Walking Holidays in Crete: Gorges, White Mountains and more!

Known as the sunny island, Crete is about 250 kilometers long from west to east. This immediately makes Crete the largest island in Greece. When flying to Crete, you have the choice of flying into Heraklion or Chania airport.

The most beautiful part for hiking is definitely in the southwest of Crete, as you can find the island's most popular highlights in this area. But why is hiking in this part of Crete so popular? The literal highlight is the Lefka Ori 'White Mountains'. This is a mountain range located in the southwest and counts some 30 peaks that you can admire from several places on the island. In addition, Crete is also best known worldwide for its beautiful gorges such as the popular Samaria, Aradena and Imbros Gorges where you can take beautiful walks. Besides the many gorges on Crete, you also have the opportunity to enjoy a walk on the long (sandy) beaches both in the touristy north and in the quiet south of the island.

An absolute must-see on Crete is the island's many gorges. Crete does have towards 300 gorges and the island makes sure that locals and tourists can enjoy them to the fullest. In most gorges you can hike all year round, but if it has rained a lot, it can get slippery.

The ultimate gorge is the popular Samaria Gorge. This 13-kilometer-long gorge is also considered one of the narrowest gorges in the world. In fact, there are sections in this gorge where it is only about 4 meters wide. Good walking shoes are mandatory and with a normal level of fitness, this gorge is doable for everyone.

But not only this popular gorge is worth visiting in Crete. The less famous gorges like the Irini and Imbros Gorge, are equally beautiful highlights. Indeed, each gorge has its own charm, which is why visiting several gorges is definitely recommended during your hiking holiday in Crete.

During the 5-day program we offer, you will hike through a selection of Crete's most beautiful gorges such as the Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge and Aradena Gorge.

The White Mountains of Lefka Ori, is also called the Madares and can be divided into three different massifs: west, central and east. The Lefka Ori has over 20 peaks that rise even above 2,000 meters in several places and their highest peak, 2453 meters! It is a highlight on Crete that is literally impossible to miss and also well worth a visit if you plan on hiking on this island.

You have five different popular hiking areas in and around the White Mountains. The program we have put together in Crete allows you to admire these beautiful peaks in the Omalos Plain area, where you can also hike through the popular Samaria Gorge.

The program we offer for a walking holiday in Crete is self-guided and without luggage transport. The stages are classified as medium to hard and you walk 3 to 6 hours a day. You mainly walk on trails with ascents of up to about 1,300 meters in a day. The trails can be stony and rocky, so hiking shoes are highly recommended and walking sticks are essential.

Prefer to take it a little easier? That's possible! In fact, we have put together an average version of our 5-day program. The stages during our 4-day program, are average and you will walk 2 to 4 hours a day. The trails will of course remain stony and rocky even during these hikes, but your ascent will not exceed 1000m in a day. Ideal for hikers who want a slightly shorter and more moderate hike in Crete!

If you are not sure if you will be able to complete your trek, try walking for a few hours a day for the weeks before the trek using the same shoes as during the trek so that you do not get blisters or hurt your feet. Another good idea is to walk with a backpack on your shoulders so that your back can get used to the weight.

Greece is known for its hospitality and helpful people. Many accommodations in southern Crete, therefore, are run by Greek families. These are often small-scale hotels or family houses. The typical Greek interior style in these accommodations ensures you get a warm welcome every time. Most of these accommodations also provide delicious meals prepared by their own staff. If ordering a meal is not possible at your accommodation, there is always a local restaurant available where you can enjoy delicious Greek cuisine!

If you go hiking in southern Crete, you will find several cosy accommodations in small villages or along the coast. At busy places like Omalos where the entrance of the Samaria Gorge is, and in and around the White Mountains, booking overnight accommodation in advance is a must. Because of groups or many bookings, it can sometimes be completely fully booked, and organizing a spontaneous night is not possible.

Where you can enjoy the busy tourist spots in the north, you can find peace and quiet in the south. If you go hiking in this area of the island, there is plenty of time to take breaks to, for example, eat a delicious typical Greek salad with a beautiful view in the background.

Depending on where you stay during your hiking holiday, breakfast is (limited) included. All villages also have cafés where you can have breakfast, often with coffee, tea or 'mountain tea' made from local herbs. In the evening, you can eat in one of the restaurants after your hiking day; a daily menu or snack with local specialties can always be found. Think for instance of a local Tzatziki, Pita Gyros or the fish catch of the day!

During your walking holiday in Crete, you will stay overnight in cosy local hotels or family houses. As the weather is mostly fine on Crete, there is a lot of outdoor 'living'. Ideal to enjoy a drink on the terrace after your evening meal or a walk on the beach to end your day.

You can go hiking on Crete all year round, but keep in mind that July and August can be quite hot. May, June, September and October offer ideal temperatures for a walking holiday. In spring, for instance, nature is at its best and the island is covered in a blanket of wildflowers. Last but not least, the Samaria Gorge is open from 1 May to 1 November.

Crete is one of Europe's popular holiday destinations. Luckily, getting to the island is not that difficult. Here are your options:

By plane

Crete has three airports. The most well-known airport to fly to in Crete, is Heraklion (HER). However, it is more practical to fly to Chania (CHQ), since you will get to the starting point of the hike more quicker.

By boat

Throughout the year, you can take at least one ferry a day to make the journey from the port city of Piraeus to Heraklion. This is a trip of around eight hours. During the summer months, trips increase to two or three trips a day. Other ferries are also available between Crete and the other Greek islands, including Rhodes, Karpathos, Kassos and Khaliki, during the high season.