Tours and excursions Crete

Hiking on Crete

Crete is an absolute paradise for hiking and climbing enthusiasts! The south in particular offers the best hiking areas, where you can discover the unique, rugged beauty of nature, breathtaking gorges and caves, as well as secluded pebble and sandy beaches. The European hiking trail E4 also runs across the island, and many people hike along its popular hiking trails without even realising it.

Many hikers are particularly drawn to Crete in winter, as the mild but sunny temperatures are ideal for exploring the mountain ranges and plateaus. There are difficult, sometimes dangerous tours through gorges, which should only be undertaken by experienced hikers, and less demanding circular routes, which you can also do with your children. Whether you are a beginner, advanced or professional: lace up your hiking boots, pack some provisions and discover three wonderful hiking tours in Crete!

For beginners: Karfi circular route

On the Lassithi plateau lies the Karfi mountain, which is known for its rather barren, archaeologically very significant landscape. The circular trail, which can also be walked by experienced hikers, leads from the village of Tzermiado up to the 1,117 metre high mountain.Along the way you will come across ancient Minoan settlements, the church of St Ariadne and - of course - a fantastic view of the plateau.

For advanced travellers: Patsos Gorge

Small but mighty: Patsos Gorge (also known as Agios Antoniois Gorge) may not be the largest gorge in Crete, but it is one of the more challenging ones. It is best to hike through the gorge in summer, when the water level of the river is at its lowest. This allows you to walk dry through the gorge, which boasts lush vegetation, impressive rock formations and a few caves and waterfalls. As the path leads partly over rocky, slippery terrain, we recommend a guided hike, which can be booked on site.

For professionals: Samaria Gorge

The hike through the Samaria Gorge is probably the best known: In the high season, up to 4,000 tourists a day walk the trail, which is around 18 kilometres long in total. Among other things in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Cretan Kri-Kri goat, which lives freely in the mountains. The entire hike through the gorge is only suitable for experienced hikers: In parts, you make your way over steep serpentines, through passes that are only a few metres wide and along uneven, slippery ground. Should something happen, there is no mobile phone reception in the gorge. Ideally, you should book a guided hike that takes you to the Iron Gates, the beach and the mountain village of Agio Roumeli. The gorge is only open from the beginning of May to the end of October, from 7 am to 4 pm.

Food & drink on Crete

Cretan cuisine is certainly one of the most varied cuisines in Greece, as it recognises the influences of the island's Venetian and Turkish history. According to archaeologists, the country's cuisine even dates back to Minoan times, as vessels were found during excavations from which conclusions could be drawn about vegetables, cereals and pulses. Goat, pork and rabbit meat as well as many local, seasonal types of fruit and spices can also be found on the island's varied menus.

Local specialities on Crete:

• Avgolemono: A classic egg and lemon soup with chicken and rice.
• Stifado: A stew typically made with beef, tomatoes, onions and herbs. In Crete, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf are also added to the stew.
• Magiritsa: The "Greek Easter soup" is a soup made from lamb offal that is associated with breaking the fast. The soup is prepared on Holy Saturday and eaten after the midnight liturgy.
• Dákos: A popular appetiser made from grated or skinned, finely chopped tomatoes, feta, oregano or other herbs and olive oil. Crushed garlic, chopped onions and capers are often added. The starter is served on paximadi, a rusk-like barley bread. In other regions, the appetiser is known as koukouvagia.
• Stamnagathi: Stamnagathi refers to wild vegetables, usually wild chicory, which grow in the mountains of the island. They are considered a Greek superfood and are often served in salads.
• Jemista: Jeminista is a typical, traditionally vegan summer dish for which red peppers are stuffed with vegetables and fried. It is often served with potatoes and feta.
• Imam Baldi: Imam Baldi - translated as "the imam fainted" - is a Turkish dish made from stuffed aubergines. They are stuffed with tomatoes, pointed peppers and garlic, flavoured with pepper, parsley and cumin.

Of course, Crete also has the typical Greek dishes that we know from the mainland or other islands: Souvlaki, bifteki, keftedes or moussaka. Fish and seafood - from calamari, sardines and swordfish to lobster, langoustines and octopus to prawns and mussels - are also served in every conceivable variation. Cretans also love to eat baklava, loukoumades or bougatsa for dessert. Many of the desserts are drenched in honey, which comes directly from the island. Take your time, as is traditional throughout Greece, and enjoy the extensive, relaxed Cretan food culture!