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For walkers, Crete provides sublime landscapes that divide into three main hiking regions. First, the famous gorges, which descend thousands of feet from the inland mountain ranges: Lefka Ori, Idi, Dikti (running west to east). Some are dried-up riverbeds, others have lakes and waterfalls, and many emerge on the south coast at some of the most idyllic coves and beaches in the Mediterranean. Then there is the magnificent south coast itself, and finally the more challenging mountain ranges, such as the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in the central west region. For the purist exploring the inland mountains it is easily possible to walk for a week along deserted ancient shepherd trails and barely see a soul. And while the more popular gorges and stretches of the coast can get busy in summer, it’s a small price to pay for their stunning beauty.

Samaria Gorge: Famous for a reason. It’s a stunning 10-mile, five to seven-hour gorge walk dropping 4,000ft from the Omalos plateau in the west to the beachside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast. Best done in spring. Avoid high summer. Start early (7am) for a more private experience and remember there are numerous less-known and equally jawdropping alternatives. Highlight: Portes or “Iron Gates“(narrowest section at southern end).

Tripiti/Sougia Coast Walk: One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Med and completely unspoilt. Take a water taxi from Sougia (south-west coast) to the entrance to the Tripiti gorge and enjoy the four-hour walk back.

The Elia Traditional Hotel (0030 2824 083056; elia-crete.com.gr).

Not necessary for the gorges – there’s only one way down between those cliff walls – or along the coastal paths. Maps with start/end points and walking notes are available at the airport (Chania) and resorts along the south coast. Several UK tour operators offer walking holidays in Crete, including Inntravel (01653 617001; inntravel.co.uk).

Expect uneven rocky terrain almost everywhere, so strong legs and sturdy boots are a must. Otherwise, those gorge walks are all downhill! visitgreece.gr; west-crete.com; sougia.info