Discover Autumn in Western Crete

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

The most southerly of the Greek islands, Crete holds her warmth well into the autumn, making for wonderful walking conditions. The October sun sits a little lower in the sky, ripening the last harvests of the year to perfection and burnishing the landscape with a soft golden glow. The sea is still warm yet the coast is quiet, an idyllic spot for a waterfront lunch after a walk through the White Mountains. Equally idyllic is the Arosmari Village hotel, nestled into beautiful grounds near the foothills of the White Mountains, and an ideal base for a week of walking.

Our experienced guide Jonathan Peat brings his deep love and unrivalled knowledge of Crete to this autumn exploration, offering a unique opportunity to visit places often missed by less adventurous visitors. Discover remote monasteries, the evocative ruins of ancient Minoan palaces and the breath-taking White Mountains, and walk through the glorious landscapes of Crete’s celebrated gorges and plateaux. Informal stops at tiny, whitewashed chapels or rustic kafenions offer a glimpse of a more authentic Crete, where communities thrive independently of tourism and guests are welcomed with the island’s legendary hospitality.

The walks average 3 to 4 hours each day, with ample time to enjoy a picnic or a meal in a local taverna, carefully selected to enhance your week of exploration. Good walking shoes are essential.

THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Arrival

Fly to Chania and transfer to Arosmari Village Hotel in Vamos. Meet Jonathan Peat and discuss the week’s programme over drinks. Local taverna dinner.

DAY 2 - Killiaris valley walk

A gentle start to the week. Drive to the seaside exit of the Killiaris river and walk upstream through lush citrus groves, stopping at Agios Yannis chapel for a break, and on to the small village of Stilos. After an early lunch we walk up to see a 3,500-year old olive tree in Samonas village and then on to the remains of a Minoan settlement. Drive back to Vamos through stunning countryside. Total walking time 3 1/2 hours.

DAY 3 - Meskla to Zourva and back

Drive to the historic village of Meskla tucked into the foothills of the White Mountains. We walk through citrus and cypress groves up to the village of Zourva for a delicious mountain taverna lunch with wonderful views. After lunch we return to Meskla, taking in a beautiful, frescoed chapel hidden in the olive groves. Walking time 4 hours, 300 metres ascent.

DAY 4 - Metamorphosis Monastery and Agia Kiriaki

This walk takes us into a little-known area directly behind Chania, beginning at a monastery near Vamvakopoulo then on to a Roman/Hellenistic archaeological site. Picnic lunch in a secluded olive grove. Walking time 3 hours.

DAY 5 - At leisure

Take time to enjoy the pool and gardens at Arosmari or explore Vamos village.

DAY 6 - Imbros Gorge 

Drive south to enjoy a walk through a wooded valley down the stunning Imbros Gorge to Komitades. The route is historically significant as it was one of the few easy ways to access the south coast through the White Mountains. Lunch in a seaside taverna. Walking time 4 hours.

DAY 7 - The Holy Mountain

From the Gouverneto monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula we take time to explore a fascinating series of caves and chapels dedicated to the St. John the Hermit, who lived in this area in the 5th Century AD. Lunch today is a special Simpson picnic near the Monastery of Agia Triada, followed by a visit to the monastery and the chance to taste some freshly distilled raki from the still. Walking time 3 1/2 hours, 300 metres ascent and descent.

DAY 8 - Departure

Bid a fond farewell to Arosmari and transfer to Chania for your return flight to the UK.

* FITNESS GUIDE

GRADE 1

Up to 2 hours' walking, appropriate for those who take gentle regular exercise. Some inclines but nothing too taxing: mostly dirt roads or paved paths. Walking poles recommended for those who require extra stability.

GRADE 2

Up to 4 hours' walking, appropriate for those who are used to a little more rigorous exercise. Some steep inclines: mostly ancient unpaved paths. Good balance required as ground can be rocky.

GRADE 3

Up to 5 hours' walking, appropriate for those with good levels of basic fitness and plenty of stamina. More demanding terrain with steep unmade tracks which can be very rocky. Good balance and a head for heights required.

Our walking itineraries may be subject to last-minute changes if conditions are unfavourable. Jonathan Peat also reserves the right to limit access to walks to those with the necessary levels of fitness and walking ability. To find out more about the basic fitness requirements for our walking holidays, please use the link below.

ALL WALKING HOLIDAYS IN CRETE