Hike the amazing South of Chania!
The European path E4 runs along the south coast of Chania. Hiking on this trail you can enjoy the pure, wild, and challenging Cretan landscape. Remote beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking views, ancient cities, castles, and unique geological formations, all on the same trail.
We have divided the trail into five sections (A, B, C, D, E).
Choose one section for a full-day tour or contact us for a multi-day trek.
All Chania South Trail tours include a return by private boat!
Choose a section
Elafonisi – Paleochora
Hiking distance: 10km
Hiking duration: 4-5h
Difficulty: 3/5
Pick up: 7:30
Drop off: 19:30
Elafonisi to Paleochora.
Hiking will start from the famous Elafonisi beach. The trail goes through the bay of Kedrodasos which is a coastal forest with junipers (cedars) towards the beach! Ancient pillars and ruins of a Roman sanctuary will be on the way to Paleochora area offering epic scenery next to the clearest sea of southern Crete! The end of the hike is on a beautiful beach where we will enjoy our lunch in a local canteen in front of the sea in a calm atmosphere before the private boat will transfer us back to Elafonisi.
By the time we will arrive at Elafonissi most people will have already left, so we will enjoy all the beauty of this unique beach without the crowds. The turquoise and crystal clear waters will make you feel like you are swimming in a huge private pool!
Get a taste
Paleochora – Sougia
Hiking distance: 9,5km Hiking duration: 5-6h Difficulty: 3/5
Pick up: 7:00
Drop off: 18:30
Paleochora – Sougia
Section B of the E4 coastal path starts from the village of Paleochora and the famous beach of Yialiskari. We will hike very close to the sea, on a path without any particular difficulties, passing through small beautiful bays that one could only reach by small boat or on foot.
The trail will lead us to the ancient city of Lissos. We will walk next to the remains of centuries, visiting the famous Asclepius (temple of health) to feel the energy of Lissos, and we will rest next to the ancient water source that still exists! This place was very famous in ancient times for retreat, recovery, and good health, attracting visitors from all over the known world.
The trail will lead us to the small village of Sougia. This quiet place by the sea will take away all our tiredness and give us the chance to enjoy a delicious meal with a local quality kitchen, as we will have beautiful views of the south coast!
Get a taste
Sougia – Tripiti
Hiking distance: 9km Hiking duration: 5h Difficulty: 4/5
Pick up: 7:00
Drop off: 18:30
Sougia – Tripiti
Sections C & D are the most beautiful the same time challenging parts of Chania South Trail.
Starting from the small quiet village of Sougia (Ancient City of Syia), this trail follows the coastline through beautiful pine groves before reaching the gorge of Tripiti. Wonderful views of the South Cretan Sea, on a demanding path of wild beauty.
The trail passes by the ruins of the ancient city of Pekelassos and the Ottoman fortress “Koules”, before descent to the exit of the gorge, next to the sea.
The Tripiti Gorge is a parallel gorge to the Samaria Gorge, which is difficult to cross, with challenging and dangerous passages. In this hike, we have the advantage of enjoying its beauty by approaching it from the southern part as we reach the beach of Tripiti.
The return is a beautiful boat ride to the port of Sougia with stunning views of the mountainous coastline!
Get a taste
Tripiti – Agia Roumeli
Hiking distance: 12km Hiking duration: 7h Difficulty: 4/5
Pick up: 6:00
Drop off: 19:00
Tripiti – Agia Roumeli
Maybe the most challenging and wild part of Chania South Trail. The day starts with a beautiful boat ride with stunning views of the mountainous coastline from the small town of Sougia to the exit of the Trypiti Gorge.
Tripiti Beach is located at the port of ancient Pekelassos. Stunning rock formations and numerous caves of various sizes show the power of wild nature and the passage of centuries.
We will pass by the stunning Domata beach, which can only be approached by boat or on foot! Crystal-clear waters and a pine forest above the beach, make a breathtaking scenery!
This demanding trail will take us to the village of Agia Roumeli, which is the exit of the popular Samaria Gorge. This day ends with a beautiful boat trip back to the port of Sougia with great views of the coastline.
Get a taste
Agia Roumeli – Sfakia
Hiking distance: 18,9km Hiking duration: 7-8h Difficulty: 3,5/5
Pick up: 6:30
Drop off: 19:30
Agia Roumeli – Sfakia
The beach of Glyka Nera with its deep blue waters, the roadless village of Loutro which is accessible only by boat, Marmara beach at the exit of the famous gorge of Aradaina and the small villages of Lycos and Finikas are some of the places we will meet while walking this path.
The trail then circles a beautiful cape over the water, offering spectacular views of the open sea, before entering a pine forest to reach the beach of Agios Pavlos.
At Agios Pavlos beach we come across the remote Byzantine chapel, famous for its architectural elements. The beach looks epic with the open sea in front of it and the sand dunes in the background.
The path leads us to the village of Agia Roumeli at the exit of the Samaria Gorge. From here we start a beautiful boat ride back to Sfakia with stunning views of the coastline!
Get a taste
Make it Multi-Day
√ Included
– Snacks during the activity
– English-speaking guide
– Team first aid kit
– Transfer from and to your hotel
– Private boat transfer with captain
× Not included
– Meals
– Drinks
– Anything not mentioned
Chania, Crete, Greece
35°19’01.8″N 24°01’52.3″E
info@walk-it.org
+30 6977514197
+30 6982388030
