The largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, Crete boasts an incredible variety of scenery and vegetation, with more species of flower than the British Isles, and an amazing history dating back to the 4,000 year old Minoan civilization.

Modern Cretans are generous and fiercely independent, with strong local dialects, folk costumes and a proud record of resistance to invaders.

In the west of the island rise the spectacular White Mountains, so called because in winter they glisten under thick snow and in summer their limestone summits appear to shine white under the sun.

Our tour alternates between coastal walks, magnificent gorges and peak ascents. The basic "moderate"-graded itinerary lasts 7 days, with an optional 4-day extension to the high peaks of the White Mountains, which is rated as "challenging". Highlights along the way include the famous Samaria gorge, longest in Europe and last refuge of the "kri-kri" chamois; its equally impressive but less visited neighbours, the Agia Eirini and Aradena gorges; the 10th-century chapel of St. Paul, tucked among pine trees on the beach where the Apostle is said to have landed; the peaks of Gingilos (2080m) and Pachnes (2453m) with their stunning lunar landscapes; the coastal site of Lissos, and countless secluded beaches where we can stop for a swim.

We spend the first 6 nights in small hotels or pensions in villages, eating at local tavernas. Those staying on spend one more night at a pension before heading up to the refuges (1700-2000m altitude).
The first refuge (2 nights) is unstaffed - we are likely to be the only visitors - but fully equipped; we carry and prepare our own food.
The second refuge (1 night) is a staffed "Alpine-style" hut with food and drink supplied.
All huts have cold water, dormitory bunks and bedding. Lunches are picnics taken at a scenic spot en route.
We walk for an average of 5 hours/day, following well-maintained trails over a mixture of high rocky terrain, forest trails, coastal paths and beaches. Our luggage goes by boat, bus or taxi.

On the peak extension there is some cross-country walking over rocky mountain slopes on day 9, and we carry full packs (including food) on days 8 and 10.

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet in Chania in the morning. Bus to Paleochora (21/2hrs). Walk along coast past Lissos to Sougia (5 hrs).

Day 2

Taxi to trailhead. Walk up Agia Eirini gorge to Omalos (6 hrs).

Day 3

Loop walk to Gingilos peak (5 hrs).

Day 4

Walk down Samaria gorge to Agia Roumeli (6 hrs).

Day 5

Walk past St. Paul's chapel and Seludha pass to Anopolis (5 hrs).

Day 6

Walk either via St. Catharine's chapel or via Aradena gorge to Loutro (2 or 5 hrs).

Day 7

Walk along coast to Sfakia (2hrs).Those not staying for peak extension depart after lunch; the rest take taxis to Anopolis (1/2 hr).

Peak Extension

Day 8

Walk through summit area to Katsivelli refuge (7 hrs).

Day 9

Ascent of Pachnes peak and neighbouring summits (5-6 hrs).

Day 10

Walk via Melindaou peak to Kallergi refuge (5 hrs).

Day 11

Walk to Xyloskalo (1 hr). Bus to Hania (1hr). The trip ends mid-morning