Crossing Inland Crete

This tour follows a hiking route through inland Crete near Rethymno, across largely flat terrain shaped by agriculture and long settlement. You begin near the archaeological site of Ancient Eleftherna, where layers of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian presence remain visible in stone foundations and terraced hillsides. From there, the path opens into olive groves that stretch across the slopes beneath Mount Psiloritis — known in antiquity as Mount Ida and associated in myth with the birth of Zeus. You continue through the Margarites valley, crossing a Hellenistic bridge and passing farmland still in cultivation. Semi-abandoned hamlets stand beside active fields, revealing how rural life has shifted rather than disappeared. A pause at a traditional kafenio in the Milopotamos area offers time within the rhythms of village life before the walk concludes in Margarites, a village long associated with pottery. You see artisans at work before sitting down for a light meal at a local taverna.

This hike unfolds within a landscape of long continuity. Ancient Eleutherna preserves traces of habitation from the Early Iron Age through the Byzantine period, while the surrounding olive groves and stone terraces reflect agricultural systems that have shaped the region for centuries. Approaching the valley on foot allows these layers — settlement, cultivation, village life — to be understood as part of the same terrain. Yorgos and Kostas are experienced mountain guides who have spent years walking these routes. Their knowledge is built through familiarity with terrain, seasonal shifts, and the people who live here. Rather than presenting history as separate from daily life, they connect ancient Eleftherna, the valley, and the villages into a single storyline. The result is an encounter with Crete’s interior that holds ruin and cultivation together — archaeology, myth, farmland, and living village culture moving within one rhythm.

Yorgos Prinarakis and Kostas Marmatzakos are certified mountain leaders who have spent years exploring Crete on foot. Their work is rooted in a strong commitment to sustainability, local culture, and a responsible relationship with the natural environment. Rather than focusing on well-known routes or urban centers, they lead outdoor experiences along lesser-traveled paths across the island’s interior. Yorgos has been immersed in the mountains of Crete and Greece since 2008, building his experience through extensive hiking and formal training. He is a certified Mountain Leader and a graduate of the Vocational Institute of Rethymno. Kostas brings more than fifteen years of experience and is a member of the Cretan Mountain Leaders Association. When not guiding, he remains active in climbing, trail running, and ski touring.

Sunscreen and hat. Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers, and comfortable light clothes. Windproof jacket. Water and snacks. Small backpack (up to 20L). **Good to know: The route involves no major climbs and is mostly flat and easy to walk.