Explore the White Mountains 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 8-day hiking trip, starts from Omalos plateau. 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 summit (2100m) in the White Mountains.
Finally we walk through Aradena gorge with its pink oleanders to finish our hiking tour at the white-blue washed houses of the charming village of Loutro.
8-day hike in the White Mountains of Crete - Itinerary
Highlights include: Samaria gorge (longest in Europe), ascent of Mt.
Gigilos with spectacular view, ascent of Mt. Zaranokefala in the White
Mountains, coastal walks with crystal-clear beaches to swim, picturesque
fishing villages and the beautiful Aradena gorge.
 DAY 1: Meet at the airport of Chania and transfer to Omalos Plateau at an altitude of 1000 meters in the White Mountain range. In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a dinner at the family owned hotel where we shall spent the night. (Overnight in Omalos)
DAY 2 (5-6hrs walk): A 10 minutes transfer will bring us to Xiloscalo from where we climb mountain Gingilos (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 return back at the hotel. (Overnight in Omalos)
DAY 3 (6 hrs walk): Again today we shall be transferred 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 4 (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 5 (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 6 (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 7: Following the E4 trail we shall reach, in about 1 hour, the "Sweet
water beach" (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble
beach) where we can enjoy our swim. From "Sweet water beach" we shall
continue to reach Sfakia from where our minibus or taxis will return us back
to Chania (Overnight in Chania)
DAY 8: This is the end of our hiking trip. We transfer you to the airport at
convenient time.
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