Trekking & Multi-activity holidays
A must do trek planned in a splendid mountain area full of beauty and sharp contrasts.
Enjoy Crete differently
Experience Cretan nature through an original 7-day multi-activity program in western Crete, including mountain hiking, crossing the Samaria Gorge, coastal hiking along the southern foothills of Mount Lefka Ori, hiking and cycling in the province of Amari and sea kayaking along Preveli beach.
Tailor-made package
√ Holiday package offered exclusively to defined groups (from 6 to 16 people), or on a private basis (families / friends from 2 people or more).
√ Dates and prices upon request.
Suggested services
Mini-bus transfers upon arrival and departure – as well as for excursions when required -, boat transfer from Loutro to Chora Sfakion, luggage transportation on days 3 and 4, accommodation (3 O/N in a 2** hotel and 4 O/N in the Eco Lodge Camp Wild Nature in Lodge type tents), 7 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 7 dinners, English and French speaking escorts, mountain bikes, tandem sit-on-top kayaks and appropriated safety gear.
Program Stages
The 7-day program is carried out in two successive phases:
√ A first stage of 3-day hikes, dedicated to the discovery of the western part of the Samaria National Park (Ghighilos peak and Samaria gorge), as well as the coastal area between Agia Roumeli and Chora Sfakion on the southern foothills of Mount Lefka Ori.
√ And a second one of equal duration, planned in the magnificent province of Amari, west of Mount Psiloritis, allowing you to practice a variety of outdoor activities, such as mountain and gorge hiking, cycling, sea kayaking and river hiking.
Suitable for 12-plus (under -18s must be accompanied by an adult)
1st part | Samaria trek
Summary program from day 1 to day 4
Day 01. Arrival in Crete – Transfer to the Omalos plateau (alt. 1250m) on Mount Lefka Ori – Dinner and overnight in a 2** hotel.
Day 02. Climbing to the imposing Ghighilos peak (alt. 2080m), a steep and rocky peak that dominates the Samaria Gorge and the Omalos plateau – Picnic at the Linoseli spring – Return to Omalos by the same path – Dinner and overnight in a 2** hotel.
Day 03. Hiking in the famous gorge of Samaria – Picnic in the abandoned settlement of Samaria – End of the hike in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli – Dinner and overnight in a 2** hotel.
Day 04. Coastal hike from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, with an intermediate stop for picnic and swimming at the exit of the Aradena gorge (Gialiskari beach) – Continuation by boat to Sfakia – Transfer by minibus to Meronas – Dinner and overnight at the Eco Lodge Camp Wild Nature.
Tour highlights
√ Climb Ghighilos, the most imposing summit of the Cretan mountains,
√ Hike through the fabulous Samaria Gorge
√ Walk along the most beautiful coastal area of the island,
√ Swim in the crystal clear waters of secluded coves of the south coast.
Day 2 | Climbing Ghighilos Summit
8,5 km 4h50′ | Grade Medium +
Day 3 | Hiking Samaria Gorge
15,6 km 5h40′ | Grade Medium
Day 4 | Coastal hiking
14,3 km 5h20′ | Grade Medium
2nd part | Wild Nature Adventures in Amari
Summary program from day 5 to day 8
Day 05. Cycling to the Potami Dam and hiking through the Patsos Gorge. Picnic at the south end of the gorge. Return by minibus to Meronas.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 06. Transfer by minibus to the western foothills of Mount Psiloritis. Circular hike along the impressive gorge of Platania. Picnic along the way, next to the chapel of Agios Antonios. Return by minibus to Meronas.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 07. Sea kayaking trip along the south coast near Preveli beach: an exotic place, marked by a deep gorge, a constant flowing river, and an astonishing palm grove with endemic palm trees. Picnic on the beach and return by kayak to the starting point of the excursion. Continuation by minibus to Meronas.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 08. Transfer to the airport for departure from Crete.
Tour highlights
√ Practice cycling around the Potami dam,
√ Enjoy an adventurous hike through the Patsos gorge,
√ Observe a large colony of Griffon vultures in Platania gorge,
√ Paddle in tandem sea kayaks along the fine sandy beaches
√ Live an unforgettable experience through the river in Preveli,
√ Enjoy the Cretan culinary world with typical tasteful dishes.
Days 4 – 8 | Stay at the Eco Lodge Camp Wild Nature
Accommodation in comfortable Lodge style Tents
Day 5 | Part 1 Bike ride to Potami Dam
19,3 km 1h40′ | Grade Leisurely +
Day 5 | Part 2 Hiking Patsos Gorge
1,62 km 1h20′ | Grade Medium
Day 6 | Mountain Hiking
14,3 km 5h20′ | Grade Medium
Day 7 | Part 1 Sea Kayak discoveries
11,0 km 2h50′ | Grade Medium
Day 7 | Part 2 Preveli River Hiking
1,60 km 1h20′ | Grade Medium