Overview
The ruggedly beautiful island of Crete, renowned for its wild mountain trails, strong traditional culture, and ancient civilizations, is also celebrated for its cuisine. Unique local ingredients, from mountain herbs to farm cheeses, give the food of Crete an unforgettable flavor, and its wines carry the distinctive island terroir. On this southernmost of Greek isles, we’ll get an insider’s perspective with expert Trip Leader Kostas Vasileiou, an accomplished cook and winemaker himself. Daily hikes will bring us above the gleaming blue sea on the south coast and into the soaring Lefka Ori (White Mountains) of the interior. Kostas will introduce us to friends all along the way—shepherds, farmers, taverna owners, and the people who create the island’s signature dishes. Between hikes, we’ll enjoy cooking lessons and demonstrations, wine tasting, and an understanding of the landscape as each local dish teaches us about the physical terrain and microclimate of this island realm. Crete is the legendary birthplace of Zeus and home of Europe’s earliest civilization, so we’ll also take in splendid antiquities, including the labyrinthine Minoan palace of Knossos. This is the perfect adventure for hikers, foodies, and anyone who is intrigued by the proud, unique culture of a sun-flecked island on the southern edge of the Aegean.
This trip was a fantastic combination of hiking, food, history, and cultural experience. The organization was amazing. The hike to St. Anthony’s Cave, the feast of lamb roasted over an open fire followed by Greek dancing was a once in a lifetime experience.
— Rebecca C., Davis, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Heraklion / Farm Lunch / Wine Tasting
Welcome dinner in Heraklion. Explore the Archaeology Museum and experience our first taste of traditional cuisine at a home-cooked farm lunch outside Heraklion, followed by wine-tasting at Diamantaki.
Days 3-6
Knossos / Kapetaniana / Mt. Kofinas / Koudoumas
Explore Knossos and the great palace of mythical King Minos, with its legends of the Minotaur. Tour the small village of Kapetaniana at 2,500 feet above sea level in the Asterousia Mountains. Bake a hearty meal of wood-fired bread, chicken, and potatoes. Hike up Mt. Kofinas and into the remote Salamias Gorge. One hike brings us to seaside Koudoumas Monastery for lunch with the monks and an atmospheric roasted lamb dinner inside Anthony’s Cave, a Minoan sanctuary. At our village inn, we’ll prepare the filo (pastry) pies for our delicious dinner.
Days 7-8
Gortyn / Anogia / Mt. Psiloritis / Shepherd Lunch
Explore the Roman-era site at Gortyn, with its grand theatre. Moving to the wild interior mountains and the hill village of Anogia, our hikes bring us up Mt. Psiloritis (8,056’), home to a sanctuary linked to Zeus, and to a typical mitato (stone-built shepherds’ hut) for lunch with a shepherd, including fresh-made cheeses from his goats. For dinner one night, we’ll be introduced to the making of traditional stifado, cinnamon-and-clove scented beef stew.
Days 9-11
Arkadi / Kallergi Mountain Refuge / Chania
We visit the beautiful Arkadi Monastery en route to lovely Chania, known for its 14th century Venetian harbor and waterfront restaurants. Our last view of the mountains is at our lunch in the Kallergi Mountain Refuge in the White Mountains and we depart on Day 11.
Great Hikes and Cuisine of Crete
Highlights
Highlights
Details
2-4 hour hikes most days across moderate to steep terrain; city and village exploration on foot
