Things to do in

Gorge Imbros

Discover the Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. Although the Imbros Gorge is smaller, many people prefer to cross here because it offers a very different hiking experience than the Samaria Gorge. Of the 11 kilometers, 8.5 kilometers are suitable for hiking. Discover the exquisite beauty of nature in this narrow passage and learn about the stunning rock formations.  According to legend, the name Imbros was given to the village, and subsequently the gorge, because two Greek brothers chose to live here after they were banished from Imbros Island when it was connected to Turkey. For many years, the Imbros Gorge served as part of the trail that connected the city of Chania to the Hora Sfakion village. It is notable that during World War II, after the Battle of Crete was lost by Greece and her allies, many thousands of British soldiers passed through the Imbros Gorge towards South Crete in order to get to Egypt.  After the hike, take a swim in the stunning refreshing Libyan sea. Eat lunch with the locals in the taverns. 

After pickup from your hotel in the Rethymno area at approximately 7:30 AM, journey by bus to the Imbros Gorge in the eastern part of the White Mountains of Crete. Upon arrival, enjoy an easy 3-hour hike through the narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations. The Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. This picturesque gorge is smaller (8km long) than the Samaria but is just as beautiful. During your descent you will visit various famous locations such as the Stenada (the gorge's narrowest passage), Mesofarango (a wider passage) and Xepitira Arch (a natural stone arch). You'll then arrive at Komitades Village where buses will be waiting to bring you to Chora Sfakion for some relaxing free time at one of the taverns or cafés overlooking the sea. Continue by bus to the south coast and visit a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch before the bus trip back to Rethymno area at approximately 5:30 PM.

You will arrive early in the morning to the traditional village of Sfakia, from where you will take a boat to the beautiful beach of Agia Roumeli. Once there you can choose to walk to the opposite side within the majestic gorge, with most people choosing to walk as far as the famous Iron Gates. This is the narrowest point of the gorge, and offers those inside it the best chance to get a glimpse of the wild beauty and serenity of the area. You will soon return to head to the sandy beach of Agia Roumeli, a superb place nestled between breathtakingly high mountains. There you will have the chance to spend the rest of your day swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathing, or strolling along the fine-pebbled beach. You can also choose to enjoy your meal in one of the many seaside taverns. At the end of your stress-relieving day you will board your boat once again to get to the hospitable and quaint village of Sfakia, where you will take a bus back to your hotel. This is an ideal excursion for people who want to experience some of the magic of the Samaria Gorge, or for families with children.

Leaving Chania, you will venture into a completely different landscape, going deep into the unique region of Sfakia. The White Mountains will be your stomping ground for a day of activities for the whole family. Your first stop of the day is at a family owned small-scale cheese factory for a Cretan cheese and yoghurt tasting. You will learn about the traditional local production from this expert cheesemonger, and have the opportunity to sample what locals consider to be the best yoghurt on the island. Afterwards, you’ll head to Askifou Plateau at an altitude of 730m, a picture-perfect valley surrounded by the White Mountains. From there, you’ll start your hike into the 8km Imbros Gorge. It is an easy walk for the whole family with multiple stops for photos and discussions around the flora and fauna in the area. The gorge is spectacular, with several very narrow passages. Your guide will share thrilling stories about how this area was used by Australia, New Zealand and British soldiers in the war. Then, get ready to experience the local culture through gastronomy with your hands-on food workshop. Amongst the delicious flavours and aromas mixed in with local wine, you will discover the secrets of local cuisine while you enjoy a traditional meal, delicious desserts and locally-farmed fruit. At the end of the day, enjoy a glass of wine as you will visit one of the best wineries in Crete for a tasting. You can taste 4 different wine varieties in the traditional cellar, taking in the experience with all of your senses. The tasting is a fitting finale in Crete’s Far West.