Western Crete

A challenging expedition for experienced Sea Kayakers.  A 7-day journey along the west and SW coast of Crete from Kissamos to Hora Sfakion.  The total distance is approx 140 km.  Although highly dependant on the weather conditions, we plan to start on the north coast and round the Gramvousa peninsula on day 1, camping below the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island.  On day 2 we will proceed down the west coast, then westwards along the south coast. 

The Price includes:

  • 6 nights' wild camping
  • 7 days' sea kayaking
  • Fully guided by Rod Feldtmann
  • Full logistical support
  • All sea kayaking equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Food and food preparation - this trip is self catered
  • Hotel in Kissamos on arrival night (approx €70 per room)
  • Hotel in Sfakia on last night (approx €70 per room)
  • Shared transfer from Chania to Kissamos on arrival day (approx €15pp)
  • Shared transfer from Sfakia to Chania at end of trip (€25pp)

2026 price = €900

2027 price = €940

Arrival and departure

The advertised dates include your arrival and departure dates to and from Chania.  

  • Arrive at Chania airport anytime before 4 pm. A shared transfer to Kissamos (1 hr) will be booked for you when everyone’s flight details are received.  Or, find your own way to Kissamos (one way taxi fare from Chania is approx €80).
  • Depart from Chania  anytime after 12 noon. 
  • You can fly to Chania from Athens with Olympic Air or Sky Express.
  • There is an overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania with ANEK lines.

Expedition Plan

  • Arrival day:  Arrive to Chania, shared transfer to Kissamos, stay in Hotel (actual hotel TBA), supermarket shopping
  • Day 1: Unload trailer, pack boats, hotel breakfast, start paddling
  • Days 1-7: Seven full days’ kayaking with 6 nights’ wild camping.
  • End of day 7: Arrive at Sfakia, stay in hotel (actual hotel TBA), group evening meal at a restaurant.  Rod returns to Kissamos to get car and trailer.
  • Departure day: Hotel breakfast, load trailer, transfer to Chania.

The aim of the expedition is to paddle the coast of western Crete, from Kissamos on the north coast to Sfakion on the south coast, via the Gramvousa peninsula (see map). The total distance is about 140km.

Maps

A laminated A4 map will be provided.

Required Paddling Experience

This expedition is for experienced sea kayakers.  You should have enough stamina to paddle an average 25 km per day for 7 days in a variety of sea conditions.  You should be comfortable with the idea of paddling in strong wind and waves, as challenging conditions are likely on at least some of the days.  You should have practised the T-rescue and know how to do an assisted deep water re-entry.

If you have limited paddling experience, our Explore Milos Package will provide excellent preparation for this expedition.

Camping

Camping will be wild on remote beaches.   There are no facilities and no water supply. All camping equipment, food and water must be carried in the kayak.  A strong lightweight tent is essential.  A quality, inflatable sleeping mat and pillow is recommended.

Food

The expedition is self catered. Usually we each look after our own breakfast, lunch and snacks and take turns to prepare a small group evening meal.  Food for the first stage can be bought from a supermarket in Kissamos on the evening of yoru arrival day (suprmarket is open until 9pm).  You are welcome to bring food items from home.  There will be an opportunity to stock up every second or third day, allowing us to travel light and live well. Occasional stops at restaurants and coffee shops are a possibility.

Stoves and fuel

We recommend stoves powered by gas canisters with a screw-on fitting (camping-Gaz or coleman type), readily available in local supermarkets. see photo

We have camping stoves for hire upon request €30/week – suitable for up to 4 persons.  The Trangia stove, includes 2 x 2lt pots, kettle and frying pan. see photo.

Weather

April in Crete, is a comfortable spring month, with average temperature fluctuating between 13°C and 18°C.  On average, rain falls on 7 days/month, so we can expect some wet weather.  The sea temperature is around 17°C.  Source www.weather-atlas.com

What to wear

For paddling, shorts and a shirt will be sufficient on sunny days. A cagoule (waterproof paddling jacket) and neoprene trousers or similar may be required if its windy or overcast.

See a complete Packing list >