons and a large network of ancient paths and shepherds trails. Add to this the friendliness of the Cretans and the good infrastructure which allows one to walk all day without seeing a soul but still find a village in the evening to eat and spend the night and you have a perfect recipe for a wonderful walking experience.
Ptarmigan Treks will provide you with just that - four days of unforgettable walking! Our first day walking begins from Xyloskalo and a walk up to the summit of the Samaria Parks most dramatic and picturesque peak, Gingilos (2080m) and then onward to its slightly higher neighbour, Volakias (2118m) returning back to our start point at Xyloskalo, to be met and returned back to our overnight stay at Omalos.
Next day its time to experience the Samaria Gorge, said to be the longest and deepest gorge in Europe at 15kms in length and with its shear sides towering to a staggering 400m, the highlight of this gorge is at an area known as the 'Iron gates' where the gorge reaches its narrowest point - measuring just 3m wide! On finishing the gorge we have an overnight stay at the little coastal village of Agia Roumeli, (which can only be accessed by boat). Here you can relax on the beach or have a swim in the warm Libyan Sea before your evening meal at one of the local tavernas that line the beach, before turning in for the night.
Our third day takes us on a gentle coastal walk from Agia Roumeli to the seaside town of Hora Sfakion, along here we have the chance to take a plunge into the sea to cool off at the various little coves, inlets and beaches dotted along the way - so swimwear is a must! Eventually we come to the beautiful little seaside town of Loutro where we can enjoy some refreshments before we continue on our way, shortly reaching our days finishing point.
Our final day of trekking starts from Hora Sfakion and sees us take on the highest mountain in The White Mountain range, Pachnes (2453m) to begin with, the day involves a bit of an off road driving experience to get us to our start point at Roussies, from where we make the rest of our way on foot to reach the summit of Pachnes. A return back to Hora Sfakion to meet our transport that will take us to the resort of Hersonissos on the eastern side of the island, where we have a chance to wind down and relax before returning home to the UK.
The largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, Crete boasts an incredible variety of scenery and vegetation, and an amazing history dating back to the 4,000 year old Minoan civilization.
Samaria Gorge is in one of the National Parks of Greece and the only one in Crete. It starts at an altitude of 1227m at Xyloskalo near the village of Omalos (70km from Hania) and ends after an 15km walk to the beach at the village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast of Crete.
Planned itinerary as follows:
| Day 1: | Group departs UK (Gatwick airport). Arrive at Heraklion airport Crete - coach transfer to overnight stay at the Neos Omalos Hotel, Omalos. |
| Day 2: | Transport from Omalos to Xyloscala, ascent of Gingilos (2080m) and Volakias (2118m above the Omalos plateau - approx 5 ½ hrs) return to Neos Omalos for second nights stay. |
| Day 3: | One way trip from Omalos to Xyloscala. Trek through the Samaria Gorge 15km - approx 5hrs), overnight stay Agia Roumeli. |
| Day 4: | Coastal walk from Agia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion passing through the beautiful coastal town of Loutro. (20km - approx 7hrs). |
| Day 5: | 4x4 transport from Hora Sfakion to the trailhead at Roussies - ascent of the highest mountain in The White Mountain range, Pachnes at 2453m (approx 500m of ascent from trailhead return by the same route 8km - approx 3 hrs). Transport from Hora Sfakion to over night stay in the holiday resort of Hersonissos. |
| Day 6: | Day to relax in the holiday resort of Hersonissos. |
| Day 7: | Transfer from Hersonissos to Heraklion. Depart Crete and return to the UK. |
The Ptarmigan Treks guides that will be accompanying you on your trek are highly motivated qualified and experienced mountaineers based in Scotland. They offer both experience and encouragement as well as sharing their great sense of humour, you really couldn't be in better hands!
We will provide you with return flights, hotel accommodation, transport (excluding UK), baggage transfers, guides, breakfast, packed lunches, park entrance fees and a good Scottish sense of humour!
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