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Explore Crete’s Nature and History: Private Hiking Tours with Expert Guides
Looking for an educational and entertaining way to explore Crete? Join one of our private hiking tours! Our tours combine hiking, archaeology, and nature for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Crete is abundant with places where you can walk through nature and admire its peaceful and wild beauty. We offer designated and delimited trails for hiking lovers who comprise the main part of incoming tourism during the spring and autumn months from all around Europe.
All of our tours, which last for two-to-three hours, are private and escorted by an archaeologist or licensed tourist guide. We offer tours in English and Italian that are designed in a way that allows for proper physical distancing at all times.
Our tours are also family-friendly, and we offer versions that can be adapted to the needs of younger visitors through games and hands-on activities. The tours do not include transport, but we are happy to provide further information and prices upon request.
Contact us for further information and to book your tour today!
Hiking Tours
Have you heard of the ancient harbor-town of Phalasarna? While you may be familiar with the popular beach destination of Falasarna, this historic Cretan town was once a hub for trade between the Aegean Sea and Ptolemaic Alexandria. Its rich past includes minting its own coins, participation in numerous wars, and even a reputation for piracy. For centuries, the city was lost to history after its abandonment, making this archaeological site a rare and exciting piece of Cretan history.
If you’re looking to delve deeper into the history of Phalasarna, we offer an exclusive tour of this unique site led by an experienced archaeologist and tour guide. Together, we will explore the town’s tombs, fortification towers, quarries, winery, and the harbor’s quays and basin, bringing the splendor of Hellenistic Phalasarna to life. We’ll also discover the town’s military conflicts with the Romans and its unique geological past. This fascinating walk will take place amidst the inspiring backdrop of the site’s surroundings, which include olive groves, a rocky promontory where the acropolis used to be, and the sea.
For an even more comprehensive experience, we highly recommend combining this tour with a visit to the archaeological museum of Kissamos, where you can see numerous artifacts from the Falassarna excavation. The entire experience will take approximately 2 hours (or an additional hour if we visit the museum) and is recommended for morning hours. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time as we discover the hidden gems of Phalasarna.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the intersection of history and nature, we have an adventure for you! Just 7km south of Kissamos lies Polyrrhenia, a once-powerful ancient city that has stood the test of time. Today, the picturesque village is a blend of traditional homes and fascinating archaeological sites, including Hellenistic and Roman aqueducts, Venetian archways, and fortification towers. There are even rock-cut houses and cisterns waiting to be discovered.
As you make your way to the ancient acropolis of Polyrrhenia, you’ll pass a 19th-century church that’s built with curious inscribed blocks. Along the way, you’ll encounter impressive fortification walls that date back to both Hellenistic and Byzantine times. But the real question is, how did this hilltop city-state manage to survive throughout history and preserve all these treasures? What was its relationship with the more powerful city-states of each period? And where are the temples of its acropolis? Did it have a cult of Nymphs?
The highlight of the journey is the breathtaking view from the top of the acropolis hill. From the highest summit, you can take in the panoramic vistas of the White Mountains and the deep blue sea of Kissamos gulf. If you have time, you can even combine your trip with a visit to the archaeological museum of Kissamos. The museum houses numerous artifacts from the excavations at Polyrrhenia and is definitely worth a visit. This adventure takes approximately 2.5 hours (or 3.5 hours if you also visit the museum) and is recommended for either morning or evening hours.
Aptera, located just 15 km east of Chania, is an archaeological site that holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of post-Minoan civilization in Crete. While the Minoans are well-known for their Bronze Age dominance, Aptera tells the story of what happened after their fall. This fascinating site explores the society that emerged in the centuries following the Minoans, including the new political organization, the influx of “newcomers,” and the evolution of local beliefs and customs.
Visitors to Aptera will be treated to a time-traveling journey through Cretan history, with the chance to explore several well-preserved ruins such as a theatre, fortification walls, a cemetery, water reservoirs, a fortress, a monastery, and WWII pillboxes. Amidst the engaging exploration, visitors can take in the stunning views of the White Mountains and the bay of Souda.
For those looking for a more in-depth experience, a visit to the archaeological museum of Chania, where artifacts from the Aptera excavations are on display, can be easily combined with the visit to the site. The entire experience lasts approximately two hours, with an extra hour needed to visit the museum. The site is closed on Tuesdays, and admission tickets cost 4 EUR for adults and 2 EUR for children. For an unforgettable journey through the rich history of Crete, a visit to Aptera is highly recommended during morning and evening hours.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Chania with a captivating historical tour that will take you through the city’s old town. With an experienced archaeologist-tourist guide by your side, you’ll witness the fascinating unraveling of the town’s history and prehistory spanning over five millennia. From the Minoan neighborhoods to Hellenistic walls, bombarded Ottoman bathhouses, Latin inscriptions, imposing Venetian bastions, boot-maker shops, knife-maker shops, underground cisterns, a Venetian harbor, and even an African village, Chania’s multicultural past and architectural wonders will leave you in awe.
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to explore Chania’s unique history while staying away from crowded areas. Discover the secrets of the town, from historical events to human stories connected to every ruin, and gain a meaningful understanding of the city’s past. Additionally, the tour can be combined with a visit to the archaeological museum of Chania. The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long and is recommended for the morning or late evening hours.
Don’t miss this unforgettable journey that will transport you back in time to experience Chania’s rich history and prehistory. With an experienced guide, you’ll witness the incredible cultural mosaic that makes Chania a unique destination. Book your tour today to experience the rich history and culture of this unforgettable town.
Join us on a hiking trip to experience the magnificent landscape of western Crete and a close look at the traditional Cretan life. The tour starts with a visit to a typical Cretan house, where you can listen to old and modern stories about Cretan life. The landscape is truly amazing, with paths twisting and turning through the mountains of western Crete.
Join us every Thursday at 9:00 or 16:00 for a walk of approximately 3 hours and 8km suitable for adults and children. Enjoy a short stop in Milia and a meal included in the tour. Our English-speaking driver/guide is informative, experienced, and friendly. In the area of Kissamos, there are also many organized trails. Please ask our office for details.
This hiking tour is designed for people in good physical fitness, able to walk through narrow paths or rough unmade trails with constant alternation on the ground morphology. Sturdy comfortable footwear is essential, and we advise hiking boots or trainers. Please ensure you have adequate water, sunscreen cream, and a hat.
