In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Greece
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions104 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
It's on foot, far from the typical tourist trails, that we set off in search of deserted beaches, gorges overflowing with oleanders, isolated Byzantine churches, and fishing boats bobbing peacefully on the sea. We offer a multi-day hike, always between sea and mountains, leaving time for swimming and relaxation. After a brief stop in Rethymno, a picturesque city that has preserved its blend of Eastern mysticism and Western grandeur, we head to the turquoise waters of Glyka Nera, which beckon us for a swim. From marble beaches (Loutro) to pine forests (Agios Pavlos), from magnificent gorges (Samaria, Agia Irini, and Selenou) to charming little ports (Paleochora and Chania), we hike in the footsteps of the Romans. Our accommodations are always located in pretty villages, where the welcome is warm and the villagers will be delighted to share a glass of ouzo with us.
The highlights
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A timeless journey, between turquoise sea and white Cretan mountains
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Most accommodations are located by the sea, with minimal transfers.
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The most beautiful hikes in Crete and the discovery of the magnificent Samar Gorge
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 510 m
- Average daily descent: 440 m
- Maximum altitude: 1080 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
During your trip, you are accompanied by our adventure guides, 100% committed to helping you discover unusual places in the heart of nature.
Program
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Heraklion.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at your hotel in Heraklion city center (public bus or taxi at your own expense) for your first glimpse of this Mediterranean city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Knossos. Meals are not included.Day 1 -
Rethymno - Glyka Nera - Loutro
- Transportation 02h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, transfer to the city of Rethymno. Built around its Venetian fortress, Rethymno is sure to leave a lasting impression. Then transfer to Chora Sfakion (also called Hora Sfakia) and continue the hike along a coastal path to Loutro, where you'll spend the night in this cove accessible only on foot or by boat.Day 2 -
Loutro - Agia Roumeli
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Loutro, a superb coastal hike along Marmara Beach, then towards the Byzantine chapel of Agios Pavlos, partly through a pine forest. The final section of the route follows the beach and ends at Agia Roumeli, at the exit of the famous Samaria Gorge. Overnight stay in this charming village. Option: If you wish to shorten the hike, it is possible to reach several points along the route by boat (at your own expense).Day 3 -
The Samaria Gorge - Omalos
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Maximum altitude 1080 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we took advantage of the cool air in the deserted gorge to observe the wildlife and hike up the gorge along the oleander-lined river to the old village of Samaria for our first stop. A gentle climb led us to the church of Agios Nikolaos, where we met the first hikers descending. We stopped for a pleasant picnic in the old village of Samaria. Once past the day hikers, we began a gentle ascent of Xyloskalos, a stone and wood staircase leading to the northern exit of the gorge at the Omalos plateau (1225m).Day 4 -
Agia Irini Gorge - Sougia
- Transportation 00h15
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Quick transfer to the start of the hike, descent into the Agia Irini gorge, in a harmonious landscape of vegetation and rock, dotted with oleanders. We exit the gorge at Sougia, where we once again enjoy the sea. Overnight stay.Day 5 -
Sougia - Paleochora
- Transportation 00h15
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascend the small Selinou Gorge to reach the archaeological site of Lissos, nestled in a cove. Continue the walk along the coast towards Gialiskari beach for a swim in its translucent waters. Arrive in Paleochora.Day 6 -
Chania (The Chania)
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Transfer by public bus to Chania. One of the island's most vibrant locations, Chania boasts a wealth of historic districts, attractions for archaeology enthusiasts, and more, with breathtaking landscapes that will captivate you. Known as Cidonia in antiquity, it was an important city with a flourishing economy, especially during the Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Roman periods. In the 13th century, it fell under Venetian rule, many traces of which remain today, such as the fortifications, the port, and the typical palaces. Then, in 1685, it passed into the hands of the Turks, who remained for nearly three centuries, creating a unique fusion of styles and giving birth to one of the most beautiful cities on the island of Crete. In the afternoon, transfer by public bus to Heraklion, dinner at your leisure, and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 7 -
Heraklion
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The program ends after breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Heraklion airport is at your leisure, according to your flight schedule. *Hotel-airport transfer included if you booked your flight with us.Day 8
Note
- The program may be modified by your guide without prior notice depending on weather conditions and times of year, the ability of participants to follow the activities, changes in sea crossings, their schedules and local bus schedules.
- In July and August, some hike departures (especially coastal hikes) may be early, in order to make the route more enjoyable.
- In April and October the Samaria Gorge may be inaccessible, an alternative route will be put in place.
Accommodation
- Days 1 to 7
- Hotel
- Family-run guesthouse
Accommodation in a double room, triple room available on request.
Access
Departure
Héraklion
Day 1
: 19h00
End of stay
Héraklion
Day 8
- 10h00
Airport-hotel transport included if you booked your flight with us.
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Héraklion
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Local transfers by public bus or minibus depending on the program.
- Hotel accommodation and family-run guesthouses in shared twin rooms
- Lunches (picnic or tavern) (except Day 1 and Day 8).
- Dinners in taverns (except Day 1, Day 7 and Day 8).
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide.
The price does not include
- International flight France - Crete round trip
- Air taxes
- Airport/hotel transfers by public transport or taxi on the first and last day
- Lunches on days 1 and 8, and dinners on days 7 and 8
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to hiking sites (allow approximately €20 per participant)
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Flight booking + Airport transfers : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night in Chania - Single room : CHF114.35 / unit
- Extra night in Chania - Double room : CHF118.92 / unit
- Additional night in Heraklion - Single room : CHF132.65 / unit
- Extra night in Heraklion - Double room : CHF146.37 / unit
- Additional night in Heraklion in a double or twin room : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night in Heraklion in a single room : CHF100.63 / person
- Single room supplement : CHF228.70 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1434 reviews)
• 429 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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