christos, Author at Hiking Creta

7 days hiking program

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:10:52 +0000

The Samaria Gorge is undoubtedly the most well-known gorge in Europe, but there are equally beautiful places around it you can easily discover. Away from the crowds, we will walk in the most beautiful trails of Western Crete, we will swim at the best beaches and we will see Samaria as few have so far.The icing on the cake will be climbing to the tallest summit of the White Mountains at 2,454 meters!

1st day

Omalos – Kallergi Refuge- Psari, Melidaou

The Samaria Gorge might be one of the greatest in Europe, but the surrounding mountains and routes are equally impressive. Before exploring it we will take a taste of the summits around Samaria, called Psari and Melidaou, seeing from above the Libyan and Cretan Sea and a sea of summits that comprise the White Mountains. Our overnight stay will be at the Kallergi Refuge , which stands at the Samaria balcony e few hundreds of metres higher at 1,700 metres so as to rest for the following day.

2nd day

Samaria Gorge- Agia Roumeli.

The downhill starts early and soon the bare stone scenery will be replaced by the huge virgin forests of Samaria. The trail is clean and always under the shade of the pine trees and the wild cypress while the river runs even in the middle of the summer giving a further sense of coolness. The cliffs on the left and right are imposing and the presence of wildlife with big birds and kri kri is intense. The 17 kilometres are over even before our feet get tired, and our mind is full of magnificent natural pictures, scents and definitely emotions. Right at that moment, the clear blue sea of the Libyan appears, offering salvation and rest both to the body and soul… Our sleepover in Agia Roumeli will be in rented rooms.

3rd day

Ag. Roumeli- Ag. Pavlos- Ag. Ioannis

The sea will be an integral part of the background of our route, as we will have it constantly by our side. At first, we will hike on the smooth waterfront path to the east, right by the impressive sandhills. Just as a drop of sweat appears on our forehead it is time for a cooling dive at the exotic beach of Agios Pavlos, where stands a 10th-century beach. As the sun is slightly going down we will start ascending to Ai Giannis, hiking on one of the most beautiful trails of Crete which is stone-built and with a breathtaking view. At Ai Giannis which lies at the foot of the southern White Mountains, we will regroup forces for the following day, staying the night at a traditional guesthouse.

4th day

At the top of planets Pahnes…

Pahnes Summit 2456m.

Surely there is no better place to gaze Crete from above, as Pahnes is the tallest summit on the island with an altitude of 2,456 metres and of course a view relevant to the height… Our adventure starts from there as 21 whole kilometres of dirt road are expecting us, built in the heart of the mountains, between impressive volcanic rocks and black stones. Our two feet continue… and the trail to the top of the mountainous desert is relatively easy. After 2 hours at a relaxed pace, we reach the top at 2456m. and the view is impeccable. North, south and also a complex of 100 summits around to remind us we do not live on an island but a continent… We return from the same road and we will stay in rooms at one of the most traditional mountainous villages of the White Mountains

5th day

Aradena- Aradena Gorge, Maramara- Loutro

This day starts smoothly by hiking on an easy trail to Aradena. After gazing at the beautiful view from the tall bridge ( 139 metres high) we will cross the deserted village and take the wonderful path to the Aradena gorge. A sense of isolation, and also huge vertical cliffs is the scenery today, while the swim at the magnificent beach of Marmara with the white sleek rocks is ideal for an afternoon rest. The one hour way to Loutro is enough for rehabilitation and we will spend the night at this beautiful picturesque village.

6th day

Loutro- Glika Nera Sfakia- Hania

Our final trekking day has to be easy and relaxing. After having breakfast and taking a swim at the sea we will start our way back stopping halfway at Glika nera for one more swim. Then, we will get in the cars, and after tasting authentic Cretan cuisine in Askifou we will return to Hania where we will spend the night.

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Eligia Gorge

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:07:15 +0000

Samaria might be the most well known, but right next to it there are hidden paradises that take a little more effort to discover. The Eligia gorge starts from the heart of the White Mountains and after climbing to Melidaou at 2130m at the west side of the White Mountains, starts the crossing–like descent. After reaching Potamous the landscape changes radically and the hard rock will be replaced by soft soil and the first trees will appear. We now use not only our feet but also our hands as our route includes plenty of scrambling and also a small rappel. Wilderness everywhere. Vast fallen rocks have crushed everything, the smell of wood is everywhere and the dust seems to have just settled down. When we reach the forest of Fliskounia the landscape changes instantly. Soft soil replaces the vast cliffs and a winding river bed leads us mildly to an easier trail that takes us to the cool and crystal clear sea of the Libyan Sea.

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Pachnes

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:06:04 +0000

There is definitely no better place to gaze Crete from above, as Pachnes is the tallest summit on the island with an altitude of 2456m and a view equivalent to the height. After travelling by car to the south of Chania, we will reach Sfakia and from there we will follow the mountain snake that takes us to Anopolis, a rough traditional mountainous village on the foot of the White Mountains. Our adventure starts from there as 21 kilometres of dirt road expect us, formed in the heart of the mountains, between impressive volcanic rocks and black stones. We proceed in two feet and the path to the summit of the mountainous desert is relatively easy. After two hours at a relaxed pace, we reach the summit at 2456m. and the view is impeccable. South, North and a group of 100 summits around to remind us we do not live on an island but a continent.

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Mile Cave

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:05:01 +0000

On the northern side of the White Mountains and just 20 kilometres away from the town of Chania, there is a mountainous paradise. Leaving beautiful Kabous behind, we climb to Madaro and from there we enter the dirt road that will lead us to the northern heart of the White Mountains. The view multiplies every meter we ascend and after 8 kilometres the 4 wheels are replaced by 2 feet… Vegetation is scarce anymore, rocks are sharp but the positive energy of the place is such that you can only keep climbing to the top. Before we even sweat we stop for a break at the Volikas refuge, which is the oldest in Crete, and with a view to the Northern side of Chania we enjoy a cup of coffee. Afterwards, we tie our shoelaces really well as the climb awaits. A little above and within the mountainous terrain there is a natural cool oasis with an eternal glacier standing for whole centuries in the beautiful cave of Mile, an ideal spot to sip our tea gazing at Chania from above.

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Sfakiano Gorge

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:03:41 +0000

If you are looking for a more relaxed hike with a full sense of seclusion and stunning scenery, then the Sfakiano gorge is the best option. Once we reach the beautiful plateau will climb to the plateau Niato 1200 meters and in the shadow of Kastro Peak and Fanari will begin to descend on the beautiful path to Kaloi Lakoi. Passes slowly narrowing and a wall near each other more and more. Now we are in the heart and the feeling in his guts is magical and dreamy. As if the next corner will emerge fairies of the forest, while Tarzan would come down from the tall trees. The next natural intersection of gorge awaits us the best place to take our snack, in a beautiful church in the shadow of the trees and along the bed of the natural river to get out in the country Sfakia to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea.

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Gigilos Psilafi

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:02:37 +0000

Next to the entrance of Samaria stands a huge rock giant worth walking. The clean and purple path looks like hanging over the national park, offering beautiful views and a terrible sense of isolation. Arriving in the col with the Pslafi you can look at the southern shores of the island and the wild canyons of Trypitis and Klados.

The total path to the top and return is about 5 hours

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Zourva Tromarisa

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:01:32 +0000

Just a few kilometres away from Hania the mountains await us, in a surprising route at the northwest side of the White Mountains. Our route starts from the Hania plain and after passing through the heart of the orangery’s, tasting the delicious citrus fruit, we reach beautiful Zourva. Our hike starts from there, on an easy tail in a forest of wild cypress and pine trees. As we climb higher the wilderness of the scenery becomes more and more interesting with intense variations and an amazing view being constantly present. Before even getting tired we will enjoy our beverage at a forest clearing and we will start our way back on a route full of surprises as we will cross the historic Therissos Gorge admiring the tall cliffs on our left and right. We will be back in Hania in the early afternoon.

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Tripiti Tour

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:59:59 +0000

So much has been heard and written about the Tripiti gorge. Hard, rough and with a few passages that are difficult to find, it is the ultimate challenge for every climber. After climbing to the col of Gigilos Psilafi we will start descending to the south and our adventure starts. There is hardly a path and at times we will cross a passage in all fours. We are now at the top of a huge islet in the centre of the gorge, staring at the imposing view on the left and right, keeping an eye though not to miss the ideal passage. On each side, the cliff is impressively deep and balancing on the tips of the rocks we enter deeper and deeper in the sanctuary of the wild gorge. No human sign, an absolute sense of isolation and wilderness that excites not only the body but also the brain. Each step requires the precision of a dancer and totally absorbed by the difficulties of the moment we step on the more solid river bed after a few hours. Our body and mind relax slightly, to totally let go at the exit where the Libyan Sea is expecting us for a dive. To continue we either take a boat ride to Sougia or, provided we still have energy, we can go on at the waterfront path to Sougia.

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DAILY SKI TOUR CRETE

christos — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:35:18 +0000

SKI TOURING CRETE_1 DAY

Try a skiing day in Crete between 2 seas!! You could also take very interesting day trips on the White Mountains to ski in the surrounding summits as it is very easy and close access with routes of all levels and difficulties. The most interesting ones are: On the north side, Therisso, Kakoperato, summits Xilaris, Malotira, on the west side, Xilafi summit, on the east Fanari Castle and on the south Pahnes, Kakovoli and Troharis.

Have a look at our FB page and our Instagram for more photos!

https://www.facebook.com/Hikingcreta

https://www.instagram.com/hiking_ski_crete/?hl=el

send us an email for information or call us :

send us an email: hikingcreta@gmail.com

Call us: 0030 6973400077

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Crossing White mountains

christos — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:22:41 +0000

There is no better way to meet and enter the inland of the Lefka Ori “planet”.They are vast, huge and only by crossing them will you be able to realize their volume. 58 separate summits stand from one side to the other at an altitude of more than 2000 m and 54 more at a 1800m altitude, while on the same mountains lie more than 15 of the greatest gorges in Greece. They are accessible from any direction, depending on the season, staying overnight in the heart of the mountain at the hiking refuges of the hiking club of Hania , which are four and on every side of the Lefka Ori. A climb to the highest summit of the Lefka Ori, Pachnes, at 2454 m. is imperative, gazing at the same time not only at a sea of mountains but also at the Lybian Sea in the South and the Cretan Sea in the North… What follows is equally enjoyable with many choices. The crossing can end East at the village Askifou, North at Cambus, Kerameia , West at Omalos Plateau , admiring the famous Samaria Gorge from above. Moreover, there is the surprise option to end the crossing South with a tour of the villages of Crete and a dive in the deep blue waters of the south coast. The suggested route is from Omalos to Anopoli with 8 hours of hiking daily and a sleepover at the refuge of Svourihti.

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