A new destination to Mirtos, Eastern Crete
Every year we plan our WalkingWomen holiday programme with the old favorites that have been running since the beginning of WalkingWomen 25 years ago. But we also always like to add new.
In 2024 we introduced Mirtos with our local Angela. A tiny seaside village just an hour from Heraklion in a spot just perfect for our WalkingWomen. Two family run hotels with sisters in charge – we like that!
It is small, quiet, by the sea and with access to undiscovered paths and trails with very few people. It is one of those destinations with so much culture and we offer both walking and a more relaxed and slow down trip. On these trips there is walking but also learning to cook local Cretan food, visiting cultural sights – a rich experience for you.
One of our guest wrote about her experience on her Relax and Slow Down holiday to Crete in September 2024
The Walking Women week in Crete was a beautiful series of moments on the south coast of Crete in the village of Mirtos and environs. We stayed in the beautiful Villa Mertiza, which is located 200 meters from the center of the village and the beach. On almost every day, we were welcomed into the homes of local residents to learn about their small businesses and to partake of their hospitality and very delicious homemade Cretan food accompanied with locally made wines. Additionally, almost every evening the group met for dinner at a local taverna selected by our fabulous guide, Angela. The very sunny weather showed off the Cretan climate that enables a strong agricultural and gastronomic tradition as only can be found in Mediterranean regions. In addition, the friendliness and welcoming demeanor of all the local people made it difficult to leave this little paradise.
The week’s itinerary
On Day 1, the first hike took place in the village of Anatolis, followed by a sumptuous meal and very informative visit to the home of a local family who grow their own herbs and plants to make natural products.
On Day 2, we visited the charming village of Pirgos followed by a relaxing visit to a local Cretan winery run by two brothers.
On Day 3, part of the group visited the village of Lastros, while a few people stayed in Mirtos.
On Day 4, which was an ‘official’ day off, we all met for dinner after a day of swimming, shopping, and relaxing.
On Day 5, we visited the mountain village of Kalamafka, following by a visit to Maria’s house to learn how to make filo dough. After our baking lessons, we ate delicious small pies filled with cheese and vegetables.
On Day 6, after a short walk in the morning, we visited the professional kitchen of Popi at the Hotel Esperides, located up the street from our hotel. During the afternoon, we cooked several local Cretan dishes with the help of Popi and her team. In the evening, we returned to the hotel to eat the fruits of our labors. Delicous!
The week in Mirtos, Crete was very relaxing with delicious food and very enjoyable company every day.
In 2025 we return with 4 more trips planned. It is so popular we wanted to make sure we had enough spaces.
Do join us in Spring Relax and Slow Down in Crete this Spring
and if the dates don’t work we also have Autumn Relax and Slow down in September
