Gavalochori is a great location from which to embark on walks and hikes. The area has many paths and roadways that take visitors by scenic ruins and through fields and forests, often with spectacular views. Listed here are some simple walks and hikes that can be taken directly from the village and that do not require special skills or equipment. They are listed in order from shortest to longest in terms of distance.
Walking or hiking in the middle of the day in the summer months is not a good idea. Although the temperature in Crete rarely goes above 38°C (100°F) and the humidity is typically not very high, the hot summer sun can get to you quickly. In the summer, hike in the morning or evening, and always bring water with you.
Gavalochori is included in the Chania Trails Project, which includes specified routes and painted markings along the way. The system is integrated into a mapping/tracking system, but visitors have found the system challenging to access. If you wish to try to engage with the system, you can do so at the sign next to the map in Gavalochori’s main square.
As you are walking and hiking around Gavalochori, you may find a trail that is cut off by a fence. It’s quite fine to open the gate and go through the fence so that you can continue on the trail. Just be sure to close the gate behind you so that the farmer’s sheep don’t get out. You also might find that carrying a stick with you as you hike is useful for shooing away any sheepherding dogs you might encounter. They won’t bite you, but you might be more comfortable if you can keep them away from you.
An excellent resource for hikes and walks in the area is a series of books published by Discover . . . On Foot. Written by Berend Wolffenbuttel and Toine van der Meijden, they cover a range of villages and areas around Gavalochori, including Vamos, Almyrida and Kalyves, Georgioupolis, and Chania. Another book, 10 Long Walks in Apokoronas, provides information on longer hikes in the region. The books are available in English and German, and a few of them are published in Dutch. When you are in Gavalochori, you can find the books in The Swallow craft shop in the main square. You can see what is available and order books through their website.
