ADULT

Crete & Santorini Hiking Adventure

  • 11 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 4
    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Chania
  • Trip End: Thessaloniki
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Hike the ‘Home of the Greek Gods’, sea kayak Santorini, discover the beaches of Crete, and savor the delights of ancient Greek culture!

Experience the very best iconic Greece has to offer on this 11-day hiking adventure. Starting in the rugged White Mountains of Crete, you will hike parts of the E4 (the European Trail) staying in the mountaintop village of Omalos, before making your way down to pristine beaches, stopping for lunch at charming Tavernas along the way. Skipping over to the beautiful island of Santorini with its breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed villages perched atop dramatic rock faces, you will hike coastal tracks, explore ruins from the Bronze Age, and swim and sea kayak the iconic turquoise waters. The journey doesn’t stop there! Next, it’s a flight up to the mainland to the city of Thessaloniki, a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. The adventure reaches its pinnacle (literally!) hiking amidst the home of the Greek Gods, the legendary Mount Olympus, to conquer Greece’s highest peaks. 

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

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Crete & Santorini ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Chania Trip End: Thessaloniki

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Chania, Western Crete

  • Day 2Holy Trinity Hike & Wine Tasting

  • Day 3Hike the Samaria Gorge Crossing to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli

  • Day 4Hike from Agia Roumeli to Marmara and boat to Loutro

  • Day 5Coastal Hike to Sfakia, Explore the Crete capital, Heraklion

  • Day 6Hike to Caldera

  • Day 7Sea Kayaking Santorini

  • Day 8Fly to Thessaloniki, visit vineyards, arrive at the foot of Mt Olympus

  • Day 9Hike Mt Olympus

  • Day 10Reach the summit of Mount Skolio

  • Day 11Travel to Thessaloniki, Adio Greece!

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Chania, Western Crete

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    We’ll meet in the lobby of our hotel early in the evening in Chania, on the west part of the island of Crete. Our adventure begins with an orientation evening stroll around charming old Chania town before stopping for dinner at a traditional Cretan tavern.
    Accommodation: Kriti Hotel, Chania
    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2

    Holy Trinity Hike & Wine Tasting

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    Today we will tour two of the oldest monasteries of Chania in the area of Akrotiri, just 6 miles (10 kilometers) outside the centre of Chania. This is a very unique experience that combines history and culture with wonderful nature and wine tasting. The starting point for the hike is Gouverneto Monastery, where you will be privately transferred. 

    From there, we will take a stone-built trail down past Arkoudiotissa Cave and Katholiko Monastery. Eventually, we reach the shore where you will find a beautiful fjord-like little cove, Avlaki. Here, you can see old ruins of the Monastery just beside the blue-green waters that will entice you to jump right in! The tour continues at the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon, located in the charming Akrotiri peninsula of Chania. This stunning monastery boasts Byzantine architecture, a museum, a cellar, vineyards, and an ancient library of rarities. We'll have the opportunity to sample four wines from the monastery's production while learning about the past wine equipment on display.                                                                                                     
    Accommodation: Kydon Hotel, Chania
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3 miles (9 kilometers), 3 hours (plus 1 hour wine tasting)

  • Day 3

    Hike the Samaria Gorge Crossing to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli

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    “Kalimera!” Enjoy a traditional Cretan breakfast, and set off to hike the longest gorge in Europe, the Samaria Gorge. Hiking through forests of scented pines, we reach the narrowest point, the "Iron Gates", where the rocks on each side reach an altitude of 1,969 feet (600 meters).

    After our descent, we’ll reach the welcoming seaside resort of Agia Roumeli on the South Coast, with its fine pebble beach and sparkling turquoise sea - perfect for a refreshing dip!
    Accommodation: Pachnes B&B, Agia Roumeli
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 9.9 miles (16 kilometers), 6.5 hours

  • Day 4

    Hike from Agia Roumeli to Marmara and boat to Loutro

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    A wonderful coastal hike awaits us! After an early rise, we leave the peaceful village in the cool morning breeze, walking on sand and shingle up to the picturesque chapel of St Pavlos (Paul), said to mark the place Saint Paul landed on Crete. A freshwater spring flows out of the pebbles right next to the chapel!

    We will pause for a refreshing swim before hiking on to the mesmerizing Marmara Beach. Here we will take another dip in the clear blue water before enjoying a superb lunch at a local taverna overlooking the azure sea.

    After lunch we will travel by water taxi to the tiny and remote seaside settlement of Loutro.
    Accommodation: Kyma Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 4-5 hours

  • Day 5

    Coastal Hike to Sfakia, Explore the Crete capital, Heraklion

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    Today we will follow the coastal path to Chora Sfakion, stopping for a swim at quite possibly Crete’s best beach, Freshwater Beach. Also known as Sweetwater Beach, its water is impossibly deep blue due to the clear freshwater springs flowing through the small pebbles and into the sea. From Chora Sfakion we will drive to the port city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

    In the evening we’ll explore this historic city by foot before a dinner of delicious Greek cuisine.
    Accommodation: Olive Green Hotel, Heraklion
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers), 3 hours

  • Day 6

    Hike to Caldera

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    It’s just a 2-hour ferry ride to arrive in Santorini. We will drop our luggage at the hotel and set off for a wander around the streets of Fira. After lunch our expert local guide will show us around the Archaeological Museum of Thira and the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, where the Minoan empire flourished. Their frescos and architectural styles are astonishing even today.

    Hikers across the globe dub this popular hiking trail as the Earth’s most beautiful hike and for good reasons. While walking along the rim of the volcanic Caldera, you’ll experience the breathtaking, panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean islands and whitewashed, blue-topped Cycladic chapels. Your epic Caldera Trail hike will start with a hotel pickup. Enjoy a scenic ride with your guide to the old mule path that connects Santorini’s capital city of Fira to the coastal village of Oia.

    The path takes you past the village of Imerovigli, which features Cycladic-built homes and structures and the monastery of St. Nicholas–the Firostefani. Then you’ll take a break in the square of Imerovigli with your group, to enjoy a delicious light lunch. Continue your tour passing the iconic Prophet Elias chapel–an Orthodox chapel that sits atop a mountain and offers picturesque views of the surrounding villages and skyline. Continue your hike down the path and get your camera ready for Insta-worthy pictures of the views of Thirasia island afar as you approach Oia. Soak up the 360-degree views of the nearby villages, seaside, and more as you watch the spectacular sunset from the hilltop.
    Accommodation: El Greco Resort & Spa, Fira, Santorini
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6.4 miles (10.5 kilometers), 4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,614 feet (492 meters) ascent, 2,020 feet (619 meters) descent

  • Day 7

    Sea Kayaking Santorini

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    Sea Kayaking at Santorini

    Now to view Santorini from a different perspective – by sea kayak! We’ll paddle past beautiful cave houses carved into the coastal rock and explore amazing sea caves. To the east we’ll kayak past the aptly named White Beach, with its dazzling white rock cliffs, before reaching the vivid russet rock formations of Red Beach (also aptly named!) We will take time out at Kampia Beach to snorkel and explore the marine life of the crystalline Aegean Sea.

    Our epic day will end with a delicious meal of traditional Greek fare in a local taverna.                                                   
    Accommodation: El Greco Resort & Spa, Fira, Santorini
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Kayaking: 5 hours

  • Day 8

    Fly to Thessaloniki, visit vineyards, arrive at the foot of Mt Olympus

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    Today, we leave the islands and fly to Thessaloniki on mainland Greece. From here, we will drive through picturesque vineyards, stopping for some wine tasting and to enjoy lunch among the vines. We’ll stop off at the beautiful Agia Kori waterfalls before arriving at Litochoro in the foothills of Mt Olympus. After checking into our guesthouse, we’ll take an orientation walk around quaint Litochoro and enjoy dinner at a local taverna.
    Accommodation: Papanikolaou Guesthouse, Litochoro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 9

    Hike Mt Olympus

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    This morning we’ll transfer to Prionia at an altitude of 3,609 feet (1,100 meters), from where we begin our hike up to the ‘Home of the Gods’. The route from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos mountain hut is the most widely used hiking trail on Mount Olympus and part of the E4 European Path. For the most part we’ll be hiking through thick forests of pine, beech and fir trees. We continue to climb and make our way up to reach the mountain hut to overnight at Spilios Agapitos at an altitude of 6,890 feet (2,100 meters).
    Accommodation: Refuge A, Spilios Agapitos
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), 4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,281 feet (1,000 meters) ascent 

  • Day 10

    Reach the summit of Mount Skolio

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    After an early morning rise and breakfast, we follow the European path E4 until we reach Skala Peak at 9,403 feet (2,866 meters). We will then hike to reach Skolio at 9,551 feet (2,911 meters), the second highest peak in Greece (only 26 feet (8 meters) less than Mytikas). This is 4-5 hours hiking (and/or scramble!) on narrow paths with an altitude gain of 800 meters.

    After summitting we’ll head back, following the same path towards the Agapitos Mountain Hut, and transfer back to the village of Litochoro for our well-earned farewell feast.
    Accommodation: Papanikolaou Guesthouse, Litochoro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 9 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,660 feet (811 meters) ascent, 2,660 feet (811 meters) descent

     

  • Day 11

    Travel to Thessaloniki, Adio Greece!

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    After a mighty Mediterranean breakfast, and a “Greek” coffee, we’ll travel back to the center of the lively city of Thessaloniki to say goodbye “Adio”!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Crete & Santorini Adventure Departure Dates

What is included

  • 10 nights’ accommodation
  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Delicious snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
  • Domestic flight from Santorini to Thessaloniki
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at Kriti Hotel in Chania at 6pm. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Chania, though you must make your own way to Kriti Hotel at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends after breakfast and we can drop you off at Thessaloniki City Center around 10:30am, or the Thessaloniki Airport around 11am, in time for flights below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Chania by 4pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart from Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia any time after 2pm.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Greece. In Greece we stay in a wide variety of accommodations, from family run B&B’s brimming with hospitality, decadent hotels, with unforgettable pools, to dreamlike seaside villas with sea views.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a once during your trip and the best time being during your free time on Santorini.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a solid level of fitness, with moderate to strenuous hikes of 3-9 hours, including two summit hikes with elevation gains and losses of up to 1000m. Although the paths are quite well-kept, the terrain often tends to be very stony and rocky on the mountains. You will be hiking on tarmac roads, footpaths, mountain trails, so be prepared for a few steeper passages. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down hills and perhaps even carrying a pack! With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

You'll also need an overnight trekking pack for the overnight hike on Mount Olympus, though your daypack could double as your overnight trekking pack if you bring along a 30-40 litres size (2000- 3000 cubic inches). Your overnight trekking pack needs to be large enough to carry your sleeping bag, rain jacket/pants, warmer layers, camera, some snacks, a packed lunch, some water (1-2 litres) and any other personal items inside, and your other gear will be stored in Litochoro.

Tell me about the overnight hike on Mount Olympus?

The route to Spilios Agapitos mountain hut is the most widely used hiking trail on Mount Olympus and part of the E4 European Path. We'll start in Prionia, the highest point accessible by car, and hike through thick forests of pine, beech and fir trees, making our way up to an altitude of 2.100 meters where Spilios Agapitos sits.

The following morning we'll continue up to Skala peak to climb Mount Skolio at 2,911 meters (9,551 feet) – the second highest peak in Greece and only 8 meters (26 feet) less than Mytikas. It takes approximately 4-5 hours hiking and/or scramble on narrow paths with an altitude gain of 800 meters. After summitting we'll head back, following the same path towards Agapitos Mountain Hut.

During the trek on Mount Olympus you’ll be spending the overnight in a mountain lodge, known locally as rifugio’s. All rooms have individual beds (no double beds), and share bathrooms. The rooms are mixed gender and 8 beds per room, so you will be sharing a room with others, no single rooms are available. Meals are served in the restaurant.

The refuge is powered by a generator and solar panels, therefore lights are switched off at 10pm and are turned on at 6am. It is not permitted to wear boots in the facility, and you will be requested to leave your walking shoes at reception on arrival, and wear sandals/slippers. There are two large communal areas for eating and resting, and on warmer days the refuge also has a magnificent patio area built on the balcony, providing a most perfect vantage point for some of the most beautiful sunrises seen in Greece.
You’ll be carrying a day pack of around 25-40 litres (cubic inches) in volume, and needs to be large enough to fit the following gear inside: your sleeping bag, clothing for the overnight, camera, some snacks, a packed lunch, some water (1-2 litres) and any other personal items inside.

Is tipping expected in Europe?

Most people choose to tip their guide(s), and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide; our guest-to-guide ratio is 6:1. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Europe.

Tipping is not expected in Europe however you might want to tip a little if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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