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Walking in Crete – Northumberland Walking Group

From £1399/ per person

Looking for a walking holiday in Crete?

Crete is recognised as the largest island of Greece with 650 miles of coastline, including beautiful sandy beaches, scenic countryside and a wealth of history offering myths and legends. Crete’s timeline goes back over 4000 years and the island is said to be credited of being the birthplace of modern civilisation. Evidence of this can be found at the Palace of Knossos, the Minoans who lived here were some of the first in the world to have fashions, parties and women’s rights.

Looking for a walking holiday in Crete as a solo traveller? Check out our solo no single supplement dates here.

Walking-holiday-in-CreteWalking Holiday in Crete Highlights
  • Seven nights half board at the 4 star Astir Beach Hotel in Kato Gouves
  • Three guided walk
  • One optional walk
  • Local knowledgeable walking guides

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Day One Arrival Day

DAY ONE: Flight to Heraklion, Short transfer to your hotel for seven nights half board accommodation in the resort of Kato Gouves.

Please note, the tourist tax total for 7 nights is £63.65 – amount based on 1.10 exchange rate Euro to GBP. Please note that the tax and exchange rate is subject to change before guests arrive.

Day Two Free day

Welcome meeting with your guide followed by a free day.

Day Three Walk 1

5.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M DESCENT

After breakfast meet your local walking guide in the reception of the hotel for a tour introducing you to Crete and its beautiful countryside. You will take the scenic route up  Mount Dicti to the plain of Lassithi, once filled with hundreds of windmills to pump up water for irrigating the fields. On the plain of Lassithi you will start the walk near the village Lagou to the village Krasi, walking up the Minoan path, lined with shrubs and flowers. You will be able to smell the herbs and enjoy the views on the plain. Afterwards your guide will lead you down to the settlement Kera, where you will be able to marvel in the views of the Aegean Sea. Visit the Byzantine monastery Kardiotissa before going on a lush dirt road to the village Krasi where you will stop at a traditional tavern for lunch. Krasi is a pretty place with a huge plane tree and Venetian springs.  The walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 100m/420m.

Day Four Free day

Free day or  join an optional walking tour Kroustas – Pirgos area & beach

Day Five Walk 2

4.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M DESCENT

Departure by coach to the east slope of Mount Juchtas, the starting point of the walk. Your guide will take you on a scenic path slowly upwards to the top of Mount Juchtas. In early springtime you will be able to see rare flowers, such as orchids and on the way, enjoy the amazing views! At the peak is a breath-taking view of Mount Ida, Heraklion town and the always blue Aegean Sea. Your guide will then lead you down with stunning views of the vineyards until you reach the main road where the coach is waiting to transfer you to Vathypetro, to visit the ancient Minoan farmhouse with a replica of the oldest wine press. Afterwards, you will visit a typical Cretan village, Archanes with its lovely square, enjoy here free time to experience local life. Today’s walk is 4.5 miles with ascent/descents 440m/ 80m

Day Six Free day

Free day or join an optional walking tour: Arkadi – Pikri & Rethymnon 

Day Seven Walk 3

5.5 MILES – 70MM ASCENT240M /DESCENT

Travel via the national road and through the spectacular ravine of Saint George to Saint Nicholas. You will visit Bio Aroma a vertically integrated area of herbs, with its own organic crops, a distillery for the production of essential oils, workshop for 100% handmade herbal cosmetics, a museum and botanical garden. You will then go on a beautiful drive along the blue shades of the Gulf of Mirabello, which will lead you to Elounda, a quiet fishing village.

Day Eight Departure Day

Free time until departure for the airport and your flight home.

Accommodation

  • Astir Beach Hotel – Crete

    Satellite TV Free Wi-Fi Air conditioning Hairdryer Safe Mini bar Balcony or Terrace Private bathroom Two freshwater swimming pools Spa centre Lounge bar Pool bar Snack bar Mini Market

    Availability: 25 Single Room | 15 Twin/Double Room

  • Peoples
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms

This stunning hotel is situated on the beach in Kato Gouves on the north coast with magnificient views of the unspoilt rugged coastline. Located only 10 miles from Heraklion Airport and close to the centre of Gouves, the hotel is within easy access of lively bars and restaurants.  Knossos Minoan Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are also only a 30 minutes driving distance away from the hotel. Recently refurbished in 2018 the hotel is modern in style.

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