Top Crete Outdoor Activities - page 32

The hike is around 10 miles mostly downhill so it’s not too strenuous, but it’s still a long way and you should be in reasonably good physical condition to make this hike. It does get kind of crowded, and I kept getting passed by people who seemed to be in a hurry. I recommend you slow down and take the sites along the way because it is a very beautiful hike. The trail is rough enough that you have to watch where you’re going while you hike so it’s difficult to sightsee and walk at the same time. If you hurry through the gorge, you’ll get to the end and then wonder why you came all that way, but if you take your time and stop on the ground and take some pictures, you will have a wonderful time. They start you early in the morning and you need to finish by 4:30 or five in order to catch the 530 ferry back to the road system. That is not difficult to do. I finished at three because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t cutting it close and I wish I would have slowed down even a little bit more and tried to finish about four. That would still give plenty of time to take a nice dip at the beach before getting on the boat.

This class was truly incredible! My husband and I have taken 3 or 4 cooking classes while traveling, but this one was really special. The hosts, the food, the animals, the scenery, literally everything—was unforgettable. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Go in the spring- beautiful and perfect temperature and river not dried up Hire walking poles as it is difficult terrain and they make a huge difference - gives you 4 legs like one of the goats Carry one bottle of water and refill from the springs and river as totally clean and fresh Only make short rest stops and eat small snacks - don’t do a long picnic break as your muscles won’t want to get going again and you don’t want to feel full. Make sure you have plenty of battery in your phone, or 2 phones as you take so many photos it uses your battery fast Take a hat If you are struggling at the end, after you have walked 1km on exit there is a minibus that is 3€ that will take you to the village saving you 2km walk. The Kri Kri bar/restaurant is lovely- family run and we had a lovely late lunch/early dinner there, and sat drinking beer till we went for the ferry. Sarah was an amazing guide, really informative and stayed at the rear helping stragglers. Be aware it is the hardest walk I have ever done. I have walked far further than that, I walk every day, but this was hard because of the terrain. I did fall once because the rocks move- you need to be vigilant. Stop to admire the scenery, don’t walk and admire at the same time as you need to watch your footing. Viator and Elafonisi company were excellent.