Explore the area on foot and discover a bit of authentic Crete. Get in touch with nature, learn about the local flora and fauna, meet the people and discover archaeological sites.

A licensed trekking guide, with an in depth knowledge of the area and fluent in English, German and French is at your disposal to organise individually designed walking tours, based on your own special interests, level of fitness and available time.

The area offers many possibilities of walks. From easy half - day strolls to more challenging walks on ancient forgotten mule tracks. The variations of terrain, history and interest constantly challenge and delight. Each village, church or chapel, olive grove, shoreline or sand dune, mountain ridge or rocky summit has a story to tell for the adventurous and inquisitive.

Some of the walks:

• SIRIKARI GORGE AND ANCIENT POLYRINIA
• ELOS - AGIOS DIKEOS
• ELAFONISSI - VIENNA BEACH - ELAFONISSI
• KEFALI - FIVE VILLAGES WALK

SIRIKARI GORGE AND ANCIENT POLYRINIA

Easy walking (3 to 4 hours) with plenty of time to stop and contemplate the many natural and historical artefacts that this walk provides from the beginning until the end.

Meeting point: Kissamos – main square (see map)

Short drive on a windy road through olive groves towards the village of Polyrinia.

Leaving the cars in front of a little church, we start our walk inside the Sirikari gorge, along the river bed, surrounded by a rich vegetation of plane trees, wild olives, locust trees and holly, in addition to colourful srub and a multitude of flowers in the spring, including wild orchids and the famous cretan Dyctamos… The whole region is a protected nature area.

We first walk towards the hamlet of Sirikari and after a rest by the river, we head back and up the hill to reach the ancient settlement of Polyrinia, one of the most important City - State of Hellenistic Crete.

We go up to the Acropolis ,located on top of the hill and offering commanding views of both the Cretan and the Lybian sea .

After taking time to walk around the site and discover the rich history and the magnificent buildings of this fortified city of ancient Crete, we will enjoy a traditionnal meal at a taverna in Polyrinia, before driving back to Kissamos.

ELOS - AGIOS DIKEOS

An easy but vigorous 4 hours walk to the highest summit of Kissamos: mount Dikeos(1184m), with a height difference of 685 m.

Scenically, it is one of the best view point in western Crete.

On the summit it is often possible to see the famous “lammergeier” vultures hanging on the thermals.

Meeting point: Elos (see map)

Starting from Elos, principal village of Innahorion (9 villages) ,nested in a green valley full of chestnut trees, this pleasant and rewarding hike leads to the summit via a series of ascending stone and dirt zig- zag road and tracks.

At the beginning we walk up through a forest of chestnut trees that later gives way to strawberry trees and scrub with colourful flowers in the spring.

As we near the summit the views become increasibly dramatic until the final ascent, providing eagle/s eye views of the ridges of Dikeos, and all of Kissamos and Selino

We continue until we reach the chapel dedicated to saint Dikeos built on the summit.

Descent is the same route as ascent, giving us the leisure to fully appreciate the panorama unfolding before us.

After the walk we can try the delicious local specialities in a taverna in Elos.

ELAFONISSI - VIENNA BEACH - ELAFONISSI

An outstanding coastal, cliff top and hill walk on a very picturesque section of the E4 path , 3 to 4 hours generally easy going, but requiring sureness of foot and good stamina. The views are extensive , the flora and fauna colourful and diverse.

Meeting point: Elafonissi

A small boat takes us to the beginning of the walk: Vienna , site of an ancient Dorian City and natural harbour said to have been populated by Dorians from France.

Remains of large cylindrical marble columns litter the sand and a double wall can still be seen.

What became of this Dorian city remains a mystery… A magical and peaceful aura surrounds the place.

Leaving Vienna behind us we hike up along the E4 coastal trail towards the small Agios Ioannis chapel. From there Elafonissos can be seen in the distance.

Continuing along the coast ,we reach the idyllic pink and turquoise beach of Kedrodassos , with its sandy dunes shaded by old juniper trees. Only 20 minutes walk away from Elafonissi, yet it feels like a secluded paradise , not yet invaded by the large crowds visiting Elafonissi in the summer.

We can swim , relax and enjoy a pic-.nic under the juniper trees before ending the walk in Elafonissi.

KEFALI - FIVE VILLAGES WALK

4 to 5 hours walk for this circular journey through the picturesque municipality of Inahorion.

Good paths, country lanes and old donkey tracks to visit and explore five villages that grace the hillsides and fertile valley of Stomio and Vathi.

A relaxing stroll offering beautiful views, interesting village architecture and two Byzantine chapels.

For any question, please call ANNE DECKEL 0030/6944649494