You'll stay at Sunny Bay Hotel in Kissamos a 3 star, family-run hotel with sea view balconies and a swimming pool (if you feel you need even more swimming on this trip!).
Accommodation will be in same sex twin rooms.

Hotel in Kissamos

You'll stay at Sunny Bay Hotel in Kissamos a 3 star, family-run hotel with sea view balconies and a swimming pool (if you feel you need even more swimming on this trip!).

Accommodation will be in same sex twin rooms. 



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You'll need good fitness levels - and of course be able to swim. However the swims are manageable for most decent swimmers.

The hotel in Kissamos will have a Continental and Greek buffet breakfast each day. 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 big quantity of various dishes and we share 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.

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Your trip starts at Chania airport in Crete. Transfers are included if you arrive on the start day, so please let your host know your flight times. Your trip ends back at Chania airport in Crete, where your host will drop you off in time for your departing flight. Transfers are also included if you depart on the final day, so please let your host know your flight times.

Expert local hiking and swimming guides, plus support kayaks for all swims

Guides

7 nights in a 3 star hotel in Kissamos

Accommodation

Breakfast, refuel snacks and a large Greek-style late lunch or dinner each day

Meals

All transfers to and from Chania Airport to your accommodation in Kissamos

Transfers

Snorkels and masks provided for the shipwreck swim

Equipment

Expert local hiking and swimming guides, plus support kayaks for all swims

Breakfast, refuel snacks and a large Greek-style late lunch or dinner each day

All transfers to and from Chania Airport to your accommodation in Kissamos 

Snorkels and masks provided for the shipwreck swim

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.

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Arrive in Crete

Day 1

After breakfast, you'll take a short drive to a sheltered corner of Kissamos bay for a gentle introductory swim. The swimming route will stick close to the shore while you swim above above seagrass meadows, heading around the coastline and ending up on a small cove.
After getting dressed and having a quick snack, you'll hike back to your starting bay on country tracks, stopping to admire the million-year-old fossils in the sloping sandstone.
In the afternoon you'll hike through Sirikari gorge, a secluded area where griffon vultures nest on the cliffs.
This evening you'll visit a local taverna for a traditional Cretan meal, made with local produce.

Introductory swim in Kissamos Bay and hike to Sirikari gorge

Day 2

An early start today to make the most of Crete's beautiful mornings. You'll pack up some breakfast to go for the break between today's swim and hike. Then jump in the vehicle and you'll be driven half an hour outside Kissamos to a peninsula in the east.
Today's swim launches from a tiny pebble beach and follows the coast around to a spooky, sea-level cave. You'll dive into the dark waters of the cave. It forms an otherworldly place: the light creeps in, casting a myriad of reflections as you swim out of the darkness towards the exit.
You'll continue swimming past surface-level caves towards a secluded cove. Here you'll clamber our of the water, get dry and enjoy a beach breakfast looking out over the bay.
Today's hike is called "The Villagers’ Path": a coastal route past grand geological features and with commanding views over the peninsula and the bays below. After the hike, you'll enjoy a late lunch at a coastal taverna with amazing local seafood. Then, by late afternoon, you'll drive back to Kissamos to spend the evening relaxing.

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Swim between sea caves and hike the villagers’ coast path

Day 3

Today you'll have an adventure on the wild west coast of Crete, combining a hike in Kampos gorge with a sea swim to a remote beach (and another well earned taverna feast!).
It's another early start to reach the jump-in beach. You'll swim along the rocky cliffs, home to rich sea life, then round Cape Crow and towards a remote cove with crystal clear water. After landing on the pebbly beach, you'll take in this glorious location while enjoying a large breakfast on the beach.
Next you'll hike through Kampos gorge, immersed in this valley of Meditteranean fauna of thyme bushes and carob trees. You'll criss-cross the small river during a steady climb, emerging from the gorge at a tiny village on the road to nowhere.
The village has a traditional taverna ready to satisfy your well earned appetite with delicious local dishes before returning to Kissamos.

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Cape Crow swim and Kampos Gorge hike

Day 4

Today you'll be back in the rugged west coast for more! This time amongst large natural pools carved in the rocks: wild swimming paradise.
You'll 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 with abundant sea life. The swim continues to a sheltered bay, reaching another natural - and 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.
This evening you'll head out for dinner to a village called Mezedopoleio. Here you'll eat like the locals do. There'll be 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.

The Sea Pools Swim

Day 5

With several days of swimming under your belt, it's time to tackle an open water challenge. Setting off from quiet spot on the pink sand beach, you'll swim out to Limpet island: an elongated rocky part of a submerged ridge in the bay. The visibility in the water here is amazing and at times you'll be surrounded by shoals of sea breams and other fish.
There are two swim options, depending on how far you would like to swim today.
After the swim you'll climb some steps by the rock caves to reach a cafe for lunch with far-reaching views over the Meditteranean.
Later you'll hike along a rocky path to a tiny cove. From here, using masks and snorkels, you'll discover a WWII shipwreck that lies less than 2m below the surface. You'll have plenty of time to explore the wreck before swimming back to shore. Dry off, get dressed and then you'll be driven back to Kissamos to enjoy a free evening.

Falasarna open water swim

Day 6

Set off after breakfast and drive to more distant shores, following a scenic route all the way across the island, to the south coast. At first you'll walk in the sand dunes, admiring the pink sand by the shore while passing a sequence of small coves. Close to the tip of the peninsula, you can start 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. You'll swim through deep, cavernous bottoms to a shallow, tranquil sea bed.
Enjoy a post-swim snack on the shore in the shade of the juniper trees.
Then, you'll hike along a narrow trail over flat rocks, before entering the juniper forest. These exotic trees grow over sand dunes all the way to the shoreline. You'll find cove after cove covered in pink sand, backdropped by shades of blue in the sea.
You'll have a delicious picnic lunch in the shade by one of the little coves. After lunch you can take a dip in the sea once again, before retracing your steps back to Elafonissi beach. From here, you'll drive back to Kissamos for a final evening at your base.

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Swim in a pink sand lagoon and hike in a juniper forest

Day 7

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.

Goodbye Crete!

Day 8

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. 

After breakfast, you'll take a short drive to a sheltered corner of Kissamos bay for a gentle introductory swim. The swimming route will stick close to the shore while you swim above above seagrass meadows, heading around the coastline and ending up on a small cove.  

After getting dressed and having a quick snack, you'll hike back to your starting bay on country tracks, stopping to admire the million-year-old fossils in the sloping sandstone.  

In the afternoon you'll hike through Sirikari gorge, a secluded area where griffon vultures nest on the cliffs.

This evening you'll visit a local taverna for a traditional Cretan meal, made with local produce.



An early start today to make the most of Crete's beautiful mornings. You'll pack up some breakfast to go for the break between today's swim and hike. Then jump in the vehicle and you'll be driven half an hour outside Kissamos to a peninsula in the east. 

Today's swim launches from a tiny pebble beach and follows the coast around to a spooky, sea-level cave. You'll dive into the dark waters of the cave. It forms an otherworldly place: the light creeps in, casting a myriad of reflections as you swim out of the darkness towards the exit.  

You'll continue swimming past surface-level caves towards a secluded cove. Here you'll clamber our of the water, get dry and enjoy a beach breakfast looking out over the bay. 

Today's hike is called "The Villagers’ Path": a coastal route past grand geological features and with commanding views over the peninsula and the bays below. After the hike, you'll enjoy a late lunch at a coastal taverna with amazing local seafood. Then, by late afternoon, you'll drive back to Kissamos to spend the evening relaxing.  

Today you'll have an adventure on the wild west coast of Crete, combining a hike in Kampos gorge with a sea swim to a remote beach (and another well earned taverna feast!).

It's another early start to reach the jump-in beach. You'll swim along the rocky cliffs, home to rich sea life, then round Cape Crow and towards a remote cove with crystal clear water. After landing on the pebbly beach, you'll take in this glorious location while enjoying a large breakfast on the beach.

Next you'll hike through Kampos gorge, immersed in this valley of Meditteranean fauna of thyme bushes and carob trees. You'll criss-cross the small river during a steady climb, emerging from the gorge at a tiny village on the road to nowhere. 

The village has a traditional taverna ready to satisfy your well earned appetite with delicious local dishes before returning to Kissamos. 

Today you'll be back in the rugged west coast for more! This time amongst large natural pools carved in the rocks: wild swimming paradise.

You'll 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 with abundant sea life. The swim continues to a sheltered bay, reaching another natural - and 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.  

This evening you'll head out for dinner to a village called Mezedopoleio. Here you'll eat like the locals do. There'll be 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.

With several days of swimming under your belt, it's time to tackle an open water challenge. Setting off from quiet spot on the pink sand beach, you'll swim out to Limpet island: an elongated rocky part of a submerged ridge in the bay. The visibility in the water here is amazing and at times you'll be surrounded by shoals of sea breams and other fish.

There are two swim options, depending on how far you would like to swim today. 

After the swim you'll climb some steps by the rock caves to reach a cafe for lunch with far-reaching views over the Meditteranean. 

Later you'll hike along a rocky path to a tiny cove. From here, using masks and snorkels, you'll discover a WWII shipwreck that lies less than 2m below the surface. You'll have plenty of time to  explore the wreck before swimming back to shore. Dry off, get dressed and then you'll be driven back to Kissamos to enjoy a free evening.

Set off after breakfast and drive to more distant shores, following a scenic route all the way across the island, to the south coast. At first you'll walk in the sand dunes, admiring the pink sand by the shore while passing a sequence of small coves. Close to the tip of the peninsula, you can start 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. You'll swim through deep, cavernous bottoms to a shallow, tranquil sea bed.
Enjoy a post-swim snack on the shore in the shade of the juniper trees.

Then, you'll hike along a narrow trail over flat rocks, before entering the juniper forest. These exotic trees grow over sand dunes all the way to the shoreline. You'll find cove after cove covered in pink sand, backdropped by shades of blue in the sea.

You'll have a delicious picnic lunch in the shade by one of the little coves.  After lunch you can take a dip in the sea once again, before retracing your steps back to Elafonissi beach. From here, you'll drive back to Kissamos for a final evening at your base.



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.

Euro

Optional Private Room Upgrade | October 2021

Optional Private Room Upgrade | July & August 2021

Optional Private Room Upgrade | June 2021

Hike through gorges and along cliff top trails to reach remote wild swim spots in Crete's natural sea pools, lagoons and bays.  

Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

Trailblazer Price - 3 spots left at 5% off

Trailblazer Price - 1 spot left at 5% off

Trailblazer Price - 2 spots left at 5% off

Spend a week wild swimming in the clear and warm Mediterranean waters of Crete

Hike through gorges, forests and sand dunes between swims, with classic Cretan taverna feasts awaiting you on land each day

Build up to a 3.7km open water swim to Limpet Island, completing the 'Falasarna Triangle' swim

Spend a week wild swimming in the clear and warm Mediterranean waters of Crete

Hike through gorges, forests and sand dunes between swims, with classic Cretan taverna feasts awaiting you on land each day

Build up to a 3.7km open water swim to Limpet Island, completing the 'Falasarna Triangle' swim

Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

DURATION

LOCATION

ANNUAL LEAVE

SEASON

GROUP SIZE

MEETING POINT

ACCOMMODATION

DIFFICULTY

Similar Trips

EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES

YOUR MONEY
IS SAFE

TOTAL
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Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

Hike and Wild Swim Crete's Hidden Coves

DURATION

LOCATION

ANNUAL LEAVE

SEASON

GROUP SIZE

MEETING POINT

ACCOMMODATION

DIFFICULTY

Similar Trips

EXPERT LOCALGUIDES

YOUR MONEYIS SAFE

TOTALFLEXIBILITY

A COMPANY YOU CANACTUALLY TRUST

EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES

YOUR MONEY
IS SAFE

TOTAL
FLEXIBILITY

A COMPANY YOU CAN
ACTUALLY TRUST