EASTERN CRETE | Sunflower hiking guide

hiking guide

The Sunflower Eastern Crete guide is your complete companion for exploring the region on foot and by car — 55 graded walks paired with 8 scenic car tours and full GPS mapping.

Fully updated after the authors' latest trip, this established guide has been trusted by travellers exploring Eastern Crete for many years.

Eastern Crete offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from quiet beaches and rugged coastlines to fertile valleys and striking gorges. This guide helps visitors uncover the region's diversity with confidence, whether you're drawn to coastal paths, village trails, dramatic gorge routes like Richtis Gorge, or flexible day trips built around your own schedule.

Every route is revisited and rechecked for each edition, so the guidance you're following is accurate and current, with the latest changes and traveller feedback also available via Sunflower's online update service. Unlike purely technical hiking guides, this one is designed for enjoyment, flexibility and discovery, whether you want a short walk or a relaxed drive with spectacular views.

What You'll Discover:

• 55 Graded Walks – Long and short routes for all abilities, from easy coastal strolls to more challenging gorge hikes and mountain routes, each clearly graded to match your fitness.
• 8 Scenic Car Tours – Curated driving routes for when you want to explore further or take a break from walking.
• Large-Scale Maps & Agios Nikolaos Plan – Topographical maps with clearly marked waypoints, a pull-out map and an Agios Nikolaos town plan highlighting key access points.
• GPS Tracks & Satnav Coordinates – Free downloadable tracks guide you directly to each walk's start, great for tech-savvy hikers wanting extra reassurance.
• Picnic Spots & Public Transport – Handpicked picnic recommendations and transport timetables make it easy to slow down or explore without a hire car.