Daily itinerary 8 days tour

Chania - Paleochora - Omalos

Day 1. We meet at the "Omalos" hotel in Chania in the afternoon at 18.00 hrs. The hotel is situated just next to the bus station.
After getting acquainted with each other and following a brief introduction of the week's programme, we set off for a walk in the town, ending at an inviting taverna near the harbour where we will enjoy our dinner. N.B. - Check-in time is from 12 o'clock.

Day 2. Transfer by bus to Paleochora in the early morning.
After checking in at the hotel and an early lunch, we have a not-too-long walk in the afternoon, ending at our hotel. From the village of Kontokinigi we walk on a mountain ridge with views all around.
Also we visit a Byzantine church with frescoes on the wall. Along dirt roads we descend to the almost deserted village of Agia Triada.
From here we follow a small gorge till we end at the sea.
Time: 3 hrs - 30 m up and 280 m down - 9 km

Day 3. Elafonisi will be where we start our walk today.
We arrive by boat and after enjoying the beautiful views and the pink beaches we begin our walk. Soon we are surrounded by a small forest of juniper trees, which is now under nature protection. We climb over bare hills and pass along several small bays. We walk up and down, sometimes on small footpaths, always with a view of the sea.
Time: 4 hrs - 180 m up and down - 11 km

Day 4. We leave Paleochora.
After delivering the luggage to the boat we drive along to the start of our walk. It goes along the deserted south coast as far as the little village of Sougia. We walk over rocks, but also along small beaches.
A climb to a plateau is followed by a descent to the ancient Roman bath and health resort of Lissos. Here we take a longer break.
Then we go for the last ascent to a second plateau. Following a beautiful green gorge, grown over with pine trees and very steep walls, we arrive at the sea. Sougia invites us to a cool drink and a dive!
Later in the evening, after having enjoyed our dinner, we have a transfer by minibus to Omalos, our hotel for the remaining nights.
Time: 5,5 hrs - 400 m up and down - 15 km

Day 5. The walk today is a bit shorter and lighter than yesterday.
We walk up to the Kallergi mountain hut. We start at Xiloskalo, which is also the entrance to the well-known Samaria gorge. Opposite, the path for climbing Gingilos (2.080 m) starts. A small footpath leads up to a wider gravel road which makes the connection between Omalos and Kallergi. From the "balcony" of Kallergi at 1.650 metres high, we have breathtaking views of almost all the peaks of the "Lefka Ori" and we can also look deep down into the Samaria gorge.
The stillness here is deafening!
Time: 3 hrs - 425 m up and down - 7 km

Day 6. Today a walk in the immediate surroundings of our hotel.
After a short and slightly steep climb - at slow pace - our route leads through characteristic landscapes, entirely deserted. Only maybe a single shepherd will be there. We walk cross country and for a part along an age old path in the midst of magnificent nature with wide views of surrounding mountains and the northern coastal area of Crete.
Time: 4,5 hrs - 200 m up and down - 11 km

Day 7. First we descent from the Omalos plateau to the beginning of the Irini gorge. The walk leads over an old footpath, known as "the Kings Road"; parts of the original pavement are still there.
Thereafter we walk through the imposing and green Irini gorge, mostly descending between steep slopes.
In Sougia we have time for relaxing and a refreshing swim.
Time: 4,5 hrs - 850 m downhill - 13 km

Day 8. Breakfast and then it is time to say goodbye.
We offer transport either to Chania bus station or Chania airport.

N.B.

- During this walking tour we use public transport and hotel minibuses.

- You yourself organise the transfer from Chania airport to the hotel (about 20 minutes driving).

- The walks are a bit more demanding than in our other roundtrips. Good health and condition and some (mountain-) walking experience are recommended.

Dates in 2012
   »  Friday June 8 - Sunday June 15

Price:
   »  540 € per person
   »  additional charge single room 75 €

Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.