Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

It’s hard to put into words just how incredible this trip was! There’s so much that makes it special. The ‘Fit in Crete’ team puts so much care and attention into every detail to ensure everything runs smoothly and that everyone feels welcome and supported. They’re not only incredibly organised, but also genuinely kind people. The swims were absolutely magical! I loved every single one. Each offered a different, breathtaking view of Crete and the chance to explore hidden coves, caves, and even swim out to shipwrecks. Swimming alongside others who share a love for open water was a real highlight for me, and I always felt completely safe thanks to the amazing support team in the kayaks. The team is clearly experienced and safety-conscious, they’re always checking wind and tide conditions to make sure we’re in good hands. The accommodation was also top-notch. I stayed in the Village Hideaway, which has been beautifully renovated and has stunning views. Each morning, I enjoyed a lovely walk up to breakfast at the main house, soaking up the early sunshine along the way. It was such a peaceful start to the day. If you love open water swimming, this is an unforgettable way to experience Crete! And a great way to meet others from across the globe and enjoy lots of lovely food!!!!

My first solo adventure - I was pretty nervous, but I had absolutely no need to be. The team at Fit In Crete were amazing. From the smooth organisation of transfers and arrivals, a lovely welcome meal and settling into the authentic lovely accommodation at Mulberry Hill, I relaxed straight away. Fiona and Manu are a genuinely lovely couple, with Miltos, Matthieu and Ed to support, our group had the best time. Our sea swims were perfectly organised, adapted to faster swimmers who wanted a bit more and working with the sea conditions, everyone got something out of it. We had the most beautiful locations to swim to, with caves, ship wrecks and stunning scenery. I felt safe and supported - the kayaks were always near and kept an eye on everyone. The treks were well timed and Miltos is very knowledgeable. Food was amazing and we always had loads of lovely local food to try. Finally the views at Mulberry Hill - the sunrise is so worth getting up early for. Really kind decent people and good vibes all round. I was sad to go home but have made lovely friends and had a trip I’ll never forget. Thank you to the fantastic team - I want to do it all again!

Had a fantastic trip. Manu, Fiona, Miltos and the crew were all lovely and looked after us so well. The swims were incredible and the hikes were lovely too. For me it was just the right amount of activity. Being a slow swimmer, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to keep up but they made us all feel really secure and unhurried so we could enjoy the beautiful swims. The group lunches were all delicious and our group were a great bunch - so nice to get to know everyone - I feel like I have left with some new friends.

Fit in Crete is an epic experience for many reasons: 1) There is a whole Team of professionals to plan your day, take care of logistics, select the swim and/or hike with fun & with a high level of safety. 2) Meeting others from around the globe. I am amazed at the fast friendships and bonding that began instantly on day one and carried stronger every day through the entire week. We now have close contacts everywhere and warm memories always. 3) Food and nutrition. There is greatness in Greek meals and your guide will pick the right place every time. Breakfast is ready to provide a healthy start and snacks are delivered for sustenance for an active day. In conclusion this vacation was absolutely one of the most outstanding travel adventures in my lifetime. Personally I am an average swimmer at best and above average hiker, and always felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. Thank you Manu and Fiona.

Awesome swimming, water was crystal clear and the food was great, Awesome people, made life long friends

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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.

Was an absolutely amazing trip. Lovely people, amazing food, amazing hosts and amazing experience.

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 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 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.