Welcome to our popular and friendly Solos Exclusive Iraklis Apartments in Gouves, the perfect base for exploring the beautiful island of Crete. Join us on our exciting new walking week, where we’ll take in the island’s stunning history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient Minoan sites and charming villages, to breathtaking coastal views and scenic mountain trails, this adventure will reveal Crete’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or just keen to explore under blue skies, this walking week promises an unforgettable experience, filled with discovery and exploration. Crete’s landscapes await!
Extras
Welcome to the Iraklis Apartments in Gouves! If time allows upon our arrival, we’ll start with a leisurely guided stroll through the charming resort town. This walk is the perfect way to get acquainted with the beautiful surroundings, meet fellow hikers, and connect with our Tour Leader and local guide.
Our walk will take us to some of the nicest spots along the shoreline, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves and even wade through the gentle surf at Aposelemi Beach. We’ll also pass by essential local stops like a bakery, the supermarket, and other convenient stores, helping us settle in comfortably.
We’ll conclude this relaxed introduction with a complimentary welcome drink, a great chance to toast the hiking adventures that lie ahead and soak up the local atmosphere. It’s the perfect start to our stay at Iraklis Apartments in Gouves!
As we embark on this hike, we’ll be walking in the footsteps of Europe’s first civilization. There’s a good chance the legendary King Minos once travelled this same trail over 2,000 years ago. Our goal is to reach the ancient settlement of Knossos – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most important archaeological treasure in Greece. This magnificent palace was the ceremonial, political, religious, and economic heart of the Minoan civilization, and your guide will bring its rich Cretan history and mythology to life. (entrance fee €15 Palace €12 Museum payable locally)
On our way, we’ll stop at the renowned Scalarea Estate Winery, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience. Discover the unique local grape varieties and the fascinating viticulture of the island, sampling wines crafted from the very soil that has sustained life for millennia.
After a short transfer, we’ll be dropped off on a hilltop, where our adventure begins as we navigate our way back to the shoreline. The most direct route takes us down between two hills, along an ancient path that leads through a secluded gorge. Towering cliffs rise on either side, casting plenty of shade over the trail, which winds through a lush green biotope filled with unique flora and fauna.
Keep your eyes peeled for the griffon vultures soaring high above—though rest assured, our guide will ensure that no weary hikers end up on their menu today! As we descend deeper into the valley, a sense of peaceful isolation takes over, with only the sound of our footsteps echoing softly through the ravine.
Once we cross the main road to Heraklion, we’ll find ourselves back in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Gouves, a sharp contrast to the tranquil nature we’ve just explored. It’s a journey that takes you from serene landscapes back to civilization, with nature as our companion every step of the way.
Today’s hike takes us on a scenic journey through wide unpaved paths and narrow tarmacked roads, as we venture inland across the rolling hills of Analysi. The route meanders through picturesque countryside, offering a peaceful escape from the coast. Midway through, we’ll stop at a local taverna, where we can enjoy a refreshing break. For those feeling adventurous, there’s the option to sample the homemade raki—a potent spirit flavoured with aniseed and a true Cretan specialty.
We’ll continue our hike through fields when in season, blooming with wildflowers, passing fig gardens and watermelon patches. After a short climb near St. Anna, a breathtaking view unfolds before us: to the south, a sea of green olive trees, and to the north, the rich blue of the Mediterranean.
Our Tour Leader is on hand to help you choose a variety of exciting optional excursions, including the chance to tackle one of the most famous hikes in Greece—the Samaria Gorge. This is a must for serious hikers seeking a challenge and an unforgettable experience. You’ll need to rise before dawn and return after sunset, but the long day is more than worth it.
The Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe, stretching 16 km from start to finish. The hike begins at an altitude of 1230 meters and gradually descends all the way to sea level. Along the way, we’ll traverse stunning landscapes, with towering cliffs and breathtaking views. At its narrowest point, the gorge is just 3 metres wide, offering a dramatic contrast to its wide-open vistas. This hike is an exhilarating mix of rugged terrain and natural beauty and completing it will leave you with a true sense of accomplishment. Prepare for an adventure that is as physically demanding as it is rewarding and discover why the Samaria Gorge is one of Greece’s most beloved hikes.
After an hour’s drive in our private bus, we arrive at the charming fishing village of Schisma Elountas. Before starting our adventure, we can enjoy a traditional Greek coffee at one of the many cafés along the boulevard, where colourful boats line the bay, and cats bask in the sun, waiting for the return of the local fishermen.
A short walk takes us to a bridge connecting Crete with Kalydon Island. As we cross, keep an eye out for the submerged remains of Olous, an ancient city dating back to the 5th century BC. Once a large, fortified city and bustling maritime hub, Olous now lies beneath the waves, sunk after a powerful earthquake over a millennium ago.
The rugged heartland of Crete is a hiker’s paradise, where steep mountains and rocky terrain are better suited for goats than for farming. Our journey begins high up on the plateau of Katheron, with a gentle, slightly sloping path for the first two hours. After passing through a serene cypress wood, we’ll walk along an ancient trail once used by the Minoans to reach the sea, where Minoan pottery fragments have been discovered, linking us to the island’s ancient past.
Crete is home to an astounding number of endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world. Along this hike, we’ll encounter vibrant cyclamens, Cretan tulips, kermes oaks, spiny broom, and towering cypresses. The trail is a botanist’s dream, filled with native species thriving in the high-altitude environment.
Today we check-out and head to the airport for the flight home.
Καλό ταξίδι! – Have a good journey and safe travels!
Run by the warm and welcoming Iraklis family, our base is just 1km from the resort of Gouves and a three minute walk from the Blue Flag awarded sandy beach.
Relax around the swimming pool under an umbrella or sip a cool drink at the bar before a game of pool. The family runs the on-site traditional taverna serving delicious Greek and international dishes. This hotel has no lifts/no lift access.
The air-conditioned units* are made up of studios with double beds. Larger apartments with twin beds are available at a supplement. Facilities include a small kitchenette with fridge, toaster, kettle, iron, and hob. A TV, safe and hairdryer are also provided. *extra charges apply. Pool/Beach towel is provided.
Apartments supplement from £72 per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Heraklion airport to the Iraklis Apartments is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
Five guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium to Hard and you can expect to walk between 10km to 16 km approx per day with a variety of ascents/descents some of which are challenging, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved. Physical fitness is required on this trip to fully enjoy this holiday.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You will be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
To enter Greece mainland or the Greek Islands your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Greece Foreign Advice
You may wish to take an optional excursion during the course of your stay. Full details will be given at the Information Meeting. The prices quoted, are a guideline only, as these can vary, depending on numbers. All tours should be paid for in euros or sterling. Credit cards are not accepted. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Prices will be confirmed in resort as they are based on the number of participants, therefore from prices below give an indication but are subject to change. All trips are exclusive to Solos guests and include private transfers except Samaria Gorge Hike
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection to cover drivers, porters and hotel staff of €25.00 per week. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate add on.
Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – €1.50 per night, payable locally
Casual, cotton, lightweight daytime wear is the order of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing. Smart casual clothes will be ideal for the evening. Early and late season evenings can be cool so do ensure that you take a cardigan or jacket and even some rainwear – particularly in May and June when you may experience some spring thunderstorms followed by scorching days!
Please note that whilst the apartments and pool area are exclusive for our groups, the outside bar and taverna at the front of the property are open to the public. This hotel has no lifts/no lift access.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 16 °C | 8 °C |
| March | 17 °C | 10 °C |
| April | 20 °C | 12 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 15 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 18 °C |
| July - August | 29 °C | 21 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 19 °C |
| October | 24 °C | 16 °C |
| November | 21 °C | 13 °C |
| December | 17 °C | 10 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
