Strata Walking Tours
P.O
Box 88 , Kissamos , Crete Greece , T.K.73400
&
+30 2822 0 24336 
+30 6974092913
Strata Walking tours mentioned in the Rough Guide to Crete (5th edition 2001) and on BBC World radio
DISCOVER WEST CRETE
Strata Walking Tours operate through west Crete, in a province called Kissamos .
If you are a lover of nature, culture and history come and discover this part of the beautiful Greek Island.
In Spring and Autumn, Strata Walking Tours organizes hikes for small groups through this little known and unspoiled countryside, between sea and mountains.
Far from crowds and tourist centers, the authentic Crete and hidden treasures of the country will be revealed. You will experience breathtaking views, deep gorges, mountain peaks and turquoise lagoons whilst sampling local culture. Visit sites covering many periods -Dorian, Roman, Arabs, Venetian,Turkish and other civilizations which left their historic mark.
The routes are mainly on small paths through hilly and mountainous countryside and along secluded coastline. The walks will take you over mountain-ridges, along slopes covered with olive groves, through valleys bordered with chestnut trees and abandoned villages. Along the way there are countless churches and chapels with fine icons and architecture.
Expecting something good and
In Spring Crete bursts into bloom and flowering herbs clothe the mountainsides. More than 240 species of flowers are indigenous to the island.
Autumn is the season of oranges, chestnuts, olives and grapes from which the local raki is distilled.
The fauna of Kissamos is rich. You will not only see goats, but also sheep, donkeys, chameleons, lizards and colorful butterflies. The hills and mountains shelter birds of prey and it is common to see eagles and falcons.
Great time , great company
, wonderful new friends from the Nederlands.
Strata Walking Tours began operating with clients in 1999 after five years of research and exploration to create the most balanced and informative tour possible of West Crete - giving an insight into the different nationalities and varied cultures , which had , in history , inhabited the island .
The research has not finished - it is an on going process discovering new routes and walks of particular interest to add to the already fascinating itineraries .
Robert Jan Englebregt a fifty year old family man from Holland and Stelios Milonakis (aged 41 years) with British wife , linked up through a common interest in the history and natural beauty of the West Crete .
Robert had been a frequent visitor to Crete over the years and Stelios , a restaurateur conservationist and owner of holiday apartments from Kissamos , was enthused to be able to create Strata Walking Tours :
Catering for small groups who wished to enjoy the pleasurable walks and delights of the area .
By their responsible attitude towards the organization of their tours , they hope to bring the pleasures of the province of Kissamos to others .
We have been walking two days with
Strata and it has been great. We especially enjoyed the Orthodox celebrations on Sunday.
If you really want to catch a glimpse of what Cretan life is like, you should join these
guys for a couple of days!! They’re also excellent company!
Kissamos offers hikers many memorable experiences.
Strata Walking Tours provide accommodation in local hotels in the province town of Kissamos .
This is a small country town concentrating on its local business and agriculture , unaffected by tourism .
It is situated along a beautiful bay , framed by the twin peninsulas of Gramvoussa and Rodopos .
Kissamos has a long history dating back to the late Minoan period (1600-1100 B.C.)
In ancient times it was the harbour for the strong inland city-state of Polyrhinia .
Kissamos flourished during the following Greek-Roman period .
The double name Kasteli Kissamos dates from the 13th century .
Kissamos became a Venetian stronghold with the castle called Castel Chissamo .
A great struggle followed around the castle during the Turkish (1669-1898) period .
The remains of the wall can still be seen .
The city centre is charming and the few hotels and restaurants along the seaside offer a splendid view out across the bay .
The long sandy beach has clear and clean waters . It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun during a day of rest or at leisure when not participating on a walk .
DAILY WALKS
From April until November we offer a programme of guided daily walks in the beautiful countryside of Kissamos .
Numbers are kept small and you will have the chance to experience the true Crete away from the touristic areas .
Lunch is included (but not drinks) and provides a welcome opportunity to sample the delicious local cuisine amongst good company .
You will be transported to and from the start of the walks and an experienced knowledgeable guide accompanies you during your day .
I enjoyed the mixture of seeing
Byzantine churches with beautiful frescoes and interesting architecture and some gentle
walking through a gorge, with flowers, butterflies and even Eagles. A good day I recommend
to others. Tony
ORGANIZED TOURS
In April, May, June, September and October we organize 1 week, 11 and 15 day small group tours.
The week tour includes 5 guided walks and the 11 day tour includes 8 guided walks
all varied and in the region of Kissamos . You will stay in the same hotel each night .
The 15 day tour includes 9 guided walks that take you on a roundtrip from the North West coast through the mountains heading down South and then along the South West
coast and back up to the North . You walk a circular route staying in different
accommodation overnight and your luggage is transported for you .
Numbers are limited to 11 people on this tour so early booking is suggested .
The walks on this tour are graded medium to difficult so previous walking experience is advised .
Please see prices and dates for more detailed information .
Please note that we offer a 10% discount on prices for any group booking of 6 or more people .
STANDARD OF WALKS
The tours are designed for adults in good health with some walking experience.
The average walk has a duration of three to six hours a day (real walking time).
Differing heights to about 400 meters, sometimes with firm climbing and descending and a little clambering.
The walks are normally on small country roads and goat paths etc.
CLOTHING
Good walking boots, some clothes for cold or rainy weather (it can rain!), a hat and a small rucksack to carry a lunch pack and a bottle of water.
GUIDES
The guides are English speaking, well informed and familiar with the surroundings.
A really wonderful combination of
walking, nature, religion, art, good company, good food , great guides !! Looking forward
to another trip sometime. Jenny
I am sorry the Golden Eagle hasn’t
shown himself but the vultures were also very nice to watch.
Again many thanks. Anita De Vries
