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Active holidays and the great outdoors is our big love. Combined with the joy of sharing our knowledge of the Cretan landscape and experiences from the Cretan countryside, made us want to create Alternative Crete. An online outdoor activities agency focused on sustainable and alternative tourism.
Unspoiled nature and high mountains is the natural terrain where outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, bike tours and more, find a place for exploration and entertainment. Alternative Crete can give you the opportunity to organize your excursion to Crete with plenty of options concerning these activities.
The term ‘alternative’ has a specific meaning for us. We don’t promote the usual holiday mode. Instead, we highlight the hidden aspects of Crete that we all seek—those that mach with the alternative side of ourselves.
Hiking – Multiday Trekking
With three large Mountain ranges, Lefka Ori, Psiloritis and Dikti, dominating the Cretan landscape, countless hiking trails (E4, Chania trails) that are going through impressive Gorges and ancient paths crossing folk Villages, make Crete a hiking paradise. The ideal Mediterranean mild climate makes hiking and trekking enjoyable any time of the year, even in the winter! The changes in the landscape, even on a short hike, can be intense and dramatic, so that the senses are constantly stimulated, and the hike turns into a game of creating new images. After all, the Cretan landscape helps the most of it!
So, put on your boots and enjoy the Cretan trails!
Via Ferrata
For action and adventure seekers a Via Ferrata route could not be missing from Crete. Via Ferrata – the Iron Road – is a secured route, usually in steep and rocky mountainous areas. With a continuous steel wire, iron ladders and bridges, bolts etc. we can ensure maximum safety and prevent falls. We walk and climb using special safety equipment, that help us stay constantly attached to the steel wire and achieve a maximum degree of safety so that everyone can enjoy the activity. Via Ferrata is a unique experience that combines climbing and hiking, beautiful landscapes and intense adrenaline moments but always in safety.
For the Via Ferrata you do not need previous climbing experience and it is suitable for beginners. Small children (from 13 years old) and small groups can also participate. Good physical condition is required and it is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, suffer from vertigo, etc.
River Trekking
Through river trekking you have the opportunity to see and explore exotic sites that will surprise you like unexpected Palm forests, small waterfalls and stunning rock formations. Hidden jewels unknown to the most of the people, but ready to be revealed by those who will try it! River trekking is a fun and cool activity, especially during the hot summer days, that does not require technical equipment like ropes and rappel, neither has it got difficult passages. We only use the necessary means of protection to ensure that we keep all the safety standards, such as helmets etc.
In essence, river trekking is an adventurous hiking through the riverbed between huge boulders, small waterfalls, swimming spots and it is enjoyable for individuals, families or small groups.
Take your water shoes put your swimsuit and enjoy the water!
Limestone rocks and the many gorges found in Crete make the island an attractive destination for rock climbing. The wide variety of climbing spots—ranging from seaside cliffs to well-hidden routes nestled in mountain crevices—combined with easy access, highlights the recreational aspect of the sport. When all this is paired with a range of difficulty levels, with routes suited for both beginners and highly experienced climbers, it becomes clear why climbing has seen growing popularity in recent years, with new routes constantly being developed!
With certified guides trained in climbing schools and years of experience on the crags of Crete, we always put safety first—without forgetting the fun and enjoyable side of the sport.
Bike Tours
Discover Crete on a bike! Enjoy a bicycle tour on the Cretan countryside with us and let your senses discover an alternative perspective of the island. Meet local people while we are crossing traditional villages and take a break at ‘’Kafeneio’’ to enjoy a handmade Greek coffee by their own hands. Feel the breeze from the blooming fields and let your senses ”catch” the aromas of the Cretan herbs as we are riding through the Cretan countryside, but don’t forget look up to the surroundings mountains, as we are ascending delightful hills, to admire the stunning views!
With a conventional or Ε-bike, we can offer different levels of difficulties for anyone wants to try a bicycle ride, from an easy ride to the countryside for the beginners or medium and hard level for those who want to challenge themselves!
Explore our bicycle tours and book your ride!
Tailor Made Experiences
Let us organize your tailor-made adventure in Crete and experience the unforgettable. Plan and create an alternative trip for you or for the group you represent and get to know the unspoiled Crete through the magic of its countryside and the hospitality of the locals, with us.
More specifically, If we are talking about tailor-made multi day trekking, individual and group trips or even about corporate events, Alternative Crete is your destination.
Get in touch with us and plan your activities that will meet your needs and desires, any time of the year!
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
