A computer shuts down, a backpack is packed, and the adventure begins. Ready for the great outdoors? Lace up your hiking boots and let's discover Crete... differently! Here, the mountains and rocks are the answer to the good life.

Valia & Thomas: The Crete on the Rocks Stars of Cretan Nature

These two Cretans, Valia Andreadaki and Thomas Viskadourakis, aren’t just partners in this venture—they’re friends, united by their shared love for nature and adventure. Through their explorations of Crete’s stunning and often hidden spots, they’ve built a strong team that combines passion and experience. This friendship is the driving force behind Crete on the Rocks and the energy they pass on to those who join their outdoor activities.

They created Crete on the Rocks to organize outdoor adventures like canyoning, rock climbing, via ferrata, hiking, and river trekking. Valia and Thomas are not your average guides! With boundless enthusiasm for adventure, they’ll teach you how to find your footing on the rocks and climb some of Crete’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Both Valia and Thomas hold certifications from the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME) in canyoning, and from the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (EOOA) in rock climbing and winter mountaineering. They’re also graduates of the General Secretariat of Sports' climbing coach program.

In addition, Thomas has specialized training in canyoning through rapids and worked as an instructor at an FFME school in France during the summer of 2024.

Valia, a mother of two, recalls her childhood days climbing Crete's rocky terrains. “Cretans have nature in their blood; it’s just something we need to rediscover,” she says. The vastness of the mountains puts problems into perspective, helping both children and adults find balance. It’s a chance to truly live in the moment, disconnected from screens and the digital world.

During the pandemic, family trips into nature were Valia's answer to the restrictions. A memorable hike in Adrianos Gorge with her then 9-year-old son, where they faced the challenge of descending a tall waterfall without a rope, sparked her interest in canyoning. Today, she shares this passion with her children and other adventure seekers, young and old.

Thomas, on the other hand, started his journey at sea with diving and sailing, but the mountains eventually won his heart. His first trek through the Ha Gorge was a turning point, leading him to become one of the top canyoning instructors in Crete.

Crete is a unique place where you can hike in the snow in the morning and swim at a beach in the afternoon! As Valia puts it, connecting with Crete’s nature offers a sense of balance, confidence, and strength, while for Thomas, the gorges of Agiofarago and Arvi hold a special place in his heart.

Safety is always the top priority. Every excursion is organized with utmost care and professionalism. With certified instructors and the best equipment, anyone—regardless of age or fitness level—can join in without a worry. Even the little adventurers at home can become gorge explorers with guidance from two highly trained instructors!

When you climb rocks and traverse gorges, you push your limits and feel like you’re conquering something extraordinary. These adventures give you a sense of achievement and confidence that stays with you long after you’re back to daily life.

Crete is a magical place to discover, inch by inch. Trust those who know and are worth your time: Crete on the Rocks.