Kayak and Hike in West Crete

Group transfer from Chania airport to your accommodation in Kissamos, followed by a welcome dinner and briefing all together in the evening.

1-2 hrs/4km Kayaking - 2hrs/4km Hike After breakfast, you'll take a short drive to the corner of Kissamos Bay for an introductory kayak session along the coastline, weaving through dramatic rock formations and sea caves before landing in natural rock pools for a snack and swim in the bay. Hike back along the old villagers’ path: a coastal route with sea commanding views. After the hike, tuck into a late lunch at a coastal taverna with amazing local seafood. Return to Kissamos in the late afternoon for a well-deserved relaxing evening.

2-3hrs/8km Kayaking - 2hrs/5km Hike

Start today's hike from a small traditional village on the north coast, ascending through olive groves to a spectacular ridge. Wind your way down to Falassarna Bay along sand dunes to reach the stunning beach. Hop in your kayak and paddle out to Limpet Island, the tip of the submerged ridge in the bay. If the sea is calm you'll jump in to the clear turquoise waters for a snorkel to admire the glistening shoals of fish. Kayak further along the coast beneath towering cliffs, exploring small bays before heading back to shore for a late lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.

3-4hrs/12km Kayaking

The stunning kayak route today needs an early start and an hour's drive through the mountainous heartlands to the southwest corner of Crete. Put-in at the famous Elafonissi Beach, heading along the south coast to reach quiet, white-sand beaches fringed by juniper trees. Kayaking here is a dream on the azure water, with myriad spots to jump in for a swim. Continue to a hidden, heart-shaped bay at the site of an ancient temple - a perfect spot for a snack and a snorkel. As is tradition on our Crete trips, your adventure today is rewarded with a classic Cretan late lunch at a taverna in one of the villages en route back to Kissamos.

Hike the gorge of vultures

3 hrs Hiking / 8km (optional extension of 2hrs/7km)

Take a break from the sea and get some km on the legs today with a beautiful hike descending a quiet gorge, which is a nesting site for Griffon Vutures. We start high in the rural hills above Kissamos, enjoying some fantastic views over the bay and getting a glance into the lives of the shepherds who live in these remote villages. We descend through oak woods and semi-abandoned hamlets into a steep sided rocky gorge, all the while keeping our eyes on the sky for the telltale shadows overhead, showing us where vultures are flying. Semi-wild herds of goats forage in the gorge and often accompany us as we walk. The hike finishes with a steep climb to the ancient site of Polyrrinia, where we will explore the fascinating village that exists there now, a mixture of ancient ruins and occupied houses. We will stop for lunch at a traditional family taverna at the top of Polyrrinia village. We will return to Kissamos by car, but for anyone that wants to do some extra km, there is the option to return to Kissamos on foot (approx 7km extra) via the "childrens path" - a path the village children used in past times to get to school in Kissamos.

5-6hrs/14km Kayaking

We enjoy the flexibility of the sit-on-top kayaks as we explore small bays and beaches, rock formations and sea caves along your way. We will see soaring cliffs, turquoise clear waters, deep gorge sea exits and plenty of opportunities for snorkel stops as we go. We can have a snack break in the shade of Crocodile rock.
After a few hours paddling and making the most of the sea adventure, we arrive in the remote sea-side village of Agia Roumeli, which is only accessible by boat or with a long hike. You can have a cool drink at one of the seaside tavernas, swim in the Lybian sea or relax in this unique coastal village.

Tonight you stay overnight in a guesthouse in Agia Roumeli in order to hike the famous gorge of Samaria the following day.

5-6hrs/16km Self-guided Hike

After yesterday's kayaking culmination, today it's time for the pinnacle of hiking in Crete - Samaria Gorge. Cretans refer to it as 'the' gorge - the longest and the most spectacular of the hundreds of gorges in Crete, it is also one of the longest in Europe. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the trail that meanders through the national park. Starting at sea level and walking up the gorge means that you will have the path to yourself for most of the hike and be one of the first people to arrive at the famous narrow passage of Portes. Climbing steadily, the gorge rises from the rocky riverbed and colourful cliffs, through the old village of Samaria and past the church of Santa Maria before a final, tough ascent through shady pine trees to exit at the top of the gorge. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the route you have just conquered.

You'll be collected at the top of the gorge and transferred to Chania city, where you will spend the night.

Your Cretan adventure had to come to an end eventually. After breakfast, we will transfer you to Chania airport for your return flight home.