Eastern Crete in Spring – relax and slow down by the sea

SUMMARY

Dates: Tuesday 29th April  to Tuesday 6th May 2025 – 7 nights with lots of time to explore this unspoilt part of Crete.

Guide: Angela Sturmayr local guide who has been living in Mirtos for years. Native German speaker with fluent Greek, English and Dutch.

Walking Grade: 1 Goat as this is a gentle holiday for those who want to get away to somewhere new and experience life in the slow lane !

Base: We will stay in the Mertiza apartments in the village of Mirtos in Eastern Crete. They are perfect for our guests run by a local woman who gives a real hospitable Cretan experience. The apartments are just a few steps away from the promenade and beach in Mirtos and from the shops, restaurants and cafes. Each studio (solo occupancy) and apartments (for two or more) are ensuite and with kitchen facilities and a balcony. They are all air- conditioned and have Wifi.

The nearest airport is Heraklion and we will provide one Group Transfer in the late afternoon (around 16.00) depending on the schedule of flights. On the return, the transfer will leave after breakfast for flights after 14.00. The transfer is approx 1 hour 30 minutes.

Guests will be flying in from various different airports and we know arrival times are very varied. We can arrange additional transfers for an extra cost of 120 euros for the taxi (up to 4 people) for one way transfer. We will connect people to share transfers.

Price: £1500  per person for a solo occupancy room inclusive of   :

• Your own apartment ensuite with kitchen facilities
• Breakfast provided for you each morning
• Evening Meals in local restaurants on 6 nights to give you the true flavour of Crete (one evening you have free time)
• Expert local walking guide
• All activities provided during the week – Cretan cooking class,bread making,wine tasting…
• Group Airport transfer to and from Heraklion
• All local transport required for walks

Not included:

• Lunches which can be made in your apartments
• Additional Drinks
• Airport Transfer outside the time stated
• Any excursions not on the itinerary

If you bring a partner/ friend and share a room the price is £1300  per person. We will adjust your invoice once you have paid 

Download the brochure »

DETAILS

A chance to experience Eastern Crete in Spring. Angela has been guiding in Crete for many years and will be your lead guide. Angela speaks German, Greek, Dutch and English and is a highly experienced mountain guide as well as being immersed in the local Cretan culture. This programme has been specially crafted to share the best of what this area of Crete has to offer.

We base ourselves in Mirtos, a friendly rural village on the Libyan Sea. It is one of the sunniest places in Europe. It is full of Cretan traditions and customs and prides itself on remaining unspoilt and not being full of hectic crowds.

Mirtos attracts those interested in hiking with its impressive flora and fauna and with its proximity to the sea. We will walk through mountain villages and hike where we see beautiful views of the sea. Being able to start and end your days with a dip is wonderful.

ITINERARY

The itinerary may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of your guide. Sometimes activities may have to change but rest assured you will have lovely days to show you the best this region has to offer . Your itinerary will be discussed with you each day.

Tuesday

Arrival : Welcome and Pick Up for your Group Transfer from Heraklion airport to Mirtos.

You will arrive in time to settle in , have a briefing about your week and eat together in a local Taverna.

Wednesday: A special meeting

We drive to the mountain village Anatoli ( approx 45 minute drive) and walk through a picturesque landscape with fantastic views  to the north and south coast. We visit Stefanos, a local man who decided to use his own products like bee wax, essential oils from his herbs and olive oil to make natural creams and other natural products. You will have the chance to test some and even buy some to bring home.

A short walk of approx 2 hours on dirt tracks

We return For Dinner in a taverna in Mirtos

Thursday: Cretan wines – an ancient story

We travel to Pirgos ( approx 1 hour 15 minute drive ) In Pirgos, a village in the large Messara plain, lives Christos, a young winemaker. He is the fourth generation of traditional winemakers and distillation of Raki. We  can taste his organic wines and hear about the history of Cretan wines. A walk around this real farmer village brings us to the little taverna of the social cooperative Melitakes, where we get a delicious lunch made of mostly their own products.

Walk approx. 1 hour on asphalt and dirt tracks

Friday: The day of Wild herbs

Today we go to the north coast ( a drive of approx 45 minutes ) and walk from the mountain village Lastros through an almost remote landscape down to the coast. In the dry riverbed we will find a lot of wild herbs and get an introduction in how to use it in our diet and for our health.

Late lunch/Early dinner in Mochlos at the sea side

Walk approx 3 hours on old paths, a riverbed and dirt tracks with a little down hill. On this day hiking boots are required

Saturday: Free day

To relax on the beach , to wander in the village or you can do your own walk on one of the 7 marked tours from Mirtos Hiking Village with the starting point at the edge of the village. Your guide will explain all to you.

Sunday: THE “LIGHTHOUSE” – A SPECIAL VISIT

Monday : Let’s cook together

In the morning after breakfast we have the possibility of an optional walk in the valley of Mirtos and visiting Angela’s vegetable garden to harvest what is still growing in the summer garden.

For those who prefer to relax at the beach and take a swim in the Libyan sea there is this option too. This is a flexible day.

We will get together in the late afternoon to use our new knowledge of the whole week and to cook together with Popi, the owner of Hotel Esperides. She is our “teacher” for healthy and clean food, simply made and tasty. Our final supper will include our own creations, combined with the Cretan way of Parea (making company, being together) with food, drink and music.

This is the grande finale as you say your goodbyes to Crete.

Tuesday : Departure after breakfast 

Group Transfer to Heraklion airport to arrive around 12 noon.