9 independent reviews for Crete self-guided walking holiday, Greece
Reviews for Crete self-guided walking holiday, Greece
Richard McGinley review 6 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hiking was the primary feature and the ocean coastal environment was very beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The hiking was spectacular but the coastal hiking was very remote and challenging. Not suitable for someone with any fear of heights or lacking good route finding skills. The gorge hiking on the other hand was beautiful and easily done by anyone. We had beautiful weather everyday in late October and no crowds but the towns really start to close down about then so do not go in November.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I think it addressed all three areas4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This correspondence we sent to our local operator summarizes it well Kalimera Emmanouela Back home safe late last night. I wanted to thank you for your guidance and helping us with all the changes we made along the way thru the planning process and the live trip. All the places we stayed that you selected were very special. Debbe obviously had a challenging trip but fortunately she was able to avoid any of the trail hiking as it would not have been possible. Good thing we finished when we did as places in Loutro, Agia Roumeli and Sougia often closed the night after we ate there. I really enjoyed the hiking but it wasn’t easy. I recovered well after the initial missing water hike and no further problems. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys rugged hiking and isn’t afraid of exposed heights. Good thing you recommended skipping the Agia Roumeli to Sougia section. We met a guy in Sougia who had fallen 6 meters off a cliff the previous day hiking in that area and had some minor injuries but was fortunately still alive. We hope you and your family have a safe and enjoyable rest of this year and beyond. CheersDuncan Williams review 16 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Lovely walking on quiet footpaths with great scenery2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for hot weather, some routes have minimal shade and can be up to 5 miles between refreshment opportunities.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed and ate at tavernas owned and run by local people. We used public transport where appropriate.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday, well organised by the operator.Alan Klein review 21 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We really enjoyed the combination of walking the beautiful gorges of Crete and the varied coastal paths. It was great staying in less touristy parts of the island. Loutro a particular highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book you won't regret it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Good that we used smaller local hotels and restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
First class - really rate the support given by Emmanouela and the team. Highly recommended.Cardigan Wilkins review 24 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to select one event or memory the holiday was delightful throughout. The splendour of the gorges, the scent of thyme the birdsong in the valleys. Stunning scenery, friendly people , clean and comfortable accommodation, delicious food and friendly people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take walking poles have good footwear and be ready to smile!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, our only quibble was the use of small complimentary disposable plastic containers of bathroom products.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent and with good communication throughout.Jill Brooks review 15 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hiking.: beautiful terrain but challenging in places eg. Lygos to mamara. Look out for the easier option which we didn't know about. The accommodation: exceeded our expectations. Our hosts: always helpful and welcoming. Local bus ride from Sougia to Chania: absolutely stunning views but if you get travel sick take anti nausea meds beforehand. Crete is absolutely beautiful. Emmanouella kept in touch with us to check that everything was going smoothly. And it did!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just sometimes.....expect the unexpected! Make sure you are walk fit for the walks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely supported local people. Not sure about the rest.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Loved it! Thankyou very much. I would wholeheartedly recommend the operator.Diane Willis review 29 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I travelled with a friend and we loved the balanced program Emmanouela built for us. Hiking through gorges and the mountains was interspersed with days at beautiful, remote beaches. Many were only accessible by hiking in or taking a water taxi. The entire holiday was memorable. Magnificent mountain scenery that reminded us of the Canadian Rockies. Swimming in the beautiful blue sea at various beaches. Arriving at our gorgeous hotel in Loutro after some tough hiking around the cliffs. And the food.....2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We hiked from Agia Roumelli up the Samaria gorge to Omalos - everyone else was hiking down from the mountains to Agia Roumelli. It was a gift to trek for a few hours alone before we hit the hordes of people coming in the opposite direction - suggest you try hiking up and enjoy the peace of the mountains. That requires an overnight in Omalos and it was colder than we'd expected. Pack long trousers and a sweater in you're staying Omalos.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Responsible Travel business model means that we're benefiting a local travel agency, therefore local staff. We were given recommendations by Emmanouela for local places to eat, local experiences and products. Plus we made a commitment to only 'made in Greece' and preferably 'made in Crete' produce etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a fabulous holiday - largely because of the careful planning and constant attention from Emmanouela and her colleagues. She was accessible via sms to answer questions, give suggestions and make adjustments to the program. Everything Emmanouela's team organised worked liked clockwork. Some of the best holiday management I've experienced ever. We couldn't have asked for more.Nat Lindo review 30 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walk from Paleochora to Sougia was incredible. Especially after experiencing a thunderstorm the day and night before. The amazing views leaving and also descending into Lissos. The climb out and the back into Sougia, the gorge was breathtaking and photos just can’t capture the magnitude. The Samaria Gorge, was an amazing experience, seeing snow on the top of mountains, pools of water and dry river beds!!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The holiday worked really well for us. Emmanouela and her team from the tour operator, liaised and tailored our trip. Provided us with maps, suggested options of walks. Talk to them before you go and also whilst you’re there. Take a few days off after your walk to appreciate the part of Crete you’re in. Enjoy the lovely food.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope so in terms of environmental impact. Because we used public transport only when necessary. We bought local products, produce and goods wherever we stayed. Supported local shops and eateries.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great holiday and although challenging walks. Because of the support we had we felt energised and very pleased to have done it.Amanda Powell review 14 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire holiday was very memorable. We loved being in a wild part of Crete - the gorges were amazing, the walks along the coast were simply beautiful and we finished the trip off with a day in beautiful Chania. The Samaria Gorge was incredible and it was great to miss most of the 'traffic' by walking up it rather than the usual way down.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Crete is a beautiful island, and the people were friendly and helpful throughout without being pushy. This is the first trip we have done which is self-guided moving from place to place and we were unsure as to how well it would work especially as the baggage went separately. However, it was extremely well run and organised and Emmanouela from the tour operator could not have been more supportive. Our only tips would be to consider the time of year to go. We were lucky as the Samaria Gorge had just opened but we knew it was a risk as we went so early in the season but it would be extremely hot in mid-summer. We started in Heraklion and the trip can either finish there or Chania, but the latter is a prettier city and we enjoyed traversing Crete from point to point.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. We stayed in hotels and other accommodation throughout, all of which was clearly run by local people (with the exception of the cities). Local buses, taxis and ferries were used to transport us and our baggage (as some of the destinations could not be reached by road). The food was locally sourced including the fruit, honey and jam, and the evening meals provided were at local restaurants - excellent! We chatted to the people who owned the accommodation and all were from families who had lived in the area for many years, which was lovely. They had a real pride in their country and were keen to conserve the environment. Also, we had the support throughout from the excellent tour operator who are based in Crete.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Literally, it was an amazing holiday. We went with our adult children (plus one) and they were equally entranced with Crete. We all loved the fact that we travelled across the country and saw such a variety of scenery, from gorges, to mountains, to the sea and finished in the beautiful city of Chania. We walked along three gorges, all of which were different in character, and along the coast which was spectacular; the small village of Loutro, in particular, was magical. The food was very tasty and locally sourced both in the accommodation and in local restaurants, the locals were really friendly and the tour operator was simply excellent, especially Emmanouela. It is a really well put together and organised itinerary.Lawrence Lumsden review 17 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Samaria and Irina gorges.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The tour operator did a good job on arranging transport links. Hotels were mostly fine but there were one or two issues. Small groups should avoid the big tour parties on walks, at Imbros we competed for foot space over a terrain of rubble. Communications depended on mobile phone and whatsapp, which could have been made clear at booking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to some of the first, and probably not to the last two.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Three to four stars.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
