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Drimiskos-Preveli-RethymnonThis route leads you through beautiful landscapes and villages as Spili, Kissou Kambos, Actounda, Vatos, Adractos to Drimiskos. Countless olive trees, sheep grazing and shepherds will accompany you on your way to the picturesque Lake Preveli. On the way, do not miss to learn the innumerable herbs until you reach the famous monastery Pisso Moni Preveli.
Roustika-Palioloutra-Agouseliana-Rodakino-RethymnonNumerous monasteries, chapels, valleys and varying nature make this tour a special experience. You are lead through gorges on narrow, hidden paths in a region where legends and myths are still alive, following the steps of history to Rodakino.
Ida Mountain-Pardi-Toumbotos Prinos- Agia Galini-RethymnonYou don't have to go to superlatives or to reach the peak of the Ida mountain range at a height of 2.456m, to get an impression of the wild nature in this region. To survive, it is of utmost importance for every living creature to know the places where water, the essence of life, can be found. Pardi is such a place, and from here you can enjoy the impressive mountainous landscape, the breathtaking view of the Libyan Sea and the Paximades islands to the south.
Karines-Kokkini Riza-Seli-Kare-Armeni-Petres-RethymnonLambini, an old residence of the Cretan bishops, is the first stop on this tour. The region above is named Bobori which gave its name to an aromatic local wine. Plane trees, dry rivers, the voices of the shepherds who you often do not see at all make time stand still. Fossils and shells tell the eternal story of Crete and on the wide beach at Petres you can enjoy the beauty of the open sea.
Melidoni-Exantis-Panormo-RethymnonDuring difficult times, the local people lived hidden far away from settlements in order to protect their families and traditions. They withdrew to regions like Melidoni which were difficult to find and almost inaccessible. Here the tragedy of the Cretans' struggle for survival and freedom becomes visible. In the picturesque village Panormo you can enjoy afterwards with a cup of coffee the splendid view on the Aegean Sea.
Katholiko-MarathiThe gorge 'Avlaki tou Agiou' (River of the Saint) takes us to the 6th century Katholiko Monastery, one of the oldest in Crete. The cave of St. John and the Virgin Mary is a lingering experience. After the wild beauty of this region you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in Marathi.
Gonia-ValsamoneroDifferent landscapes and colourful nature, fossil founds, a Byzantine church with frescoes and the remains of an olive-oil factory are the highlights on this route. After a short ascent on a narrow path, you have a breathtaking view on a large valley with olive trees. A good tour for beginners.
Prasses-ChromonastiriThis route takes you through a varied and fascinating hilly region with rich flora. On narrow paths we walk along imposing slopes and pass a deserted village with many intact houses. In Chromonastiri we will see a Venetian palace which was restored not long ago.
Region KareThis region is particularly interesting because of its geology and the abundant floral variety with numerous rare orchids blooming in spring. The presence of large shell fossils support the theory that the valley we will cross used to be covered by the sea. After a short, partly steep walk you can enjoy wide views in all directions over hills and mountains.
Roustika-MoundrosThe villages Roustika and Moundros have maintained their original Cretan character. We will visit the Elias Monastery, built during the Venetian rule. Following a rocky path, we walk through a part of an imposing gorge. This route leads through a wonderful area, but is not one of our programme's easiest.
Pikris-Arkadi MonasteryThis route contains something for everybody: Varied colourful nature, Cretan history, picturesque villages, old paths and breathtaking views on wide valleys. The Arkadi Monastery is the symbol for the Cretan fight for freedom. On our way, we also see the ruins of a former cornmill and an old Venetian arch rich in ornaments.
Margarites-Eleftherna
The village Margarites is famous for its pottery and the techniques used for production are still the same as in ancient Knossos. Here, you can also visit several Byzantine churches until we continue to Eleftherna. The ancient town of Eleftherna is situated beautifully on a large rock, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. The excavations in this area are still in process and permanently new findings are brought to light. We finish our tour in a cozy tavern.
WALKING A LA CARTEWalking routes can also be arranged and combined according to the interests of the participants. Among others, the area offers varied nature, rich and unique flora and fauna, old monasteries and chapels with Byzantine wall-paintings, old paths formerly used by traders and robbers, secluded villages and imposing gorges. |
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