Eastern Crete – the unspoilt paths

SUMMARY

Dates: Tuesday, 16th April to Tuesday, April 23rd – 7 nights with 5 days hiking and 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: 2 Goats with some rocky paths. This time of year it is best for walking with cooler temperatures and there should be spring flowers all around.

Base: Two apartment complexes Myrthe and Mertiza in the same street in the village of Mirtos in Eastern Crete. They are perfect for our guests, run by two sisters who give a real hospitable Cretan experience. They 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 afternoon of arrival day. For departures the transfer will leave after breakfast for afternoon flights – book flights leaving after 13.00.

For London flights we suggest EasyJet leaving London Gatwick Tuesday 16th April at 7.10 arriving 13.10. Departing on April 23rd at 13.55 arriving into Gatwick at 16.05.

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 100 euros for the taxi ( up to 4 people) for a one way transfer. We will connect people to share transfers.

Price: £1,400 per person for a solo occupancy room inclusive of :

• Your own ensuite apartment 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
• 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 £12oo per person.

DETAILS

We have a new woman partner in Crete run by Angela Sturmayr. She has been guiding in Crete for many years and her niece also joins her. Angela speaks German, Greek, Dutch and English and is a highly experienced mountain guide.

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 which we will certainly see the best of in Spring. We will walk through mountain villages and hike where we see ocean vistas. Being able to start and end your days with a dip in the sea is wonderful.

ITINERARY

The itinerary may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of your guide. Rest assured you will be guided on 5 lovely hikes to show you the best this region has to offer . Your days hiking will be discussed with you each day.

Tuesday April 16th – Arrival you will be met at the airport between 14.00 and 16.00.

Settle into your accommodation

Orientation walk through the village and up to the Minoan settlement which takes approximately 1 hour. The path is a stony mountain path with approximately 10 minutes up and downhill.

Welcome dinner in a taverna in Mirtos

Wednesday : Anatoli – Flowers and Views

This walk in the region of Anatoli, a mountain village above Mirtos, leads through a beautiful landscape with special rock formations and great views to both sides of the island. In spring we can find several rare species of wild orchids and other flowers.

Walking time: approx. 3 ½ h – Difference in altitude: approx. 300 m

We walk on a dirt road which becomes an easy mountain path to the peak of Estavronmenos.

Driving time to the start: 40 min

Evening Meal in a taverna in Mirtos

Thursday: Mithi – Circular walk via the Minoan path

Only 5 km behind Mirtos is the village Mithi, located in a beautiful landscape. We start from there to ascend via an old foot path and continue later at a dirt track towards the shepherd’s settlement Karidi and Agia Marina. After a rest we descend back to Mithi on another foot path.

The path is an old mountainous foot path uphill with some dirt tracks along the route. Fairly steady underfoot.

Walking time: approx. 5 h – Difference in altitude: approx. 500 m

Driving time to the start: 10 min

Dinner in a taverna in Mirtos

Friday: Pefki gorge – village life. Walking time: approx. 3 h – Difference in altitude: approx. 350 m

Driving time to the start: 1 h 15 min

Today’s tour brings us quite a bit east of Mirtos to the picturesque mountain village of Pefki. An old path leads us along the scenic Pefki Gorge. After a short descent with great views of the south coast, we will walk back through the gorge to the village.

The path begins as an old foot path then becomes a dirt track to the beginning of the gorge. The path above the gorge is an easy walk but care is needed downhill which is steep and stony. Poles would be needed if you use them.

Meal in a local taverna at the end of the walk –  we will be spoiled with delicious local dishes.

Evening free time

Saturday: A day off

A chance to spend some hours at the beach of Mirtos, just a few minutes on foot not far from the accommodation. Another option is to go to Ierapetra to visit the weekly farmers market and to explore a little the southernmost town of Europe.

Options will be suggested to you earlier in the week.

Evening Meal together can be arranged ( not included in price )

Sunday: Kato Simi – In the forest. Walking time: approx. 4 h – Difference in altitude: approx. 400 m

This walk has 1 and a half hours steep uphill with the rest of the route on forest paths back to the village.

A circular walk in the forest region at the south side of the Dikti Mountain range; A steep path leads up to a viewpoint with great views over the surrounding villages and the sea. We continue along dirt tracks through the pine tree forest, pass an archaeological site and return via an almost abandoned settlement back to the starting point.

Early evening meal after the walk in taverna Aphrodite in Kato Simi with delicious local dishes

Evening free time

Monday: Mirsini – Mesa Mouliana – Villages

A beautiful circular walk on easy dirt tracks from village to village along an old vineyard hill with fantastic views to the north coast and the Cretan sea.

Walking time: approx. 3 h – Difference in altitude: approx. 250 m

Driving time to the start: 60 min

Evening: Finale evening meal to say farewell.

Tuesday: Departure to Heraklion after breakfast