Varied walking programme
5 exclusive fully guided walks
Traditional Greek Tavernas
Meals in local Greek tavernas
Sunny Bay Hotel
Family run sea front hotel
Join us as we discover the beautiful north-western region of Crete, the largest and most varied of the Greek Islands, on this sociable walking holiday. Marvel at the views of the Cretan coastline and look forward to social taverna evenings, the perfect way to finish off a day’s walking!
Extras
Arrival in Crete and transfer to Hotel. Evening welcome drink at hotel and information meeting followed by dinner at local tavern – The Cellar.
After breakfast we drive to the archeological site of Polyrrinia and the day begins with a fascinating tour around the picturesque village of Polyrrinia discovering the culture and history of this important archeological area. After taking in the panoramic views to the sea and mountains, we descend on paths through fertile agricultural land and olive groves to Kisamos (Kastelli) where we have a late lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation or exploration. We then meet for dinner in the evening at the Cellar restaurant.
Walking Distance – 9 km approx.
Today our walk encompasses wonderful scenery as well as a real insight into traditional Cretan life. We begin with an informative tour around a typical village house where a Cretan welcome awaits, and we will hear tales of Cretan past and present. Passing from the small hamlet with its abundance of trees – walnut, orange, lemon, cherry, and of course olive, we then follow a path through the mountainous countryside with amazing mountain and sea views then up to the traditional village of Milia and continue through the beautiful hillsides where we can appreciate fantastic views.
Walking Distance – Approx 9km
Our walk today encompasses beautiful scenery over to the far west coast of Crete. Our route takes us through a pretty village, olive groves, along a path with stunning sea views which over-look the West coast of Crete. We end up at the stunning sandy beach of Falassarna. Here there is time to eat your packed lunch and have a swim in the crystal clear sea.
Walking Distance – Approx 6 km
Day at leisure to rest at the hotel or take an excursion such as Gramvousa Boat Trip. A full day excursion to this island where you can see the ruins of an ancient fortress and swim in the crystal clear waters of the wonderful lagoon of Balos. Approx €27
Today we take the main road leading from Ravdouha to the beach, where we meet the Byzantine church of Agia Marina. This location has a unique sea view, and the temple is built in the rock recess. The church has a frescoed wall painting. As in many chapels on the Rhodopes peninsula, we also see inscriptions from the various travelers of the time. We follow a coastal path to the villages of Ravdouha and Nopigia. We pass remote pebble beaches, such as the creeks of Choni and the quay of the Dark. Also on the path is the restored Byzantine church of St. Basil. We finish with a delicious Cretan lunch at the village taverna. Later we meet for dinner at the Cellar Taverna.
Walking Distance – Approx 8 km
Our final walk is along the spectacular gorges from Sirikari to Polyrinnia. This stunning walk will certainly not disappoint and takes in fantastic views and you will spot Griffon vultures circling over-head. A beautiful way to finish our week of Cretan walking. In the evening we meet for our final evening dinner together.
Walking Distance – 7 km approx.
Checkout and transfer to the airport for our flight home
We stay at the comfortable family-run Sunny Bay Hotel, situated directly on a shingle beach and a short stroll to a sea-front taverna.
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and delightful terrace area, pool/snack-bar open all day and into the evening, breakfast room and a small mini market.
All rooms have satellite TV, a hairdryer, safe, air-conditioning (both at extra charge), fridge and balcony or terrace with a partial sea view.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company
The transfer time from Chania Airport to the hotel takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
Five guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme is graded Easy-Medium and you can expect to walk between 6-10 km per day with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions
Polyrinnia to Kisamos
Length approx 9km Altitude: 160m ascent, 410m descent
Village Life Walk
Length approx 9km Altitude: 245m ascent, 245m descent
Falassarna Walk
Length approx 6km Altitude: 210m ascent, 240m descent
Deliana Gorge
Length approx 6km Altitude: 210m ascent, 330m descent
Sirakari Gorge
Length approx 7km Altitude: 75m ascent, 330m descent
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Euro
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 16 °C | 8 °C |
| March | 17 °C | 10 °C |
| April | 20 °C | 12 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 15 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 18 °C |
| July - August | 29 °C | 21 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 19 °C |
| October | 24 °C | 16 °C |
| November | 21 °C | 13 °C |
| December | 17 °C | 10 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
