Tour Highlights

Explore the ruggedly gorgeous South, off the beaten path

· Hike a spectacular coastal trail along the gleaming sea on to the hermits’ caves

· Have lunch in a secluded Greek Orthodox Monastery at the end of the trail

· Board a local fisherman’s boat to explore an embroidery-like coastline

· Swim in azure waters of secluded beaches and secret caverns

· See vultures and eagles in their natural habitat

· Feast at the end of the day in a small village

Overview

A premium adventure in the unknown South of Crete, designed for active guests that wish to explore a ruggedly gorgeous coastline, away from congested sites. The day begins with a scenic drive into the fertile plain Messara (mean amidst, as it’s surrounded by high mountains usually snow-capped till May/June) Crete’s rural heart, cultivated with olive groves, vineyards and all kinds of vegetables. The road leads up into the Asterousia mountains, the last natural border between Crete and North Africa, with nothing but 200 miles of Mediterranean Sea separating the largest of the Greek isles from Libya. At the end of the asphalt, at an elevation of 2500 ft. we take a breathtaking switchback dirt road, offering sweeping sea and mountain vistas, down to the waterfront hamlet of Aghios Ioannis. At the secluded Eligia beach we gear up for a fairly easy 2-hour long hike on a beautiful trail along the gleaming sea. Under constant goat scrutiny and with scavengers hovering above, as this is serious vulture territory, we marsh on to the hermits’ caves that date to the 5th century. Holy men sought shelter here, living an ascetic life of prayer and meditation, sleeping on rock cut beds and surviving on stalactite water in early Christian times. In the massive cave of st. Anthony we replenish water and energy before we continue on the trail that ends at the waterfront Greek Orthodox monastery of Virgin Mary, set at the mouth of the imposing Koudoumas Gorge. The hospitable monks will share their food with us and we will have some time to explore the monastery, perfectly maintained by the hard-working brothers, fragrant with basil and ornate with herbs and flowers. On the pebbly beach outside the monastery walls, we board a local fisherman’s boat and transfer back to our starting point in Elygia. It goes without saying that several stops will be made en route, so that you can go in the azure water in secret caverns and secluded beaches of exquisite natural beauty, known to just a handful of locals! Upon disembarkation in Agios Ioannis we board our vehicles and take the dirt road, this time up, to a family-run tavern for a meal of epic proportions! Superb seasonal salads made with locally sourced organic veggies, home-baked bread, fresh soft goat cheese, vegetarian and iconic lamb and goat dishes paired with excellent local wines, perfect closure to a perfect day. Upon conclusion of a real feast, bid your hosts farewell and transfer privately to your lodgings.