Crete and its hidden gem: hiking along Crete’s ancient kalderimis. Are you looking for a walking holiday that touches the soul? From Zorbas Island in Kokkini Hani (Crete, Greece), we offer you the chance to experience the soul of the island. This is more than just walking in Crete. It is a pilgrimage along paths dating back thousands of years and the perfect way to spend your active holiday in Greece.
Walking details (suitable for everyone): basic route: 10 km with 300 metres of elevation gain. Extended route: up to 16 km with 500 metres of elevation gain.
Crete and its hidden gem – Ancient kalderimi trails on Crete
Walking along the ancient kalderimis: Crete’s timeless trade routes. Follow in the footsteps of the Middle Ages! This beautiful circular walk follows exclusively the stunning, ancient kalderimis – the Greek donkey tracks that form the historic arteries of Crete. Their age varies enormously: you’ll walk along paths that are just 100 years old. But also follow connecting routes dating back as far as 5,000 years. For centuries, these paths served as vital trade and communication routes between villages and monasteries. You will literally be following in the footsteps of Byzantine monks and Venetian merchants. Which makes this hiking trip in Crete an unforgettable, historical experience. The ancient roads and paths lead you through centuries-old olive groves, in a setting that is ideal for a walking holiday in Crete.
A journey through the Middle Ages: the holy triangle
The heart of this walk lies in the connection between three medieval landmarks that form a perfect triangle. You begin the walk at the church of Profitis Ilias and are guided along ancient paths to the most impressive gems.
Panagia Kerá Limniotisa: A beautiful spot where a thriving monastery stood in the 11th century. The church remains completely intact and the stone walls surrounding it bear witness to the monastic life and agriculture of days gone by.
Agios Jorgos: This church, built in the 15th century during Venetian rule, is a living museum. The frescoes are still completely intact. And the carved faces in the murals form a rare and powerful historical record from the period of Ottoman occupation. Wherever you go, this area exudes history.
The landscape as a living archive and natural beauty
The natural landscape along this route is as rich and varied as its history. You’ll walk past 300-year-old olive trees – a symbol of Crete’s economic shift. The surroundings offer enormous variety:
Flora & fauna: you’ll pass shady avenues of bamboo (once used to make fishing rods), carob trees, fig and citrus trees, and the silvery agave cactus.
Historical trees: the ancient cypresses, once introduced by the Venetians, still serve as natural landmarks. They mark the course of the old paths to the sacred sites.
Panoramic views
The path leads to the breathtaking viewpoint of the Skopela Gorge. From here, you can see the majestic mountains of Psiloritis and Juchtas, the Aegean Sea and islands such as Dia. The landscape is dotted with so-called ‘claims’ – piles of stones that once marked the boundaries of land ownership.
During this walking holiday, you will experience the purest form of walking in Crete.
Choose Zorbas Island and experience the medieval magic of Crete on foot!
Overview of walking holidays: this page, packed with walks in Crete, shows you the endless possibilities for walkers on the island. We have walking routes you can follow on your own, but we also offer guided walking tours in Crete. The photo albums and films give you a good impression of individual walking, group walks and the gorges. Although we focus on the lesser-known and self-designed routes, you can certainly contact us, on request, for the well-known gorges such as Samaria and Imbros.
Walking holiday – hiking holiday – Crete and its hidden gem
Hiking week in Crete – hike week: a whole week of hiking in Crete with comfortable accommodation. We offer a variety of walks to help you get to know Crete in a different way. Included are: all walks, transfers, breakfast, dinner and accommodation. There are even options to complete 8 walks in 10 days, including a two-day hike where we spend the night en route.
Holiday information
Ideal conditions for an active week: beautiful spring weather with a pleasant 22°C. Although there may be a sprinkle of rain later in the week, it will quickly clear up again for a sun-drenched continuation.
At Zorbas Island, we take care of everything from A to Z. Enjoy the convenience of one total price for flights and accommodation. Let us find the best deals for you and come to Kokkini Hani this summer.
Zorbas Island 2026 Crete Greece Newsletter: your holiday in Crete in 2026 – The new Zorbas Island programme: dear holidaymaker, we are delighted to present the first details of our brand new programme for 2026! At Zorbas Island, everything revolves around an unforgettable holiday on beautiful Crete.
Holiday Crete 2026 agenda – Agenda Zorbas Island, Crete – Season 2026: our new agenda is ready with the excursions for 2026, including many new excursions. You are probably curious about the activities we will be organising at Zorbas in the coming year, and this agenda provides an overview of all the activities that will interest you.
Holiday information Crete Zorbas Island: Apartment rentals and accommodation on Crete for most of the year. The right place for family apartments and holiday homes, all your excursions and cheap flights to Crete. A comprehensive overview of the latest holiday news from Crete, including lots of photos. Crete is the southernmost holiday island in Europe.
To give you an impression about your holiday at Zorbas Island on Crete, we created a short “Zorbas Island” Movie for you: If you got 5 minutes for holidays to Crete.
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Crete and its hidden gem
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