This holiday is a combination of our one week holiday in Cretan Trails & Tavernas and our one week holiday in Crete's Mountains & Villages.
Crete’s White Mountains beckon you into the island’s wild interior. The distant peaks are often covered in snow well into late spring, and the summer sun reflects on the limestone summits making them appear white. The mountains are cut by over 50 gorges, with the Samaria Gorge the most famous and well traversed.
The western part of the island is a walkers’ paradise. It has the unique combination of beautiful seas and high mountains and many trails criss-crossing the region. Experience this journey with Ramblers Walking Holidays. The island’s geographical diversity and wild beauty can be seen in the endemic flora and fauna, spectacular vistas and idyllic picnic spots, which add to the dramatic walking on offer. Mule tracks lead you to breathtaking cols, past remote villages and weathered archaeological remains. Coastal tracks follow rugged cliffs, around small bays. A quiet taverna offers a welcome rest from the afternoon sun.
Our hotel is well located in the charming Venetian harbour town of Chania from which we enjoy a week walking in Crete’s western corner. The town’s narrow streets and quiet squares, colourful buildings adorned with bougainvillea and bustling cafés along the waterfront, add to its lively character. It is a lovely place to while away a warm Mediterranean evening and enjoy some ‘taverna life’. There are many interesting shops, markets and also many intriguing museums dotted around town. The old sea fortress of Frikas now houses the Naval Museum and the old Venetian lighthouse dominates the port. The excellent walking combined with the local cuisine, wines and Greek hospitality create a perfect mix.
Moving on to the easternpart of the island, to Aghios Nicolaos, offers a more relaxed holiday with a great combination of walking and our beachfront property. After a good day's walk, relax on the beach or by the swimming pool before heading out to dinner. From the town of Aghios Nicolaos, where our hotel is located on the edge of the town, across from the beach, our walks take us up into the mountains, offering dramatic views of the ever changing colours, along the coast and into the wild and fertile Potami Valley.
We'll explore small villages, with their shady squares and traditional tavernas, visit the island of Spinalonga and on a free day the archaeological site of Knossos and the city of Heraklion are not too far away.