This geotrail explores the small and relatively easy-to-navigate gorge located to the west of the town of Sitia. It starts from the Sfakidia area of the village of Skopi and ends at the bay of Faneromeni.
Points of interest along the geotrail include the Skafidara rock shelter and two notable small springs (Chosti Vrisi and Koutsounari). At the Koutsounari spring, where we can stop to refresh ourselves with the water that springs from the rock, it is said that the great poet Vincenzo Kornaros wrote part of "Erotokritos."
The Agion Panton Gorge has played a significant historical role as a place of refuge from conquerors and as a means of access to the sea and surrounding areas. The gorge is impressive both for its flora and for the geological formations and shapes of its Neogene rocks. Close to the gorge is the Faneromeni Monastery, with a rich history dating back to around the 14th century.
Shortly before the end of the geotrail, we will encounter the chapel of Agion Panton, an excellent spot for a brief stop, as it features a courtyard with plane trees and ancient olive trees. At the end of the route, the rock formations and shapes resulting from the intense erosion of the area's limestones by water and wind are particularly impressive. The bright yellow color of the rocks, combined with the various hues of the rock's oxides, creates beautiful aesthetic images. Additionally, the area contains several types of marine fossils, mainly bivalves and sea urchins. At the exit of the gorge, we will find the small wetland of Skafidara (the mouth of the Skafidara stream), which is the mouth of a very small seasonal stream that passes through the Agion Panton Gorge.
For more informations, check Sitia's Geopark official site
The georoute is a result of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled "Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions" and distinctive title: "JoInOuT", is implemented within the framework of the Action "Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC" - 2nd Call: Businesses" and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)" of the NSRF 2014-2020" (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).
