Walking the White Mountains of C

Walking the White Mountains of C Overview

The best walks in Crete: from the peaks of the White Mountains, through the Samaria Gorge, to the secluded coves of the Mediterranean coast

This Mediterranean walking holiday on the island of Crete is a wonderful blend of high mountain scenery, picturesque coastal walking, traditional villages and legendary Greek food and hospitality. Fall under the spell of the White Mountains, experience the rugged beauty of the Samaria Gorge and uncover the hidden beaches of Crete's lesser-explored coast. From the mountain hamlet of Omalos, our first objective is walking to the summit of Gingilos (1980m), a rocky peak which provides spectacular views across the White Mountains and a bird's eye perspective of our next day's route, which takes us down to the Mediterranean via the world famous Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We then spend 2 nights at Agia Roumeli, a pretty collection of traditional tavernas accessible only by walking or by boat, with the option of a rest day on the beach or a variety of day walking excursions. Following the sun-kissed shoreline and a stunning cliff-side pathway, our next day's walking in Crete takes us to Marmara beach and the charming, white painted seaside village of Loutro. From a hotel base here, the trekking leads us up to Pachnes (2453m), the highest peak in the 'Lefka Ori' and then completes the circular hike via the impressive Aradena Gorge and the pretty shepherd's village of Anopolis.