Daily Walks Routes 2009

This walk is especially interesting due to the special geology of the landscape, the grand views and the abundancy of flowers. Fossils from big shells are witnesses from the ancient past when Crete lay under the sea.
Oak trees provide us regularly with shade during this varied, rather strenuous walk, which ends in Kastellos.

This easy walk starts with good views of Mount Vrisinas in an area with more greenery and trees then one would expect on Crete. After coffee break in Chromonasteri the route continues through the impressive and colourful Mili Gorge.
In this "valley of the mills" we cross the riverbed several times. Halfway we pass the abandoned village of Mili, almost overgrown with the abundant vegetation.

First this route gradually ascends to the remains of Falanna with many potsherds from the distant past. Up there we have magnificent views of the Ida Mountains. Later on we walk through typical Cretan villages, connected by ancient old paths. As if we were going back in time!
The walk ends in Kare, at the foot of Mount Vrisinas.
Sometimes unequal terrain, not difficult.

A walk with exuberant nature on small paths and field roads in the surroundings of Kato Poros. We will see the remains of an abandoned village and a beautiful threshing-floor.
After coffee break we come across a giant plane tree at a refreshing well and graves from Roman times, dug out of the soft limestone walls. A very beautiful and interesting walk.
Sometimes a bit demanding up and downhill.

This slightly longer walk in the surroundings of Ano Valsamonero, starts with the welcoming tinkling of sheep and goats' bells. What follows after the sheepfold is a very varied route along field roads and footpaths, sometimes with wide views all around, then through olive groves, shrubs and dense foliage, a beautiful scenic area with multicoloured vegetation. Several times we cross a riverbed, which has water all through the summer.

This slightly easier walk offers an impressive view of the Kouloukonas Mountains. The route more than once crosses green and refreshing riverbeds. At Eleftherna we will see excavations from the Hellenistic period.
The Romans left there traces too.
We end with an appetizing meal in the picturesque village of Pikris, where there is also a Venetian gateway to be seen.

Walk in the surroundings of Maroulas, once a Venetian fortified village. A route through five different villages with both traditional village life and new estates. Quite a contrast!
On the way we will see two Byzantine churches with remains of frescoes. The walk offers many sea views in a hilly area with silver-green olive groves. Therefore rather up and down!