Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves
Hike through gorges and along cliff top trails to reach remote wild swim spots in Crete's natural sea pools, lagoons and bays
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides, plus support kayaks for all swimsHotel
7 nights in a 3 star hotel in KissamosMeals
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinnersTransfers
Group transfers to and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
Snorkels and masks provided for the shipwreck swimSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Spend a week wild swimming in the warm, clear Mediterranean waters off the coast of Crete
Hike through gorges, forests and dunes between swims, with classic Cretan taverna feasts awaiting you on land each day
Take on a 3.7km open water swim to Limpet Island, completing the 'Falasarna Triangle' swim
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Crete
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 wild swimmers for a welcome dinner of traditional Cretan food.
Day 2
Swim Kissamos Bay and hike Sirikari Gorge
Swimming
Hiking
After breakfast, you'll head to a sheltered corner of Kissamos Bay for a gentle introductory swim. Your route will stick close to the shore, taking you above seagrass meadows, around the coastline and to a small cove. After getting dressed and having a quick snack, you'll hike back, stopping to admire the million-year-old fossils in the sandstone. In the afternoon you'll hike through Sirikari Gorge, a secluded area where griffon vultures nest, before spending the evening at a taverna enjoying a traditional Cretan meal, made with local produce.
Day 3
Swim to sea caves and hike the villagers’ coast path
Swimming
Hiking
An early start today makes the most of Crete's beautiful mornings. You'll pack up some breakfast to go, then get driven to an eastern peninsula for today's swim. Your swim follows the coast from a tiny pebble beach to a dark, otherworldly sea cave where the light creeps in, casting myriad reflections as you swim. You'll continue past more caves towards a secluded cove where you can clamber out of the water, dry off and enjoy your beach breakfast looking out over the bay. You'll then hike the 'Villagers’ Path' – a coastal route past grand geological features with commanding views over the peninsula and the bays below – before a late lunch at a coastal taverna with amazing local seafood. Late afternoon, you'll drive back to Kissamos to spend the evening relaxing.
Day 4
Swim Cape Crow and hike Kampos Gorge
Swimming
Hiking
Today you'll have an adventure on the wild west coast of Crete, combining a hike in Kampos Gorge with a sea swim through crystal clear water to a remote beach (and another well-earned taverna feast!). Reaching the jump-in beach early, you'll swim along the rocky cliffs, around Cape Crow and towards a remote cove. Take in this glorious location while enjoying a large breakfast on the beach, fuelling up for a hike through Kampos Gorge, dense with the Mediterranean fauna of thyme bushes and carob trees. You'll criss-cross a small river during the steady climb, emerging at a tiny village where you'll find a traditional taverna.
Day 5
Swimming the sea pools
Swimming
Today you'll head back to the rugged west coast to a wild swimming paradise: large, natural pools carved in the rocks. Launch into impossibly blue waters from a sheltered cove by a small chapel. Swimming towards a cape, you'll first reach a protected natural pool to explore, before passing under huge cliffs as you continue to a sheltered bay, reaching a perfectly circular pool with tranquil waters to immerse yourself in. Enjoy a snack on the rocks and swim further if you wish, before heading back to Kissamos for some afternoon downtime. In the evening, you'll head to a village called Mezedopoleio and eat like the locals do – with plenty of small dishes of fresh local foods, shared between the whole party, with a variety of different tastes. Take your pick! There'll be local raki and wines to wash the good food down.
Day 6
Falasarna open water swim
Swimming
Snorkelling
With several days of swimming under your belt, it's time to tackle an open water challenge. Setting off from quiet spot on the sandy beach, you'll swim out to Limpet Island: an elongated rocky ridge in the bay. The visibility in the water here is amazing and at times you'll be surrounded by shoals of fish. There are two swim options, depending on how far you would like to swim today. Clamber out of the water and up some steps by the rock caves to reach a cafe for lunch, with far-reaching views over the Mediterranean. Later, you'll hike to a tiny cove. From here, using masks and snorkels, you'll explore a WWII shipwreck that lies less than 2m below the surface. Dry off, get dressed and then you'll be driven back to Kissamos to enjoy a free evening.
Day 7
Swim a pink sand lagoon and hike through juniper forest
Hiking
Swimming
Set off after breakfast and drive a scenic route all the way across the island to the south coast. Take a walk in the sand dunes, admiring the pink shoreline along small coves, before swimming in the shallow, turquoise waters between the natural rock pools dotting the bay. If you're feeling strong, you can circumnavigate the whole peninsula, swimming through deep, cavernous sections to a shallow, tranquil sea bed. After a post-swim snack on shore, you'll hike along a narrow trail to the juniper forest. These exotic trees grow over sand dunes all the way to the shoreline. You'll find cove after cove of pink sand, against the blue backdrop of the sea, where you'll have a picnic lunch, taking a dip in the sea before retracing your steps back to Elafonissi Beach.
Day 8
Goodbye Crete!
Your wild swimming 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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Chania Airport (CHQ)
12:00 or 18:00 - Day 1 - Check transfer information below
Ends
Chania Airport (CHQ)
12:00 or 18:00 - Day 8 - Check transfer information below
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 and 18:00. 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 airport drop-off, and an afternoon transfer with a 18:00 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 to the hotel takes approximately 1 hour and the cost is €83 (check the Optional Extras below). Please contact your host to organise the transfer for you.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The accommodation in Kissamos will have a buffet breakfast each day. Breakfast will generally consist of some delicious baked goods, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, butter, jam and honey, with fruit juices and coffee or freshly brewed tea. Some savoury options will also be available with items such as spinach and cheese pie, fresh tomatoes and cheeses on offer. On some mornings with an early start, you will have the hotel pack the breakfast and take it with you to have during the morning break after the first swim 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.
What is the accommodation like?
Guesthouse near Kissamos
You’ll stay at Mulberry Hill, a locally run guesthouse set on a hill in a village about 4km 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 will be in same-sex twin-share rooms as standard, with a private bathroom located close to your bedroom. There are, however, a range of different rooms available, some which are larger, some with ensuites 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 500m 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.
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).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip has been rated as moderate as you can expect 3-5 hours of activity on each day. You will need good fitness levels and to be able to swim! The trip suits both experienced and less experienced swimmers, and is a perfect chance for anyone who swims in a pool a couple of times a week to try their first sea swimming holiday.
The overall pace of this trip is relaxed and there are plenty of rest and snack breaks. The hiking is generally on undulating but good trails, so isn’t too strenuous. There’s also no rush, so you can go at your own pace and stop whenever you need to. To enjoy the swimming, you should be able to swim 500m comfortably in a pool, however you should be aware that sea swimming is more challenging than pool swimming. On most days there will be a longer swim option for anyone with the energy and keenness to go further. Otherwise, the group will do the moderate length option each day. The open water swims will be the biggest physical challenge towards the end of the trip. Wild swimming inherently carries some risk, but every care is taken to make sure you have a safe swim. There will be experienced guides with you, as well as safety kayaks. Your host will monitor the conditions of the water and the weather to make sure that every session takes place in the safest spot. Therefore, your flexibility is required with the itinerary and swimming locations.
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.
The hottest months are July and August, with daytime high temperatures ranging from 29-36ºC (82-95ºF), an average day would be in the middle of this range. However, by the sea there is 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 23-29ºC. 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 17-26ºC.
Sea Temperatures
June: 20-22°C (a swimming wetsuit is recommended) July and August: 24-27°C October: 23-24°C
Amazing trip
This was an absolutely amazing holiday.
We went to stunning places to swim and hike, that I would never have found on my own. Manu and Miltos were excellent guides and made sure everyone got what they wanted from the swims, even though there was a big range of abilities in our group.
The food was amazing (and in very large quantities), and there was enough free time each evening to explore the town or enjoy the lovely hotel.
Organisation was great and we were really well looked after - I had a medical issue on one of the days - Manu ordered me a taxi to the doctor and Fiona met me there to translate and get me safely back to the hotel.
Would highly highly recommend this trip.
Beautiful scenery & a great group
I was stung by a jellyfish on the 1st swim and had a really bad reaction. Luckily, the scenery was so amazing and the group was so awesome that it didn't put too much of a damper on my fun at all. During the week, 2 other group members were also stung, so just something to be aware of if you have a major fear of jellyfish.
That said, the swimming locations were just plain magical; everyday I just couldn't believe the beauty I was surrounded by. I did this trip as a casual swimmer who only lap swims occasionally and while it was tough, it was doable. I never felt in danger and always felt well looked after by the guides.
The kit list should be updated to recommend aqua shoes and insect repellent; both are really necessary. I wondered if hiking sandals would be appropriate for the hikes and I can say now that I am glad I brought regular trail runners in the end. Another thing I will mention for future travelers, I assumed there would be places to change at the beach after the swims, and that was generally not the case. We usually ended up changing under a towel, so it would be good to bring something to change under like a changing robe. I think other reviews mentioned the very late lunches, so definitely plan to bring snacks to eat between the swims and the hikes. Breakfast was usually at 8am and lunch was around 3pm, so it's a long time with just small bites of fruit or biscuits if you don't bring anything for yourself.
The group dynamic was great and everyone was so supportive to each other. I highly recommend this trip if you're solo. I think only 2 people on this trip knew each other and the rest of us were solo and we had a good age range where no one felt too young or old to get along with everyone else.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review about your recent trip to Greece. So delighted to hear you had such a wonderful group and enjoyed the scenery Crete offers!
We were very sorry to read that you were stung by a jellyfish. Our host has informed us that jellyfish are very rarely seen, so it seems that unfortunately you were really unlucky here.
Thanks for your feedback regarding the kit list. On the back of your comments, we’ve reviewed the kit list and added certain items that you have mentioned.
Ruth MBA Operations Team
My first open water swimming adventure!
This was my first time with much better adventures and it didn’t disappoint! The swims were awesome and the hikes had good views ! Manu and the team made sure everyone was safe and comfortable and always organised a tasty amazing lunch! I would definitely come back again!
A fabulous week away
This was my second trip with MBA and I had a brilliant time. The majority of our group were solo travellers and we helped well as a group. Manu and all of the other hosts that we had were just lovely. Very patient, helpful and supportive.
This was my first time wild swimming and while I am very confident in a pool, I was much slower in the sea. I was never made to feel rushed and it was made clear that I was always welcome to get into a kayak if the swims were too tough. However, I did manage the swims and really enjoyed them. The hiking was great fun too. A couple of the hikes were tough for me (I am not an experienced hiker and joined the trip mainly for the swims) the heat combined with the uphill parts was difficult but doable and very rewarding! There were also a couple of hikes that I found easier and managed well. Definitely take shoes with good grip as the terrain is loose! I was very glad that I took hiking shoes with me and not just my old trainers!
You do need a level of flexibility in regards to the published itinerary as the weather conditions will change things! My only disappointment was not getting to go to the pink sand beach as unfortunately the weather conditions were not in our favour. Don't let this put you off though as since everything else was so good I didn't feel like I missed out!
The food was amazing and very well catered to everyone's needs. We had people who were vegetarian, dairy free and I personally don't eat a lot of salad or veg and prefer meat and seafood - I don't think any of us went hungry!
Wish I could do this trip all over again!
Outstanding!
What a week! Fantastic group of people and fabulous weather. The hotel was really good, the swim/hike locations were beautiful....The guides were absolutely first class and the food was incredible. Really can't recommend this trip enough!!!
Fabulous trip
Manu & the team were amazing! Everyday was a bliss! The water was so clear and beautiful! I felt supported and helped throughout the trip, often I was lagging behind but everyone was really patient! The lunches were extraordinary! Plenty of tasty food! I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone and would do it again!
Wonderful trip
The team of Fit in Crete made us feel very comfortable, well looked-after, safe and happy. I enjoyed my time there very much, the people from the group were also very nice and the atmosphere was very good. Definitely a great experience which I would recommend.
Amazing Trip
Was an absolutely amazing trip. Lovely people, amazing food, amazing hosts and amazing experience.
Manu, Miltos, Nora and Fiona
Manu, Miltos, Nora and Fiona are so knowledgeable about west Crete and made sure everyone had a wonderful time ! The daily itinerary was tailored based on weather/wind and everyone has options to swim & hike as much or little based on what they feel comfortable. Great hotel and amazing Greek food everyday. Highly recommend!
This was fun…
This was a fun trip as we had a fun crew. Before booking this trip be aware of a few things. The transfers included may leave you waiting anywhere from 2-6hrs to be picked up. The guides were lovely and incredibly knowledgeable however you do get the impression from some owners that you have to fit in around their personal plans. They book other tours on the same day and stretch resources, which leaves your tour lacking and/or cut short. We had a wonderful group of people however we all felt this. I had a fun time however I’d struggle to recommend this tour to a friend.
What an amazing trip! Met
What an amazing trip! Met every expectation and more. Thanks to Manu and the wonderful team for looking after us so well.
Fabulous trip. Beautiful swims and I always felt safe and looked after. Perfect balance between activity/adventure and relaxation. Amazing food with vegans/veggies well catered for. Lovely hosts/guides and a friendly, fun, supportive group. Best holiday I've had in a long time 💙
This was a wonderful trip for me, and one I will always remember. The guides were fantastic, very experienced and kind and always thinking of our needs. Every day was full of fun and adventure and beauty, and we were taken to tavernas for feasts every day. I would recommend this to everyone I know.
The trip was perfect. Most of the swims were highlights, can't even decide which one was the best. The food was delicious and had a lot of vegetarian options. Manu, Miltos and Julien took us to many amazing places and took very good care of us. I had a great time and enjoyed every second of it!
This was a wonderful holiday and I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who enjoys open water swimming. Manu and his team were superb. They adapted the swims as necessary for the sea conditions to ensure we stayed safe. Even in October the weather and water was warm and we swam in beautifully clear turquoise seas. The swim locations were stunning! Miltos (our hiking guide) was a font of knowledge which made the walks really interesting. On top of that, we ended each day in a different Taverna where Manu would order a HUGE spread of delicious Cretan food that we would all share. A lovely sociable way to end each day's activities. I would say that this holiday best suits outdoor swimmers who enjoy a bit of walking rather than keen hikers who think they may enjoy swimming.
Absolutely amazing trip. Swimming and hiking in places you would not necessarily find without Manu and the team. Their knowledge of the island, its plants and wildlife is second to none. Excellent food everyday after our adventures. The team really couldn't be any more helpful. If you love swimming in amazing locations and good food this is the trip for you.
Amazing trip, an excellent hotel and fantastic food. I cannot praise Manu and his team enough. Courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, helping to push me to my limits while all the time checking I was ok. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole holiday was a wonderful experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Book your holiday now!! 😊
I totally recommend this holiday, a great host company who could not do enough for you. The swims each morning were in totally different locations, bays, hidden coves, bat cave, islands & WW2 wreck. The daily meals were in stunning locally run restaurants with delicious food and incredible views. The gorge walks were memorable with Griffen vultures, carob trees and the smell of wild mediterian herbs. The hotel had a good pool and was on the beach for more swimming.
Fab trip - Manu and Miltos were brilliant guides
You've read enough reviews by now - so stop reading and get booking. A 10/10 experience. Most days involved a gorgeous hotel breakfast followed by a lovely hike guided by the knowledgable Miltos, then a stunning swim in the crystal clear waters. The swim was easily adjusted for swimmers of different levels of ability and comfort, and was always accompanied by a mid swim snack. Lunch was always a feast of different foods served family style - while allowed us all a chance to try all the delicious food on offer. Fiona and Manu took exceptionally good care of us - even taking us out for an evening of volleyball & swimming under the stars for our final night. It was a lovely holiday with the right mix of adventure and time to chill. Outstanding.
If you at all enjoy open water swimming, sunshine and scenic hikes, this is one of the best things you can possibly do with your free time.
PRO TIP #1: buy snacks from the local supermarket to carry with you if you're a hungry human like me as there's often large gaps between meals (larger than I'm used to, at any rate). The meals themselves hugely make up for that they are extremely generous.
PRO TIP #2: anti-chafe gel was a godsend on the longer swims and towards the end of the week. Others seemed to fare fine without, but my chafey swim style pretty much required it. Recommend a Huub luub stick.
PRO TIP #3: a water pouch with a straw attachment is way easier to drink from on the swims (when you're in the water trying to hydrate from the kayak)
PRO TIP #4: I went in July. Being a cautious Brit I brought 2 x jumpers and some jeans and did not remove them from my bag even once. Recommend you save that packing space for sunscreen.
Enjoy!
This trip is well worth it. If you like swimming and hiking, this is your trip, regardless of your age.All guides were encouraging, knowledgeable of the area and and flexible according to the water conditions.Also, they picked great restaurants!!!
If you are thinking of booking this trip, this is your prompt to just do it! You won’t regret it! I was a bit nervous to book at first because I’m not the best swimmer in the world but Fiona, Manu and Miltos make sure everyone is comfortable. We had some really good swimmers and some swimmers like me (I highly recommend flippers and snorkel if you are not as strong a swimmer) and we were all able to get what we wanted out of the swims. In terms of the hikes, I’m more of a hiker and I did feel that these were a little bit easy for me, but at the same time, we were hiking on days with 35+ degree heat so definitely for the best that they were a bit easier (plus the swim afterward was perfect to cool down!) And Miltos has the best knowledge of plants of any one I’ve ever met; you will come away with encyclopedic knowledge of how to treat any disease if you are stuck in the wilderness 😂 In the afternoon, we usually had a huge lunch (Shout out to Manu’s excellent ordering skills) and then had plenty of time to chill by the pool with cocktails in the evening. All in all, I had the most amazing time and I can’t thank Fiona, Manu and Miltos enough!!!
I had the most wonderful adventure swimming and hiking in Crete. Our hosts and guides, Fiona, Manu and Milto were great. They were friendly and knowledgeable and made the week so easy for us all. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys swimming and hiking. I'd love to go back and do it all over again.
Unforgettable week wild swimming in Crete! The hosts Fiona, Manu and Miltos immediately put us at ease making sure we felt safe and enjoyed every moment of the trip. Their knowledge of the conditions and swims were second to none, seeking out the best spots according to the weather, including a fantastic natural hydropool! The hotel and food during the trip were both excellent which were added bonuses and the group were wonderful. If you're thinking about booking this trip - do it - you won't regret it.
A wonderful adventure week in Crete. The weather was perfect, our days were planned perfectly according to our group's ability and the weather. The opportunity to swim and hike further if you wanted to. Absolutely no pressure either way and supported in whatever you wanted to do. Great snacks, especially Fiona's brownies :) Manu and Fiona were great hosts, clearly passionate about what they do and they know their stuff - even down to what to order in the Taverna's after our swims and hikes! If you get the pleasure of meeting Miltos, he was a wonderful guide, fully laid-back Greek - a fountain of knowledge - you would want him (and his cat Peachy) on your pub quiz team!
A really well hosted and fun trip
A fabulous trip in a beautiful part of Crete. Fiona, Manu and Miltos are exceptional hosts and know the best places for swimming and eating!!
A truly memorable series of adventures in the sea and on the land in beautiful places with exceptionally knowledgeable, caring and experienced guides. We learned a lot about the island, its history, plants and wildlife. Wonderful activities and delicious meals in different tavernas each day. Welcoming and friendly hotel by the beach in Kissamos.
This was a wonderful trip into the outdoors. Lovely hosts, incredible food, beautiful surroundings and it felt like a real dive into wellness: nature, healthy eating, fresh air and exercise. Crete left it’s mark and the group dynamic was gentle and understanding of all abilities . Thank you to the beautiful island of Crete
Itinerary Activities
- Guided swim in Kissamos Bay
- Guided hike through Sirikari Gorge
- Guided swim in the east of Crete
- Guided hike along the 'Villagers' Path'
- Guided swim around Cape Crow
- Guided hike through Kampos Gorge
- Guided swim in the west of Crete
- Guided open water swim to Limpet Island, aka the 'Falasarna Triangle'
- Snorkelling session above a WW2 shipwreck
- Guided swim in the south of Crete
- Guided hike to the pink sand coves of Elafonissi
Guides
- Expert, local, and English-speaking hiking and swimming guides, plus support kayaks for all swims
Accommodation
- 7 nights in a guesthouse near Kissamos
Meals
- 7 hearty breakfasts
- 5 picnic lunches
- 2 Cretan dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfers from Chania Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfers to Chania Airport on Day 8
- Transfers during the trip
Equipment
- Snorkels and masks provided for the shipwreck swim
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- Snorkel and Mask (for shipwreck swim on day 6)
What's available to hire?
There are some wetsuits available through the host, however we only suggest using these for the shipwreck snorkel. In June and October when the water is a little cooler and you feel you might want to swim in a wetsuit, we advise bringing your own. This will ensure you swim in a suit which fits correctly and will be comfortable to swim in for several days in a row.
What do I need to bring?
- Main pack or suitcase
- Waterproof backpack or drybag with straps 20-30 litres
- Swimming goggles x2
- Swimwear
- Swimming hats
- Swimming wetsuit (optional, only usually needed for June)
- Swimming body lubricant / anti chafe balm (e.g. body glide)
- Lightweight swim towel
- Changing robe/towel (optional)
- Tow float
- Lightweight walking shoes or hiking sandals for the hikes
- Water shoes (optional)
- Small drybag for electronics
- Waterproof camera
- Sunhat, sunglasses and suncream
- Lightweight hiking wear with good skin coverage
- Clothes for downtime in Kissamos
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Insect repellent
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Electrolyte tabs/Rehydration salts (important in hot weather)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - High Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - High Season
… Per person
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - Low Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - Low Season
… Per person
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - Mid Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Larger Single Room with Ensuite) - Mid Season
… Per person
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - High Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - High Season
… Per person
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - Low Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - Low Season
… Per person
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - Mid Season
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade (Single Room with External Bathroom) - Mid Season
… Per person
Airport transfer Chania to Kissamos (each way)
Payable Before Departure
Airport transfer Chania to Kissamos (each way)
…
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.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 352kg 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.
You'll be able to leave your luggage at the hotel in Kissamos for the duration of the trip.
The beaches you will go swimming from near Kissamos, Falasarna, Elafonissi are listed as Blue Flag beaches, which means that sea-water quality is tested regularly every season and if they fail the test they get closed. The other beaches you'll be swimming from are mostly pretty remote and far from any population centres.
Your host also takes extra safety precautions such as avoiding close proximity to river mouths, which is not hard in the Cretan summer as they are almost all dried up!
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influences the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 7th June 2025
to Saturday 14th June 2025
Hurry, only 2 spaces left
