Looking for a walking holiday in Crete?
Crete is recognised as the largest island of Greece with 650 miles of coastline, including beautiful sandy beaches, scenic countryside and a wealth of history offering myths and legends. Crete’s timeline goes back over 4000 years and the island is said to be credited of being the birthplace of modern civilisation. Evidence of this can be found at the Palace of Knossos, the Minoans who lived here were some of the first in the world to have fashions, parties and women’s rights.
Your holiday begins with a scenic drive up Mount Dicti to the Lassithi Plain, once dotted with traditional windmills. Starting your first walk near Lagou, you’ll follow a fragrant Minoan path lined with herbs and wildflowers, enjoying views across the plain. The route leads down towards Kera and a visit to the peaceful Byzantine monastery of Kardiotissa, before continuing to Krasi. This charming village, known for its ancient plane tree and Venetian springs, is the perfect spot to unwind over a traditional taverna lunch.
For your second walk, the route begins on the eastern slopes of Mount Juchtas, climbing steadily to the summit with sweeping views of Mount Ida, Heraklion and the Aegean. In early spring, you may spot rare orchids along the way. The descent passes quiet vineyards before a visit to Vathypetro, home to a Minoan farmhouse and replica of the world’s oldest wine press. The day finishes in the traditional village of Archanes, with time to explore its pretty square.
On the day of your final walk, a scenic drive through the dramatic Saint George ravine takes you to Agios Nikolaos for a visit to Bio Aroma’s herb gardens and distillery. From the fishing village of Elounda, a gentle coastal walk leads to the peaceful peninsula of Kolokytha and the church of Agios Fokas. A short boat ride then brings you to the island of Spinalonga, whose moving history inspired Victoria Hislop’s The Island. The day ends with free time around the harbour of Agios Nikolaos.
You’ll enjoy relaxing free days between your guided walks, perfect for unwinding or exploring at your own pace. On Day 6, you can also join an optional walking tour from Arkadi to Pikri, ending in the charming town of Rethymnon - a lovely way to see even more of Crete’s landscapes and history.
Holiday Highlights
- Seven nights half board at the 4 star Astir Beach Hotel in Kato Gouves
- Three guided walks
- One optional walk
- Local knowledgeable walking guides
Itinerary
DAY ONE – Arrival Day
DAY ONE: Flight to Heraklion, Short transfer to your hotel for seven nights half board accommodation in the resort of Kato Gouves.
DAY TWO – Free day
Welcome meeting with your guide followed by a free day.
DAY THREE – Walk 1
5.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M DESCENT After breakfast meet your local walking guide in the reception of the hotel for a tour introducing you to Crete and its beautiful countryside. You will take the scenic route up Mount Dicti to the plain of Lassithi, once filled with hundreds of windmills to pump up water for irrigating the fields. On the plain of Lassithi you will start the walk near the village Lagou to the village Krasi, walking up the Minoan path, lined with shrubs and flowers. You will be able to smell the herbs and enjoy the views on the plain. Afterwards your guide will lead you down to the settlement Kera, where you will be able to marvel in the views of the Aegean Sea. Visit the Byzantine monastery Kardiotissa before going on a lush dirt road to the village Krasi where you will stop at a traditional tavern for lunch. Krasi is a pretty place with a huge plane tree and Venetian springs. The walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 100m/420m.
DAY FOUR – Free day
Free day or join an optional walking tour Kroustas – Pirgos area & beach.
DAY FIVE – Walk 2
4.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M DESCENT Departure by coach to the east slope of Mount Juchtas, the starting point of the walk. Your guide will take you on a scenic path slowly upwards to the top of Mount Juchtas. In early springtime you will be able to see rare flowers, such as orchids and on the way, enjoy the amazing views! At the peak is a breath-taking view of Mount Ida, Heraklion town and the always blue Aegean Sea. Your guide will then lead you down with stunning views of the vineyards until you reach the main road where the coach is waiting to transfer you to Vathypetro, to visit the ancient Minoan farmhouse with a replica of the oldest wine press. Afterwards, you will visit a typical Cretan village, Archanes with its lovely square, enjoy here free time to experience local life. Today’s walk is 4.5 miles with ascent/descents 440m/ 80m.
DAY SIX – Free day
Free day or join an optional walking tour: Arkadi – Pikri & Rethymnon.
DAY SEVEN – Walk 3
5.5 MILES – 70MM ASCENT240M /DESCENT Travel via the national road and through the spectacular ravine of Saint George to Saint Nicholas. You will visit Bio Aroma a vertically integrated area of herbs, with its own organic crops, a distillery for the production of essential oils, workshop for 100% handmade herbal cosmetics, a museum and botanical garden. You will then go on a beautiful drive along the blue shades of the Gulf of Mirabello, which will lead you to Elounda, a quiet fishing village. In Elounda you start your walk, along the sea to the peninsula Kolokytha you walk to the church of Agios Fokas. A lovely route, with beautiful views on the mountains and the sea. Near the church a small boat takes us to the island of Spinalonga, its Venetian fortress was also used as a leprosy colony. In a walking tour of approximately 1-hour you will gain insight of the struggling history. Spinalonga inspired the author Victoria Hislop to write the bestseller ‘The island’. Our last stop is at the picturesque harbour town Saint Nicholas. Its small lake “Voulismeni” in the centre is the landmark of the city. Walk around and take delight in the panoramic views and take a stroll in the narrow streets, with many shops and stores offering a large assortment of typical goods and fine jewellery. Today’s walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 70m/ 240m.
DAY EIGHT – Departure Day
Free time until departure for the airport and your flight home.
Accommodation
This stunning hotel is situated on the beach in Kato Gouves on the north coast of the island with magnificient views of the unspoilt rugged coastline. Located only 10 miles from Heraklion Airport and close to the centre of Gouves, the hotel is within easy access of lively bars and restaurants. Knossos Minoan Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are also only a 30 minutes driving distance away from the hotel. It was refurbished in 2018, so the hotel is modern in style, and combines convenience and charm for a laid-back holiday experience.
Hotel Features
Dates & Prices
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