Walking

Walking in Crete QQQ

Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

Imperial Belvédére
After your walks put your feet up and relax in comfort and style at this beautifully located hotel.
Local knowledge
Learn more about the island's history, vegetation and wildlife from your local walking guide.
Walk and discover
Enjoy panoramic views as you explore eastern Crete.

Prices from
£1,009 per person
7 2

Prices & Availability

Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £20 if not required

Local flights
All Inclusive

Walk in the beautiful island of Crete

Discover the eastern face of this beautiful island, once home to the Minoan civilisation, on a walking holiday that takes you off the beaten track. During your walks see the mountains that form Crete's central spine, admire coastal views, and visit picturesque and traditional villages.

Including...

Expert Host
Saga Host
Included themed activities
Expert Host Talks
Hosted welcome drinks reception
Meet and greet with expert host
Leisure time
20kg checked-in luggage
Free hotel Wi-Fi
Hotel porterage
Optional travel insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK
Return flights and transfers

Plus, this hotel features:

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Five walks
Saga Lounge Plus
Free bar open 15 hours a day (local drinks)
Complimentary snacks at the snack bar
Shuttle bus to the beach

Holiday Details

Address

Belvedere Hotels Hersonissos Crete P.C. 70014 Greece

Introduction

This popular all-inclusive locally rated 4-star Imperial Bélvédere is surrounded by attractive gardens and is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday or for those wanting to explore the rest of the island. The family-friendly hotel is part of the larger Belvedere complex offering a fantastic range of onsite facilities across the resort. The hotel is tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and very spacious rooms.

Accommodation

All 340 spacious bedrooms have a furnished balcony or terrace. Saga rooms have double beds and are located in the main building on the ground, first and second floors. Laundry service is available at an extra charge.

Upgrade to a sea-view room or superior room for a supplement, subject to availability.

Balcony or Terrace
Satellite Television
Mini-fridge
Tea coffee making facilities
Hairdryer
Safe (extra charge)
Laundry service

Food and Drink

Buffet-style meals are served in the large hotel restaurant. There are three bars in total.

Entertainment

During your stay you can enjoy the following programme of activities and entertainment. Some activities are at an additional charge and activities may change from time to time.

Talk on Cretan culture
Walk to Lychnostatis Museum of Cretan Life (additional charge)
Three villages visit
Live music (one a week)
Daily animation programme with games and shows
Fortnightly folklore show or international evening which takes place at either the Imperial Bélvédere Hotel or Royal Bélvédere Hotel
Tennis
Mini-golf
Table tennis
Billiards (extra charge)

You may also wish to take part in horse riding during your stay for an additional cost - ask in resort for details.

Other Hotel Information

The hotel offers a wide range of amenities which are spread across the larger complex. The spacious Saga lounge boasts a private terrace. The indoor pool is open seasonally, and the sauna, hairdresser, nail salon and spa are all available for an extra charge. Guests can also use the Olympic-sized pool (open from May) at the neighbouring Royal Bélvédere Hotel, where you can also access jewellery and gift shops, as well as a hairdresser.

Please note: some amenities can only be reached via steps.

Climate

Amenities

Holiday Location

Excursions

Kritsa to Hamilo

Distance: 8 kilometres
Difficulty: Easy, with a gradual climb then steeper descent

After time acclimatising to the island and your hotel, embark on your first walk which is relatively easy but with a gradual climb to the heights of Kritsa and then a stony steeper descent. Kritsa is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete built amphitheatrically on a rock hill, named Kastellos, surrounded by olive groves, at an altitude of 375 metres. It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos.

After a visit to the church climb to the Dorian site of Lato and return via the highland of Hamilo.

Half day

Krista Crete Greece Europe

Included on 7 nights itinerary
Included on 14 nights itinerary

Krousta to Kalo Chorio

Distance: 8 kilometres
Difficulty: Easy

This relatively easy walk does have a long descent but fortunately there is lots of shade on the route. The walk begins in a mountain village and continues to a sandy beach via a small gorge. Kroustas is a small village known for its magnificent view of Mirabello Bay and has a rocky landscape.

The walk ends at Kalo Chorio which nestles in the verdant hilly landscape and enjoys beaches which are tranquil and unspoilt providing a lovely culmination of your walk.

Half day

Crete Greece Europe

Included on 7 nights itinerary
Included on 14 nights itinerary

Round Agios Ioannis Point

Distance: 6 kilometres
Difficulty: Moderate, with steep ascent at the start

Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on this circular walk around the Agios Ioannis peninsula, you'll have spectacular views of Spinalonga in the Gulf of Elounda. This island, once part of Crete, housed a leper colony in the first half of the twentieth century, and has been immortalised by Victoria Hislop in her 2005 best-selling book The Island.

The walk begins and ends at Plaka and includes a rough agricultural track before you continue to a more well-defined path with magnificent views of big and little Spinalonga as well as Kolokithia, set like precious stones in a sea which is constantly changing colour.

Three-quarter day

Spinalonga Crete Greece Europe

Included on 7 nights itinerary
Included on 14 nights itinerary

Selia to the Lassithi Plateau

Distance: 8 kilometres
Difficulty: Moderate

Walk up from the village of Selia in progressive stages to the Lassithi Plateau, which lies 900 metres above sea level. Here you will see rural Crete, home to the remains of the white-sailed windmills that for centuries irrigated the fertile land. Stop at Krasi, where you will find a world-weary sycamore – reputed to be over 1,000 years old.

Half day

The white-sailed windmills of Lassithi Plateau

Lasithi Plateau Lasithi Crete Greece Europe

Included on 7 nights itinerary
Included on 14 nights itinerary

Kera to Avdou

Distance: 6 kilometres
Difficulty: Easy

Today you will drive up into the mountains to the village of Kera, at an altitude of 700 metres. From here follow a dirt road that slopes down gently towards the village of Avdou. At the beginning you will walk through a relatively forested area with oak trees and later emerge to enjoy spectacular views towards Roza's gorge, the valley of Avdou and the north coast of Crete.

Spend some free time in Avdou village before returning to the hotel.

Three hours

Crete Greece Europe

Included on 7 nights itinerary
Included on 14 nights itinerary

Reviews

Important information

Walks range from easy to moderate covering 8-11 kilometres, with ascents and descents. Transfer time for most walks is around an hour, so you will be out of the hotel until mid-afternoon on most walking days. A packed lunch will be provided.