Exploring the southern coast of Crete is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This full-day tour from Rethymno promises an unforgettable adventure, taking travelers on a journey through the stunning Imbros Gorge, the picturesque Frangokastelo beach, and the breathtaking Kourtaliotis Gorge. With a perfect blend of hiking, swimming, and scenic viewpoints, this excursion offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day or an adrenaline-fueled experience, this tour promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- The tour departs from Rethymno and includes hiking in Imbros Gorge, swimming at Frangokastelo beach, and scenic viewpoints along the South Coast.
- The journey is approximately 8.5 hours long and is available with pickup from 10 locations in the Rethymno region.
- The tour price starts at $38.23 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Hiking in Imbros Gorge takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and visitors can enjoy 2 hours of swimming at Frangokastelo beach.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the hiking involved, but a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available.
Tour Overview
The tour takes visitors on an 8.5-hour journey from Rethymno to explore the natural wonders of Imbros Gorge, the historic Frangokastelo, and the picturesque south coast.
Priced from $38.23 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can choose the ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from 10 locations in the Rethymno region, with an extra charge for Bali and Panormo.
Highlights include hiking through Imbros Gorge, swimming at Frangokastelo beach, and scenic views of Kourtaliotis Gorge and traditional villages.
The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users.
Itinerary Details
Commencing the tour, visitors are picked up from one of ten locations across the Rethymno region, including Rethimno, Pigianos Kampos, Platanias, and several other towns.
Following the pickup, they embark on a 1-hour bus ride to the entrance of Imbros Gorge, where the hiking portion of the excursion begins. The hike through the scenic gorge lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, after which guests enjoy:
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2 hours of swimming and relaxation at the Frangokastelo beach.
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A 30-minute visit to the Kourtaliotis Gorge.
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Scenic photo stops along the way.
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Panoramic views of the Libyan Sea and Plakias Gulf.
After these activities, the tour concludes with drop-off at one of the ten specified locations.
Transportation Options
For the transportation needs of this tour, an air-conditioned bus provides comfort and convenience throughout the journey. The bus service includes pickup and drop-off from the specified locations across the Rethymno region, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion. An extra charge applies for pickup and drop-off from the towns of Bali and Panormo.
| Pickup Locations | Duration | Extra Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Rethymno | 8.5 hours | Free |
| Pigianos Kampos | 8.5 hours | Free |
| Platanias | 8.5 hours | Free |
| Adelianos Kampos | 8.5 hours | Free |
The air-conditioned bus not only ensures a comfortable ride but also allows guests to admire the scenic vistas along the way, making the journey an integral part of the overall experience.
Hiking Imbros Gorge
Hiking through the Imbros Gorge, a stunning natural wonder, forms the centerpiece of this captivating tour.
Carved over millennia by the Imbros River, this dramatic limestone gorge winds its way through the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), offering hikers an unforgettable experience. The 2.5 to 3-hour hike takes visitors along a well-marked trail, allowing them to:
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Marvel at the towering cliffs and ancient rock formations.
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Spot diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive kri-kri goat.
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Enjoy the serene ambiance and the soothing sound of the flowing river.
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Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the Libyan Sea and the surrounding landscapes.
An immersive and awe-inspiring adventure, the Imbros Gorge hike is the highlight of this comprehensive tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySwimming at Frangokastelo
After the invigorating hike through Imbros Gorge, the tour takes visitors to the picturesque Frangokastelo beach, where they can unwind and refresh themselves with a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea.
The pristine, sandy beach provides the perfect setting to relax and soak up the sun. Guests can wade into the crystal-clear waters, which are known for their inviting temperature and calm waves.
The beach is surrounded by imposing mountains, offering a stunning backdrop for photographs and enjoying the serene coastal atmosphere.
With 2 hours allotted for this stop, travelers have ample time to swim, sunbathe, and explore the charming seaside environment before continuing on to the next destination on the itinerary.
Scenic Viewpoints
As the tour continues, the bus makes several scenic viewpoint stops, allowing participants to admire the breathtaking landscapes and capture memorable photographs.
These viewpoints showcase the dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and picturesque traditional villages that dot the region’s rugged terrain.
Some of the key scenic spots include:
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Kourtaliotis Gorge – a stunning 30-minute stop to witness the towering limestone gorge and cascading waterfalls.
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Panoramic views of the Libyan Sea – gazing out over the sparkling azure waters and distant horizon.
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Traditional village overlooks – quaint hillside settlements with characteristic Cretan architecture.
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Plakias Gulf vistas – sweeping panoramas of the dramatic coastline and rolling hills inland.
These scenic highlights are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour price are the ticket, air-conditioned bus transportation, pickup and drop-off service, as well as applicable taxes and insurance coverage.
Conversely, the cost of food, drinks, personal expenses, and the Imbros Gorge entrance fee of €2.5 are excluded from the package.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the Imbros Gorge hike may prove challenging for those with mobility limitations.
Practical Information
The tour operator provides pickup and drop-off services from a range of locations in the Rethymno region, catering to the convenience of participants.
Travelers can choose from 10 different pickup points, including Rethymno, Pigianos Kampos, Platanias, and several other popular tourist hubs. An additional fee applies for pickup and drop-off in Bali and Panormo.
The tour includes:
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A 1-hour bus ride to the Imbros Gorge entrance.
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2.5 to 3 hours of hiking through the scenic Imbros Gorge.
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2 hours of swimming and relaxing at the Frangokastelo beach.
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Scenic viewpoints and a 30-minute visit to the Kourtaliotis Gorge.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the Imbros Gorge entrance fee of €2.5 isn’t included in the tour price.
Recap
This tour offers an immersive adventure through Crete’s natural wonders.
Explore the breathtaking Imbros Gorge, bask in the sun at Frangokastelo beach, and take in panoramic views at Kourtaliotis Gorge.
With a seamless mix of hiking, swimming, and scenic stops, it’s an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to discover Crete’s stunning landscapes.
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