Itanos Tours - Activities in Eastern Crete

Hiking - Trekking

Trekking - Hiking

Every step a memory. As you make your way through the raw and untamed Cretan landscape; taking in every aroma of the liberal wild herbs , and mastering the adventure as did whole civilizations for myriads of centuries, an understanding for this land of antiquity will enter the facets of your imagination, to a degree that words would not allow. Take the trails through Crete’s famous gorges; Analepsy, Zakros (Valley of the Dead), Xerocambos and Caroumes. At the Rixti gorge you will be struck in awe by it’s dazzling water fall. Crete is famous for its mountains . We offer hiking trips at six spectacular gorges in Eastern Crete. Easy access or difficult!! The choice is up to you.

WEEKLONG HIKING ADVENTURES IN CRETE

Itanos Tours invites you to explore the Mountains of Crete with us. Hiking on holiday is not only a great form of exercise but it’s a wonderful way to explore culture and history. We’ll discover paths and caves, visit charming small villages, trek through valleys and gorges, observe wild birds and mountain goats, pick up herbs and so much more.

Our guides will share their knowledge of the history and traditions as you venture along paths used for hundreds of years by local sheperds.

Our package holiday includes a 7 night stay at a 3 stars hotel, 3 meals a day, transportation to and from airport and weeklong hiking program.

The following itinerary is made for your convenience so please feel free to do as you like each day, make suggestions to our staff or choose for yourself from one of our daily activities. Each day begins with breakfast at our hotel followed by a briefing on the days’ route.

DAY 1: THE GORGE OF PANTES TO FANEROMENI (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY-3 hours)

Our hike of the day will take us through the gorge of Sitia “Agei Pantes”. This gorge is not so well known but very impressive. This gorge ends up to Platani Bay where is enjoyable for swimming in the turquoise waters. Then we will walk for a visit to the Monastery of Farneromeni which was built in the 15^th century.

DAY 2: SITANOS-SKALIA-ZAKROS-KATOS ZAKROS (DIFFICULT - 4-5 Hours)

Beginning today 20klm southeast of Sitia in Sitanos, exploring first a cave which is 610 meters deep called Exo Latsidi. We’ll also see a Minoan farm and the Folklore Museum. Skalia, a deserted very historic village found 4 klm on is our next stop. At the time of the Turkish occupation this village was conquered and all the young men were killed. We’ll journey down an old Minoan road to Zakros where we’ll see a Minoan mansion which has its own wine press. Then we will walk through the valley of "The Deads" to Kato Zakros where we will also visit the archaeological paradise of Kato Zakros. In 1961 a peasant women found golden jewels which lead to the discovery of the fourth Minoan Palace on Crete. The palace was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1500BC. Finally, you will enjoy a refreshing swim at the beautiful sandy beach of Kato Zakros.

DAY 3: CHOCHLAKIES- KAROUMES (THE GORGE OF KAROUMES) (MEDIUM - 3 Hours )

Today our hike will begin in the village of Hohlakies 30 kms southeast of Sitia. We will trek through a picturesque gorge to Karoumes Bay. At the mouth of the gorge we will swim and picnic on a wonderful little beach. Throughout our trip we will discover herbs and many small donkey paths. Then we will trek and discover a beautiful cave.

DAY 4: PEFKI- MAGRIGIALOS (THE GORGE OF PEFKI) (MEDIUM - 4 Hours)

Our trip begins at the village of Pefki where we will visit a small cave. The magnificent gorge of Pefki is characterized by its unusual stone formations which have been carved out by elements. We will trek over and next to the gorge and enjoy its beauty as well as the astonishing view while walking down the hill to Makrigialos. After the long trek, the crystal clear waters of Makrigialos beach will rejuvenate your skin.

DAY 5: CHAMEZI -LIOPETRO-PAPADIOKAMPOS (EASY- 4 Hours)

Our day begins with the visit to the remarkable folklore museum of Chamezi. Then we will trek to the fortress of Liopetro. It was probably built during the first years of the Venetian rule at the position of the ancient Minoan acropolis. The view from the castle hill is enchanting. Our journey then will take us through a pirates cave and lead us to the coastal settlement of Papdiokambos where we will swim, snorkel and dine.

DAY 6: EXO MOULIANA-THE GORGE OF RIXTI (MODERATE-DIFFICULT - 3 hours)

Beginning in this beautiful village of Exo Mouliana we’ll visit the church of Agios Georgios which dates back to the 15^th century. There you’ll find interesting Byzantine wall frescos. We’ll then begin our journey of the Rixti ravine. We will travel to one of the most spectacular water falls in Greece. We will end up to picturesque bay where we can swim and dine under the trees.

DAY 7: SITIA-KATO EPISKOPI-ROUSSA EKKLISIA (MODERATE - 4 hours)

We set out from Sitia about 4 klm to the village of Kato Episkopi. It is found on the green valley of the Pantelis River. We will see Minoan tombs and visit an organic olive oil factory. We will trek through the oilive trees fields up the hill to the village of Roussa Ekklisia. The village is situated east of Sitia at a height of 340m and has a fantastic panoramic view of the sea. The village center has a massive old oak tree as well as a large historical spring.

TRIP DETAILS

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