Shepherd’s Hut Jeep Safari Tour – A unique experience in a hidden corner of Crete

This is one of the most unique jeep safari tours in Crete because it goes beyond the Greek stereotype of amazing beaches and turquoise water.

Of course, nobody is going to complain about the bright sun and the amazing coastline that Crete has to offer in this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean.

However, are you aware that the true soul of Crete is hidden in the mountains? Where travellers are more of a rare occasion?

This Jeep Safari Tour will take you along the 1,400-meter high White Mountains and you will visit the traditional “Mitato” or shepherd’s hut.

You will talk with the farmers, discover how they live, what challenges they face and how they produce cheese using a centuries-old method called graviera (so yummy).

It is a unique tour on comfortable, luxury 4wd vehicles where you will explore a part of the mainland through rough roads not accessible with a normal rental car or a public bus.

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The Shepherd’s Hut Jeep Safari Tour – In a nutshell

Location: The Shepherd’s Hut Jeep Safari Tour is located in the Chania Prefecture area, west of Crete

Pick up area: Pick up is available and included in the price in a distance up to 20km from Chania. Very convenient

Typical duration: the tour lasts 7-8 hours, starting at 9am and back in town around 5pm.

Available Days: this is a daily tour (except on Sundays) running from the 1st of April till 30th of November

Languages spoken by the tour guides: English and Greek

Available vehicle models: four-wheel drive (4wd), 7-seater Mitsubishi Pajero and Land Rover Discovery with full A/C.

Off-road experience: the tour is approx 30% of the time driving on rough roads and approx 70% on small narrow roads, typical of the Crete inland

Don’t forget the sunglasses, hat, sun cream, a jacket (depending on the weather conditions). Sport shoes or sandals are recommended.

Top 3 unmissable attractions in the tour:

The unique Mitato or Shepherd’s Hut where you will discover how the farmers live, what challenges they face and how they produce cheese using a centuries-old method, called graviera.
The Historical Therisso village where the Cretan revolution started in 1905. You will enjoy a walk around and a traditional Cretan snack, based on local olives, tomatoes, a cheese named “graviera”, honey and local mountain tea named “malotira”.
The view from the 1400 m altitude

Lunchtime: A traditional lunch made of Cretan tastes, with fresh seasonal main products is provided during the tour.

Children friendly: This is a gorgeous experience for the whole family, however, keep in mind that the children should be more than 8 years old.

Shepherd’s Hut Jeep Safari Tour – How to contact

Phone number/WhatsApp: +306973732215
Email: info@chaniaadventures.gr
Website: www.chaniaadventures.gr
Price & Availability: Book your tour without worrying of sudden change. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Price & Availability

Photos of the Shepherd’s Hut Jeep Safari Tour – what you should expect

Arrival at Shepherd’s Hut with the 4WD in a hidden area of Crete. Such a unique experience, hardly impossible to organise on your own — Arrival at Shepherd’s Hut with the Jeep Safari Tour in a hidden area of Crete. Such a unique experience, hardly impossible to organise on your own

The Shepherd’s Hut entrance where you will experience the life as it used to be in Crete, and still is in the mountains. The thick wall and the absence of windows helps keeping the temperature inside much cooler, like in a cave — The Shepherd’s Hut entrance where you will experience the life as it used to be in Crete, and still is in the mountains. The thick wall and the absence of windows help to keep a cooler temperature inside, like in a cave

Mr “Dimosthenis” serves the tour guests the traditional spirit, the “tsikouthia”. It's a must try. The tour guide is always very happy to translate for you in case of any question you may have — Mr “Dimosthenis” serves the tour guests the traditional spirit, the “tsikouthia”. It’s a must-try. Do you have a question? The tour guide is always very happy to translate for you 🙂

You will have time to walk around the Shepherd’s Hut and see how the life goes on in the remote mountains of CRete — There is time to walk around the Shepherd’s Hut and see how life goes on in the remote mountains of Crete

You will be surprised by how many goats are around the mountains. Did you know that the Kefalotyri, one of the most consumed Cretan cheeses, is partially done with goat milk?

Sheep lunch time. Another famous chees in Crete is the Graviera, made of sheep milk — Sheeps rushing for lunchtime. Another famous cheese in Crete is the Graviera, made of sheep milk (at the Shepherd’s Hut the farmer explains the making process)

Relaxing time for the sheeps after lunch — Lunchtime for the sheeps. All well organised, like in a food court

Relaxing time after lunch for the sheeps

The view from the peak is just spectacular, down to the sea. And in a few lucky days you may be able to even be above the clouds — The view from the peak is just spectacular, from the mountains around down to the sea on the horizon. And in a few lucky days, you may be able to even be above the clouds for a unique experience.

Another stop at 1,200m above the sea level. Remember to take your jumper in spring and autumn. It can be a bit chilly there — Another stop of the Jeep Safari Tour at 1,200m above sea level. Remember to take your jumper in spring and autumn. It can be a bit chilly up there

It's a great memorable fun day. — It’s a great memorable fun day.

You get to taste some amazing Cretan dishes. If you are into food (who is not) you will love it — You get to taste some amazing Cretan dishes. If you are into food (who isn’t?) you will love it

It's a never ending culinary experience. Local traditional food hard to experience anywhere else — It’s a never ending culinary experience. Local traditional food hard to experience anywhere else

Lunch at the old village of Theriso where you will have some time to explore around — Lunch at the old village of Therisso where you will have some time to explore around

Stefano Ferro - MEL365.com Founder and Editor

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