As a hiking enthusiast I tried to avoid Crete since it's more popular for its beaches. Your video has changed my view and looking forward to visit Crete.
Dear Author, you could not imagine how surprised I was to find out your video! I didn't expect that well structured and so informative video about greatest Crete hikes with no redundant talks. Thank you so much! ❤
In 1977, after a summer living with shepherds and making cheese in the Pakhnes-Sfakia mitata (Xania Prefecture), I walked around Lefka Ori (White Mountain), before Cretan trekking became popular. From Meskla *indirectly* to Agia Roumelli but not through the Samaria Gorge. Not a single track or signpost, no compass or maps. We had a few old shepherd's pointers before setting off and then just headed south towards the sea, as they told us! After we came down the final steep descent into Agia Roumelli at the sea, a Greek youth said "its not possible. You can't have done that". But the old high country sheperds had told us the partisanis and Australian troops had used that same route to surprise and defend against the Germans in the war. It was spring. Still snow on the highest peaks, but cool and wonderful.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Ok, from fuzzy memory, 46 years ago: I lived and worked in Fournés and Mesklá for 3 winters of fruit picking. One spring, I asked to go up to the mitata with the valley shepherds. Every year, since biblical times, they had led their sheep and goats up beyond through Zourva to find pastures where we made camps just below the snow melts. Back then, Meskla to Zourva had no road, only a donkey track. And ... there was *defintely no tracks or roads across to Therison* . We drove the sheep 3 days up to a mitato near a cave. Once set up, they pulled down a stone wall to enter the cave, in which had been stored to cure, last year's TYRI (the big rounds of hard yellow cheese). We milked daily and made new cheeses to store in the cave and cure till next year. Every time over spring and summer someone went back down to Zourva or Meskla for supplies, they took a caravan of donkeys carrying cheeses for their villagers and for sale in Hania. In early summer, a mate and I wanted to see the south coast. The shepherds simply told us to go up and over "Pachnes", 35.292461,24.032409 then "just head towards the sea" !!! "You'll come out near Agni Roumelli" they said. So we just walked off with a bit of food and water. No maps, compasses, or mobile phones back then. Took 2 days, I think, from memory. We got to the coast alright, but had arrived at steep cliffs. Eventually we found a route down and arrived at Agia Roumelli, much to the surprise of the locals. The one taverna and one guest house were not open at that season, but they gave us a bed and a meal for just turning up! There was no boat out for months (only in mid summer, back then). We stayed there a few nights then walked along the coast to Hora Sfakion. In those days, there was not a single tourist establishment between Agia Roumelli and Hora Sfakion. Just rocks and sea. Phoenix 35.2000097, 24.0722590 was NOTHING, just a few dry ruined walls and an old fort tower. Loutron was just a few fishing boats. There were no roads to anywhere on the south coast between Paleohora and Hora Sfakion. Tourism was barely existent on the south coast of Crete back then, let alone in the mountains. In 1969/70 Joni Mitchell had sung about hippies at Matala. Otherwise, Agios Nikolaos had moneyed sightseers and Knossos was the only "thing to see on Crete!!! Lol. When I first went to Crete (1976), I had long hair. All the Greeks used to say -- "Ah you dirty hippie. Go to Matala". So I cut my hair, learned Greek (Cretan, actually), and went to pick fruit and make cheese up in the non-touristy western end of the island. Great memories, bit fuzzy now though.
@@thedolphin5428 i bet you have some very cool stories! Would love to hear them. Saw recently a video of two locals talking about their childhood and their first encounters with tourists in the 60s.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Lol. I wrote a whole book of short stories about my travels in Crete. It was called: "Aπό που είσαι?", because that was the first question EVERY Cretan asked you when first meeting. Lol. If you've got an email I can send you some.
Been to Greece several times but never on Crete. This video is making me think that I should really go and visit the island and also do some of the of the hikes you have so well described. Thanks for sharing these beautiful places.
Great video! Never knew these beautiful hiking opportunies existed on Crete. Will have to try an easy one that ends at a beach next time I'm there visiting relatives (getting old!). Thanks from California 👋
Just got back from a weeks hiking. Samaria is by far the most breath-taking. It's quite long but not really difficult at all. Aradena was by far more challenging and not as easy as the greek guy says. Both Katholiko and Agios Antonios are worth the effort. The most disappointing was Kourtaliotis gorge where it is almost impossible to find the path. You have to cross the water numerous times and then waste some time trying to find your way. All in all a great experience however. A great video with some wonderful choices. Thank you
Thank you for your input! Sounds like you had a very active week. :) Maybe next time you check parts of E4 to the south or, my recent addiction, some hikes on the White Mountains (Lefka Ori).
This is a fantastic top 12 my friend! Very nice descriptions! Awesome footage also! Thanks for the upload and all the links below! 👍👍👍👍 I was in Crete in june and hiked up and down some gorges: Rouvas gorge, Preveli (the round trip from the Venetian bridge), Asfendou gorge, Imbros gorge, Samaria gorge (half way up and down. They made it very easy with all the small wooden bridges to cross the river. It was much more challeging 25 years ago, but still beautiful), Agia Irini gorge (3/4 up and down, the humidity and heat that day were too much to do more) and Lissos gorge. And some more hikes: Sougia-Lissos and the Sougia-Lissos gorge-Sougia round trip. It was great to be back on my beloved island!!!
You will love it up there whichever route you take. I love Mavroi Lakkoi (Black Pits). It's my favorite, most astonishing part of the area. If that's what you mean, to go there from Askyfou Plateau, I would suggest you find a way to go to Niato Plateau. This way you will save 10km and 600m elevation. Otherwise it will be close to 22km total to go and come back. it is doable of course if you are strong and it's not a very hot day. Below you can find some routes that might help you plan it. Drop me a line if i can help more. Askyfou plateau - Niatos plateau el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/askyfou-plateau-niatos-plateau-114251785 White Mountains crossing (part 3 Livada - Askyfou) el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/white-mountains-crossing-part-3-livada-askyfou-114253980 Niato - Askifiotikos Soros - Mavroi Lakkoi - Niato el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/niato-askifiotikos-soros-mavroi-lakkoi-niato-114623951
Crete’s hikes are amazing ! Very well explained thank you . This is my kind of adventure . I am not into touristy places . I love going somewhere remote . Thank you for your beautiful video .
I’m currently laying in bed in Crete plotting how to escape my all inclusive family holiday. I only arrived on the ferry yesterday but already love this island.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ I agree 😂. This place is gorgeous. I did get away to hike in santorini, faro-oia via skaros temp reached 43.6 on my thermometer. 🥵. I may make a list of n routes to take and come back next season at the end of the season.
Hi, I went to Crete last year and I used your very well done videos to plan and organize our trip. This year (from september 24) we will be back in Crete and then Paros and Santorini. I just looked your new videos and wow you have so much improved. Your videos were already very helpful but your filming-abilities are even better. So thanks a lot for your good work and since we are planning to visit Crete a lot more we may cross paths during our hiking. Bests, aurelio
Thank you so much Aurelio for your kind words. I have a lot of material to edit. Will post more from Crete and other places in the next months. Hope they also prove to be good and helpful. :)
Thank you so much for this video. We were looking for some not too hard hikes (we are in our late 60s but fit). We will be staying at 4 different locations on the island so looking for one per location.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ We will be two days in Herakio then we will rent a car and drive to Tzermiadon for two nights, then to Rethymno for one night then to Chania for five nights. After that we head to Milos for 5 nights and then Paros for 6 nights. Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks so much. : )
Man, these guides are awesome, thank you so much! We love the idea of walking in Crete but it's not so easy to find a quiet, relaxed accommodation option. It seems there are lots of options if you like the nightlife but not so many if you want long day hikes followed by peaceful evenings.
Thank you! I think you will find something in most of the places you plan to hike. You can send me a message if it gives you a hard time. finding a room. Maybe i come up with an idea.
Anywhere. Or next to the KTEL bus station if you take a bus, or just along the way, asking in taverns, or at the beginning of the trail. I lived in Stalis, and in Rethymnon, and in Chania, and in Sfakia, and in Sougia, and in Makrigialos - it’s convenient to make radials from everywhere and go further along the paths.
Tremendous, hiked from loutro today to sweet water, the last bit to the road is quite special unless you are fearless when it comes to heights, heading up pachnes tomorrow. Hopefully checking out a few more of your suggested hidden gems before we head home. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. That part from sweet water to the road is my favorite! I think I passed it more than 20 times by now. Pachnes is very easy. The driving feels long though. Hope you have a blast! Wind looks calm up there today. I'm going tomorrow.
Εξαιρετικός όπως πάντα με απίστευτα πλάνα επίγεια και εναέρια !! Ευχαριστούμε για τι πολλές και καλές πληροφορίες που πάντα δίνεις στα βιντεάκια σου !!
Great video - I have done most of them - I went from Omalos over to Lutro. though. You should try Eligias gorge (next to Samaria) not many people go there. It is pretty tough, with limited water......but very nice. I went via Omalos and came out in the middle of St Paul and Agia Ro.
Ευχαριστούμε τόσο πολύ για αυτήν την υπέροχη δουλειά! καταπληκτικά πλάνα κ τόσο λεπτομερής περιγραφή, πραγματικά inspiring! Μένω Λονδίνο κ κατέβηκα φέτος κ έκανα την Σαμάρια και πολλά hikes στην Σαμοθράκη. Ανυπομονώ να ξανακατεβω και στα δυο νησιά για να κάνω πιο πολλά . Θα ήταν πραγματικά υπέροχο αν θα θέλατε κ είχατε την ευκαιρία να πάτε Σαμοθράκη και να μας χαρίσετε αντίστοιχα πανέμορφα κ πολύτιμα βίντεο καθότι Έχει πολλά αχαρτογράφητα hikes και παρθένα φύση απαράμιλλης ομορφιάς . Ευχαριστούμε πολύ !
@@THATGREEKGUY_,,,H μια πλευρα της Σαμοθρακης ειναι πλουσια σε βλαστηση... και η αλλη ειναι γυμνη...κι αν ανεβεις στη ψηλοτερη κορυφη που ειναι το φεγγαρι κι ειναι καλος ο καιρος, μπορεις να δεις την Ιμβρο και τη Τενεδο
Hi, I've watched this video and many others on your channel about hikes in Crete. All very nice, but they can get pretty hardcore! Any recommendations for easier, family-friendly hikes/walks with a 6-year-old? :) Does it make sense for instance to go somewhere like Omalos or Lakkoi (Kallergi refuge?) and have a gentle walk around somewhere, to get a bit of the alpine feel?
I guess there are .any shorter walks. Katholiko I'd say is ok. Also from Xyloskalo (Omalos) to Kallergi is ok. There are also many gorges that are not long and should be ok. :)
Well done!! Thank you for the very informative and well explained video! Are there any restrictions on any of these hikes around easter(mid-end April)?
Hello and thank you for your very informative video! I am coming to Crete this summer with my wife and my 8 year old son and we want to summit a mountain. Which mountains and trails would you consider to recommend to hike for our family?
Thank you! I guess depends on how long the child can go. The easiest summit is Pachnes, provided you have a jeep to get to the trailhead or you can plan for transportation. If you think you can do more, Gigilos might be a good option too.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Thanks for your answer! How about mount Psiloritis from the parking at the refuge? It seems rather doable since it is paved in the beginning.
@@fimfengius so not only in Chania. Cool then. It's even easier to get to Psiloritis trailhead.. The hike is easy too but still, 900 meters of elevation gain. You will be fine i think.
Your videos are great, especially this one. Very informative 👍. I plan on doing around 10 days of hiking in south west Crete in May next year, starting at Elafonissi, with a few E4 sections, some mountains (maybe Pachnes) and gorges, with a couple of nights of wild camping. My final section to finish on is to be the infamous E4 section that you've highlighted on this video. I am considering going east to west though from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. Do you see any big issues doing this section east to west? It looks like it would get the hardest part out of the way first. My fitness level is good (I'm a soldier). I've done a little hiking in Crete (around Paleochora and Plakias). I've also done a lot in the UK, Germany, Alps and Appalachian mountains in the US.
Thank you Mark. You are indeed doing the hardest part first. I don't think you will have a problem. If I may suggest, investigate more hikes ok the mountains (will post a vlog for a day hike up there) and I would also recommend Aradena. Will be glad to help if you need anything.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ legend, thanks very much. Your advice is much appreciated, and your local expertise from your videos will be a great help with my plans.
From east to west it is easier and the sun does not shine in your eyes. Just take more water, there is none on the route (there is one in Vukolasi after Tripiti, quite close to Sougia, but drink using a filter). I passed through - a 55-year-old woman after a major operation, with a heavy backpack and without much preparation.
Hi - brilliant video, thanks. I have a question, the E4 White Mountain route: is there much in the way of sheer drops? I can do smooth slopes 😂 just don’t want dangerous drops (don’t like heights). We went up there last October driving with a guide - fantastic
Thank you. I wouldn't there are many parts with big drops. The terrain is very rough at some parts but not over cliffs. Can't get enough. Made many hikes since i published this video. Need to make more from the White Mountains.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Hi! Thanks for the reply. Ok, that is good to know, many thanks. And yes, keep the videos coming - really good / informative. Take Care
Big fan of both Crete, and hiking, not mountain climbing with ropes and stuff, but high peaks accessible to "normal" fit people. BUT, one question; ehat about small drones, in Crete; I have done some googling, and I am a bit worried that it is not practically possible to take ones drone to Crete and just fly. I have read that you need to apply for each and every little launch you would like to do, with exact, date, time and position. Is that correct?
There might be the totally legit way to fly a drone. TBH the only thing i do, is to apply to unlock a zone when needed. Apart from that i had no problem flying anywhere, especially up on the mountains. Except Samaria gorge of course.
My opinion is Gigilos hike is neither difficult nor dangerous. Depending on the person, could be of some challenge. Weather is not warm yet. Yesterday we had some cold wind and rain on the way back from our hike. But i think you will be ok with short sleeve for the climb and a light jacket for the summit. It often gets windy up there.
Dear Friend, please suggest what month do i go to those places to make sure the waterfalls are there? Will the water dry out in hot season? Your guide is iperoxa! Efxaristo para poli❤
Hello. I really enjoed watching this video. We are going to hike a part of E4. We stay a night in Loutro I thought to take a taxi from Loutro to Aradena bridge, go down by Aradena gorge and finish at Sfakia. Maybe you can recommend a taxi ot a transfer from Loutro to Aradena bridge? Thank you in advance
Thank you. That's a lovely route. You will enjoy it. Probably you mean taxi from Hora to Aradena bridge. I have a number, 6973305964. Name, Manousakis.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ I meant a taxi from Loutro or from a Finikas bay. I see that in Loutro there is no paved way to Ardena, but there is a road accessible to cars about 1 km west to Loutro,
@@michkli239 i know this road. Been down that way several times. But i don't think a taxi will come from Hora over there. You can ask the guy and if he can't, maybe he can give you the phone of a local with a pick up. If this happens, which i think is more likely than the taxi, you can make a deal with the pick up driver. But could be expensive.
@@michkli239 Hehe. Did Agia Roumeli to Agios Ioannis just last week. Here is strava and wikiloc. www.strava.com/activities/9774981425 el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/agia-roumeli-selouda-agios-ioannis-145947410 The climb is a bit challenging but i have the feeling you won't have any problem. After Agios Ioannis is about 4km (slight downhill) to Aradena, easy part. Then Aradena down to Marmara, another 7km. And Then Marmara to Loutro about an hour. I think it's a very beautiful hike. Amazing view from the top of the climb to Agios Ioannis. Aradena, one of my favorite gorges. Marmara, one of my favorite beaches. The hike to Loutro is very beautiful on the edge of the cliff until Lykos and Foinikas. And you finish in wonderful Loutro. You have it all!
If you went there with the bus from Chania, there is another bus coming from Sougia to Xyloskalo and then Chania. I think around 19.30 to 19.45. Which would mean some time waiting.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Kalimera.Thank you for the quick response. By cheap I mean getting to these destinations/trailheads, yes. But also getting around the Island. From point A to point B. I don't really want to rent a car because that will be quite expensive for 2-3 weeks. So I thought my buddy and I would backpack around via motorbike or bike. Of course, I know it will take much longer, but we don't mind. And we have at least 2 weeks. Perhaps 3. Also, you said not to do one of the more difficult routes during the summer? why not, is it just because of the heat? (for perspective, I have climbed to the peaks of Olympus in Litochoro 3 times).
@@trevorwillis1729 sounds like you are a seasoned hiker. :) I said that about the heat yes. Not every day, but it can get terribly hot sometimes. Those are the days i/we consider dangerous for hiking. But i think you will be fine. Regarding transportation, if you are willing to sacrifice time, you can get to many places with public transportation. Hitch hiking could also help in more rural areas and near villages.
You can drive to Kalleryi refuge by jeep from Omalós and continue driving for another 4 or 5 kilometers and then hike up the path to Mount Melindaú (the peak is just to the north of the trail and requires a little bit of scrambling) but it only involves about 3½ to 4 hours of hiking round-trip from your jeep and back again.
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Well, I was looking to do an afternoon hike and go out with my relatives to dinner at a restaurant just outside Chaniá that evening (and still have time to shower and change in between) so I didn't really have much of a choice. Also... Driving up into the mountains means I have more time and energy left over to hike deeper into the mountains and to reach the high peaks than what I would have if I started in, say, Omalós. Ναι, μπορείς να αναθρέψεις ένα γουρουνόπουλο και να το σφάξεις και να το καθαρίσεις και τα λοιπά και μετά να το μαγειρέψεις, αλλά όταν χρειάζεσαι να φας απόψε, πηγαίνεις στον χασάπη και αγοράζεις παϊδάκια και τα ψήνεις ή πας σε ταβέρνα και τα παραγγέλνεις. Εξάλλου, δεν είμαστε όλοι για ν' αναθρέφουμε γουρούνια... Μιλάω, φυσικά, μεταφορικά, χρησιμοποιώντας παραβολές, έτσι που έκανε κι ο Χριστός. Αν ναι... Καλά Χριστούγεννα!!! 🎄⛄❄️🎅🎀🎁
@@langleywallingford260 δεν διαφωνούμε κάπου. Συμφωνούμε στο ότι δεν υπάρχει σωστό και λάθος. Ο καθένας το κάνει με τον τρόπο που του αρέσει. Καλές γιορτές! ❤️
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Το αν είναι "σωστό" ή "λάθος" εξαρτάται απ'τις συνθήκες κι απ'το τη θέλεις να καταφέρεις και τη μπορείς να καταφέρεις και πόση ώρα έχεις στη διάθεσή σου να το καταφέρεις. Επίσης, αυτό που είναι σωστό στη μία περίπτωση μπορεί να είναι λάθος στην άλλη καθώς και το αντίθετο.
Την πεζοπορία από Σούγια - Αγία Ρούμελη την έκανα σε τρία κομμάτια. (Η καταγωγή μου είναι από Χανιά και της μάνας μου το πατρικό χωριό, Σκινές, είναι 15 χμ νοτιοδυτικά απ'τα Χανιά, καθώς πας προς Σούγια). Πρώτο κομμάτι 1) Σούγια - Τρυπητή (με γύρισε πίσω στη Σούγια προσωπικό σκάφος που το είχα είδη κανονίσει). Δεύτερο κομμάτι 2) Σούγια - Δώματα (με πήγε το σκάφος στην παραλία Τρυπητής και με γύρισε πίσω απ'τα Δώματα). Αυτό το κομμάτι το έκανα τελευταίο και ήταν το πιο εύκολο. Τρίτο κομμάτι 3) Δώματα - Αγία Ρούμελη (το σκάφος, πάλι του Καπετάν Γεώργου απ'την Κάντανο, με πήγε απ'τη Σούγια στα Δώματα κι απ'εκεί περπάτησα μέχρι την Αγιά Ρουμέλη, όπου έμεινα σ' ένα ξενοδοχείο τη βραδιά. Αυτό το κομμάτι το έκανα δεύτερο και έφτυσα αίμα να το κατορθώσω (βάρβαρη ανηφόρα και μετά απότομη και επικίνδυνη κατηφόρα πάνω από βελανιδιές που γλιστράνε και χαλασέδες (ψιλό χαλίκι που γλιστρά κι αυτό). Και τα τρία κομμάτια είχαν κατσάβραχα, κοκκινοχώματα, και κακοτοπιές. Μόνο ένας που είναι πολύ σοβαρά άρρωστος και εντελώς διεστραμμένος στο μυαλό θα επιχειρούσε να το κάνει σε μία μέρα καθώς χρειάζεται δώδεκα ώρες ασταμάτητο περπάτημα να το διασχίσει ένας έμπειρος ορειβάτης (αν αντέξει τόσες ώρες στη ζέστη και στις κακοτοπιές). Notice that all the hiking fatalities in Crete involve foreigners, many of whom underestimate just how difficult and dangerous and unforgiving the terrain is, especially in hot weather. Hot weather is not as much of a concern in the high altitude hikes but it is a concern in the coastal hikes. Hiking the gorges of Tripití and Klados is also difficult and dangerous and has resulted in some fatalities. Ωραία είναι η φύση αλλά δεν αξίζει την ζωή σου. Τέλος πάντων... Καλά Χριστούγεννα και καλή Πρωτοχρονιά!!! 🎄⛄🎀❄️🎉
@@THATGREEKGUY_ Considering the length of the hike, the terrain, and the weather on the south coast of Crete for a good portion of the year, hiking from Souyia to Ayía Roúmeli in one day would be considered by most sane people to be not just impractical and unfeasible, but also downright dangerous. Βέβαια, πολύ σκληροί (hardcore) ορειβάτες, όσο ευφυείς και να είναι, δεν είναι και τόσο πολύ "στα καλά τους" και κάποτε συνηθίζουν να κάνουν πράγματα αλλόκοτα, κάτι που εξηγεί τις τόσες τραγωδίες που συμβαίνουν.