Salonica View is organizing a unique 5-day excursion from Cyprus to Ierapetra, Crete from June 27 to July 1, 2024, combining hiking, nature exploration, relaxation, cruise, and olive oil tasting.
Day 1 Larnaca - Heraklion - Ierapetra
Departure from Larnaca by plane with an evening flight to Heraklion. After arriving at the airport, we will board the bus and head to Ierapetra and the Astron Hotel (https://www.hotelastron.com/). Check in at the hotel and rooms and have a good night's sleep.
Day 2 Hiking Schinokapsala - Pine Forest - Mountain - Galini Beach - Olive Oil Tasting
After having breakfast at the hotel and filling up on energy, it's time for action. We will depart for the village of Schinokapsala. From there we will hike along the route Schinokapsala – Pefkodasos – Oreino. Then we will go for lunch and rest in the village of Oreino. Later we will make a stop for a swim at Galini beach, while on the way back there will be an olive oil tasting. In the evening we will return to our hotel and we will have free time in Ierapetra.
Hiking characteristics:
• Linear route
• Total distance 10-11 km
• Difficulty level 2/5
• Total duration 3.5-4 hours with stops
A few words about olive oil tasting:
Visitors will have the opportunity for a small tasting seminar, on extra virgin olive oil from the award-winning Cretan olive oil “Olive Breeze”. During the activity, there will be a reference to the Cretan diet and how we can use olive oil in food. Information will be provided on how Cretan cuisine can be combined with international cuisine. Also, at the end of the activity, visitors will learn to distinguish a good olive oil. A superior quality olive oil stands out for its fruity aroma and the various aromas it releases.
Points of interest:
Schinokapsala
Schinokapsala is a small and traditional village of eastern Ierapetra, built at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. It maintains its traditional Cretan character, with narrow alleys and stone-built houses. The village offers panoramic views of the Libyan Sea, while the paths that start from the area lead to beautiful natural landscapes, such as the pine forest and the Oreinos gorge.
The Selakanos Pine Forest
The pine forest is one of the most important green lungs of southern Crete. It is located in a mountainous area and is known for its great biodiversity, hosting rare species of flora and fauna. In the past, it was used to produce resin, which was collected from the trunks of the pine trees.
Day 3 Hiking in the Sarakina Gorge and a visit to the village of Myrtos
Breakfast at our hotel. We will depart by bus for our hike in the Sarakina Gorge. We will take the road west of the city, passing the villages of Myrtos and Mythos. One kilometer after the village of Mythos we will see the sign "to the gorge". The gorge is small in length (approximately 3 km) and is one of the most beautiful in Crete. Inside the gorge, there are water and waterfalls. The passage through the gorge will take us about 1.5 hours. After the hike, we will head to the village of Myrtos, a picturesque seaside village on the south coast of Crete, for food and rest. Late in the afternoon, we will return to the hotel for rest.
A few words about the gorge
The Sarakina Gorge is one of the most beautiful and accessible gorges in eastern Crete, near Myrtos in Ierapetra. It is about 1.5 kilometers long and is easy to cross, making it ideal for hiking even for beginners. Legend has it that it was named after Sarakinos, son of Zeus, who, when he drank water from the river that crosses it, could not pass and tore the mountain in two, forming the gorge. The scenery inside the gorge is impressive, with high cliffs, narrow passages, and small waterfalls, which are formed depending on the season and rainfall. Along the way, the walls of the gorge reach a height of 150 meters, creating an imposing natural setting. The route passes through the Kryopotamos River, where at some points walking through the water is required.
Myrtos Village: famous for its relaxed atmosphere, the warm hospitality of the residents, and the traditional brick alleys. There, we will stop for lunch at one of the traditional taverns, where we can taste fresh seafood, local meat, and local delicacies, accompanied by excellent Cretan wine or raki. The view of the Libyan Sea and the tranquility of the landscape will be the ideal relaxation after the adventure in the gorge.
Day 4 Daily cruise from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island
Breakfast at our hotel. Then we will depart from our hotel and go for a boat trip and excursion to the beach of Chrysi, where the group will enjoy the unique natural beauty of the area (or, in case of bad weather, an alternative option at a nearby beach). We will spend our day in Chrysi. In the afternoon we will return back to our hotel where we will have free time.
A few words about our boat trip:
Chrysi (or Gaidouronisi) is an exotic paradise in the south of Crete, just 8 nautical miles from Ierapetra. The island is known for its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rare cedar forests, which create an impressive landscape, more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. The excursion begins with a departure from the port of Ierapetra by boat and lasts approximately 30-35 minutes. We will anchor at the first beach for the first dive. There will be an auxiliary tender boat on board for our passengers in case they want to go to the beach or they can swim to it with supervision as long as there is a lifeguard and experienced staff. The island is a protected area due to its unique biodiversity, while it hosts rare plants, shellfish, and rocks of volcanic origin. There are no permanent residents, making it an idyllic destination for absolute relaxation away from civilization. Afterward, there will be food on board.
The menu includes:
BBQ grill
traditional appetizers
seasonal salads of 2 kinds
fruit salads of 2 kinds
white rose wine, our own raki, soft drinks, water, and children's juices.
(Masks, flippers, and water toys for children are provided on the boat)
Day 5 Ierapetra - Heraklion - Larnaca
After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel to Heraklion, where there will be free time for a coffee before our flight to Larnaca departs.
Participation fee (per person):
Accommodation in a double room: €780
Accommodation in a single room: €840 (Minimum available rooms)
Deposit:
A deposit of €250 per person is required within 4 days of your reservation.
ATTENTION!!! The deposit must be paid to the bank accounts below within 4 days of your reservation. Otherwise, the reservation will be canceled.
• BANK OF CYPRUS: CY95 0020 0195 0000 3570 3249 2261 or through the quick pay bank of Cyprus service at 99251074 (Beneficiary: Andreas Tsangaris)
• HELLENIC BANK LTD: CY44 0050 0347 0003 4710 F293 4801 (Beneficiary: Andreas Tsangaris)
The price includes:
1) Organization and escort from our office
2) Airfare and airport taxes
3) All transfers (from airport to hotel-hotel to airport but also all transfers during our excursion)
4) 4 nights of accommodation at the Astron Hotel in Ierapetra (a limited number for single and triple rooms)
5) All activities listed in the program (hiking, boating, tasting)
The price does not include:
1. Food in taverns, where each participant will pay separately.
2. What is not listed in the program
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, indicate the type of room (single, double, triple) you want and we will inform you of availability.
Note 2. For the best operation of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants.
Note 3. Photographic material is shared on our page and on social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you accept the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please inform us.
Note 4. Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation less than 48 hours before the event or a no-show, you will be required to cover the full cost of your participation. This policy applies to cover operating expenses and reservations that have already been made.
