Ammos Hotel
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[30.2 miles]
Design-forward interiors, Cretan home-cooking, and a sandy beach on the doorstep make Ammos a much-loved favourite with parents and children alike.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Hike Samaria Gorge
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece
Last updated: 18 December, 2022
Running from a plateau in the White Mountains all the way down to the Libyan Sea, Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most spectacular canyons in Europe.
Well-trodden and well-maintained, the 16-kilometre trail goes through incredibly diverse scenery. You might spot some of the 450 species of flora and fauna, alongside freshwater springs, abandoned villages, and isolated chapels. Look out for the increasingly rare kri-kri goats, an endangered breed endemic to Crete.
It’s possible to hike a much shorter route, if you start at the end point: the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where you can cool off with a plunge into the Libyan Sea.
Don't miss
A selfie at the Sideroportes (Iron Gates) – the narrowest point of the Samaria gorge. Here the canyon tapers to an aperture of just 3m wide, but over 100m high.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 day
Getting there & doing it
Allow a whole day (and a very early start) to hike the Samaria gorge. The hike itself will take 6-7 hours end to end; but getting to and from the gorge also requires time and effort. (The finishing line, Agia Roumeli, is only accessible by boat from Sfakia, Loutro, Paleochora, or Sougia.)
It is highly advisable to book through a local travel agency (such as the excellent Diktynna Travel), who will arrange all the logistics, as well as a local guide.
Although not technically too challenging, the hike is steep and rocky in places, so a fairly high level of fitness is required. There are natural springs along the way, so bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, a hat, first aid kit, and sunscreen.
Right at the start of the walk, 1,200 metres above sea level, the Xyloskalo taverna has a terrace jutting out over the gaping mouth of the gorge with giddying views. The food is average, so go for a drink rather than a meal.
When to do it
The trail is open from mid-May to mid-October (depending on weather conditions). It opens at dawn and closes at 4pm.
Set off at daybreak for optimum conditions and fewer crowds. The coolest, quietest months are May and June, or September and October.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Casa Delfino
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[31.2 miles]
A historic palazzo hidden in the colourful backstreets of Chania’s old town, this family-owned hotel has plenty of personality. The views from the roof terrace are a knock-out, and breakfast in the photogenic courtyard is a treat.
Official star rating:
Milia Mountain Retreat
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[33.1 miles]
For a natural high and authentic local experience, this eco-retreat is still the benchmark on Crete. Hidden away in the forested peaks of Kissamos, Milia is ideal for active walking holidays and gourmet locavores (the food is phenomenal).
Official star rating:
Kapsaliana Village Hotel
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[60.8 miles]
Once an olive mill owned by the nearby Arkadi monastery, this 200-year-old stone hamlet has been sensitively converted into a secluded hillside hideaway, where nature and traditional heritage take centre stage.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Crete
Greek Islands, Greece
Greece’s largest island has something for everyone: ramblers and epicureans, history buffs and beach bums. From jaw-dropping gorges to ravishing beaches, Crete is so much more than world-famous Knossos.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Hike Aradena Gorge
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[9.6 miles]
A dramatic 7.5-kilometre hike through a sheer gorge that takes you from a ghost village to a remote beach in the province of Sfakia.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Manousakis Winery
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[24.2 miles]
Cretan wine has come a long way since the days of home-made retsina. At the exceptionally well-run Manousakis winery, not far from Chania, tastings, pairings, and cooking classes take place in a beautiful olive and orange grove. Before you go, pick up beautifully packaged olive oil, tsikoudia (Cretan grappa), and sea salt, along with a case of the excellent Nostos Pink rosé.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Windsurfing at Golden Beach
Paros, Greek Islands, Greece[30.5 miles]
Over half a mile long, Golden Beach catches the north wind, so the sea is often choppy. The sandy shore is lined with beach bars and surf clubs, with conditions suitable for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike. (Nearby New Golden Beach is better for advanced windsurfers.) The Professional Windsurfing World Cup takes place here every August.
Best for ages: 10+ | £30 | 1+ hours
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![Balos Beach [sailing]](https://familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Crete-Balos-Beach-SH-1.jpg)
Experience
Balos Beach [sailing]
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[50.6 miles]
Crete’s luminous ‘blue lagoon’, Balos is a shallow turquoise bay with powdery sand that could be in the Caribbean. It’s a bumpy, dusty 40-minute drive down a dirt road, followed by a 30-minute hike down to the photogenic beach. For a more relaxed experience, sail there from Kissamos port with Balos Sailing.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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Experience
Monastery of Arkadi
Crete, Greek Islands, Greece[61.1 miles]
More than a religious landmark, this 16th-century monastery is a symbol of the Cretan struggle for independence from Ottoman rule. In 1866, hundreds of locals took refuge inside the monastery, but were besieged by Turkish troops; rather than surrendering, they blew themselves (and their enemies) up. The fortress-like compound is still inhabited by a handful of monks.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Round-ups that include this experience
24 Unforgettable short walks (< 1 day)
Multiple countries
From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.
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