Crete Adventure day-by-day itinerary

Day 2, Chania
You have a free day to look around Chania although we can arrange a guide if you prefer. This is a delightful town, with a maze of narrow alleyways snaking through the Old Town down to the waterfront. Huge bushes of vibrant pink and purple bougainvillea spill out over cobbled streets that are filled with open-air cafes and restaurants. Spacious squares are flanked by imposing churches and down on the Venetian harbour, the dockyards are home to small tavernas, sitting in the shade of giant plane trees.

Day 3, Countryside cycling
A wonderful day today as you head to a small picturesque village sitting in the foothills of the White Mountains. Here you will pick up your bikes and will spend the day on an idyllic ride through olive, vine, avocado, chestnut and orange groves. Stop along the way in the small village of Deres for a drink and a snack. The route continues from here along a river, past rural farms alive with the noise of squawking turkeys and hee-hawing donkeys, to the north coast. Finish up on the beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before being transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4, Samaria Gorge – Loutro
Sitting deep within the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most famous scenic attractions. The gorge itself is the second largest in Europe, dramatically cutting a swathe through the surrounding mountains. At its narrowest, the gorge is only a few metres wide, whilst the sides of the cliff rise sharply above you for hundreds of metres. The hike through the gorge is around 16km, leading gently downhill to the Mediterranean. It is a popular hike so it’s worth starting early, but the views are magnificent. Pack a picnic and take the journey slowly, encouraging the kids with the prospect of a swim at the end of the day.

Those with younger children might like to consider hiking the Imbros Gorge instead. This is around 8km and can be managed by most children. Although the gorge itself is not as deep or long as Samaria, the views are still superb and there are some very narrow sections that are fun for kids.

At the end of the day you will take a water taxi to Loutro.

Day 5-6, Loutro
You have two full free days to enjoy Loutro.

This is a beautifully quaint fishermen’s village tucked away on the south coast of Crete, accessible only on foot or by boat. The colours here are stunning; whitewashed houses with blue painted windows look down on an almost impossibly blue Mediterranean. There is a lovely (pebble) beach just on the edge of the town where the children will happily spend the day; alternatively, those who are still feeling energetic might like to walk to Marmara beach where you can swim or snorkel inside the marble sea caves. (You can also take a boat to Marmara beach if you prefer!).

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