Imbros Gorge hike from Rethymno: Swim and lunch included

Walk through a gorge, then cool off in the sea

A full-day tour from Rethymno combines a guided 3-hour hike through Imbros Gorge, the second-longest gorge in Crete, with a beach swim in the Libyan Sea and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English, French or German. The trek is moderately challenging and requires sturdy hiking shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Imbros Gorge hike and Libyan Sea swim

• Hotel pick-up in Rethymno area
• Bus journey to Imbros Gorge
• 3-hour hike through Imbros Gorge
• Bus to south coast beach
• Swim in the Libyan Sea
• Enjoy traditional lunch
• Bus return to Rethymno

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup around 7:30 AM from the Rethymno area, then a bus ride to Imbros Gorge in the eastern White Mountains. Once there, you walk for three hours through the narrow passages between towering rock walls, moving at an easy pace but over uneven terrain. The gorge is the second-longest on Crete, and the rock formations shift as you descend. It is the kind of walk where the landscape changes enough to hold your attention for the full stretch.

After the hike, the bus takes you south to a beach on the Libyan Sea for a swim to wash off the dust. A traditional lunch follows, eaten at a local spot before the return journey to Rethymno, arriving around 5:30 PM. The guide travels with the group and speaks English, French or German depending on the option you choose.

Pickup happens from central meeting points near hotels in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros and Georgioupoli. The pickup window can run up to 90 minutes before the tour starts. You'll need sturdy hiking shoes or good trainers: the trek crosses rocky ground and loose stones. The tour is not suitable for children under six, and the operator does not recommend it for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from the Rethymno area.
• air-conditioned bus transport.
• professional guide in English, French or German.
• landing and facility fees.
• traditional lunch at the beach.
• swim in the Libyan Sea.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour of the Imbros GorgeGuide in English, French or German · Available from 29 Apr 2027Private tour of the Imbros Gorge, includes pickup

Private Imbros Gorge tour with a guideGuide in English, French or German · 5 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 08:30Private Imbros Gorge tour with a guide, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 08:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 12 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PLATANOS TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the shared group tour if you want to split the cost and don't mind hiking with others. Choose a private option if you prefer your own pace and a guide focused on your group alone. Either way, the three-hour hike is moderately challenging and requires sturdy shoes. It is not a casual stroll, so come ready to walk uneven ground.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (1 to 12 years); Infant (under 1).

What is Imbros Gorge like to walk through?

Imbros Gorge is a narrow passage between high rock walls in the White Mountains, with the terrain underfoot uneven and rocky. The three-hour hike is graded easy but requires sturdy shoes and a moderate level of fitness. It is the second-longest gorge on Crete and the rock formations shift as you descend.

How much time do I spend hiking versus traveling by bus?

The hike itself takes three hours. The rest of the day, roughly eight hours total, includes hotel pickup, the bus ride to the gorge, the bus ride to the beach, the swim, lunch and the return to Rethymno.

Can I book this as a private tour instead of a group?

Yes, private tour options are available at checkout. You can book a private departure from your pickup area, or a private tour of Imbros Gorge itself. The shared group tour is also an option if you prefer to split the cost.

What happens if my hotel is not in one of the listed pickup areas?

Pickup is available from central meeting points in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros and Georgioupoli. Remote hotels such as Grand Rimondi are not served. In those cases, pickup is from the Creta Star bus stop instead. Mention your hotel name and location at booking and you'll receive the exact pickup point by email.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear sturdy hiking shoes or a good pair of trainers. The ground is rocky and uneven. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the beach swim. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, so you'll have shade during the bus portions of the day.

What's included in the price and what do I pay separately?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the bus, the guide, landing and facility fees, and a traditional lunch are included. You pay separately for the entrance fee to Imbros Gorge and any drinks or personal expenses.