David, your host and walks leader, has lived in this beautiful area of West Crete for 13 years and has come to know it very well. For your walking week he selects a variety of easy grade walks to showcase just how lovely it is.

The walks are a minimum of four hours per day, arranged so that there is always a taverna at the end of the walk or a picnic. Walks from May onwards include the famous Samaria Gorge, which is an all day expedition with a boat trip along the dramatic south coast where the mountains come down to the sea.

On other days you will find that there are shorter and less busy gorges where you might want to look at wild flowers, griffon vulturesand eagles or just admire the view. There are also ridge walks too plus one or two expeditions along quiet stretches of scenic coastline.

About West Crete: It’s a step back in time with ruins from the Minoan period, through the Greek City State period and Roman times and then to Venetian occupation. Clear evidence still exists in the countryside of this turbulent history right up to World War 2. Kastelli, our local town also has a wonderful archaeological museum where you will find excavated items from places you visit.

The air is clean, the area unspoiled and the people are open and friendly, you can often pick fruit while walking, warm from the sun. There’s time too for the beach, and a day trip to Chania or a self guided walk as you have one free day in the week.

Click here for more information on our walks

Typical Schedule:

You travel on Tuesday, the first walk is Wednesday.

Wednesday Deliana Gorge – up gorge, view church, view gorge from rim, long views to sea and to neighbouring gorges, see Venetian church with frescoes in Deliana village then taverna.

Thursday Melissourgio village, along spine of Rodopos peninsula with long views along coast both east and west, Ravdoucha village and Agia Marina church, coast path to Nopigia. Option to swim off rocks.

Friday All day expedition to Samaria Gorge, sea trip to Palaeohora and return.

Saturday Later start after the Samaria trip. Vlatos, Milia – a unique reconstructed eco village- for lunch in their excellent restaurant, descend through chestnut woodland to small gorge, then ridge walk to Voulgaro.

Sunday Sirikari Gorge, lunch at Polyrhinia, up hill to see vista of district and archaeological remains (mainly Roman and Venetian) and walk down to Kastelli. Option to swim at Mavro Molo beach Kastelli.

Monday Mouri village, Mouri Gorge, Levandies peak (panoramic view of area), down to Katsamatados village and taverna by river with hammocks. Short expedition to Agia Sophia cave and return through Topolia Gorge.

This programme can be varied according to weather and temperament of group. For example other walks could be round walk of Spilia to see churches including two cave churches, or over Gramvousa peninsula to Falassarna beach including seeing a remote monastery and Falassarna city state archaeological site, or round walk at Latziana with panoramic views, charcoal burners and Agia Barbara church with temple ruins – and lots more!

In a week with yoga option the walks start after morning yoga, according to group wishes.

Food:

Food is vegetarian and catering for special diets is our specialty – without a fall in service or choice.

One evening meal is included and other dinners can be taken at a range of local tavernas or we can cook for you. Whatever you choose to do you will find us able to assist you and our hospitality sets us apart from other walking holidays – we really take care of you!

Health option:

Both your hosts David and Juliet are therapists too and should you want support with your health or to simply enjoy an aromatherapy massage - you can do just that. (Treatment/massage £50)

Location: We are situated at the western end of Crete, which is much less developed for the holiday-maker than the areas towards the other end of the island.