Walking and Hiking on Crete

Mountaineering - Walking
Crete and particularly the prefecture of Rethymno invites the visitor to not only enjoy the sea and the infrastructure of organised tourist resorts, but also to explore the multifarious beauties of the countryside and the mountains, where he can come into closer contact with the every-day-life of the locals in the villages.
While you enjoy the landscape, which includes harsh and remote areas as well as lush green, cultivated areas, you will also come to know the mountains and gorges and the inhabitants of isolated and often almost deserted villages. You will be given the opportunity to follow the trail of the history and the civilisation of the area at archaeological sites, historical monasteries, churches and settlements.
Furthermore, the grandeur of nature becomes obvious through the aromatic herbs and wild flowers, which grow prolifically on Crete.

Combining walking and driving
It is great to walk but if you don't want to do this as your only activity or want to walk in different areas, then the combination of walking and driving might give you the solution. You can drive with the car to the areas of your interest and do walks in the area, return back to your car and drive to your accommodation or another area. This way it is possible to see the best places and have the luxury to leave your luggage in the car while walking. There are plenty of routes to walk and it also give you the opportunity to drive to the most remote areas on your own. Ideal for people who like to walk on their own instead of being dependant of a walking group or guided tour. In the program round tour with car and walking, the combination is made of staying in different areas ont he island in combination with a car. The provided walking routes in this program gives you the best places for walking together with your partner, family or group of friends. Detailed information on accommodation and prices can be found on the

drive & walk reservation page

The European Path E4, which starts at the Pyrenees and continues through Europe and Greece, runs through Crete from the village of Kasteli /Kisamos to the village of Zakros. The adventurous visitor, who is attracted by mountaineering and walking, has the opportunity to follow this path through the Prefecture of Rethymno. We would like to describe a few of the most distinctive and sensational walking tours below:

Kallikratis - Argyroupoli: It will take you approximately 5 hours to cover the distance of 16 km.
Argyroupoli - Angouseliana: The distance of 23km can be covered in approximately 8 hours and is easy to walk.
Spili - Gerakari: The total length of this tour, which will lead you across Mount Kedros and therefore includes a few difficulties, is 18,5km, a distance which can be covered in approximately 8 hours.
Refuge of Toumpotos Prinos - Nida Plateau: The Refuge of Toumpotos Prinos can be reached either on foot starting from the village of Fourfouras (4 hours walk approximately) or by car starting from the village of Kouroutes. The route to the Nida Plateau covers a distance of 14km and is fairly difficult due to the height.