Western Crete Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Vamos

You’ve landed on one of the most precious gems in the Greek Islands and the largest in Greece. You’ll likely arrive at Chania or Heraklion Airport and make your own way to the traditional village of Vamos. If you arrive early, a 4-hour walk to Georgioupolis could fill your afternoon. Enjoy the agricultural scenery, and pass through a few quintessential Crete villages with incredible sea views.

Later, settle into your accommodation and get a good rest.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vamos
Distance: Optional: 4 hours, 12km, 100m of ascent, 325m of descent
Meals: None

Day 2 Walk to Nippos Village

After a lovely breakfast, leave Vamos behind for a few hours to explore the village of Nippos. Surrounded by lush land, you’ll walk among olive groves and cypress trees with mountains in the background.

Take a taxi from Nippos to Vamos and find yourself a tasty meal before heading to bed.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Vamos
Distance: 4 hours, 14km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Transfer to Chora Sfakion

If you did not do so on Day 1, you could go to Georgioupolis this morning. When you return, you will be transferred by taxi to another village, Vrysses, to catch a bus to Chora Sfakion.

Spend the early evening exploring this remote town that hugs the hillside overlooking the bright blue sea, and find a local tavern to grab some dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chora Sfakion
Distance: Optional: 4 hours, 12km, 100m of ascent, 325m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk to Loutro

Enjoy your breakfast gazing at the sea views, then prepare to move villages. You have two options for today’s hike, one more strenuous than the other. On the longer route, you’ll hike up to Anopolis, where you can stop for a snack to refuel for the rest of your journey. Then, walk down a hill that offers spectacular views of the sea and reach Loutro. You’ll notice a lack of cars here as the village is only accessible by ferry or on foot.

Today’s shorter route leads you along the coast with minimal elevation gain but many great spots to dip in the sea!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Loutro
Distance: Short: 3 hours, 6.6km, 180m of ascent, 240m of descent
Long: 4.5 hours, 10.2km, 600m of ascent, 670m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Loutro Circuit

Set your sights on some unparalleled views today. After breakfast, you climb to Anopolis and continue along the path to Aradena at the edge of a deep gorge. Descend into the canyon that eventually opens to the coast and get those cobalt sea views once more. Keep going along the coastline and find your way back to Loutro.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Loutro
Distance: Short: 4 hours, 8.7km, 460m of ascent, 460m of descent
Long: 6 hours, 15.7km, 840m of ascent, 840m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Coastal Walk to Agia Roumeli

Today’s walk is a beautiful coastal stroll—sea breeze all day! The first stop is Marmara Beach, where you can take a swim, grab a coffee, or just keep going along the coast. You’ll be astounded by the mountain views as you walk along fragrant paths lined with trees and other flora.

You’ll probably lose track of time on today’s journey, but eventually, you will land in Agia Roumeli, a charming seaside town at the base of Samaria Gorge. (Note: Samaria Gorge is closed in April, so you will instead take a ferry to Sougia to spend the night.)
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Agia Roumeli
Distance: 5–6 hours, 14.7km, 275m of ascent, 275m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Hike Samaria Gorge

Have a hearty breakfast for a big day of climbing ahead (if you’re on the tour in April, your day will look a bit different). Start the journey with a serious ascent through Samaria Gorge, heading from the bottom to the top, which is a great way to avoid lots of tourists who usually hike the gorge in the other direction. Take your time to reach the top, but find some solace in the shaded area at the final push.

You’ll reach Xyloskala, where a taxi will pick you up and take you to the hotel in Omalos. (Note: In April, you will walk from Sougia through Irini Gorge, a similarly challenging walk with stunning views.)
Overnight Location: Hotel in Omalos
Distance: 6 hours, 16.3km, 1200m of ascent, 50m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast on Crete, then head off in the public bus to reach the airport. Leave this wonderful island behind with so many new memories!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast