Kambi – Volikas refuge – Milé cave
(2-day trip)

Hiking time (approx.):
(D1) 5 hrs + stops
(D2) 7 hrs + stops

Dates: April – October
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Trip details

Kambi – Volikas – Milé

Spend 2 days in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and discover some of its hidden treasures. Our steps lead through rugged, alpine scenery with panoramic views on both days.
Explore the historical ice cave of Milé and experience the magic of spending an evening under the stars and a night in the remote Volikas mountain refuge!

Included:

    • English-speaking host from pick-up (D1) to drop-off (D2)-(For pick-up/drop-off from your hotel, please contact us)
    • Transfer of any luggage from Kambi-refuge (D1) and refuge-Kambi (D2)
    • 1 overnight in Volikas refuge (mountain refuge: bunk beds, sheets, blankets, pillows provided)
    • Cooked evening meal in Volikas refuge (D1)
    • Breakfast and lunch in Volikas refuge (D2)
    • Refuge host (D1+D2) + backup vehicle

Not included:

  • Breakfast (D1), Evening  meal (D2)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

day 1

Kambi – Volikas: from village to refuge

Pick-up from your hotel and drive to Kambi village OR direct meeting in Kambi village.
Starting in the upland village of Kambi, we follow the path up the valley into the high mountains. The well-marked, ancient path leads us steadily up towards Volikas, one of the 4 mountain refuges located in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), at an altitude of 1350m. As we wind our way up through ancient cypress and oak trees, the wilderness embraces us. As if out of nowhere, the refuge appears in front of us after an approximately 4-hour uphill hike. Here, our refuge host prepares our evening meal while we take in the impressive views of the nearby summits of Kriariko, Spathi and Kefala, and to the north, even the lighthouse in the old port of Chania!
Enjoy the crisp, refreshing mountain air on a unique overnight stay at altitude.

Transfer time: 1hr – Hiking time (approx.): 4hrs (5,5km) – Altitude range (m): 550-1350

day 2

Volikas – Milé: the ice cave

After waking to the sound of the birds we set off for today’s hike.
The uphill path from the refuge gradually takes us higher, where the trees are fewer. The white-grey limestone changes through a palette of colours as the sun rises above us. We follow the path for approx 3 hrs up to Milé, a vertical sinkhole and cave where ice exists all year round! In the days before refridgeration, this path was used by locals who would come up with their mules during the night, collect ice and return to Chania before daylight in order to sell it in the market… a task that today seems more than demanding! After a break and a snack, we make our way back to Volikas refuge and after lunch under the cypress trees, we continue down the valley to Kambi village.
End of excursion or transfer back to your hotel.

Transfer time: 1hr – Hiking time (approx.): 4hrs (7km) + 3hrs (5,5km) – Altitude range (m): 1350-1750-1350-550

Notes:

Hiking time (approx): (D1) 4 hrs + stops | (D2) 7 hrs + stops

Altitude range (metres):  (D1) 550 – 1350 | (D2) 1350 – 1750 – 1350 – 550

Transfer time: (D1) 1hr Chania (hotel)-Kambi | (D2) 1hr Kambi-Chania (hotel)

Please note: this hike is suitable for those who have reasonable experience and are used to walking on uneven terrain/rocks for the above length of time.

Walking on: path (earth and stones), dirt track, rocky path, rocks

Hikers carry: day backpack with day necessities (water, picnic lunch, personal belongings, etc)

Luggage: transferred to Volikas refuge (D1) + transferred back to Kambi or your hotel (D2).

Suitable for: anyone in good health who enjoys hiking, children over 14 yrs.

Don´t forget your: hiking boots (closed/sport shoes), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snack/fruit, camera, hiking poles (advisable), warmer clothes for the evening in the mountains.

Dates and prices

The “Kambi-Volikas-Milé” trip can be organised from April to October.
We do not have a fixed/weekly programme,
all trips are upon request and depend on availability.
For other months of the year, please contact us.

Contact us for an offer!

Get a quote

Highlights

1 overnight in Volikas refuge
The unique ice cave of Milé
2 days in the Lefka Ori (White Moutnains)
Small groups (max.8-10 persons)

Personalise this trip

Are you a family, a bigger group?
We can customise this trip according to your wishes.

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