Walking in Crete

Our trip begins at Heraklion Airport (HER) at 4.00pm in the arrivals hall. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. Your tour leader will be waiting in the hall with an Explore signboard at the exit doors from the immigration/luggage retrieval area. Please be aware that they may be waiting to greet both customers whose flight has just arrived as well as those who arrived earlier, so they may be looking in a different direction to the one you're approaching from. After meeting up we will then travel together as a group (50 kilometre/31 miles, approximately 1 hour) to our hotel for the night in Zaros in the rugged Idi Mountains. After check in the Leader will organise timings for the welcome meeting, and a group meal for those interested. Zaros is a charming village located at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. It's known for its natural beauty, including the nearby freshwater Lake Zaros, which is a popular spot to enjoying the serene atmosphere. The village is also famous for its bottled spring water, sourced from the local springs and its traditional products, including olive oil, honey, and local herbs. Here you can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine, featuring fresh local produce, in one of its tavernas.

Today we head out on our first walk at the Rouvas Gorge. After a short drive to our start point we begin with a 40-minute descent along a dirt road, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Rouvas Forest, a site of great ecological significance. This unique habitat is home to several native species of flora and fauna, including the Cretan kefalanthiro, a rare indigenous orchid. The forest is also populated by trees found only on Crete, particularly the Quercus coccifera (kermes oak), which has perfectly adapted to the environment. Alongside the oaks, we'll also see maples, cypresses, pines, and plane trees. Upon reaching Agios Ioannis, a plateau in the heart of Rouvas, we'll be greeted by ancient trees, some of which are estimated to be around a thousand years old. This is a perfect spot to refill water bottles and take a short rest before continuing our hike. From here, the trail follows the Rouvas River, where the canyon gradually narrows, and the vegetation becomes denser. Along the route, we'll find wooden benches for resting and navigate a mix of terrain, including sections where we cross boulders on the canyon floor and traverse wooden bridges. After approximately 90 minutes, we reach a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Zaros Lake area. The trail then continues along a short section with sheer drops to the side, before we re-enter the forest. Passing by a historic monastery, we make our way toward Zaros Lake, our final destination. Here, we'll take a well-deserved break by the tranquil waters before descending back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Today's 9 kilometre/5.6 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around four and a half hours.

Today, we set off on a 30-minute drive to the starting point of Imbros Gorge, one of Crete's most scenic and accessible gorges. Beginning in the village of Imbros, we take a short walk to the entrance booth to purchase tickets before starting our descent. The trail winds gently southward, offering a comfortable yet rocky path that requires careful footing. The gorge narrows to less than two metres wide at one dramatic point, creating an enclosed, almost otherworldly atmosphere. With plenty of shade from trees and towering cliffs rising on either side, it's an ideal environment to spot native plants and flowers up close. About 110 minutes into the walk, we pass a striking natural stone arch, a key landmark along the route. From here, the gorge begins to widen slightly, and after another 15 minutes, we arrive in the village of Komitades, where several traditional tavernas offer a chance to relax and refresh. After our walk, a 15-minute drive takes us back to the hotel, where we can unwind after a rewarding day of exploring Crete's natural beauty. Today's 8 kilometre/5 mile Moderate grade walk is expected to take around three hours.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Chania. There are no activities planned today, so you' re free to depart from Chania at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you' d like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Chania Airport (CHQ), which is about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.