Crete is often referred to as Megalónisos - the Great Island, in Greek - and, at 160 miles from west to east, it is practically the size of a small country. Which means that, although most visitors keep to the beaches, it has a vast interior to be explored. For walkers, this represents a huge treasure waiting to be discovered.

The limestone terrain varies from soft, rounded hills to the snow-capped White Mountains in the west where some 30 summits are higher than 2000 metres (6562 feet). To the first-time visitor, it can come as a shock to journey from blistering-hot beaches to the foothills of mountains still splashed with snow in late May. Indeed, the best time to come walking is late spring and early summer when temperatures are pleasant but not sweltering, and there will still be rooms to spare in the best hotels on Crete for walkers.

Flickr user Over Doz

The other major features of Crete's interior are the deep gorges that cut through the mountains often ending at a cove on the coast. The most spectacular is the Samarian Gorge set in a national park of the same name. At 16 kilometres (10 miles) long it claims to be the longest in Europe, with cliff walls that reach up to 1000-feet high. It takes around five hours to descend.

Walkers will be rewarded by a rich wildlife: peregrine falcons, hoopoes and orioles - eagles if you're lucky - plus wild orchids and the scent of thyme and lavender. Hilltop villages may hide Byzantine chapels and frescoed churches.

Choose one of the best hotels for walkers on Crete and discover these treasures for yourself.

7 of the Best Hotels on Crete for Walkers

The Best Value Hotels on Crete for Walkers

• Tucked away in the south-eastern corner of the island, in a small rocky canyon and surrounded by nature, Aspros Potamos offers a real back-to-nature vibe. This collection of 10 stone cottages is utterly traditional: whitewashed stone walls, open rafters, paraffin lamps and solar power. Walks start from your door.

The Best Self-Catering Villas on Crete for Walkers

• White River Cottages, a huddle of stone shepherds' cottages with white-washed interiors, stone-flagged floors and timbered ceilings surrounded by olive and citrus trees, offer a simple, self-catering option. Close to some stunning gorge-walking, this makes for a peaceful base with the added bonus of a pretty pool.
• Metohi Kindelis is a beautiful manor house dating back to 1650, which has been cleverly converted into three self catering units which can sleep up to four. It may be self catering, but the owners will stock your fridge every day with complimentary goodies for breakfast. It's perfectly placed for exploring the hiking trails of Western Crete.

The Best Spa Hotels on Crete for Walkers

• Elia Hotel and Spa is also ideally located (in the hills jiust outside Chania) for those wanting to explore the Western part of Crete on two feet. There's paths and trails for all abilities and when you get home you can pick from an array of soothing treatments to ease your weary limbs.

The Best Hotel Views on Crete for Walkers

• Kapsaliana Village Hotel is also situated atop a hill - and the views over the Med below are simply stunning. You're surrounded by gorgeous countryside (perfect for keen walkers) yet the beach is just a short drive. The rooms are beautiful and there's a lovely pool and restaurant serving modern Greek cuisine.
• Eleonas Traditional Houses enjoy an off the beaten track location in the centre of Crete. There's hiking trails on the doorstep, loads of on site activities and with its hillside location, the views don't get much better!

As they are often located in more remote areas, Crete’s best hotels for walkers offer a chance to experience the true Cretan way of life.

But, if there's nothing on our Guru's list of 7 of the best hotels on Crete for walkers then you could:

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Crete?
• Or refine your search to just the best places to stay in Chania? or the best places to stay in Heraklion? or the best places to stay in Heraklion?
• Or you could refine your search to our Guru's recommendations for 7 of the Best Self-Catering Apartments and Villas on Crete? or 5 of the Best Guesthouses on Crete?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

7 of the Best Hotels on Crete for Walkers

 

Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 29th June 2022