5-Day Private E4 Hiking Tour from Chania: Samaria, Imbros, Aradena & Coastal Trails
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness; comfortable walking 6–16 km per day and able to handle sustained descents and uneven terrain.
Overview
A private five-day tour along Crete’s E4 trails that links Imbros, Aradena and Samaria gorges with wild beaches and mountain villages. Expect long descents, limestone canyons, local food stops, and private transfers that keep the focus on the hiking.
5-Day Private E4 Hiking Tour from Chania: Samaria, Imbros, Aradena & Coastal Trails
Select participants and date
The morning light on Crete’s White Mountains is a hard, honest thing — it strips the air clear and throws the ragged limestone ridges into sharp relief. On day one a small van peels out of Chania and the island opens: terraced olive groves, low stone walls, and the road dropping toward Imbros Gorge where the path narrows and shadows pool under plane trees. From there the E4 route stitches a sequence of contrasts — narrow gorges that force a walker’s attention, wind-buffed beaches where the sea dares you to cool off, and villages where shepherds and stone masons still set the pace of life.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Early starts beat heat and crowds
Begin hikes before 8:00 AM when gorges are coolest and quieter—especially Samaria where afternoon traffic rises.
Use trekking poles for descents
Poles reduce strain on knees during long descents like Samaria’s 1,250 m drop to the sea.
Carry cash for small purchases
Some village tavernas and artisans accept only cash for snacks, small souvenirs, or raki tastings.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with sticky rubber and ankle support—gorge floors can be wet, rocky, and uneven.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vultures soaring the canyon thermals
- Kri-kri (Cretan wild goat) on higher limestone ledges
History
Sfakia has a long history of autonomy and resistance; its mountain villages and stone towers reflect centuries of pastoral life and Ottoman-era struggles.
Conservation
Samaria sits partially within a national park with strict trail rules; stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and minimize single-use plastics.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Chania
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Grip and ankle support for rocky gorges and scree slopes.
Trekking poles
Helps control pace and protect knees on long descents like Samaria.
Daypack with 2–3 L hydration
Carry water, layers, sunscreen and lunch snacks for long, exposed sections.
summer specific
Light rain shell
Spring weather can be changeable in the mountains; a packable shell keeps you dry and warm.
spring specific