What to expect
Five Fully Guided Hikes
With experienced English-speaking guides
Included Experiences
Enjoy wine tasting & visit Spinalonga
Optional Excursions
Hike the famous Samaria Gorge
Uncrowded Setting
Property & pool exclusive to Solos guests
About this trip...
Welcome to our popular and friendly Solos Exclusive Iraklis Apartments in Gouves, the perfect base for exploring the beautiful island of Crete. Join us on our exciting new walking week, where we’ll take in the island’s stunning history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient Minoan sites and charming villages, to breathtaking coastal views and scenic mountain trails, this adventure will reveal Crete’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or just keen to explore under blue skies, this walking week promises an unforgettable experience, filled with discovery and exploration. Crete's landscapes await!
Activity Level:
What's this?What's Included
Studio Room for Single Use (Apartments available at a supplement)
Solos Board; Breakfast daily & 3 on-site taverna dinners each week-
1 x picnic lunch
-
Fruits, local sweets & mineral water during hikes
Welcome drink & Information meeting
5 fully guided hikes with experienced English-speaking guide including transfers-
Wine Tasting
-
Boat excursion to Spinalonga
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €2.00 per night, payable locally
- Air Conditioning €7 per day, payable locally
- Apartment supplement from $72 per week
- Lunches where not specified
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive in Corfu
- The Labyrinth of King Minos
- Vulture Gorge
- From the hills to the sea
- Day at Leisure
- Paths To The Past
- Plateau of the Muses
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival Day
Welcome to the Iraklis Apartments in Gouves! If time allows upon our arrival, we’ll start with a leisurely guided stroll through the charming resort town. This walk is the perfect way to get acquainted with the beautiful surroundings, meet fellow hikers, and connect with our Tour Leader and local guide. Our walk will take us to some of the nicest spots along the shoreline, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves and even wade through the gentle surf at Aposelemi Beach. We’ll also pass by essential local stops like a bakery, the supermarket, and other convenient stores, helping us settle in comfortably. We’ll conclude this relaxed introduction with a complimentary welcome drink, a great chance to toast the hiking adventures that lie ahead and soak up the local atmosphere. It's the perfect start to our stay at Iraklis Apartments in Gouves!
The transfer time from Heraklion airport to the Iraklis Apartments is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Day Two: The Labyrinth of King Minos
As we embark on this hike, we'll be walking in the footsteps of Europe's first civilization. There's a good chance the legendary King Minos once travelled this same trail over 2,000 years ago. Our goal is to reach the ancient settlement of Knossos - a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most important archaeological treasure in Greece. This magnificent palace was the ceremonial, political, religious, and economic heart of the Minoan civilization, and your guide will bring its rich Cretan history and mythology to life. (entrance fee €15 Palace €12 Museum payable locally)
As we walk on this ancient land and taste its fruits, this adventure offers not just a connection to the past but a taste of what the land still has to offer today. Hike: 16km Ascent: +329m Descent: -233m Transfer: Iraklis, Gouves → Karteros beach 14 km Transfer: Knossos archaeological site → Iraklis, Gouves Excursion: Wine tasting at the Scalarea Estate Winery
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Three: Vulture Gorge
After a short transfer, we’ll be dropped off on a hilltop, where our adventure begins as we navigate our way back to the shoreline. The most direct route takes us down between two hills, along an ancient path that leads through a secluded gorge. Towering cliffs rise on either side, casting plenty of shade over the trail, which winds through a lush green biotope filled with unique flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the griffon vultures soaring high above—though rest assured, our guide will ensure that no weary hikers end up on their menu today!
Hike: 11 km Ascent: +94m Descent: -202m Transfer: Iraklis, Gouves → Xeromares 12 km
- Breakfast included
Day Four: From the Hills to the Sea
Today's hike takes us on a scenic journey through wide unpaved paths and narrow tarmacked roads, as we venture inland across the rolling hills of Analysi. The route meanders through picturesque countryside, offering a peaceful escape from the coast. Midway through, we'll stop at a local taverna, where we can enjoy a refreshing break. For those feeling adventurous, there’s the option to sample the homemade raki—a potent spirit flavoured with aniseed and a true Cretan specialty. We’ll continue our hike through fields when in season, blooming with wildflowers, passing fig gardens and watermelon patches.
Arriving at Anissaras Beach, we’ve reached the coast, where the soft, sandy shore invites us to relax. As we walk along the beach toward our hotel, we can take a moment to kick off our hiking shoes and stroll barefoot through the surf—the sand is heavenly soft, and the perfect way to end the day's adventure by the sea. Hike: 16km Ascent: +14m Descent: -141m
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Five: Day at Leisure or Walk the Samara Gorge
Our Tour Leader is on hand to help you choose a variety of exciting optional excursions, including the chance to tackle one of the most famous hikes in Greece—the Samaria Gorge. This is a must for serious hikers seeking a challenge and an unforgettable experience. You'll need to rise before dawn and return after sunset, but the long day is more than worth it. The Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe, stretching 16 km from start to finish.
The hike begins at an altitude of 1230 meters and gradually descends all the way to sea level. Along the way, we'll traverse stunning landscapes, with towering cliffs and breathtaking views. At its narrowest point, the gorge is just 3 metres wide, offering a dramatic contrast to its wide-open vistas. This hike is an exhilarating mix of rugged terrain and natural beauty and completing it will leave you with a true sense of accomplishment.
Prepare for an adventure that is as physically demanding as it is rewarding and discover why the Samaria Gorge is one of Greece's most beloved hikes.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: Paths To The Past
After an hour’s drive in our private bus, we arrive at the charming fishing village of Schisma Elountas. Before starting our adventure, we can enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at one of the many cafés along the boulevard, where colourful boats line the bay, and cats bask in the sun, waiting for the return of the local fishermen. A short walk takes us to a bridge connecting Crete with Kalydon Island. As we cross, keep an eye out for the submerged remains of Olous, an ancient city dating back to the 5th century BC. Once a large, fortified city and bustling maritime hub, Olous now lies beneath the waves, sunk after a powerful earthquake over a millennium ago.
The island’s storied past has inspired countless artists, and it even served as the setting for Victoria Hislop’s famous novel, 'The Island', as well as the TV series 'Who Pays the Ferryman'? This day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty! Hike: 10km Ascent: +165m Descent: -165m Transfers: Iraklis, Gouves → Schisma Elountas 53 km Transfer: Schisma Elountas → Iraklis, Gouves (53 km) Excursion: Boat trip to Spinalonga
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Plateau of the Muses
The rugged heartland of Crete is a hiker's paradise, where steep mountains and rocky terrain are better suited for goats than for farming. Our journey begins high up on the plateau of Katheron, with a gentle, slightly sloping path for the first two hours. After passing through a serene cypress wood, we’ll walk along an ancient trail once used by the Minoans to reach the sea, where Minoan pottery fragments have been discovered, linking us to the island’s ancient past. Crete is home to an astounding number of endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world. Along this hike, we'll encounter vibrant cyclamens, Cretan tulips, kermes oaks, spiny broom, and towering cypresses. The trail is a botanist’s dream, filled with native species thriving in the high-altitude environment.
- Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure Day
Today we check-out and head to the airport for our onward flight. Καλό ταξίδι! – Have a good journey and safe travels!
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
Iraklis Apartments
Run by the warm and welcoming Iraklis family, our base is just 1km from the resort of Gouves and a 7-10 minute walk from the Blue Flag awarded sandy beach.
Facilities include
Relax around the swimming pool under an umbrella or sip a cool drink at the bar before a game of pool. The family runs the on-site traditional taverna serving delicious Greek and international dishes. This hotel has no lifts/no lift access.
Room includes
The air-conditioned units* are made up of studios with double beds. Larger apartments with twin beds are available at a supplement. Facilities include a small kitchenette with fridge, toaster, kettle, iron, and hob. A TV, safe and hairdryer are also provided. *extra charges apply. Pool/Beach towel is provided.
Apartments supplement from £70 per week.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Transfer Time
The transfer time from Heraklion airport to the Iraklis Apartments is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Dress Code
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening. Early and late season evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket and even some rainwear – particularly in May and June when you may experience some spring thunderstorms followed by scorching days!
Important Information
Please note that whilst the apartments and pool area are exclusive for our groups, the outside bar and taverna at the front of the property are open to the public. This hotel has no lifts/no lift access.
Walking Programme
Five guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium to Hard and you can expect to walk between 10km to 16 km approx per day with a variety of ascents/descents some of which are challenging, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
Physical fitness is required on this trip to fully enjoy this holiday.
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 will 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.
What to wear
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.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. 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:
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Passports and visas
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Health requirements
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
Currency
EURO
Optional or Pre-Bookable Excursions
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on numbers. All tours should be paid for in euros or sterling. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Prices will be confirmed in resort as they are based on the number of participants, therefore from prices below give an indication but are subject to change. All trips are exclusive to Solos guests and include private transfers except Samaria Gorge Hike
- Samaria Gorge Hike Price is approx €70 (subject to change) including guide . Transfer is approx 3 hours. Shared coach
- Sailing in Hersonissos Bay from €85.00
- Knossos and Lassithi from €40.00
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €25.00 per week. 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.
Tourist Tax
Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €2.00 per night, payable locally
