Cretan South Coast Adventure Tour
Description
Discover Cretan’s South Coast
Reveal your Indiana Jones instincts as you explore a Cretan village, venture into a gorge, discover an ancient city, freshen up with the ‘healing water,’ swim in a deep-blue sea, and have a shot at preparing local dishes! Be positive and open-minded and you’ll experience an adventure of a lifetime!
Highlights
On this Cretan adventure will drive you away from the town to the less travelled road heading to the southern cost of the island. After meeting your local guide, enjoy a two-hour ride that will take you to a seaside village away from tourist hordes.
Upon reaching this small, laid-back village, you’ll start your day adventure off by boosting your energy with a light breakfast made from local organic products, such as olives, rusks, and cheese.
After breakfast, you’ll follow an easy trail heading to the ancient city of Lissos. During ancient times, Lissos was one of the most powerful trading and fishing hubs of the area that was totally abandoned all of a sudden, due to a destructive earthquake. Till nowadays, the ancient city hasn’t been totally excavated and believed that some important buildings such as the temple for the goddess Diktinna are still underground.
Hike under the old pine trees and from the top of a hill admire the breathtaking scenery with the namesake gorge beneath you and the bright blue sea in the distance. Then, following the trail, you’ll reach a barrel plateau with views over rocks that meet the sea. This is the place of the ancient Asclepieion, a healing temple, built in the third century B.C.E and dedicated to the god Asclepius.
You’ll have an hour to explore the area of Asclepieion, walk around the ruins, drink ‘healing water’ from the spring used in the ancient ceremonies and the therapeutic sessions and point out the herbs and flora used in the Cretan diet.
Please keep in mind that the full walk through the trail is approximately 90 minutes with stops, with elevations of 250 metres up, and almost 400 metres down.
Then, after a half an hour of easy walk you’ll approach a sandy beach with fine pebbles. For the next two hours, soak up the sun, dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy some fresh fruit.
Afterwards, you’ll hop on a fishing boat to continue your exploration of the south coast. You’ll visit a remote charming village where you’ll participate in a hands on experience by making your own local traditional sweet. Enjoy your fruits of labor perfectly paired with a shot of raki after savoring a mouthwatering meal!
Before departing for Chania, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time for a stroll around the coastal town of Paleochora. Experience its cosmopolitan vibe as you walk along the promenade and its picture-pretty back streets.
Your Cretan exploration to this unspoilt island’s corner comes to an end but before we part ways, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Crete.
Reveal your Indiana Jones instincts as you explore a Cretan village, venture into a gorge, discover an ancient city, freshen up with the ‘healing water,’ swim in a deep-blue sea, and have a shot at preparing local dishes! Be positive and open-minded and you’ll experience an adventure of a lifetime!
Highlights
- Experience an amazing private adventure on the south coast of Crete by visiting unique off-the-beaten-truck spots such as a charming coastal village.
Follow a trail for a 90-minute hike through a captivating gorge to a place with outstanding views, interesting flora and peaceful moments away from tourists
Discover a secret ancient city with ‘healing’ waters and mythical energy
Hop on a fishing boat to a impressive secluded beach and swim into the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea
Participate in a hands on cooking lesson, enjoy a mouthwatering meal and learn more about Cretan cuisine
On this Cretan adventure will drive you away from the town to the less travelled road heading to the southern cost of the island. After meeting your local guide, enjoy a two-hour ride that will take you to a seaside village away from tourist hordes.
Upon reaching this small, laid-back village, you’ll start your day adventure off by boosting your energy with a light breakfast made from local organic products, such as olives, rusks, and cheese.
After breakfast, you’ll follow an easy trail heading to the ancient city of Lissos. During ancient times, Lissos was one of the most powerful trading and fishing hubs of the area that was totally abandoned all of a sudden, due to a destructive earthquake. Till nowadays, the ancient city hasn’t been totally excavated and believed that some important buildings such as the temple for the goddess Diktinna are still underground.
Hike under the old pine trees and from the top of a hill admire the breathtaking scenery with the namesake gorge beneath you and the bright blue sea in the distance. Then, following the trail, you’ll reach a barrel plateau with views over rocks that meet the sea. This is the place of the ancient Asclepieion, a healing temple, built in the third century B.C.E and dedicated to the god Asclepius.
You’ll have an hour to explore the area of Asclepieion, walk around the ruins, drink ‘healing water’ from the spring used in the ancient ceremonies and the therapeutic sessions and point out the herbs and flora used in the Cretan diet.
Please keep in mind that the full walk through the trail is approximately 90 minutes with stops, with elevations of 250 metres up, and almost 400 metres down.
Then, after a half an hour of easy walk you’ll approach a sandy beach with fine pebbles. For the next two hours, soak up the sun, dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy some fresh fruit.
Afterwards, you’ll hop on a fishing boat to continue your exploration of the south coast. You’ll visit a remote charming village where you’ll participate in a hands on experience by making your own local traditional sweet. Enjoy your fruits of labor perfectly paired with a shot of raki after savoring a mouthwatering meal!
Before departing for Chania, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time for a stroll around the coastal town of Paleochora. Experience its cosmopolitan vibe as you walk along the promenade and its picture-pretty back streets.
Your Cretan exploration to this unspoilt island’s corner comes to an end but before we part ways, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Crete.
Included
Local English-speaking guide, transportation, breakfast (local dish with rusks, olives, tomatoes, and cheese), seasonal fruit, a meal (starter and main course), local sweets, raki (a local spirit)
Excluded
Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide
Know before you go
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. If it’s warm, bring your swimsuit!
Child Policy: Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
Dietary Notes: We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.
Child Policy: Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
Dietary Notes: We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.