Get ready to enter the White Mountains! We will get plenty of the fresh mountain air as we gear up for today’s high ascent of Mt Gingilos. This legendary 2080-meter (6824-foot) peak towers over Samaria and part of the E4 - the official European trail connecting the West to East. Its north face, a near vertical slope of solid rock may look daunting, but we will follow the path around the back, to reach the summit with only a little scrambling! Bearded vultures, the biggest birds in Europe, glide past this cliff top, often at midday on their foraging trips – it’s well worth keeping an eye out for them! We will reach the mountaintop village of Omalos, at an altitude just over 1000 meters (3281 feet), and enjoy the famous Cretan hospitality, meeting characterful locals in their rustic, family run, mountain hotel. After dinner, settle into a well-earned night’s rest in peace and quiet, with the occasional jingling of goats’ bells heard in the distance.
Hotel Gigilos Omalos or Neos Omalos, Omalos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Omalos to Mt Gingilos: 9km (5.6 miles), 6 hours; Elevation +1080 meters (3,543 feet)