KOUREMENOS – GLAROS APPARTMENTS
Discover Eastern Crete
Escorted walks with Jonathan Peat
22–29 September 2025
Your Walking Holiday at a Glance
- Flights from UK and local transfers included
- 7 nights at Kouremenos Suites with daily breakfast
- Welcome drinks and first evening meal
- 5 expertly guided walks with lunch and transfers
- All taxes and entrance fees included
- Maximum group size: 15 people
- Prices from £1730pp (based on two sharing)
- Call for single occupancy rates
- Starting Point: Heraklion Airport
- Walking Difficulty : Moderate (Level 2 boots) with daily walks ranging from 6-12 kilometres with ascent up to 500m. Please see more about the level on the Info page.
Explore Crete’s Untamed Beauty
Eastern Crete is a world apart: rugged landscapes, dramatic gorges, and pristine beaches washed by clear blue seas. Its timeless villages, endemic flora and fauna, and ancient pathways offer a glimpse of Crete as it was millennia ago.
Led by experienced guide Jonathan Peat, this walking holiday invites you to explore hidden treasures: archaeological sites, remote churches, and secluded villages where life follows age-old rhythms. You’ll enjoy the warmth of Cretan hospitality, lunches at local tavernas, and evenings by the sandy beach at Kouremenos. A couple of excellent tavernas and even a windsurfing school are just a short stroll from your accommodation.
Jonathan will bring the landscape to life with stories of its history, culture, and natural wonders, alongside readings from past travellers. This is a chance to walk, learn, and relax in one of Crete’s most unspoiled regions.
Good walking shoes are a must!
Key Experiences
Your walking holiday in Kouremenos combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and tranquil moments by the sea. While the exact itinerary may be adjusted to accommodate weather conditions or group needs, highlights of your adventure are set to include:
- Toplou Gorge & Vai Palm Beach: Walk through the striking rock formations and caves of Toplou Gorge before visiting the historic Toplou Monastery. Cap off the day with a coastal stroll to the famous palm-fringed beach at Vai.
- Zakros Gorge – The ‘Valley of the Dead’: A dramatic descent through this awe-inspiring gorge takes you to the ancient Minoan Palace of Zakros. A seaside lunch and swim set the stage for a scenic ascent back to your starting point.
- Remote Beauty of Xerokambos & Ziros Gorge: Discover the wild charm of the Ziros Gorge, leading to a serene beach at Xerokambos. Relax with a traditional clay cleansing ritual—a true escape into nature’s embrace.
- Petsofas Peak & Chiona: Wander ancient paths near Petsofas Peak, uncovering the secrets of an old marble quarry. The day ends with a seaside lunch and a visit to the archaeological site at Chiona.
- Coastal Charm of Palekastro: Trace a picturesque route past Maridati Beach and the Vigles outcrop, ending with a delicious meal and exploration of Kouremenos’ archaeological treasures.
Relaxation and Adventure in Balance
Take a break from walking with a day at leisure—swim in crystal-clear waters, sample local taverna delights, or try windsurfing at the renowned Kouremenos Beach.
With every step, you’ll uncover the magic of Crete’s rugged eastern coast while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of Kouremenos Suites.
Reserve your place today for an unforgettable walking journey !
SIMPSON COLLECTION ARTEMIS HOTEL
Discover Hidden Crete
Escorted walks with Jonathan Peat
30 September – 7 October 2025
Your Walking Holiday at a Glance
- Flights from UK and local transfers included
- 7 nights at the Simpson Collection – Artemis Hotel with daily breakfast
- Welcome drinks and first evening meal
- 5 guided walks with Jonathan Peat, including transfers and lunch
- All taxes and entrance fees included
- Maximum group size: 15 people
- Prices from £1772pp (based on two sharing)
- Call for single occupancy rates
- Starting Point: Heraklion Airport
- Walking Difficulty : Moderate (Level 2 boots) with daily walks ranging from 6-12 kilometres with ascent up to 500m. Please see more about the level on the Info page.
Crete Beyond the Surface
Discover the hidden side of Crete on this exclusive walking holiday. With over 30 years of local knowledge, Jonathan Peat will guide you through ancient paths, mule tracks, and timeless villages, revealing the secrets of Southeast Crete’s breathtaking landscapes.
From the lush Pefki Gorge to the mysterious Venetian hamlet, you’ll experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Based in Makrigialos, you’ll enjoy both the comforts of the Simpson Collection’s Artemis Hotel and the charm of the surrounding countryside. While the village itself is familiar to visitors, the surrounding trails and timeless scenery offer walkers a unique and captivating adventure.
Good walking shoes are essential!
Key Experiences
This walking holiday in Southeast Crete offers a captivating mix of rugged landscapes, historic villages, and serene seaside moments. While the itinerary is subject to adjustments for weather and group preferences, these are the standout highlights of the week:
- Pefki Gorge: Begin your adventure with breathtaking mountain views from Dafni to Pefki, followed by a scenic descent through this enchanting gorge, ending back in Makrigialos.
- Medieval Villages & Venetian Hamlets: Wander through the atmospheric streets of Violà and Etia, exploring their rich history and Venetian charm. The journey across the Handras plateau adds stunning vistas to the experience.
- Red Butterfly Gorge: Discover the unique flora and fauna of this magical gorge, finishing the day with a relaxed lunch and swim along the Libyan Sea’s tranquil shores.
- Ancient Paths of Kavousi: Walk cobbled trails steeped in history, passing Minoan ruins and Mirabello Bay’s breathtaking views. A picnic beneath ancient olive trees makes for a memorable pause.
- Kapsa Monastery & Kapsas Gorge: Descend from Pezoules to the peaceful Kapsa Monastery, then enjoy a seaside lunch in Kalo Nero before strolling back to Makrigialos along the beach.
A Day to Unwind
Midweek, you’ll enjoy a day at leisure to explore Makrigialos’ charming streets, relax on the beach, or indulge in local Cretan cuisine at your own pace.
With its mix of nature, history, and local culture, this Southeast Crete journey promises to leave you inspired and refreshed.
Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable adventure !
