The unknown East
The eastern part of Crete has more walking trails than most people would expect. For a couple of years the local communities have been restoring old paths and even some of them are integrated in the network of the European walking path 4. On five walks we have the chance to see a little bit of the variety in landscapes and nature. Our base is in Mirtos, a unique, small coastal village with a good balance of local life and individual tourism.
Day one
Arrival
Transfer from Heraklion airport to the accommodation in Mirtos.
Meeting with the participants of the group and the walking guide.
Day two
PEFKI – VILLAGES
A walk in the surroundings of the mountain village Pefki offers a lot of alternation. We discover the beauty of dripstone caves and enjoy the view to the south coast from a chapel on a small mountain peak. After a rest in the local tavern we walk through a small but very impressive gorge down to the beach of Makri Gialos.
Walking time: approx. 3 ½ h / High distance: approx. 350 m / Kilometers: approx. 10
Day three
ANATOLI – VIEWS
This walk in the region of Anatoli, a mountain village above Mirtos, leads through a beautiful landscape with special rock formations and great views to both sides of the island. In spring we can find several rare species of wild orchids and other flowers.
Walking time: approx. 4 h / High distance: approx. 250 m / Kilometers: approx. 10
Day four
RICHTI GORGE – IN THE JUNGLE
From the village Exo Mouliana at the north coast we start to walk on a dirt track above the gorge down to a resting area at the sea side, having beautiful views to the cliffs and the Cretan sea. Then we enter a total different world, a jungle of trees and plants, small water basins and a 30 m high waterfall. The Richti gorge is unique and shows an unknown face of Crete.
Walking time: approx. 4 h / High distance: approx. 200 m / Kilometers: approx. 9
Day five
Free day
Or optional a half day trip to Anatoli to learn about essential oils and herbs.
Day six
MAIZONA GORGE – ANCIENT PATHS
A steep donkey trail leads along the impressive Maizona gorge uphill to a Minoan excavation with great views to the Mirabello bay. On an ancient path we return back to the starting point in the village Kavousi on the north coast.
Walking time: approx. 5 h/ High distance: approx. 600 m / Kilometers: approx. 10
Day seven
KATO SIMI – IN THE FOREST
A circular walk in the forest region at the south side of the Dikti Mountain range. A steep path leads up to a view point with great views over the surrounding villages and the sea. We continue on dirt tracks through the pine tree forest, pass an archaeological site and return via an almost abandoned settlement back to the starting point.
Walking time: approx. 4 h / High distance: approx. 400 m / Kilometers: approx. 14
Day eight
Departure
Transfer to Heraklion airport
Contact us for more information and prices
Participants: minimum 6 persons, maximum 12 persons
