In the morning we begin with a swim technique session in the sea focusing on the main areas of open water swimming technique, designed to help you make the most of the swimming ahead. In the afternoon we head out directly from the hotel and swim across Pachia Ammos towards the Grameno Peninsula, an outcrop featuring stunning underwater scenery, a golden beach and underwater vistas. It’s an ideal first swim of the trip as we get used to the local conditions. There is a chance to relax here before we walk back along the E4 path to Paleochora shortly after lunch.

We leave the hotel and head east, again on the E4 towards Anydri Beach. It’s a stunning walk as the sheer cliffs of Crete’s southern coast are laid out before us. On arrival we meet up with our support boat and start the journey swimming east which will be the direction that we travel over the next three days. We swim along a dramatic coastline towards the ancient harbour Cape Flomos, an imposing landmark. The sheer cliffs both above and below the water are awe-inspiring. On arrival we head back onto the boat and travel back to Paleochora where the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

We head back to Cape Flomos, where we finished the day before and carry on with our journey east. The water here is crystal clear as there’s nothing between us and Africa. We end the swim in the ancient harbour of Lissos with its 3rd Century BC ruins. We have a chance to look around the ruins before we get onto the E4 path and walk through the Kakos Gorge to the small port of Soughia. It’s a beautiful walk and a great way to finish off this day.

It’s a full day of SwimTrek today as we head back to Soughia, where we finished the day before, and carry on with our journey toward the Samaria National Park. This section of coastline is dotted with small coves and inlets which make interesting break points along the way. We aim for Aghios Antonios where we have a chance of a short break before joining the E4 and hiking to the ancient city of Pikilassos overlooking the idyllic Trypiti Bay. From here it is a short walk down to Aghios Nikolaos church which is set into the cliffs of Trypiti Bay.

From here it’s back in the water as we swim to the start point of Kladhos Gorge, one of the most inaccessible gorges anywhere in Crete.

This day we head west towards Elafonissi Island, famous throughout Crete for its dunes with sand lilies and junipers. Loggerhead Sea Turtles also nest on the island. On the way we stop at Cape Krios, which is on the south-west edge of Crete. From here the swim is a joy as we cross into Vroulia Bay before finally arriving at Elafonissi Bay. It’s a lovely place to unwind and relax after the morning swim. You can either come back in our own boat back to Paleochora or stay for the rest of the day and catch a public ferry later on.

After the exertions of the week, it’s time for a relaxing swim on the beach just outside our hotel before the trip finishes at 11:00.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rash vests and wetsuits available on the trip, however we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rash vest or wetsuit, we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

The trip is based in Paleochora which can be reached by transfer, taxi or public bus from Chania. The most convenient way of travelling to Paleochora is by a direct flight to Chania and taking the SwimTrek Transfer to the hotel.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use the following websites to search for alternative flight and ferry options for this trip.

Flights: www.skyscanner.net
Ferries: www.go-ferry.com

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Getting There via Chania

Flights to Chania are available from various British and European cities.

SwimTrek Transfer from Chania Airport To The Hotel

The simplest way to travel to travel to Paleochora is to connect with the designated SwimTrek transfer that departs Chania at 11:00. The transfer costs between €20-€40 Euro depending on the number of people taking advantage of it.

Travelling via Public Transport

You can also take a bus from Chania Airport to Chania town which takes 30 minutes and costs approximately €3. From here you will need to change buses for your onward travel to Paleochora (the duration and cost is approximately 2 hours and around €9). You can find more information on www.e-ktel.com or calling the travel office on: +30 2821 091288 .

Getting There Via Athens

Flights to Athens are widely available from all major European and international cities.

Ferry From Athens To Chania

At Athens airport, leave the main entrance and turn right as approximately 200 metres further down is the bus stop for the X96 bus travelling direct to Piraeus harbour (1 hour). The ticket booth to purchase your fare is adjacent to the stop and the journey costs approximately €5. A link to the time tables can be found at Athens Airport Bus.

Once here Anek Lines runs an overnight ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Chania. Tickets start from €40 each way. Customers looking to use this option should arrive in Athens on Saturday ready for the evening ferry departure. All ferry tickets and timetables can be pre-booked online via Go-ferry.

Getting There via Heraklion

A number of scheduled and charter operators serve Heraklion airport, also on Crete, however it is further away than Chania. Please see Crete Travel for more information. Private transfers are around £250 for up to 4 people and can be booked through the hotel (info@palbeach.gr).

Accommodation

The Pal Beach Hotel is a traditional family run hotel perfectly located for your week’s stay. A stone’s throw away from the beach, the family run the hotel with wonderful Cretan hospitality while offering simple and clean accommodation. There is an option for a limited number of Superior rooms for an additional fee.

For any additional nights before or after your stay, please contact the hotel directly with the following email info@palbeach.gr.

Meals

All breakfasts are included in your trip price as well as lunch on Day 4, however all other lunches and dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as lunches, dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€). The average price of a 2 course dinner in Paleochora is between €15 - €20.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Vaccinations

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for Crete, however it is advisable to re-check this information eight weeks before you travel. You should also ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up-to-date.