Kayak and Hike the Coast of Crete
Paddle your way along Crete's turquoise coastline and hike through majestic gorges, fuelled by taverna feasts and tranquil swims
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking hiking and kayaking guidesGuesthouses & Hotel
5 nights in a guesthouse near Kissamos, 1 night in a beachside village guesthouse, 1 night in a hotel in ChaniaMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 1 dinnerTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All kayaking gear, plus snorkels and masksSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Kayak the glistening 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
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 adventurers for a welcome dinner of traditional Cretan food.
Day 2
Kayak along the rocky peninsula and hike the villagers’ path
Kayaking
Hiking
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 sea commanding 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
Hiking
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
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
Take a break from the sea and get some kilometres 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 7km path the village's children used to use to get to school in Kissamos).
Day 6
Kayak along the rugged southern coastline
Kayaking
The big day on the water awaits today with a memorable 14km 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 snorkel 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 neighbouring towns. Bed down for the evening in this unique and peaceful place.
Day 7
Samaria Gorge
Hiking
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 the 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 colourful 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 conquered. 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.
Day 8
Goodbye Crete!
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.
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.
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.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
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.
What is the accommodation like?
Kissamos
You’ll stay at Mulberry Hill, a locally run guesthouse in a hillside village about 4km outside of 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 with a private bathroom located close to your bedroom, although some rooms do have ensuite facilities.
A limited number of single-occupancy rooms are also available. Depending on the size and make-up 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.
Agia Roumeli
You'll spend one night at the Calypso Hotel, located just 20m 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
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, ensuite and have city views. The hotel is in a prime location, close to the old harbour and the centre of Chania town, making it a great base to explore from.
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 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 on the bigger days towards the end of the trip.
We use double sit on top kayaks 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 request this in advance with your host upon booking.
The hottest months are July and August with daytime high temperatures ranging from 29-36 degrees Centigrade (82-95F), 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 23 and 29 degrees C. 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 to 26 degrees C.
Sea Temperatures
June: 20-22°C July and August: 24-27°C October: 23-24°C
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.
I'd love to go back
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
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
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
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
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”
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
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.