Trek the mythical mountains and gorges of Crete
 With 52 summits above 2000 meters, the White Mountains of Crete form the most mountainous area of Greece.
In the west loom of Crete the White Mountains, so named for the snow that mantles them in winter and the white limestone that shines from their peaks in summer, reach 2453 metres, with the peaks tower above a coastline of sheer cliffs cut by deep ravines running down to the sea.
Our 15-day trip, starts from Chania with its picturesque Venetian port, to continue to the southwest corner of Crete at the exotic beach of the island of Elafonissi with its pink sand and the turquoise waters. Following ancient paths we reach Lissos, the second Roman city in Crete, visiting the temple of God Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period.
Ascending well-maintained trails we will reach the summit of Mountain Gingilos (2080m), for stunning views to Omalos plateau, the White Mountains and the Samaria gorge - Europe's largest gorge, that offers us one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden, the home of the wild goats (Kri-kri) and griffon vultures.
Our superb coastal walk passes by the picturesque St Paul 's chapel and the azure blue waters of beautiful deserted beaches to lead us to Agios Ioannis - one of the most "authentic" Cretan villages - from where we climb to Zaranokefala mountain (2100m).
Finally we walk through Aradena gorge with its pink oleanders to end up at the white-blue washed houses of the charming village of Loutro.
15-day hiking tour through the White Mountains - Itinerary
Highlights include: Samaria gorge (longest in Europe), the exotic Elafonissi island, the ancient city Lissos (Ruins from Hellenistic, Roman Byzantine period), the spectacular gorges of Agia Irini and Aradena, ascent of Mt. Gigilos and the Mt. Zaranokefala, crystal-clear beaches to swim, coastal walks and picturesque fishing villages in Crete.
 DAY 1: Meet at Chania airport and transfer to our hotel in Chania.
In the evening you will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will be free to enjoy your dinner at a traditional tavern. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! (Overnight in Chania)
DAY 2: After breakfast we shall have time to explore the old city of Chania that has been built around a crescent shaped harbor lined with delightfully lively bars, cafes and open-air shops. We shall enjoy our lunch in the Venetian port and shall be transferred to Paleohora at the southwest corner of the island where we shall have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. (Overnight in Paleohora)
DAY 3: Starting early in the morning we shall be transferred to Krios from where we shall follow the coastal E4 path to reach the exotic beach and the island of Elafonissi. Although Elafonissi is very popular and many tourists visit it we shall still find it very attractive with its pink sand and the turquoise waters. We shall enjoy the sea and shall return back to Paleohora by boat. (Overnight in Paleohora)
DAY 4 (5hrs walk): Today we shall follow again the E4 path eastwards to reach the ancient city of Lissos, an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here we visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asklipios and we will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. We refresh ourselves in the cove and we continue through the beautiful gorge of Selinou to end up at the fishing village of Sougia. (Overnight in Sougia)
DAY 5 (2 hrs walk): Another beautiful walk parallel to Mediterranean to reach the isolated beach of Agios Antonios. Time to relax and enjoy the swim in the crystal clear waters. We return back to Sougia by boat. (Overnight in Sougia)
DAY 6 (5-6 hrs walk): After breakfast, we depart north towards the snow-capped mountains of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) ascending the Agia Irini gorge to reach Omalos plateau at the altitude of 1000 meters. Agia Irini gorge rivals its famous neighbor (Samaria gorge) in beauty and spectacle offering a much quieter path. (Overnight in Omalos)
DAY 7 (5-6hrs walk): A short drive will bring us at the entrance of Samaria gorge from where we climb mountain Gigilos (2080 m). This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and highly threatened with extinction wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points that we may use our hands to climb (easy scramble, nothing technical). The summit provides spectacular views in all directions.
We descend by the same route and we spend the night at a family owned hotel in Omalos plateau. (Overnight in Omalos)
DAY 8 (5-6 hrs walk): A short minibus drive takes us to Xiloscalo, the entrance of Samaria gorge, which is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. We walk on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a melodic stream. We reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where we can relax and enjoy a swim. (Overnight in Agia Roumeli)
DAY 9: This is a relax day that we shall spend in Agia Roumeli village. Optional walks to the Turkish castle above Agia Roumeli and time to enjoy the refreshing waters of Mediterranean. (Overnight in Agia Roumeli)
 DAY 10 (6 hrs walk): We continue our walk close the Mediterranean Sea (coastal path). We pass the picturesque St Paul's chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea and we ascent the ancient path until Agios Ioannis village at the foot of the White Mountains. Here we see "authentic" Cretans with their traditional costumes "that take us back in time, to other centuries." (Overnight in the refuge at Agios Ioannis)
DAY 11 (6 hrs walk): Today we shall enjoy the ascent of one of the 52 summits over 2000 meters of the White Mountains. Our goal is Zaranokefala mountain at 2100 m. From the summit we shall have the chance to admire the southwest coast of Crete, the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula and most of the summits of the White Mountains above 2000m. We will return back from the same path and will stay again in Agios Ioannis. (Overnight in the refuge at Agios Ioannis)
DAY 12 (4 hrs walk): Another spectacular gorge. From Aradena village we shall cross Aradena gorge (very beautiful and slightly more difficult than the previous gorges) that leads at Marmara beach where we shall enjoy the swim discovering the amazing sea caves. From Marmara we continue on the E4 coastal path to end up at the charming village of Loutro. (Overnight in Loutro)
DAY 13: An optional walking day or a relaxing day in Loutro. We shall have the chance to walk till Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1770. The zigzag path leads you after a comfortable 11/2 hr to St. Kathryn’s church that offer you a spectacular view to the south coast and to the White Mountains. (Overnight in Loutro)
DAY 14: For the last hiking day there are two optional ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion (or Sfakia), from where we return back to Chania. Either 2 hours hike by taking the coastal path that crosses "Sweet water beach" (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15 minutes boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. (Overnight in Chania)
DAY 15: This is the end of our trip. We transfer you to Chania airport at a convenient time.
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