4.9

Kayak and Hike the Coast of Crete

  • Greece
  • 7 nights

Paddle your way along Crete's turquoise coastline and hike through majestic gorges, fueled by taverna feasts and tranquil swims

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesItinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking hiking and kayaking guides
  • Guesthouses & Hotel5 nights in a guesthouse near Kissamos, 1 night in a beachside village guesthouse, 1 night in a hotel in Chania
  • MealsAll breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 1 dinner
  • TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
  • EquipmentAll kayaking equipment, plus snorkels and masks
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Kayak the sparkling Aegean waters to reach hidden bays, sea caves, natural pools, and remote villages

  • Hike rugged trails through olive groves and pine forests, and explore the epic Samaria Gorge - the longest in Greece

  • Settle into a classic Cretan taverna each day for memorable fresh feasts and local wines

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Crete

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Welcome to Crete! Your host will meet you at Chania Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kissamos. In the evening, join your host and fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner of traditional Cretan food.

    Day 2

    Kayak along the rocky peninsula and hike the villagers’ path

    Kayaking
    1-2hrs · 2mi
    Hiking
    2-2.5hrs · 4mi · 919ft up · 886ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 2 detail

    After breakfast, you'll take a short drive to the corner of Kissamos Bay for an introductory kayak session along the coastline, weaving through dramatic rock formations and sea caves before landing in natural rock pools for a snack and swim in the bay. Hike back along the old villagers’ path: a coastal route with commanding ocean views. After the hike, tuck into a late lunch at a coastal taverna with amazing local seafood. Return to Kissamos in the late afternoon for a well-deserved relaxing evening.

    Day 3

    Hike between two coasts

    Kayaking
    2-3 hours · 5mi
    Hiking
    2 hours · 3mi · 984ft up · 984ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Start today's hike from a small traditional village on the north coast, ascending through olive groves to a spectacular ridge. Wind your way down to Falassarna Bay along sand dunes to reach the stunning beach. Hop in your kayak and paddle out to Limpet Island, the tip of the submerged ridge in the bay. If the sea is calm you'll jump in to the clear turquoise waters for a snorkel to admire the glistening shoals of fish. Kayak further along the coast beneath towering cliffs, exploring small bays before heading back to shore for a late lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.

    Day 4

    Kayak to a juniper forest beach and an ancient temple

    Kayaking
    5-6 hours · 10mi
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 4 detail

    The stunning kayak route today needs an early start and an hour's drive through the mountainous heartlands to the southwest corner of Crete. Put-in at the pebbly Krios Beach, heading along the south coast to reach quiet, white-sand beaches fringed by juniper trees. Kayaking here is a dream on the azure water, with myriad spots to jump in for a swim. Along the way stop at a hidden, heart-shaped bay at the site of an ancient temple - a perfect spot for a snack and a snorkel. Depending on conditions, it may also be possible to reach the famous Elafonissi Beach before returning to your pull-out point. As is tradition on our Crete trips, your adventure today is rewarded with a classic Cretan late lunch at a taverna in one of the villages en route back to Kissamos.

    Day 5

    Hike the Gorge of Vultures

    Hiking
    3hrs · 5mi · 1509ft up · 427ft down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Take a break from the sea and get some miles in the legs today with a beautiful hike into a quiet gorge, which is a nesting site for Griffon vultures. Start high in the hills above Kissamos and enjoy some fantastic views over the bay. Descend through oak woods and semi-abandoned hamlets into a steep-sided gorge where goats often forage. The hike finishes with a steep climb to the ancient site of Polyrrinia, which is now a mixture of ruins and occupied houses. Stop for lunch at a traditional family taverna before returning to Kissamos by vehicle (there is also the option to return on foot, via a 4-mile path the village's children used to use to get to school in Kissamos).

    Day 6

    Kayak along the rugged southern coast

    Kayaking
    5-6hrs · 9mi
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 6 detail

    The big day on the water awaits today with a memorable 9-mile paddle along the south coast from Sougia to the village of Agia Roumeli, only accessible by water. Taking only what you need for the next two days, set off in the kayaks and explore the length of this section of coast, finding small bays and beaches, rock formations and sea caves, with plenty of chances for snorkeling stops as you go. The final landing spot of the week is on Agia Roumeli’s pebble beach. Once you have dried off, get to know this blissfully isolated village, devoid of cars and connected only by footpaths to the neighboring towns. Bed down for the evening in this unique and peaceful place.

    Day 7

    Samaria Gorge

    Hiking
    5-6hrs · 10mi · 4035ft up
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 7 detail

    After yesterday's kayaking culmination, today it's time for the pinnacle of hiking in Crete - Samaria Gorge. Cretans refer to it as 'the' gorge – the longest and most spectacular of the hundreds of gorges in Crete, it is also one of the longest in Europe. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the trail that meanders through the national park. Starting at sea level and walking up the gorge means that you will have the path to yourself for most of this self-guided hike and be one of the first people to arrive at the famous narrow passage of Portes. Climbing steadily, the gorge rises from the rocky riverbed and colorful cliffs, through the old village of Samaria and past the church of Santa Maria before a final, tough ascent through shady pine trees to exit at the top of the gorge. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the route you have just trodden. Your hosts will collect you at the top of Samaria Gorge and transfer you to Chania, where you will spend your last night in Crete.

  8. Day 8

    Goodbye Crete!

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 8 detail

    Your Cretan odyssey had to come to an end eventually. After breakfast, your host will transfer you to the airport at Chania in time for your return flight home.

Getting There

Nearest airport
Chania International Airport (CHQ)
Pick up
Chania Airport (CHQ), Crete
12:00 or 18:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Chania Airport (CHQ), Crete
12:00 or 18:00 on Day 8

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your trip starts and ends at Chania airport in Crete. On arrival, your host will arrange two group transfers leaving the airport at approximately 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. At the end of your trip, the host will provide two options for joining a group transfer back to Chania airport. A morning transfer with a 12:00 PM airport drop-off, and an afternoon transfer with a 6:00 PM drop-off. Please book flights that depart at least 2 hours after the drop-off time.

If you arrive or depart outside these times, there are taxis available. The journey from Chania and Kissamos takes approximately 1 hour and the cost is €83 (check the Optional Extras below). Please contact your host to organize the transfer for you.

Travel options

If you plan to enjoy some time in Crete before your trip begins, you may wish to stay in Chania. This will allow you to join the included group arrival transfer, as pickups are also available from the city (upon request). Please contact your host if you would like to arrange this.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided kayak along the coast to Kissamos Bay, and hike along the old villagers' path
  • Guided hike to Falassarna Bay, and kayak to Limpet Island and along the coast
  • Guided kayak from Krios Beach to beaches along the south coast
  • Guided hike through the Gorge of Vultures to the ancient site of Polyrrinia
  • Guided kayak along the south coast from Sougia to the village of Agia Roumeli
  • Self-guided hike through the spectacular Samaria Gorge

  • Expert, local, English-speaking hiking and kayaking guides

  • 5 nights in a guesthouse near Kissamos
  • 1 night in a village guesthouse by Agia Roumeli beach
  • 1 night in a city hotel in Chania

  • All (7) buffet breakfasts
  • 6 large, Greek-style lunches with a variety of shared dishes
  • 1 traditional Cretan dinner

  • Group arrival transfers from Chania Airport at set times
  • Group departure transfers to Chania Airport at set times
  • Transfers during the trip

  • All kayaking gear
  • All snorkels and masks

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

  • View from guest house bedroom. Near Kissamos. Island of Crete. Greece

    Kissamos

    Stay

    Kissamos

    You’ll stay at Mulberry Hill, a locally run guest house set on a hill in a village about 2 miles outside Kissamos, with stunning panoramic views. The building is a traditional village house which has been recently renovated and consists of individual rooms and apartments within the same building. There is an incredible outdoor terrace where you will enjoy meals and drinks with your group.

    Accommodation as standard will be in same-sex twin share rooms with a private bathroom located close to your bedroom. There are, however, a range of different rooms available, some which are larger, some with en-suites or with better views; these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

    A limited number of single occupancy rooms are also available. Depending on the makeup and size of the group, these may be at a slightly smaller property owned by the same family, located about 1640 feet away within the same village. Breakfast will be served at the main house with the rest of the group. For more details, please see the optional extras section.

  • Agia Roumeli

    Stay

    Agia Roumeli

    You'll spend one night at the Calypso Hotel, located just 66 feet from the beach in the village of Agia Roumeli. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share rooms with air conditioning, and most of them have excellent balcony views overlooking the Libyan Sea (while Calypso is your host's first choice in Agia Roumeli, you may stay at Hotel Tarra Lodge or Gigilos Hotel depending on availability).

  • Chania

    Stay

    Chania

    On your last night, you will stay at the Kriti Hotel in Chania; a modern 3-star city hotel with a swimming pool, located right next to the ancient city walls. Rooms are twin-share, en suite, and have city views. The hotel is in a prime location, close to the old harbor and the center of Chania town, making it a great base to explore from.

What You'll Eat

The accommodations will generally have a Continental or Greek buffet breakfast each day. On some mornings with an early start, the hotel will pack the breakfast to take with you to have during the morning break after the first hike or paddle of the d…

Food and Dietary info

The accommodations will generally have a Continental or Greek buffet breakfast each day. On some mornings with an early start, the hotel will pack the breakfast to take with you to have during the morning break after the first hike or paddle of the day. Each day either lunch or dinner is included, at local tavernas, cafes or as a picnic. This will be done the Greek way: with a large quantity of various dishes, sharing everything! You will sit down for a fair amount of time for these meals, sometimes late in the middle of the day, and adapt to the local pace. This is very much the Cretan approach to eating.

There are excellent options for vegetarians. Other dietary requirements can be catered for, please let your host know in advance.

Optional Extras

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Trip level explained

Level 3

Moderate

This trip is rated as moderate as you can expect 4-6 hours of activity each day. This is an active trip with full days of kayaking and hiking, however, the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of rest, snack, and swim stops in beautiful secluded spots.

You will need good fitness levels and be happy hiking or paddling for up to 6 hours a day. This trip is suitable for beginner or intermediate level sea kayakers, with comprehensive instruction provided by your guides. However, we recommend having at least a day of sea kayaking experience under your belt. You must be able to swim and should ideally feel comfortable on the open sea for extended periods of time. You will paddle up to 10 miles per day, depending on the group and the weather conditions - for the exact distances, please refer to the day-to-day itinerary. Day 4 and 6 are the longest days and will require some stamina. You should be aware that sea conditions can be changeable and certain conditions may make the paddling more challenging. You should also be prepared to participate with moving the kayaks, paddles, and equipment to and from the shoreline. We use double sit-on-top kayaks by default and we will pair you up in balanced teams for the kayaking. A limited number of single kayaks are available if you would prefer, please discuss and request this in advance with your host upon reservation.

The hiking is generally on undulating but good trails - for the exact distances, please refer to the day-to-day itinerary. Day 7 is the most challenging and longest hike through the Samaria Gorge - this covers 10 miles and nearly 4,921 feet of elevation, so is a more difficult day than the others. There’s no rush though, so you can go at your own pace and stop whenever you need to.

If you don't exercise regularly, please factor in some moderate physical activity in the weeks leading up to the trip to ensure you're ready to enjoy the experience. Building some arm strength beforehand can also help with sea kayaking.

Ratings & Reviews

4.927 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Karol Z.

    A fun mix of kayaking and walking under the Cretan sun, with good and knowledgeable guides. The last two days in particular were fantastic: kayaking into Agia Roumeli as the village comes into view from the sea, then staying the night and setting off early the next morning into the beautiful Samaria Gorge.

  • Penelope P.

    Group dynamic was excellent-only 3 kayaking and hiking and 2 swimming but we all joined together for the penultimate days kayaking and last day’ hike up the Samariá Gorge by choice of the swimmers

  • Liga H.

    An amazing week in beautiful Crete. The perfect amount of activity and adventure with some delicious food too. Couldn’t have asked for more from Fiona, Manu and Miltos. They really made it easy to relax and enjoy the adventure.

  • Ana M.

    This was such a fantastic week. All the activities were spot on, a nice mix of sea and hike ending the days with a lovely long, late lunch with the group. Fiona, Miltos and Manu looked after us so well, and the group was the most friendly, supportive people, would go on another adventure with them in a heartbeat. The hardest day was the last one, going up the Samaria Gorge “the wrong way”, those last 3 km felt never ending. But fully recovered with a final wonderful dinner and pool time. This was one of my best adventure trips ever.

  • Olivia M.

    Amaazing food and I could spend all day in the crystal waters. Thanks to the awesome guides for the warm, easy welcome to Crete. I loved it!

  • Sophie B.

    Fantastic week in Crete, the mix of kayaking and hiking was well planned and worked perfectly. Our itinerary changed a little bit due to weather conditions but we didn’t miss out on anything. Lots of sunshine, clear waters, beautiful scenery and delicious food. Thank you Manu, Miltos and Fiona

  • Maria A.

    A really fun adventure across the North-West of Crete! We had a group of 8 people which was a good group size for a trip like this and I enjoyed that activities alternated between hiking and kayaking, so you avoided becoming overly fatigued with either. The itinerary understandably changed on some days to accommodate for wind and weather on the sea, however we still got to do all of our itinerary. Highlights included snorkelling the WW2 mining pylons and shipwreck. A note is that although the itinerary says you finish your activities at lunch, this is usually a late one and so your day's activities can actually finish at around 2pm, and with a late lunch you may arrive back at the hotel for 4pm or 5pm. I think this was good as we were all tired following the day's activities and it was nice to relax in the evening by the hotel's pool/beach area with some downtime. Definitely bring water shoes if you can and a drybag with proper straps. Try not to overpack on the second to last night when you are kayaking 16km and then hike the Samaria gorge, as you will have to carry this kit with you. The only part of the trip that isn't guided is the hike on Samaria gorge, you navigate this with your group, however it is a straight path and you cannot get lost. Food was excellent and plentiful, sharing several dishes between the group. Thank you Manu, Miltos and Fiona for a great trip!

  • Celine C.

    A fabulous week, which makes you forget the grey skies back home! Sunshine, clear water, very knowledgeable and friendly hosts, nice group The mixture of kayaking along the coast and walking the gorges is very enjoyable.

  • Laura C.

    We had a brilliant week. The mixture of sea kayaking and hiking was spot on. All of the accommodation was of excellent standard. The food was superb. We were off the beaten track and saw a wonderful array of wildlife (vultures, Mediterranean Monk Seal with pup, kingfishers, lion fish, praying mantis). It was great to have the expertise of local guide Miltos on some of our trips. His knowledge of the local plants is excellent.

  • Peter J.

    Being a relatively novice kayaker and, at 69, being somewhat older than the usual participant, I was slightly concerned that this holiday might be a bit much for me but in the event I had no problems. Even with the unseasonable weather (wind, rain and a thunderstorm) the holiday was challenging rather than intimidating, and possibly more satisfying because of the conditions. Organisation was superb throughout: good communication meant stress-free pickups despite some people’s flights being delayed, hotels were all more than adequate considering we really only used the rooms overnight, and the alterations to the program to adapt to conditions and events was appreciated. For example, the first day was changed to put us in more sheltered waters in the lee of the peninsula, and when the Samaria Gorge was unfortunately closed on the last day, we had an alternative walk of similar length on the coastal path. All the kit provided seemed to be of good quality, we had training on the first day to show that we could right a capsized kayak and get back aboard unassisted, and I felt that team (always 2 people with us when we were kayaking) were keeping an eye on us and conditions at all times, so no health & safety concerns. Finally, can’t finish without mentioning the food - those late lunches were amazing and, coming after all the exercise was finished for the day, could be enjoyed to the full (often rendering an evening meal unnecessary- just a snack needed) Thanks to Fiona, Manu, Miltos and Nora for a truly exceptional holiday. Pete

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4.927 reviews
  • 5 stars (23)
  • 4 stars (4)
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 27 reviews

  • A great week

    Karol Z. September 2025
    A fun mix of kayaking and walking under the Cretan sun, with good and knowledgeable guides. The last two days in particular were fantastic: kayaking into Agia Roumeli as the village comes into view from the sea, then staying the night and setting off early the next morning into the beautiful Samaria Gorge.

  • Group dynamic was excellent-only 3

    Penelope P. September 2025
    Group dynamic was excellent-only 3 kayaking and hiking and 2 swimming but we all joined together for the penultimate days kayaking and last day’ hike up the Samariá Gorge by choice of the swimmers

  • Crete - June 2025

    Liga H. July 2025
    An amazing week in beautiful Crete. The perfect amount of activity and adventure with some delicious food too. Couldn’t have asked for more from Fiona, Manu and Miltos. They really made it easy to relax and enjoy the adventure.

  • A perfect week

    Ana M. July 2025
    This was such a fantastic week. All the activities were spot on, a nice mix of sea and hike ending the days with a lovely long, late lunch with the group. Fiona, Miltos and Manu looked after us so well, and the group was the most friendly, supportive people, would go on another adventure with them in a heartbeat. The hardest day was the last one, going up the Samaria Gorge “the wrong way”, those last 3 km felt never ending. But fully recovered with a final wonderful dinner and pool time. This was one of my best adventure trips ever.

  • I'd love to go back

    Olivia M. October 2024
    Amaazing food and I could spend all day in the crystal waters. Thanks to the awesome guides for the warm, easy welcome to Crete. I loved it!

  • Fantastic week in Crete

    Sophie B. October 2024
    Fantastic week in Crete, the mix of kayaking and hiking was well planned and worked perfectly. Our itinerary changed a little bit due to weather conditions but we didn’t miss out on anything. Lots of sunshine, clear waters, beautiful scenery and delicious food. Thank you Manu, Miltos and Fiona

  • An excellent adventure

    Maria A. October 2024
    A really fun adventure across the North-West of Crete! We had a group of 8 people which was a good group size for a trip like this and I enjoyed that activities alternated between hiking and kayaking, so you avoided becoming overly fatigued with either. The itinerary understandably changed on some days to accommodate for wind and weather on the sea, however we still got to do all of our itinerary. Highlights included snorkelling the WW2 mining pylons and shipwreck. A note is that although the itinerary says you finish your activities at lunch, this is usually a late one and so your day's activities can actually finish at around 2pm, and with a late lunch you may arrive back at the hotel for 4pm or 5pm. I think this was good as we were all tired following the day's activities and it was nice to relax in the evening by the hotel's pool/beach area with some downtime. Definitely bring water shoes if you can and a drybag with proper straps. Try not to overpack on the second to last night when you are kayaking 16km and then hike the Samaria gorge, as you will have to carry this kit with you. The only part of the trip that isn't guided is the hike on Samaria gorge, you navigate this with your group, however it is a straight path and you cannot get lost. Food was excellent and plentiful, sharing several dishes between the group. Thank you Manu, Miltos and Fiona for a great trip!

  • Great Adventure in Great Company

    Celine C. October 2024
    A fabulous week, which makes you forget the grey skies back home! Sunshine, clear water, very knowledgeable and friendly hosts, nice group The mixture of kayaking along the coast and walking the gorges is very enjoyable.

  • Kayak & Hike MBA review October 24

    Laura C. October 2024
    We had a brilliant week. The mixture of sea kayaking and hiking was spot on. All of the accommodation was of excellent standard. The food was superb. We were off the beaten track and saw a wonderful array of wildlife (vultures, Mediterranean Monk Seal with pup, kingfishers, lion fish, praying mantis). It was great to have the expertise of local guide Miltos on some of our trips. His knowledge of the local plants is excellent.

  • “a truly exceptional holiday”

    Peter J. September 2024
    Being a relatively novice kayaker and, at 69, being somewhat older than the usual participant, I was slightly concerned that this holiday might be a bit much for me but in the event I had no problems. Even with the unseasonable weather (wind, rain and a thunderstorm) the holiday was challenging rather than intimidating, and possibly more satisfying because of the conditions. Organisation was superb throughout: good communication meant stress-free pickups despite some people’s flights being delayed, hotels were all more than adequate considering we really only used the rooms overnight, and the alterations to the program to adapt to conditions and events was appreciated. For example, the first day was changed to put us in more sheltered waters in the lee of the peninsula, and when the Samaria Gorge was unfortunately closed on the last day, we had an alternative walk of similar length on the coastal path. All the kit provided seemed to be of good quality, we had training on the first day to show that we could right a capsized kayak and get back aboard unassisted, and I felt that team (always 2 people with us when we were kayaking) were keeping an eye on us and conditions at all times, so no health & safety concerns. Finally, can’t finish without mentioning the food - those late lunches were amazing and, coming after all the exercise was finished for the day, could be enjoyed to the full (often rendering an evening meal unnecessary- just a snack needed) Thanks to Fiona, Manu, Miltos and Nora for a truly exceptional holiday. Pete

  • Sue. September 2024 - Hosted by Fit in Crete

    PETER J. September 2024
    I really enjoyed my time in Crete with our Hosts, Fiona, Manu, Miltos and Nora. I knew before I booked that I wouldn't be able to hike the Gorge and other arrangements were kindly made for me which meant returning with Manu, Miltos and the Kayaks after the paddle to Agia Roumeli and being dropped at my accommodation in Chania, to be picked up next day to join the rest of the Group after their hike. The Kayaking was superb and I liked that it challenged us due to the occasional windy stretches and the Snorkelling was great as I saw a large sea urchin and an octopus. We had some fabulous late lunches at various Tavernas each day before heading back to the Hotel bar. As I was in Chania for an extra couple of days at the end of the week I also booked an additional day of Kayaking with Manu and Miltos. My thanks go to the team at Fit in Crete for a really enjoyable holiday.

  • A fabulous kayaking and walking adventure in Crete

    Adam B. September 2024
    I had a fabulous kayaking and walking adventure in Crete. Our first base in Kissamos was a lovely quieter Greek village. Away from the busier tourist areas of Crete. We also stayed a night in Agia Roumeli and Chania both charming places! I booked last minute but they were very helpful and managed to accommodate me and accept my reservation Both the kayaking and walking were wonderful! We were gradually introduced to longer and more challenging trips during the week. Giving us the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature and Greek culture. Which was of course wonderful! All our guides, Fiona Manu Miltos and Nora, both on water and on our beautiful walks were very knowledgeable, kind and tbh were a lot of fun! The taverna lunches were really delicious and a perfect way to relax after our adventures earlier in the day! We had mostly sun but also were lucky enough to have varied weather conditions. Which for me made it more interesting and gave us some variety while kayaking and walking. At the end of the trip they gave us all a beautiful personalised map which outlined all our fabulous experiences we had had during the week. Thank you so much to all our guides for all your great work and making a really memorable holiday!

  • Adventure it sure was.

    Stephen P. September 2024
    Great mix of kayaking and walking and it turns out, Crete does have some rain. So we did get a few heavy showers on one of the walks and encountered the edge of a storm on one of the kayaks. But for me the few windy days and some heavy showers added to the experience. The kayaks were all sit on tops so ultra stable with a mix of doubles and singles allowing the group to mix it up a bit. The kayak trips varied in distance and location so we never paddled the same place twice. On the longer paddles there were plenty of stops and snacks aplenty plus welcome opportunities to swim and snorkel. The walking also varied and like the paddles started off small and built up to longer and more challenging distances and terrain at the end of the week. All the accommodations were modern, well located and served delicious meals. Though for me the best food was found during the lunch stops which changed every day so we had a lovely variety of tastes to choose from. Many thanks to Fiona, Manu, Miltos and Nora for making my first time to Crete such a memorable experience. As the weather prevented us from walking the final ravine I now have an excuse to return.

  • A really enjoyable holiday

    Robyn P. July 2024
    Manu and his team are very knowledgeable about the area and the kayaking felt particularly special as you get to empty coves and beaches, and swim/snorkel in areas where there are no other people. The kayaking in the blue , clear and clean water was a highlight for me. The tavernas we visited for meals are very local and the food was great. Weather/winds changed a few of our plans but manu always organised a suitable alternative. I would say we didn’t feel like a group until the last couple of big days, so they were the highlights for me.

  • This was a great holiday,

    Helen B. July 2024
    This was a great holiday, the guides were excellent. As well as having great fun hiking and kayaking we learnt a lot about Crete and ate delicious local food at lovely tavernas. The weather became too hot to walk the Sameria Gorge but we were looked after and were offered alternative choices. The sea around Crete is warm and clear so the kayaking and snorkelling was beautiful. I wish I was there now.

  • A great adventure!

    Sarah H. June 2024
    I just returned from this wonderful trip to Crete. We were there during the heat wave and managed to have an incredible time because of the attention and flexibility of the local tour company we were taken care of by - Fit in Crete. These four guides checked in with us frequently and moved plans around to make sure we were safe and also that we got the trip we wanted. Moreover, they were extremely knowledgeable and fun. All there was left to do was enjoy the trails and that beautiful sea with snorkels and kayaks, explore sea caves and shipwrecks, learn about the local flora, and enjoy the delicious food Crete is famous for.

  • I had an incredible week in Crete on this t...

    Emma November 2023
    I had an incredible week in Crete on this trip. Manu & Miltos were excellent guides and we always felt in really safe hands. It’s a well thought-out itinerary as the distances we kayaked and hiked got progressively longer over the week, which gave us the chance to adjust (particularly for the kayaking, as I didn’t have much experience here!). Highlights for me were kayaking through the clear blue waters at Elafonissi, snorkelling from the remote beaches we landed at, and trekking the Samaria Gorge early in the morning before all the other tourists arrived. It was also great trying tasty Cretan food for the first time. Lots of choice for a veggie too. Highly recommend!

  • Fiona, Manu, and Miltos put together the mo...

    Teresa October 2023
    Fiona, Manu, and Miltos put together the most amazing kayaking and hiking adventure. All of the accommodations were clean and comfortable and there are not enough great things to say about the restaurants and food chosen. It was truly a once in a lifetime adventure. I loved everything about this trip, especially our guides and the new friends.

  • What an incredible week in Crete organized...

    Noa October 2023
    What an incredible week in Crete organized to perfection by Fiona & Manu. A great progression of activities in duration and difficulty before the peak fun on the last two days. Manu & Miltos led us through the best kayak and hike adventures. Crete is beautiful and the family-style food feasts at the late lunches are chef’s kiss. Highly recommend! Book now.

  • The local hosts are an Italian/British coup...

    Tom October 2023
    The local hosts are an Italian/British couple, Manu and Fiona who have lived in Crete for quite a while. They are ably assisted by Miltos. Communication before and during the trip was good. We enjoyed excellent weather, lovely swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, scenic and at times dramatic walks and some really delicious food. Our itinerary had to be changed a bit due to factors beyond the control of our hosts. We had a couple of windy days which made kayaking difficult in the area in which we were based so we had a much longer drive down to the south coast to find calmer waters. For me, the highlight was the final walk: going up Samaria Gorge (while 95 % of walkers were coming down).

  • Crete is beautiful! This tour is a great wa...

    Bridget October 2023
    Crete is beautiful! This tour is a great way to explore the land and the sea. A lot of the tour is self-guided though, and are not full days of activities. Nice accommodation and the tour leaders were lovely!

  • Fantastic trip. Nice mix of kayaking and hi...

    Richard August 2023
    Fantastic trip. Nice mix of kayaking and hiking. A more relaxed trip than others I've done with Much Better Adventures, but moderate difficulty sums it up and I was looking for something less challenging this time, so fitted the bill perfectly. Highlight of the trip is the journey on the last 2 days. Kayaking to Agia Roumeli and then hiking up the gorge. If you have any energy left after the gorge it's worth continuing up to the spring partway up Mount Gingilos for stunning views and rock formations.

  • This was an awesome trip that totally excee...

    Hilary December 2022
    This was an awesome trip that totally exceeded by expectations. I am used to travelling on my own, so was a bit apprehensive of a group holiday, but we had so much fun and I learnt so much from the guides about Crete, food and the local plants and wildlife. There was a good variety of activities throughout the trip, balancing kayaking, hiking, swimming and socialising. There was also a gradual build up to a 15km kayak in one day, followed by the epic Samaria gorge - as every bit as lovely (and challenging!) as expected. The start of October was the perfect time to go, both in terms of the weather (mid to high 20s) and hardly anybody else there, as out of season.

  • My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our trip...

    Denys November 2022
    My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our trip to Crete. All locations were different: we explored some famous places, as well as some hidden gems. Travelling in October was perfect: the water was warm, not too hot for hiking and not busy with tourists. The guides (Manu, Miltos, Fiona) and the group were exceptional! We learned new skills for kayaking and snorkelling. I'm not a confident swimmer, so the guides made sure I could explore at my own pace and improve my swimming skills while the rest of the group could swim further. We used everything from the kit list. Since we were lucky with the weather, wetsuits were not a must.

  • We kayaked to hidden beaches and caves, sno...

    Jennifer October 2022
    We kayaked to hidden beaches and caves, snorkelled and swam in crystal blue waters, hiked impressive gorges, and dined together at authentic Cretan tavernas. The week's activities unfolded in a way that each day was more impressive than the last. Manu, Fiona and Miltos are outstanding hosts, each with their own unique perspective on Crete and expertise across the various activities. They worked seamlessly to ensure we had the most amazing experiences. I loved the variety of activities and how much of Crete we were able to explore!

  • This was a truly amazing trip with a wonder...

    Louise October 2022
    This was a truly amazing trip with a wonderful trio of guides and a group of fantastic like-minded people. Each excursion was expertly arranged with lots of exploration whilst in the kayaks, snorkelling and hiking. The guides were knowledgeable about the landscape, wildlife and culture which made for such an authentic experience and I very much enjoyed the cheeky samples of a variety of fruits from the trees and plants. We were provided with snacks during the day and then usually a late lunch in which there was so much food, communally shared, that you were full until breakfast the next day. The local dishes were delicious and for someone who is vegetarian and struggles with dairy and eggs, the team made no issue with this and made sure I had enough food to eat, which was highly appreciated. However, I think I could have lived off the bread and oil alone as it was amazingly tasty. I had only tried sea kayaking once before so I was a bit apprehensive on how I would fare, but the team were so patient, kind and helpful, especially when I struggled at times. I was initially in a single kayak, as I travelled solo, but it was no issue when I asked to be in a double. I would say that the fitness rating is accurate as a good level of endurance is required for the longer days of kayaking and hiking although there are adequate stops throughout the days to refuel. This was such a fantastic trip, and well worth the money spent. I will be recommending this to others. I loved every minute of it and I can't thank the team enough for such wonderful memories made!

  • This was a very enjoyable trip with a good...

    Daniel June 2022
    This was a very enjoyable trip with a good balance of time on/in the water and hiking the spectacular scenery. As a novice kayaker/snorkeller it was great to experience such warm clear water and build my skills during the week. Prior kayak experience probably not necessary as those first couple of days are used to gain confidence. I think June was a good time of year to visit as the weather was warm (30C most days) without being oppressively hot. Plenty of sun protection still required though! Our hosts Manu, Fiona and Miltos were very welcoming and very knowledgeable on Cretan culture and Flora & Fauna. They were also able to adjust the itinerary to make best use of the weather. The week starts very relaxed and ramps up to some long days paddling, finishing with the hike up Samaria Gorge. All were fantastic but it does require a degree of fitness to fully appreciate (as it says in the trip notes). The late lunches in local tavernas was an unexpected bonus and ice-cold beers at the end of a long day were very welcome too. Thoroughly recommended.

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What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • Single and twin sit-on-top kayaks
  • Paddles
  • PFDs/Lifejackets
  • Snorkel and mask
What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Main pack or suitcase
  • 20-30 liter drybag with backpack straps for carrying
  • Small drybags for kayaking, including waterproof phone case

CLOTHES

  • Swimwear
  • Loose, long-sleeved natural fiber top (for kayaking)
  • Long-sleeved rash vest that you can swim in
  • Thin long-sleeved thermal top and neoprene longjohns
  • Lightweight waterproof boating jacket
  • Neoprene socks, booties or water shoes
  • Swim hat, goggles and mask/snorkel if you prefer your own over those provided by the host
  • Lightweight walking shoes, boots or sandals for the hikes
  • Lightweight hiking wear with good skin coverage
  • Casual clothes for downtime in Kissamos, Sougia and Agia Roumeli

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Changing robe/towel (optional)
  • Lightweight towel
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof camera (or small drybag for electronics)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Small personal first-aid kit
  • Electrolyte tabs/Rehydration salts (important in hot weather)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks (opens in new tab)

FAQs

Sit-on-top kayaks are used on this trip, so proper clothing and protection for the lower body, legs, and feet is important. Your host provides a mixture of single and double kayaks. The singles are streamlined, relatively narrow sit-on-top touring kayaks. The doubles are wider boats and extremely stable, sacrificing some speed. Your host will determine the best distribution of single and double kayaks depending on the makeup of the group.

Both the singles and doubles are fine for tall people, there is no constraint on the legs. There is no weight limit for participants, since this is not an expedition-style kayak trip, and you won't be carrying luggage, camping, and other equipment.

If you weigh more than 220 lbs or are over 6 ft tall, please check with us before making a reservation for this trip as we'll need to ensure that the kayaks and equipment provided are suitable for your comfort and safety.

You can leave your luggage at the hotel in Kissamos for the duration of the trip.

Cretan water is clear and safe to drink. You'll be able to refill at the hotels and guesthouses throughout this trip. Be sure to bring along a reusable water bottle or two to carry your own supply on the hikes and kayak stretches. Your guide will ensure there is enough water for the group on the longer days where refill spots are scarce.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The hottest months are July and August with daytime high temperatures ranging from 84-97 degrees Fahrenheit, a "normal" day would be in the middle of this range. By the sea there is, of course, usually a breeze which moderates how this feels and you'll be in and out of the refreshing water! June and September normally deliver fine sunny days and moderate-to-hot temperatures with daytime highs between 73 and 84 degrees F. The water is a beautiful temperature for swimming and is particularly warm in September. October is still a fine month with excellent sea temperatures, with the bonus of a less crowded island. There can be the odd chilly day and evening. Daytime peak temperatures range from 63 to 79 degrees F.

Sea Temperatures

June: 68-72°F July and August: 75-81°F October: 73-75°F

Weather conditions can be very changeable in the Mediterranean, with wind and sea conditions having a significant impact on the choice of kayaking routes. Some flexibility in the route planning is built in, with your guides taking decisions based on the conditions each day to offer you the best experience possible.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 156kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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