Sfakia

From the fortress of Pikilassos (1), we begin to descend the steep slope for about 25 minutes, until the impressive gorge of Tripiti.

The shaliness of the slope that the path goes through makes the reverse route very difficult; the ascent requires about 50 minutes.

We follow the stream bed in the gorge to the south, and after about 15 minutes we arrive at its outlet (2).

From the area of Xiloskalo (1), from an altitude of 1.200 m, we can enjoy, in advance, part of the magnificent route which we are about to follow.

The view of the mountain tops marking the limits of the valley of the gorge is spectacular; to the east rises the slope with the peak where the Kallergis Mountain Shelter is located, as well as the peaks of Psari and Melidaou; to the south, the magnificent peak of Volakias and the “divine” Mount Gigilos, one of the most superb summits of Crete. In the distance, to the east, Pachnes can be seen.

We leave Loutro (1), climbing up to the old abandoned house on the east side of the settlement.

The very distinct path passes by a shrine and goes along the slope, with the sea down below.

The path which ascends to Anopoli starts at the point where the shrine is.

Having walked on the slope for about 1,8 km, we come to a small cove (2), we then descend to the beach and immediately after we climb towards the ridge of the small cape Pounta (3), where there is a picturesque chapel.

From Chora Sfakion (1), we follow the paved road eastwards; after about 3 km there is a right turn-off (2), on which we continue to the village of Komitades (3). The outlet of the Imbros gorge (4) is at the eastern exit of the village. Next, we encounter the villages Vraskas (5) and Vouvas (6).

After Vouvas we come to Nomikiana (7) and the small settlement of Agios Nektarios (8).

From the chapel of Agios Pavlos (1), the path begins to climb again above the beach, surrounded by pine trees. After a while, it descends lower, running parallel to the beach, through apine-covered hillside.

After 1.200 m, and having passed close to the church of Agiοi Pantes, we come to a branch of the road (2) with a wooden sign showing the way to the village of Agios Ioannis.

Having passed along the beach of Domata (1), on its east side we see a steep little path which we ascend to the foot of the rock. At the end of this difficult climb there is a well with not drinkable water.

From this point on, we climb between pine trees, following the edge of the cliff which opens up to our left, for a while.

As we move away from the precipice to go eastwards, the pine trees begin to thin and we encounter an even, scrub-covered area, at an altitude of 200 m. Behind us, in the distance, we can see the area of Sougia and of ancient Lissos.

Departing from Agia Roumeli (1), we bypass the heliport on its north side. Having passed through a clump of pine trees by a stream bed, we move towards its estuary, from where we cross to its eastern bank.

In winter and spring, when the river is flooded, we go north and come to a small bridge, by which we cross to the opposite bank.

The path is clear and it goes parallel to the sea, just above the beach that stretches out for about 2 km, until the outlet of Eligias gorge (2).