Southwestern Crete - Walking Through History (self-guided)

7 Days

Duration

Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

Availability

Moderate to Challenging

Difficulty

From Ancient Civilizations to Byzantine Legacies: A Journey on Foot Through Crete’s Past

Please Note: This is a self-guided hiking adventure, offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace with full logistical support.

Southwestern Crete is a land of timeless landscapes and deep history, where civilizations have flourished for millennia. This 7-day self-guided hiking adventure takes you through archaeological sites, Byzantine chapels and remote mountain villages, following the paths that connected Cretan communities for centuries.

Each day balances rewarding hiking with immersive discovery. You will walk on ancient trade routes, explore fortified Greek city-states perched on mountain peaks, and visit remote coastal sanctuaries dedicated to healing gods.

With luggage transfers, hand-picked accommodations, and detailed navigation tools, this journey offers an authentic immersion into a region where myth, archaeology, and the untamed beauty of the Mediterranean converge.

Day 1: Arrival in the Historic City of Chania

Arrival at Chania Airport and transfer to the accommodation
Free time to explore the historic Venetian harbor, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Ottoman and Minoan layers of the city
A curated list of recommended restaurants to experience authentic Cretan cuisine
Overnight stay in Chania
- Chania is a city where centuries of history coexist—from Minoan settlements and ancient Kydonia to Venetian fortifications and Ottoman domes. This day allows you to soak in the past before heading into the rugged landscapes of Western Crete.

Day 2: Through the Samaria Gorge – A Natural & Historical Monument

Travel from Chania to Omalos, the starting point of the Samaria Gorge hike
Hike through the world-famous Samaria Gorge, a Biosphere Reserve and a strategic refuge throughout Cretan history
- Hike details: Length: 14.5 km / 9 mi | Ascent | Descent: 0 m / 0 ft | 1,230 m / 4,035 ft | Duration: ~7h
- Experience the sheer scale of Europe’s longest gorge. The trail descends from the alpine scenery of Xyloskalo through dense cypress forests to the “Iron Gates,” where the canyon walls narrow to just four meters. This path was once a crucial artery for mountain rebels and ancient traders alike.
Arrival in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli and board the ferry (ANENDYK) to the historic town of Palaiochora
Overnight stay in Palaiochora

Day 3: Hyrtakina – The Lost Mountain City of the North

Hike through the ruins of Ancient Hyrtakina, an impressive fortified city-state of the Hellenistic period
- Hike details: Length: 14.4 km / 8.9 mi | Ascent | Descent: 885 m / 2,904 ft | 176 m / 577 ft | Duration: ~5h30min
- Ascend through rugged mountain terrain to reach the “Koinon of the Oreioi” (League of the Mountaineers). You will explore the cyclopean walls of Hyrtakina, perched high above the valleys, offering panoramic views that reveal why this site was an impregnable stronghold for centuries
Visit the village of Temenia, famous since antiquity for its therapeutic natural springs
Travel from Temenia back to Palaiochora
Overnight stay in Palaiochora

Day 4: Descending the Mountains to the Libyan Sea via the Roman Trail

Travel to the mountain village of Temenia
Hike from the mountains down to the coastal village of Sougia following an original Roman path
- Hike details: Length: 11.5 km / 7.1 mi | Ascent | Descent: 23 m / 75 ft | 730 m / 2,395 ft | Duration: ~3h30min
- Follow a historic descent that connects the mountain peaks with the sea. You will walk on sections of a well-preserved Roman trail that served as the primary link between the powerful city of Elyros and its strategic port. The path winds through olive groves and rocky slopes, ending at the serene shores of the Libyan Sea
Pass through the site of Ancient Elyros, once the most important city of southwestern Crete
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Sougia
Overnight stay in Sougia

Day 5: The Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Coastal E4 Trail

Hike along the wild coastal segment of the E4 European trail to the archaeological site of Lissos
- Hike details: Length: 14.3 km / 8.9 mi | Ascent | Descent: 468 m / 1,535 ft | 464 m / 1,522 ft | Duration: ~5h
- Step back in time as you enter the secluded valley of Lissos, accessible only by foot or boat. Discover the ruins of the Temple of Asclepius, where ancient pilgrims sought cures in the sacred springs. The trail offers breathtaking coastal vistas and leads you through a landscape scattered with Roman tombs and early Christian basilicas
Explore the ancient healing center (Asklepieion) of Lissos with its famous mosaic floors
Continue the coastal hike or take an optional boat back to Palaiochora
- Special Experience Option: Instead of hiking the full distance, enjoy a private boat pick-up from the cove of Lissos. The boat will take you to a secluded “Kalyva” (hut) for an authentic Cretan lunch by the sea before continuing to Palaiochora.
Overnight stay in Palaiochora

Day 6: Byzantine Heritage & The Churches of Kandanos

Check-out from Palaiochora and morning transfer to the historic region of Kandanos
Hike through a network of ancient paths connecting some of Crete’s most significant Byzantine churches
- Hike details: Length:12.1 km / 7.5 mi | Ascent | Descent: 276 m / 905 ft | 276 m / 905 ft | Duration: ~3h30min
- This route is a journey into the spiritual heart of medieval Crete. Walking through ancient olive groves, you will encounter hidden chapels like Agia Anna and Agios Georgios, housing remarkably preserved Byzantine frescoes that tell the stories of a forgotten era.
Discover 13th and 14th-century frescoes and learn about the village’s heroic history of resistance
Overnight stay in Kandanos

Day 7: Departure

Morning at leisure in the peaceful village of Kandanos
Before your departure, we recommend enjoying a traditional coffee and local pastries (like “kalitsounia”) at one of the authentic cafes in the historic village square, mingling with the locals
Check-out and private transfer to Chania Airport (or Chania city center)
Optional visit to the new Archaeological Museum in Chania if time permits before your flight
Conclusion of the tour

Highlights

⭐ The Samaria Gorge: Hike the legendary 14km canyon, a masterpiece of nature and a historic stronghold of Cretan freedom.

⭐ Ancient City-States: Explore the ruins of Hyrtakina, Elyros, and Lissos—cities that once ruled the southern Cretan seas.

⭐ The Roman Trail: Walk on the actual stones laid by Romans on the path connecting the mountains to the port of Sougia.

⭐ Byzantine Treasures: Discover the hidden, frescoed churches of Kandanos, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

⭐ Coastal Splendor: Experience the rugged beauty of the Libyan Sea coastline while following the iconic E4 trail.

⭐ Seamless Logistics: Enjoy a hassle-free adventure with daily luggage transfers and private land transport.

What’s Included

✅ 6 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels

✅ 5 breakfasts and 5 packed lunches

✅ Luggage transfers between accommodations

✅ Samaria National Park ticket

✅ Ferry tickets (Agia Roumeli – Palaiochora)

✅ Transfers within Crete (as mentioned in the itinerary)

✅ Detailed hiking maps & route descriptions

✅ Restaurant suggestions in all places you will visit throughout your tour

Not Included

❌ Breakfast on Day 7, lunches, dinners, and drinks

❌ Flights & ferry tickets

❌ Personal expenses & optional activities

❌ Entrance fees to archaeological sites or museums

❌ Transfers that are not mentioned

❌ Travel insurance

Enhance Your Journey (Tailor-Made Options)

Make your journey even more comfortable or extend your stay with our bespoke add-ons. Contact us for a personalized quote.

✨ Private English-Speaking Guide: Transform your self-guided tour into a fully guided experience with an expert local mountain leader.
✨ Private Boat Upgrade (Day 2): Skip the ferry wait and enjoy a private sea transfer from Agia Roumeli to Palaiochora.
✨ Lissos Boat Trip & “Kalyva” Lunch: On Day 5, skip the final climb and enjoy a boat transfer from Lissos to a hidden coastal hut for a traditional lunch and a swim in turquoise waters.
✨ Extended Stays: Add extra nights in the historic city of Chania or start/end your trip with a few days in Athens to explore the Parthenon and the capital’s vibrant culture.
✨ Domestic Flights: Let us handle your flight arrangements between Athens and Chania.
✨ Half-Board or Full-Board Upgrade: Pre-booked and pre-paid dinners at our hand-picked traditional taverns, ensuring you taste the very best of authentic Cretan gastronomy every night.

Best Time to Visit

This tour is best experienced from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.

Summer months are hot and exposure to the sun makes hiking more demanding.

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Challenging – Suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with ascents and long distances. Daily hikes range from 11 km to 14.5 km (7 – 9 mi), with some steep elevation gains.