Western Crete guided trail running tour

With carefully curated routes and a mix of technical and beginner-friendly trails, this journey is perfect for runners looking to challenge themselves while immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of Crete.

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day running tour through Crete’s most breathtaking landscapes, from coastal trails and mountain summits to hidden beaches and ancient ruins.

This unique adventure blends trail running, cultural exploration, and relaxation, offering the perfect balance for runners who love nature, history, and authentic Greek hospitality.

Highlights

Run in the footsteps of history – Explore Venetian harbors, ancient ruins, and remote villages
Chase epic views – Summit Pachnes (2,453m), Crete’s highest runnable peak
Discover untouched beaches – Swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea after scenic runs
Tackle diverse trails – From smooth coastal paths to rugged mountain terrain
Experience true Cretan hospitality – Stay in charming villages and savor local cuisine
60km of running over 6 days with option for bonus miles (please note all runs are optional)

What’s Included

6 nights’ accommodation in 3- or 4-star hotels
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (drinks and snacks excluded)
Transfers including luggage transport (airport-hotel, hotel-trail heads).
Gpx files of all runs for you to download to your phone and watches
Ferry tickets from Agia Roumeli to Sougia
Wine tasting experience

Not Included

Drinks and snacks
Travel insurance.
Entrance fees to archaeological sites or museums.

Best Time to Visit

This tour is ideal from April to June, September to October, offering mild weather and clear skies. Avoid the summer months due to high temperatures and exposure to the sun.

Difficulty Level

Beginner / Moderate – Suitable for all levels of runners with experience of running on trails and good level of fitness.

We run at your pace, plenty of time for rest stops and photographs and to enjoy the surroundings

Day 1: Arrival in Chania

Private transfer from Chania Airport to your hotel in Chania
Relax and explore the charming coastal city of Chania known for its rich history, stunning architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. Chania is the second-largest city on the island and boasts a mix of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences, reflected in its diverse architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
Optional shakeout run at sunset taking in the stunning backdrop of the white mountains Run: 10km road | Technical level: 1/5 | Elevation: 100m | Duration: 1 hour

Day 2: Discovering Sfakia

Morning drive through beautiful Askifou plateau to the South of the island
Run to Loutro with an optional stop at a private beach for a dip in the sea. Some beautiful smooth sections of trail mixed with some rock hopping.
Run: 5km trail | Technical level: 2/5 | Elevation: 100m | Duration: 1-2 hours
Note: If you have a fear of heights, there may be some small challenging sections
Loutro is a small, picturesque coastal village, once a fishing village and is known for its whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Only accessible by foot or boat.
Stop for lunch and swim in the sea, relax for a few hours and enjoy the peaceful character and stunning views of the Libyan sea
Run up to Anopoli for amazing sunset views. A beautiful short trail, but all uphill
Run: 5km trail | Technical level: 2/5 | Elevation: 600m | Duration: 2-3 hours
Check in to your hotel in this picturesque mountain village in the foothills of the Lefka Ori, Crete’s stunning and largest mountain range

Day 3: Summiting Western Crete’s highest peak, Pachnes

We begin our day with a thrilling 1 hour open truck drive up the foothills of the white mountains where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the magical coastline and surrounding villages
Run to Pachnes summit at 2,453m it is Crete’s second highest mountain. The white mountains are like nothing you would have ever experienced, feeling like you are on the moon with its dramatic landscapes and more than 50 peaks exceeding 2,000m. At the peak we will enjoy a small picnic while taking in the breathtaking views
Run: 6km trail | Technical level: 2/5 | Elevation: 400m | Duration: 2-3 hours
Note: If you have a fear of heights, there may be some small challenging sections

Day 4: Pine forests and hidden beaches

We start our day with a small drive to Agios Ioannis where we will enjoy a mostly downhill run to the secluded beach of Ag.Pavlos with its turquoise waters and dark sand. Here we will enjoy a swim in the sea and a light lunch at the beach shack where the owner fishes daily for the menu
Run: 6km trail | Technical level: 2/5 | Elevation: 70m | Duration: 1-2 hours
Once rested we will continue our run along the beautiful and rugged coastline to the small village of Agia Roumeli. Here you can check into your hotel for the evening and swim in the sea, rest or explore the castle on the hill or venture into the most famous gorge on the island, Samaria Gorge
Run: 3km trail | Technical level: 2/5 | Elevation: 70m | Duration: 1 hour

Day 5: Coastal beauty and the Ancient village of Lissos

After breakfast we will take the ferry to Sougia enjoying the view of the rugged coastline from the sea. From our disembarkment we will begin our run through Sougia gorge, past the ancient village of Lissos and along the beautiful and rugged coastline to Paleochora
Run: 15km trail | Technical level: 3/5 | Elevation: 500m | Duration: 3-4 hours
On arrival to Paleochora we will check in to our hotel and have the opportunity to explore this charming seaside town with its bohemian and laid back vibe.
Option for wine tasting experience with local wine expert and author

Day 6: Agia Eirini gorge, Natura 2000 area

Agia Eirini gorge fun and technical largely downhill run with beautiful flora and fauna
Run: 5km trail | Technical level: 3/5 | Elevation: 500m descent | Duration: 1-2 hours
After our run we will stop at a village taverna before driving back to Chania where you can check into your hotel