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Western Crete Walking Tour

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Western Crete Walking Tour
From $550USDBook Now
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8 days from $550USD
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Greek coastline exploring Crete Greece west adventure walking tour
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Crete is a dreamy destination for anyone seeking sun, sea, and spectacular walking routes. This 8-day self-guided journey combines immersing in traditional Cretan villages and exploring the island on foot. After this tour, Crete will always have a place in your heart. The landscapes are exactly as you’d picture: rocky outcrops, island vegetation, and cobalt sea all around. Walk among gorges, along the coast, and through authentic villages.

On this tour, you’ll stay in a few coastal towns to get a feel for the culture all around Crete. Meet the locals, share some raki (a locally-made potent spirit), and enjoy sweeping vistas from your cozy room. The walks are mostly moderate, except for a challenging ascent on the last day. You can go at your own pace on this tour, which means stop at whichever secluded beach you like and take your pick of taverns for delicious Cretan dinners. For a moderately challenging but super rewarding experience on Crete, don’t hesitate to book the Western Crete Walking Tour!

Greece, Europe
Happiness promise

Western Crete Walking Tour

Discover the magic of Crete on the self-guided exploration
4.50
(50 reviews)
8 days from $550USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Apr-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Guesthouses, Hotels
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $550USD (see prices for this tour)
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Greek coastline exploring Crete Greece west adventure walking tour
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Crete is a dreamy destination for anyone seeking sun, sea, and spectacular walking routes. This 8-day self-guided journey combines immersing in traditional Cretan villages and exploring the island on foot. After this tour, Crete will always have a place in your heart. The landscapes are exactly as you’d picture: rocky outcrops, island vegetation, and cobalt sea all around. Walk among gorges, along the coast, and through authentic villages.

On this tour, you’ll stay in a few coastal towns to get a feel for the culture all around Crete. Meet the locals, share some raki (a locally-made potent spirit), and enjoy sweeping vistas from your cozy room. The walks are mostly moderate, except for a challenging ascent on the last day. You can go at your own pace on this tour, which means stop at whichever secluded beach you like and take your pick of taverns for delicious Cretan dinners. For a moderately challenging but super rewarding experience on Crete, don’t hesitate to book the Western Crete Walking Tour!

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Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Wander the cobblestone streets of Vamos, Loutro, and Agia Roumeli.

Feel the Aegean Sea breeze while you walk and jump in for a swim to cool off.

Get acquainted with Crete at a walking pace and appreciate all its wonder.

Treat yourself to locally made products like natural honey, fresh olives, and raki.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in Vamos
You’ve landed on one of the most precious gems in the Greek Islands and the largest in Greece. You’ll likely arrive at Chania or Heraklion Airport and make your own way to the traditional village of Vamos. If you arrive early, a 4-hour walk to Georgioupolis could fill your afternoon. Enjoy the agricultural scenery, and pass through a few quintessential Crete villages with incredible sea views. Later, settle into your accommodation and get a good rest.
Distance Optional: 4 hours, 12km, 100m of ascent, 325m of descent
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Vamos
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Walk to Nippos Village
After a lovely breakfast, leave Vamos behind for a few hours to explore the village of Nippos. Surrounded by lush land, you’ll walk among olive groves and cypress trees with mountains in the background. Take a taxi from Nippos to Vamos and find yourself a tasty meal before heading to bed.
Distance 4 hours, 14km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Vamos
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
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Transfer to Chora Sfakion
If you did not do so on Day 1, you could go to Georgioupolis this morning. When you return, you will be transferred by taxi to another village, Vrysses, to catch a bus to Chora Sfakion. Spend the early evening exploring this remote town that hugs the hillside overlooking the bright blue sea, and find a local tavern to grab some dinner.
Distance Optional: 4 hours, 12km, 100m of ascent, 325m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Chora Sfakion
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Walk to Loutro
Enjoy your breakfast gazing at the sea views, then prepare to move villages. You have two options for today’s hike, one more strenuous than the other. On the longer route, you’ll hike up to Anopolis, where you can stop for a snack to refuel for the rest of your journey. Then, walk down a hill that offers spectacular views of the sea and reach Loutro. You’ll notice a lack of cars here as the village is only accessible by ferry or on foot. Today’s shorter route leads you along the coast with minimal elevation gain but many great spots to dip in the sea!
Distance Short: 3 hours, 6.6km, 180m of ascent, 240m of descent Long: 4.5 hours, 10.2km, 600m of ascent, 670m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Loutro
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
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Loutro Circuit
Set your sights on some unparalleled views today. After breakfast, you climb to Anopolis and continue along the path to Aradena at the edge of a deep gorge. Descend into the canyon that eventually opens to the coast and get those cobalt sea views once more. Keep going along the coastline and find your way back to Loutro.
Distance Short: 4 hours, 8.7km, 460m of ascent, 460m of descent Long: 6 hours, 15.7km, 840m of ascent, 840m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Loutro
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
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Coastal Walk to Agia Roumeli
Today’s walk is a beautiful coastal stroll—sea breeze all day! The first stop is Marmara Beach, where you can take a swim, grab a coffee, or just keep going along the coast. You’ll be astounded by the mountain views as you walk along fragrant paths lined with trees and other flora. You’ll probably lose track of time on today’s journey, but eventually, you will land in Agia Roumeli, a charming seaside town at the base of Samaria Gorge. (Note: Samaria Gorge is closed in April, so you will instead take a ferry to Sougia to spend the night.)
Distance 5–6 hours, 14.7km, 275m of ascent, 275m of descent
Overnight Location Guesthouse in Agia Roumeli
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
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Hike Samaria Gorge
Have a hearty breakfast for a big day of climbing ahead (if you’re on the tour in April, your day will look a bit different). Start the journey with a serious ascent through Samaria Gorge, heading from the bottom to the top, which is a great way to avoid lots of tourists who usually hike the gorge in the other direction. Take your time to reach the top, but find some solace in the shaded area at the final push. You’ll reach Xyloskala, where a taxi will pick you up and take you to the hotel in Omalos. (Note: In April, you will walk from Sougia through Irini Gorge, a similarly challenging walk with stunning views.)
Distance 6 hours, 16.3km, 1200m of ascent, 50m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Omalos
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
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Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast on Crete, then head off in the public bus to reach the airport. Leave this wonderful island behind with so many new memories!
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

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Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

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Dates and prices

The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departure on March 30th – April 28th, 2024:

  • Single room (traveling alone): $1,075USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $895USD
  • Double/twin room: $650USD
  • Triple room: $550USD

Departure on April 29th – June 28th, 2024:

  • Single room (traveling alone): $1,125USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $925USD
  • Double/twin room: $675USD
  • Triple room: $575USD

Departure on June 29th – September 30th, 2024:

  • Single room (traveling alone): $1,175USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $995USD
  • Double/twin room: $725USD
  • Triple room: $595USD

Departure on October 1st – October 25th, 2024:

  • Single room (traveling alone): $1,125USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $925USD
  • Double/twin room: $675USD
  • Triple room: $575USD
What’s included

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodation for 7 nights is included. You can also book additional nights at any of the hotels along the route.

Transportation during the Tour

Taxi transfers mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour. When you walk to the next town, luggage transportation is also included, most commonly done by the hoteliers. You must label your belongings and leave them with the hotelier in the morning (ask them where and when). On the bus ride from Vamos to Chora Sfakion, you will take your luggage with you.

Also Included

  • Digital route notes and maps
  • GPS App
  • 24-hour telephone assistance

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Guide services
  • Airport transfers
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tourism tax if applicable
  • Public transportation or ferry tickets
  • Entrance fees of any kind
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Extra nights in any accommodation
  • Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)

Accommodation for Western Crete Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels are 2-3-star with select amenities and guesthouses are comfortable and welcoming.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Western Crete Walking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be physically fit and comfortable walking 4–6 hours daily. The elevation gain is moderate, then challenging on the last day. The trails are mostly rocky footpaths and mountain trails.

Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Western Crete Walking Tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Vamos to start this tour?

There are two airports near Vamos: Chania International Airport (CHQ, closer) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). From Chania, it’s recommended to take a taxi as the bus connection is not optimal. From Heraklion, you can take public transportation to Vamos (about 2 hours).

Is the Western Crete Walking Tour guided?

No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.

Where does the Western Crete Walking Tour end?

The tour ends in Omalos.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Greece?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Greece?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Greece for this tour?

The best time to travel to Greece for walking is during the warmest months of the year (April through September) but know that it can get very hot mid-summer (July and August).

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Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
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