6 Hiking Tours in Rethymno Weighed Up Side by Side

1.From Chania/Rethymno: Samariá Gorge Guided Hike with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,010 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Join an English-speaking guide such as Ingrid, Nikos, or George for a full-day Samaria Gorge hike from Chania or Rethymno. Walk about 16 kilometers through the White Mountains, pass the Iron Gates, swim in Agia Roumeli, then take the ferry to Sougia before riding back by coach. Expect an early start, rough ground, and a long day.

“This was an amazing hike, super easy with the hostel pick up/drop off. It was pretty busy at the start but not too bad if you get ahead of the crowds. We finished in about 3.5hrs and the ferry didn’t leave until 5pm, so we spent a while at the end - but there was a cute town and nice beach so no complaints! Would recommend.”

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2.Samariá Gorge Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 129 reviews · 12 hours · from $37

Join an English-speaking guide such as Maria or Leonidas for a demanding 16-kilometer walk through Samariá Gorge. You’ll see springs, cliffs, forests, Kri-Kri country, and the Iron Gates, then swim in Agia Roumeli before the ferry to Sougia. The $37 price excludes the €5 park entry and €14 boat ticket.

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3.Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $112Top rated

Join guides Panos or Alkis for a 4.5-hour small-group trek through Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Swim to a waterfall, walk in clear river water, jump into natural pools, and finish with Greek tapas and a beer at the Banana Garden. Wetsuits, helmets, poles, and a waterproof backpack are included.

“Nice guide. Including everyone and very nice Beatifull landscape”

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4.Kourtaliotiko Gorge River Trek with Lunch! Pick-up Avaliable

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Follow an English-speaking guide through Kourtaliotiko Gorge in a small group of up to 10. You’ll swim to a large waterfall, wade through river pools, and walk beneath plane trees for about two hours. Neoprene suits, helmets, poles, waterproof phone cases, transfers, and a light meal at Banana Garden are included.

“It was truly an awesome experience from the very start to the end. The guide was well organised and helped walking through more challenging spots in the river. Also told a lot about Crete and the place where we were walking. The views were breathtaking. At the end we had lunch at banana garden where we also got a chance to walk around with the garden owner and see lots of plants/trees. Thanks very much for such a great experience. It was well worth it!”

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5.South Crete: Sarakinas Gorge Hike, Swim & Jeep Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 39 reviews · 8.5 - 9 hours · from $108

Spend 8.5 to 9 hours exploring southeast Crete by jeep, with stops in Kritsa, Katharo Plateau, Selakano Forest, Sarakinas Gorge, and Voulisma Beach. Guides such as Alex, Janis, and Zacharias bring local stories, food, and island knowledge to the route. A meal, hotel pickup, and drop-off are included.

“Tolle Tour, super sympathischer Guide, viele interessante Infos über die Insel, gute Gruppengrösse - ein wirklich schöner Urlaubstag 👍👍👍”

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6.Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Trekking with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Join Cretan Explorer for a five-hour guided river trek through Kourtaliotiko Gorge near Rethymno. You’ll swim into the cave behind the Great Waterfall, follow quiet river paths, use provided safety gear, and finish with food and refreshments at Banana Garden. Guides including Manolis and Alkis lead the route in several languages.

“very enjoyable experience!!! the guide was so professional and funny! Manolis is so kind, after the trekking we had a nice rest with delicious drink and food included! we suggest to try this wild but very safe experience!!!”

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