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Walk and Cycle in Crete
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Two kilometres of good track followed by half kilometre of steep climb up a well worn path to the church on the summit. This is an excellent first walk for anyone new to the area to get their bearings as the panoramic views from the top cover the valley from Plakias to the Kourtaliotis Gorge. The slopes below the church grow a particularly good strain of sage for drying. The path is not suitable for cyclists.
Take the track due south from the western end of Lefkogia that runs up past a new church with some fine columnar cypress growing beside the irrigation aqueduct.
10 min. Cross the aqueduct on a track climbing south-west, past a communal laundry under an arched roof with clear water flowing from the rocks. Continue up this track until a side branch goes to another small church on your right.
20 min. Now take the path climbing more steeply up the hill to your left. This joins the same track on the end of a hairpin, but again look out for a path climbing more steeply on your left. Again this joins the track on the end of a hairpin.
35 min. Follow the track upwards until just past a small cave a cairn marks the continuation of the path up to the left. The track itself does not go up to the top. The path now zigzags on upwards with splashes of paint marking the way.
55 min. There is a small church on top with a bell hanging beside it.
The bird's eye view of the villages and olive groves below is one of the best in the area.
You must return by the same path as far as the first church below.
1 hr 5 min. Continuing left and east on the track you came up will take you round the base of the hill to the village of
1 hr 20 min. Gianiou and a road back to Lefkogia.
1 hr 40 min. Lefkogia.
Previous: - 11. Plakias to the quiet beaches Next: - 13. Timeos Stavros to Plakias
Sea Kayaking the South Shore
| Jan |
|
I will be traveling in Crete in June. I am interested in renting kayak equipment from a company along the south shore - maybe near Sfakia or Malta.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| manos |
|
The distance is big from your hotel to the Odysseia stables. If you find time will pay you back. It is a very beuatifull place with nice horses.
MM
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Re: Skafia
| Pauline |
|
I want to rent a villa or apartment in Skafia, Crete at a reasonable price, for the month of September 2007. Can any body help it is for myself and my sister we are both middle aged and would like somewhere quiet but not remote. We will be travelling from Manchester UK.
thanks, Pauline
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German Maps of Crete
| Bruce |
|
I am heading off for a walking holiday in the White Mountains and would like to purchase your downloadable German maps
Could you let me know which ones I need to cover the area from Sougia in the west to Asigonia in the east and also how I pay you for these
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New Maps of Crete
| Peter |
|
Sougia is on map 5c, and Asi Ghonia is on 7c
The maps you need are 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b If you follow the link to download the first map, I hope the instructions for payment are now self explanatory. Enter 10 pounds in the box - there is no minimum charge, but a processing charge of 25p is added to each payment, so you could just make a payment of 1 pound for the first map to check they are useful to you. Payment is using the PayPal system, either with PayPal or credit card. Let me know if you have any problems.
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Re: E4 path through Crete
| Linda Lombardo |
|
Dear Peter Thomson,
My sister Barbara who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, knew George Petrakis when he lived in the States many years ago,and has been trying to contact him recently but has only an old address on Crete. Is there some way you can help me to get a contact for him (or give him mine)? thank you so much for your trouble. Linda Lombardi
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Martina |
|
We are on the south of Crete near Matala and near by the famous Como-beach. Our horse-farm Melanouri is now 9 years working and we have many regular customers. We offer many differant walks and you can find more information on our website www.melanouri.com
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| stefano |
|
Dear Peter, do you remenber the Italian guys you met in Katsiveli last year? well, we'll back in a few days (from 19 to 26 of may). We start from palehora and then sougia, roumeli, samarias gorge, kallergi, katsiveli, askifou... Are you on the withe mountains? If no or if I are wrong and you're not the "same" wild Peter, best whishes to you, and thanks for usefull comments I've read on this forum.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Maria |
|
Hello Odysseia Stables!
I would like to do the Lassithi trail, but I have only been taking lessons for 1 year (since May 2006 to present) and I can trot and canter but I am not an experienced rider. In order to be able to do the guided Lassithi trail, how experienced do I need to be? Thank you!
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Tis Agapis Maheria
| Despina |
|
Tis Agapis Maheria" is a Greek TV drama series (seen on Antenna channel). Would anyone know where in Crete it is filmed? Is there an additional filming location somewhere else in Greece? Thanking you in advance, Despina
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| cross |
|
Hi out there,
can anybody provide scanned copies of the German Abwehrcard and of the new greek cards (may be the one of the army). Pls. send it by email. Which of these describe all possibilities for water intake. Are there any that cover the track from tripiti gorge to the Gingilos saddle (Samaria Gorge). This is an advanced track I would like to walk. Most of the hikers had to abort, since they couldn't find the path and were running out of supplies!! Many thanks, Cross
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Fran |
|
Hi all,
the E4 between between Sougia and Agia Roumeli is a wonderful walk without serious problems for an experienced alpinist. I did it in 2005 (from Sougia to AR) and in 2006 (the opposite direction). The most important point is water; I took six liters with me. More challenging is the Tripiti gorge leading from Tripiti to the Gingilos saddle - does anybody have details about this? Greetings, Fran
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Re: E4 path through Crete
| Tom Heydon |
|
Hi
Interesting Books: Sunflower Landscapes Western Crete: ISBN 1-85691-188-8 Crete - The White Mountains (a Cicerone Guide) ISBN1-85284-298-9 Crete West (Rother Walking Guide) ISBN 3-7633-4803-4 Between The Seas (A Quiet Walk Through Crete) ISBN 1-85619-188-5 Maps None of them are up to OS standard but the best I have found are by Harms Verlag. I have only used the Western Crete ones. 1:80,000 scale ISBN 3-927468-11-8 1:100,000 scale ISBN 3-927468-16-9 We have walked from Elafonisi to Sougia, a section of the E4 from the Kalergi Refuge to Melindau. From Ormalos down the Samaria Gorge then along the coastal path to Hora Sfakion. Up the Imbros Gorge then along the road through Asfendou to Kalikratis to follow the Gorge down to Frango Kastelli. Some of the parts between Marble Beach and Hora Sfakion may be difficult for vertigo sufferers. Other interseting gorge walks while in the area are the Aradina Gorge (Marble Beach), Inlingias Gorge, Anapoli Gorge (Hora Sfakion) and Asfendos Gorge (Asfendou). I hope this is useful for someone. Tom
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Sabine Fragakis |
|
Dear Maria,
If you have any question about the Lassithi Trek or The Odysseia Stables you can sent them to Hippofun -at- otenet.gr, you will get a quick and private answer. If you are riding for 1 year, your experience is not enough for the Lassithi Trek and you will not enjoy your holiday. It is a heavy trek which is even for experienced riders tiring with 6 to 7 hours a day in the saddle. We will advise you to do a stationairy horse riding holiday with 2 or 4 hours horse riding a day outside or in combination with horse riding lessons in the arena. For sure you will enjoy this much more. Best regards, Sabine
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Re: Welcome to Crete
| Wies Wouda |
|
We did a lot of walking around Plakias. Thanks for making this website Peter. We noticed a few changes while we were there. When you do the walk from Plakias to Sellia there's a roadblock up the hill. Some earth moved over the road and you have to be very carefull there.
The first time we tried to find the Finikas monastry, we didn't find it. We had to buy a local map and found out that the description was a bit poor. The chapel is very pretty. They also restored it at the outside. When we went back to Plakias. we wanted to visit Geronimo's outside Souda Bay. Well, it doesn't excist anymore. Just a barking dog. So if you're thirsty, go down to Souda beach.
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driving to crete in motorhome witha dog from uk
| jennifer short |
|
has anyone any idea how to do it with a dog and a motorhome? I have heard of ferries that you take a motorhome onboard and live on it until you arrive at your destination. Is their a ferry of this type from Ancona to Crete via the port of Piraeus? Has anyone any idea of the cost and duration of the trip?I am thinking of doing this trip begining of June this year (2007)
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gramvoussa
| christine |
|
Le 20 aout jusqu'au 11 septembre nous séjournons à plakias.
sur votre site, j'ai noté quelques belles ballades, mais je souhaiterais voir gramvoussa et elafonissi que me conseiller vous
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Polo |
|
For Tripiti gorge, just have a look at this adresse http://www.carto.net/andre.mw/photos/2005/05/03_gorge_tripiti_crete_sud/
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| linda schembri |
|
I am told that there is a horse farm in Crete which also provides accomadation for young people with autism and learning difficulties.Please do you know the name and web address? Thank you
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Re: Bicycle Hire
| Jones Byrd |
|
I'll be in Chania June 15-18, hiking June 16. I too would like to rent a road bicycle on June 17. If you get information, please forward. All I've found is motorcycle info. Thx.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Jane Curbishley |
|
Does anyone know of any good horse riding schools near Kissamos or Tavronitis? We are planning to move to north-west Crete in a couple of years and I need to be near horses!!
(I have used Zoraida near Georgiopoulis, which is excellent but too far away, as is Zoraida near Chania). Thanks.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| kayleigh |
|
does anyone know of any horse riding trips in north east crete?(no heraklion or hersonisos)
2-4 hours would be ideal as we are not yet experianced riders if so then could you give the website many thanks , kayleigh
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Tis Agapis Maheria
| Maria |
|
The actual village is not filmed in Crete its just out of Athens on a little island called Poros.
I hope i have helped. Regards Maria
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Re: Welcome to Crete
| Petra |
|
Dear Peter, thank you for this interesting site. I spent a fortnight in Plakias this June with my husband and seven year old son, we hiked every day in the surroundings and we did a lot of the walks you recommend (to Selia, to Mirthios, to Finikas Monastery, Timeos Stavros from Lefkogia, Plakias to quiet beaches, the aqueduct road, to the Preveli monastery via Gianiou etc.). It took us three attempts to find the Finikas Monastery, it was difficult to find but worth it. We have also walked the length of the Kourtaliotiko gorge which is really beautiful, and our son especially enjoyed the short but spectacular walk across the cliff from Skineria Beach to Amoudi. We are from a country with a long tradition of hiking and all hiking trails here are very well marked so it took us some time to get used to trails which sometimes end in some thorny bushes or by a fence but in the end we really enjoyed the walks among olive groves during which we met only a handful of other tourists. I have already started to think about other possible places for similar holidays, can you recommend something?
All best, Petra
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Naturist Beaches in Eastern Crete
| Alana |
|
Does anyone know of naturist beaches east of Heraklion, either on north or south coasts.
Thanks
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Re: E4 path through Crete
| Bjørn Michelsen |
|
Hello,
We visit Crete in May and reed your book about walking in the nature of Crete. It was a very informative book, but we lacked tip how we could come back to the starting point from some of the routs you tell about, bus, taxi or another possibilities. Are some of the walking distances in the book tour and retour?
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Re: E4 path through Crete
| Peter |
|
I walked almost all the paths in the book as circular routes, but these were then split into the individual sections as they can then be arranged together in different ways.
Some used the local bus service to get to the starting point on the road from Plakias to Rethimnon, and then each follows a different route back to Plakias.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Sam |
|
I just came back from Crete where we went on a night tour that took us into the mountains on horse back, it was a great treck and the view was just amazing! As we made our way back to the ranch on the 3 hour round trip the sun begain to set over the olive and grape trees, and the smell was wonderful. The people who ran the trip were also great fun, and very kind to the guests and horses. The place really had a family feel about it, the staff were happy to talk to the guests from all over the world while a pack of puppies ran around the kids feet, it really was fantastic for the adults and kids. We also had a lovely meal included in the price as well where the wine was free flowing and the food was wonderful! I would really recommend this tour.
I'm not 100\% sure of what the company is called because we bought it as an excursion on a package holiday. I think it was called Horses Hersonissos as that is where the company is based, but if this isn't its name I'm quite sure they have adverts all over the island, including in the shops that sell day trips to tourists. And I'm quite sure if you are staying at a hotel this trip will be offered to you anyway, regardless of where you are staying because they seem to pick people up from most places in the island. Or they might have a website if you google them. Sorry I can't be anymore help to you!
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| cella |
|
can you tell me where this beautiful ridinng place is ! thankyou !
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| cella |
|
1. does anyone know where there are great riding stables at in crete?
2. where is odysseia stables at? 3. where can i get riding clothes from in crete? 4. does anyone know where there is a riding stable in breachture?
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| manolis |
|
Odysseia stables are close to Hersonissos in Crete in a nice are with quality horses and many diferent panoramic rides.
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| manolis |
|
More informations about Odysseia stables you can find from horseriding,gr
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crete_maps
| Tóth Ãdám |
|
Hey!
Me and my friend plan a trip to Crete next summer. Unfortunately, we can't find any map about E 4 routes here in Hungary. I would be glad if you could send the detailed map of Crete what contains the E4 routes. Thank you Adam from Budapest
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crete_maps
| Tóth Ãdám |
|
Hey!
Me and my friend plan a trip to Crete next summer. Unfortunately, we can't find any map about E 4 routes here in Hungary. I would be glad if you could send the detailed map of Crete what contains the E4 routes. Thank you Adam from Budapest
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crete Useful Greek phrases
|
|
hey how are you?im well & you? im sitting in Greek lesson how do you say..hey good looking?
because i would like to know... thank you very much(: from a pretty lady(: How useful is this message about crete Useful Greek phrases? |
crete Useful Greek phrases
| Peter |
|
br>Γεια σας φαινομαι καλα
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crete Medical care
| James Ralph |
|
If I was living in Crete, how would I get my medicine for my diabetes
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chania airport to plakias by taxi
| Ann Gulden |
|
Please send me en estimate of approximate cost of taking a taxi to Plakias on a saturday lunchtime in May, when we arrive from Norway
we will return to the airport after one week thanks
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crete 31 Up the Imbros Gorge
| Richard Holtz | ***** |
|
My family is planning to hike the Imbros Gorge in late March, and I was wondering if hiking one way was preferential to going the other way, in terms of scenery, difficulty of hiking, finding a place to stay, etc. Any thoughts? Thank you
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New Maps of Crete
| Jonathan Huston |
|
Dear Peter
I am an Australian WW2 enthusuast, who along with some seasoned english trekkers will be re-eancting the fame route of the abduction of General Kreipe as led by Patrick Leigh Fermor in 1944. We commence the journey on April 14 and finish late April. Are you familiar with the route and journey? What maps would you recommend and how would I acquire them to navigate this route? Essentially which maps would best cover the acreage of interest? I can send the key points of interest for your info, if you are unaware of the route? I look forward to hearing from you soon - or indeed any other enthusiast who has knowledge of the route? Kind regards Jonathan Huston Perth, Australia. How useful is this message about New Maps of Crete? |
New Maps of Crete
| Peter |
|
I have read the book but don't have it for reference.
If you post a list of place names I can tell you which maps you need. How useful is this message about New Maps of Crete? |
crete Useful Greek phrases
| Maureen Page |
|
I am travelling to Zakynthos on Sunday. My problem is I am allergic to cereals i.e. wheat, rye, oats, barley and cous cous etc. How do I say this please? As I'm going self catering and will be buying in food stores as well as restaurants. Thank you
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crete Bicycles
| Mario |
|
I would know if there are good shops for renting special road bicycles, near Rethimnos. Which are the best prices for 1 week (from 18, till 25 May)?
Thanks a lot in advance, Mario
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crete flowers of crete target4
| coral shaw |
|
Hi,
I think this looks like a species of Campanula Regards, Coral
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crete flowers of crete target7
| Lee Stephenson |
|
This very attractive photo indeed contains Geraniums as we commonly call them. Strictly, they are Pelargonium zonale varieties. The wild species is from South Africa which is similar in climate to lowland Crete (few damaging frosts in winter)so they thrive.
Behind and to the sides of the shrine there appears to be olive trees and what I think look like the corrugated leaves of a Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) an east-asian tree commonly grown in Crete as an ornamental fruit tree. Flowering at Christmas, its fruit is ripe and on sale everywhere in Crete for a short season during May. They are tart, but get sweeter when allowed to over ripen. They rarely appear in UK markets as they don't travel well
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Jonathan |
|
Did this walk a couple of weeks ago (late May 2008). Our day actually started at Omalos and we walked down Samaria, halted in Agia Roumeli and then set off for the Domata Beach at Klados at 4pm where we would camp for the night.
Much has been made of how long this walk should take, some estimates on here saying 8 hours. I think this depends hugely on your circumstances. In the summer and with heavy packs (like us) it takes much longer as you're caught in a vicious circle of your pack weight making you sweat, so you have to make more water, so your pack is heavier and so on. We carried 6 litres each with the target of fresh supplies at Tripiti. Our supplies held - just. Fortunate that we ran into the beekeeper with the donkey who lives by the beach just east of Tripiti. As for the walk itself. It's fine as long as you're on the path - things get rather tricky if you lose the path as we did twice. Starting from behind Roumeli you have a very exposed and slippery traverse across a steeply sloping mountainside of compacted soil, mantled by a thin veneer of loose gravel and a cliff edge a few feet to your left. It's the sort of slope that makes you think that a one big slip could send you over the edge. You just have to ignore the danger and put one firm put in front of another. Fortunately, things improve and a better made path crosses a rockfall before a steep climb up a made but in places broken zig-zag path up a rocky gully through the trees. Emerging over the top you track the coast with the sea far below. The path is mantled in loose stone and dances inbetween spikey shrubbery which bites your legs. A very minor gorge causes no problems but a medium size gorge now separates you from the hills above Klados. At this point you're nearly 600 metres above sea level and are now faced with a rocky descent into this gorge and a climb up the other side. Alhtough navigating from the Loraine Wilson book and the Anavasi 1:25k map, we were led to believe we had to head a distance north into the gorge and then descend. It was at this point we lost the E4. We didn't know whether it was above or below us. We decided to descend through a steep concoction of loose rocks, gravel, solid rock and spikey vegetation into the gorge floor. Not very nice and rather bone-jarring. We then happened upon the E4 path pleasantly emerging from some trees when we reached the gorge floor. Perhaps the E4 descent is rather better than the one we were forced to make! Anyway, another ascent up the other side of the gorge and then a long dscent into Klados. This was the end of a long day for us and the light was fading. The loose marbles mantling the footpath caused a few stumbles for very tired legs. We happened upon the cistern mentioned in the wilson book - the water was poor and not suitable to drink. Then steeply down to the beach at Klados where we just got the tent up before dark. Time to Klados with heavy packs (4 hours) What a fabulous place for an overnight! We were totally on our own, the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore and the sheer peaceful, unspolitness of location made for the highlight of the trip. Next day, an early start (7am) in an attempt to stay out of the sun for as long as possible before it rose above the mountains behind us. We were mindful of scare stories about a badly eroded section between Klados and Tripiti and so marched on, keen to get it over with. We weren't sure what to expect but when we arrived there we were somewhat surprised. Sure, the path is eroded and covered in lose gravel with a steep drop of 20m into the sea, but the gravel is actually quite grippy and it is only a few metres before you reach the safety of a wider ledge and then carefully pick your way behind a large boulder over more loose gravel above a rockfall. As long as you're careful there shouldn't be a problem. Indeed, I actually thought the section out of Agia Roumeli was worse. The next section to Tripiti is fine with no horrors. If you're lucky you'll run into the beekeeper (and his donkey) before Tripiti who has water. A bit of care is needed exiting Tripiti. The Wilson book suggested that the ascent of the gorge side began at a large free standing rock in front of a scree slope. We found such a rock and scree slope (with an E4 sign next to it) and began to ascend. This got steeper and steeper and looser and looser until we were on the edge of what our boots could possibly grip on. The absence of E4 signs was also worrying. After climbing 100 metres above the gorge and getting rather concerned that we were on goat paths with no easy way back down we spotted an E4 sign on the valley floor way up the valley. We knew had to descend, so we traversed (ratherly gingerly) across the scree slope onto a boulder-free section of scree slope then slid down on our backsides to the bottom. So a word of caution to all coming this way - you actually have to travel at least 0.5km up the valley before the actual E4 begins to ascend. There is an E4 pole above a large boulder on the lower part of the scree slope and the zig zag path is obvious. If you see neither of these, you're on the wrong path. After an hour lost on the false ascent we were forced to climb the zig zags in the midday sun which drew heavily on our water. Fortunately, the descent on the other side features a spring with good quality water. After that, the path to Sougia is well made and obvious. The only noteworthyascent thereafter is climbing more zig zags to climb out of a minor gorge, but this is minor compared to the ascent out of Tripiti. All in all, a fabulous wilderness walk which took us 14 hours (including several long breaks) but were pack heavy so slowed considerably. Route-marking is generally good - keep your eyes peeled for E4 poles,cairns and painted rocks and you'll be fine (except in one or two places where you lose them althogether). The issues which can make this difficult are heat, water supply and some steep ascents/descents. I think an early start on a cloudy day in October and travelling light, it could be done in 8-9 hours, now I know the route. Otherwise, enjoy! As Wilson says, the days of these types of walk are numbered - especially given the Cretans massive roadbuilding programme at present (e.g. the upgrade of the Imbros Gorge road to a major highway). So get out there
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crete 25 Koxare to Agios Ioanis via the valley
| Bill Jenkins |
|
I am travelling to Koxare to play my pipes at the memorial in the village. I will pass through some time in Sptember 2008. Is there any accommodation avaialable in Koxare
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Walks from Rethimnon
| Adrian |
|
Hi
Would welcome any information about walking from or around Rethimnon - crete. How useful is this message about Walks from Rethimnon? |
crete 33 The Asfendos Gorge
| Stefano T. Fabrizi |
|
Dear Sir
there is the possibility to cross with mountainbike Imbros or Asfendos Gorge path? Some years ago I did in Samaria Gorge.indeed. Thank You in advance Stefano
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Audrey |
|
Hello,
I am REALLY getting mixed messages about the route between Ag Roumeli and Sougia. I have walked the west and south coast, walked several gorges and been up Gingilos and this section in the missing link. I plan to take it easy over 2 days and will be with one other person. If it is too dangerous I plan to walk up the Samaria Gorge, across the Omalos Plain then loop round down the Irini Gorge and finally out at Sougia. Can anyone help?? I will have a full pack on. Thanks. Audrey
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Zefiros |
|
Try Zefiros
Zefiros is located at Tersanas, in the region of Akrotiri. Tersanas is only 20 minutes from the main regional town of Chania
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Irini Gorge- acomodation
| zohar |
|
Hi,
I would like to walk the Irini gorge downward. At the end of Sept. since I like to start walking at dawn, I would like to sleep in the vilage of Agia Irini. Is it possible? Thanks, zohar
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crete flowers of crete target3
| Roy Reichle |
|
When I lived on Crete (1985-91), I used to see these flowers around Lake Kourna and in the Samarian Gorge. They bloomed fairly early in the spring, but rather than having a neutral or pleasant scent, they smelled like rotting flesh. I don't know if this is an official name, but we called them Dragon Lilies. They are a beautiful plant, I remember the first time I saw one, a friend and I tried to dig it up for a house plant, but the roots went too deep into the rocky soil. Our lack of success prove fortuitous since we didn't know about the flower's horrible smell once it started to wilt
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crete flowers of crete target3
| Roy Reichle |
|
When I lived on Crete (1985-91), I used to see these flowers around Lake Kourna and in the Samarian Gorge. They bloomed fairly early in the spring, but rather than having a neutral or pleasant scent, they smelled like rotting flesh. I don't know if this is an official name, but we called them Dragon Lilies. They are a beautiful plant, I remember the first time I saw one, a friend and I tried to dig it up for a house plant, but the roots went too deep into the rocky soil. Our lack of success prove fortuitous since we didn't know about the flower's horrible smell once it started to wilt
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crete Bicycles
| layla alani |
|
Hi
My partner and i are planning to come to crete around the 8th of October. How much is it to rent a mountain bike per day? Not sure where we will be staying, do you deliver the bike to the hotels or would we need to collect them Could you recommend the best and most picturesque places for walking and cycling in crete Thanks very much Layla How useful is this message about crete Bicycles? |
Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Jonathan |
|
Hi Audrey
If you want to quickly get a feel for what the worst of the walk will be like, start from Agia Roumeli. You'll know in the first 10 minutes whether this walk is for you (see my post above). The exposed section many people have referred to above is no worse (arguably better) than the sloping traverse over the loose gravels above the cliffs above Roumeli. Treat it like general mountain walking, i.e. with respect and you'll be fine. I assume you tackled Gingilos from Xyloscala, in which case if you remember the section just through the arch where it is badly eroded/landslip and you have a few metres across a narrow sloping path (big drop to left) covered in small, loose rocks, then if you managed that, you'll be okay on the E4 coastal path (which has a couple of similar sections - see my post above). The rest of the E4 is fine so long as you keep to the path (which generally follows the best lines anyway). Plan your water supplies according to the time of year. I certainly wouldn't do it in high summer when the heat is brutal, but on a cool, autumn day you'd find it very enjoyable and probably very easy. We had full packs and were fine across the 2 short exposed sections. Camp on Klados beach, just wonderful! How useful is this message about Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli? |
HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| kath, ren & nic |
|
Horse riding near Plakias,
We have found a lovely place that we can fully recommend to anyone looking for a fun time on horse back, we had a nice ride for an hour and a half through olive groves down to the beach, across the beach and than back again the farm is only open in the morning until 1pm, as they are considerate to the horses tiredness and welfare. We found the farm to be clean, the horses to be well fed and very well cared for, which was not like a farm we saw in Georgioupoli. the contact number is Barbara on from the UK 00302832031196, 32033,32034 fax 302832031197
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HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Anna Maria |
|
I am going every year to Crete and i like walking and horse riding. I did several walking tours all over the island in differend seasons. Last year i did the Lassithi trail on horse back. It was more than beautiful. I found about this trail ride by accident during hiking on Crete. I met riders and horses on top of the Dikti mountains in the Lassithi area. When i did the trail i saw Crete as i never saw before. Hight mountains , green valeys, beautiful small villages, blue sea , friendly people,good food and lovely - lively horses. Our guides Manolis and Sabine gave us an unforgetable week. Their hotel and stables are more than hotel and stables. Is a place on paradise.
I am happy that found this place. Anna Maria
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Adding links to this site
| suzanne barbour |
|
Hi
I would like you to put a link to our website on your page - http://www.walkwithdonkeys.com Walking Holidays Crete We will of course put a reciprocal link on our site Many thanks Alistair and Suzann
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Tripiti Gorge
| harald øhrn |
|
I have previously walked from Koustogerako to Xiloskalo. On this walk I had some terric views into the Tripiti Gorge and it has stuck with me ever since. I want to see what it´s like down there! I realize that descending from then saddle is not for me, but climbing is not essential. I´d be happy to work my way up from the see from Ahios Nikolas and then return the same way, but I can´t find any reports on how it´s like. Is there somebody out there who has any experience with ?
Hopefully Harald from Norway
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Re E4 path through Crete
| Nicholas Fry |
|
We are staying in a house in Afrata on the Rodopou peninsula and have found a copy of your guide on the shelf. It looks very interesting but unfortunately my Norwegian is not good enough to read it. Can you tell me if there is an English version available, either of the book or just of the text?
Regards Nicholas Fry
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crete Useful Greek phrases
| alexander Groundy |
|
How do I say "you are looking very well" in Greek Alex
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crete Useful Greek phrases
| Peter |
|
968;άχνετε πολύ καλά
You are looking very well
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crete contents
| Laura |
|
Hi!!!
Where I find a map of Stalis/Stalida and Gortys with street and monuments? Thank you Laura
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Where to stay
| Tim Cahill |
|
Hi Peter
Great Website. We are planning a trip to Crete and wonder if you could guide us to a suitable area? We would like a resort with a good selection of Tavernas in a nature filled area with walks. Many thanks Kind regards Tim Cahill
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crete Bicycles
| john riches |
|
Hi- am going to crete next week staying in bali- hoping to hire a bike from rethimnon- do you have a set of cycles on the side roads in the area you can point me to with a suitable set of maps
many thanks
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HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Anna Jackson |
|
br>I just want to warn people that the stables in Georgioupoli, crete aren't great......their horses are really thin, and they seem to be really disorganised before the rides too, I was waiting up there for a long time before the ride. Some of the stalls inside didn't look like they'd been mucked out in a long time either.
Just a note to remember to check out the stables you intend to ride at before you book if it's possible!!! Or research before you go!!!! How useful is this message about HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE? |
crete Getting to Plakias
| Valerie Page |
|
Not sure what I'm doing here but am enjoying pictures of Plakias and environs
Also loving the pictures of walks I can no longer do Thankyou
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New Maps of Crete
| Krzysztof Soko³owski |
|
Coordinates in GGRef System you can find on Anavasi site, it is in greek, but we are interesting only in numbers. This numbers can be set in your GPS manually, and be used in field with paper map. Or when you vectorize that paper map, on GPS (Colorado/Oregon) screen, with map.
Krzysztof Soko³owski
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crete 6 Plakias to Mirthios via the old mill
| david james |
|
Does anyone know the name (or dedication) of this chapel? It is opposite the old mill. I think it might be St. Nicholas as the only icon on the alter is St. Nich. I was there recently and the place was buzzing with walker up from Plakias. Few of them find the path to Mirthios from there though - I think it's overgrown now.
DAJ
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Looking for an old friend
| Stephen Matthews |
|
Jenni- Sorry I can't help. Billy is a friend of mine too from my Plymouth days. I went to visit him and Doug in Crete in 94 but have lost touch. Would love to speak to him again.
Do let me know if you find him. Best Wishes Stephen
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New Maps of Crete
| Kurt Bolghaug |
|
Next year I will spend 3-4 weeks going Crete from east to west. Some places I will follow the E4 path. Other places other tracks. And some places roads.
I have tried search for the site looking for the new maps, but the page cannot be found. Is it the correct adress? regards Kurt Bolghaug Norway
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crete Why go to Crete
| Sarah Williams |
|
I've never been to Crete but would like suggetions on a good base for not-too-strenuous walking. Experienced walker
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New Maps of Crete
| Peter |
|
br>For the new maps the site has changed to:
http://www.anavasi.gr
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crete Why go to Crete
| Peter |
|
A lot depends on whether or not you are arranging your own accommodation, or going with a package.
Plakias is a wonderful base, but the main tour operators no longer go there from the UK. Easier to get there if you hire a car for a week Rethimnon is good if you travel out to walks on the buses or hire a car to get you there
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Re: Bicycle Hire
|
|
br> Dear friend,
If you arrive in Chania,must go to visit Balos,it;s about 1o km from Kissamos. In Kissamos you can find bicycles and motorcycles for hire from Motofun. Can you get a low price:info -at- auto-motofun.info Best regards
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Re My visit to Crete
| axel |
|
you can also ride at arion stables hersonissos, they take you on private rides, the horses are the best fed in whole crete, and all the horses are ridden biteless, they really love their horses
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Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE
| Moniek |
|
You can find the Odysseia Stables In Avdou.
That is located 15 km south of Chersonissos. How useful is this message about Re: HORSE-RIDING ON CRETE? |
E4 path through Crete
| Sascha |
|
The E4 path forks at Sougia.From there you'll have to choose between the alpine and the costal path. The alpine path is very strenuous, bearly marked and accomodation, food and water are almost non-existent.
The costal path is, as mentioned, very dangerous at times (vertigo ed) between Sougia and Agia Roumeli. To avoid both the paths and their inconveniences, I guess the following is a good detour: - Follow the E4-trail from Sougia via the gorge of Agia Irini to the village of Agia Irini. - From Agia Irini walk to Omalos. - From Omalos walk to Xiloskalo, buy a ticket and descend the Samaria Gorge to Agia Roumeli. It's also very easy to catch a morning-bus, there are plenty of tourist-bus drivers who stop in Omalos and are willing to take you to the entrance of the gorge. - From Agia Roumeli, you catch up with the E4 trail again to Loutro, Sfakia and further. A good guide that covers the whole E4 trail (including detours and alternative stretches) is published in 2005 by Conrad Stein Verlag. Unfortunately for some of you, it's written in German, but it is quite a good book and some users have posted updates on the publisher's website. How useful is this message about E4 path through Crete? |
Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Zino |
|
hello,
I would like to walk next summer E4 trail from west to east in Crete. It is my first hiking holidays (I am only 18 years). Since this woulld be my first big trekkingtour, I want to prepare everything as good as possible. I have already searched for a decent online map of this trail, but not yet found. Maybe you know a website where a detailed map is printed on? I don't want to buy immediatly a detailled map, because it wil not be cheap such a map. And in case I don't like the trail I might have bought it for nothing? Are there things I really should know before I leave which is of paramount importance? How many kilometers (or miles) would you walk on this trail without being exhausted
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E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Menno Wolters |
|
The stretch from Sougia to Aghia Roumeli should preferably be walked in two days as the 3 or 4 kilometers before Aghia Roumeli are extremely difficult. We arranged for a boat to bring us to a little beach that is almost half-way. The first day we walked from there to Sougia in about 5 or 6 hours. The second day we set out on the same beach in the other direction and spent 10 hours on climbing rather than walking along the steep rocky coast. The path is marked in the usual Greek way, but you need the fantasy of a fly to understand that these scarce markings must be expected on vertical rocks
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Menno Wolters |
|
The path is well displayed on the relevant Anavasi map, which can be ordered through internet from their website. It roughly follows the coastline (at varying height), except for a section that cuts short on a pronounced cape. Donkeys and mules are not capable of passing down to Aghia Roumeli, but I assume that there is a second path in the hinterland for these animals. Their main problem would be that they have no hands like we do, and which we badly need to pass the rocks as indicated by the markings
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Re: E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Menno Wolters |
|
The maps you mention are sure better than those drawn by the Romans 2000 years ago, but they are also obsolete. Why not use the new maps issued by Anavasi
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Menno Wolters |
|
We walked from Anopoli to Loutro in july, 2009, and it was indeed in such a good shape that would fit anybody's sunday afternoon stroll. The trekking from Sougia to Aghia Roumeli, however, involves strong senses and a capability to remain upright when the path itself is upright. Training as a monkey is recommended, but it is passable for those with good technique and good condition
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Menno Wolters |
|
Get yourself a copy of the relevant Anavasi maps which show both the mountains and the E4 in detail. You may order them from Anavasi's website
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Peter |
|
Thanks very much for your comments Menno. I am sure that a lot of people will appreciate them.
Did you manage to record a gps track of the route? - it needs to be a newer high sensitivity unit to be vaguely accurate close to the cliffs. How useful is this message about Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli? |
crete flowers of crete target23
| Peter |
|
Poppies under ancient olive trees
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Cyclamen creticum
| Frank Linschoten |
|
Cyclamen creticum is not an endemic plant of Crete, it flowers also on Karpathos. Cyclamen mindlerii(graecum ssp candicum)is the endemic cyclamen of Crete
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E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Fred Topliffe |
|
Some years ago I walked from Agia Roumeli to Sougia. I had already scouted both ends of the walk on previous trips and was under no illusions that it would be a demanding trip for an (experienced) 60 year old. I left just before first light and took a fairly heavy day pack as I was prepared to bivouac if necessary. In fact it took me 10.5 hours to the ferry port at Sougia and I will admit it was hard going. Even so any any experienced walker with quite a bit of determination should be able to do it. Don't do it alone like me though, a small well matched group would be best and be well prepared with first aid gear, plenty of water and the ability to stop overnight if necessary.
Happy walking, Fred
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Re: car with Bicycle Hire
| kostas |
|
hire car with bicycle rack?
does anyone know if i can hire a car, where? from which car rental agency? and provide a car with fitted a roof rack on or back for my bicycle? is there a firm who can provide both
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Info Request for cycling fundraising challenge in Crete or Greece
| Alberto |
|
Dear Peter
I am enquiring about prices for a possible fundraising cycling tour/challenge in Greece or Crete, • involving a group of 20 to 30 people (maximum). Here below are some further data that should help you in providing us with a quote: • Physical preparation of our cyclers: varied (some are proper cyclers, some are beginner to medium) • Number of cycling days: 4 (with first cycling day 28th Sept, last cycling day 1st October 2011) • Average distance per day: 70 to 90 km (if it is not too hilly or if we can alternate 3 “flat” days with one with a proper challenge on hills/mountains) • Provision of breakfast, lunch (possibly not packed but in a bar/restaurant, so that our cyclists can relax for a hour or two, according to the timetable for the day) and dinner • Accommodation for 4/5 nights (please include both prices, since some people might want to stay an extra day at the end of the cycling challenge) per person per night Please let us know whether you deal with flight booking as well, even though we can –in case – take care of that ourselves. I would appreciate if you could send us also a realistic route day per day with gradient map. Would you be able to provide us with a realistic quote based on the above? Please keep in mind that this is for a charity project to assist Palestinian children in need, any discount would be more than appreciated!!! I look forward to your reply. Many thanks Alberto How useful is this message about Info Request for cycling fundraising challenge in Crete or Greece? |
Re Dream holiday
| Alla |
|
Hi Miranda/or anyone who went on horse riding holiday in Crete.
I am going to Odysseia Stables for Panorama Ride first week of June 2011. It is my first riding holiday and I worry a bit. Not about horses and riding but about the whole thing :) Could you please give me any tips? - I mean what might be additional costs? What should I take with me? etc? Any sort of additional information? Thank you very much. My e-mail is lapa11 -at- hotmail.com Alla
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crete 11 Plakias to the quiet beaches
| JOANNA | ***** |
|
THANKS A LOT FOR A VERY USEFULL PAGE :)
RGDS FROM POLAND - JOANNA
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crete Hotels in Plakias telephone numbers
| Fotis Kokotos |
|
Good evening,
I would like to thank you for promoting Plakias so well!!! A very good job been done !!! My name is Fotis, me and my wife own self cated studios near Plakias. Labyrinth Studios if you happen to know.They are situated on the road to Lefkogia village before reaching Damnoni junction, comimg from Plakias towards lefkogia, right opposite gardening tools shop with red roof. We are also trying to promote our business, I found your site very interesting and I will be delighted to hear from you and have some feedback.You are welcome to visit our website www.labyrinth-studios.gr thank you and hope to hear from you soon Fotis & Katerina
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crete 7 Mirthios to Plakias
| Iris |
|
Hello Peter,
Thanks for your route descripion. It came in very handy. As of 3 years there is a restuarant called Vrisi next to the old washing hous so if tou refer to taht it's easy to find the starting point because there are serveral signs on the road refering tot that restaurant (wich by the way has a beautiful view and good food!) Regards, Iris (holland
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Steve |
|
Hello Paul
You are mentioning the walk from Aghia Roumeli to Domata Beach is 3 hours where Polo says it is 4 hours and a half. So which is the correct distance ? Is it a hard hike for someone who likes to hike but is not an experienced hiker ? How much water do I need with me summer time
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Peter |
|
This walk is only for experienced hikers with a good head for heights. the path is steep and slippery in places, very rough in others.
There are occasional waymarks, but the path is not always clear. After heavy rain the path may be difficult to spot in places. The walking time for a path like this varies a lot according to your experience and skill at navigation, and the speed at which you walk. Both times are correct
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Steve |
|
Just wanted to thank you for your prompt response. I think I am going to try it is since I have hiked some gorges in Crete. Could you please tell me how many ascents and descents before arriving to Domata beach ?
Also how many bottles of water do I need with me? Thank you again
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Re E4 between Sougia and Agia Roumeli
| Peter |
|
Your best preparation is to look at some of the gorges you have already walked in google earth. Look in 3D mode. See how what you know to be quite rugged terrain appears fairly smoothed out.
Now look at the coast towards Domata beach. In spite of the smoothing out that is rugged!! Most of the places I have walked in Crete I can easily spot the path on the ground from space, but the path to Domata beach is mostly invisible. You have huge cliffs, overhangs, scree slopes. You can see the overall pattern of ascents and descents Carry 2 litres of water per person. Make sure that you are reported missing if you are out of touch for 24 hours
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village
| Cy Hucker |
|
I am looking for a village called Agia Pelagia in the south of Crete it is near Spili & Frati
regards Cy
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Copyright Peter Thomson 2012-February-4