Walks in beautiful West Crete

Latest news from Prana Holidays

12/02/2009

David, your host and walks leader, has lived in the beautiful area of West Crete for 13 years and has come to know it very well. For your walking week he selects a variety of easy grade walks to showcase just how lovely it is. The walks are a minimum of four hours per day, arranged so that there is always a taverna at the end of the walk or a picnic. Walks from May onwards include the famous Samaria Gorge, which is an all day expedition with a boat trip along the dramatic south coast where the mountains come down to the sea. On other days you will find that there are shorter and less busy gorges where you might want to look at wild flowers, griffon vultures and eagles or just admire the view. There are also ridge walks too, plus one or two expeditions along quiet stretches of scenic coastline.
The west of Crete is a step back in time with ruins from the Minoan period, through the Greek City State period and Roman times and then to Venetian occupation. Clear evidence still exists in the countryside of this turbulent history right up to World War 2. Kastelli, the local town also has a wonderful archaeological museum where you will find excavated items from places you visit. The air is clean, the area unspoiled and the people are open and friendly. You can often pick fruit while walking, warm from the sun. There's time too for the beach and a day trip to Chania or a self guided walk as you have one free day in the week.