Hiking

This is probably the harderst part of the entire Cretan E4 path, but also one of the most amazing sceneries you could ever imagine. The signing of E4 with poles and brushed marks is quite sufficient, but we have to be careful for not losing our directions. This course has some steep passages, thus it is not suggested to cross it in winter when snow is high.

From Tzermiado the E4 European Trail follows the road that climbs to the plateau Onisimos. We cross the small plateau, where the church of St. Ariadne is sited, follow the uphill path that passes from the ancient terraces used for cultivation and reach the ancient settlement of Karfi. The view from the top is breathtaking.

The Gorge of Cyclamen or St George Gorge starts from the settlement Aletrouvari (altitude 300m), passes east of the village of Agios (St) Georgios and ends at the village Vandes (altitude 50 m).

Gorge Chalase or Porofarago starts near the village Sassalos and ends before the village Makronas after 4 hours of course in dense vegetation. Crossing it is not very easy because at one point it has a large scree (chalase) and there is no trail.

This section of the E4 European path is the last running on the east White Mountains and is entirely on a paved road. The road connecting Kallikratis village to Asi Gonia then heads to Argiroupolis. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and the lush green area of Argiroupolis Springs are the highlights of this route. As the path runs along a paved road, it is suggested that you visit it by car.

This part of the E4 path offers nice seascapes and is not too hard. From the organized beach of Kato Zakros, the course runs northwards, alongside the rocky coast. It comes by the Cave of Pelekita and the ancient quarry of Pelekita, from where Zakros Palace material was extracted, and finally reaches the beautiful beach of Karoumes, at the exit of Chohlakies gorge.

This part of the E4 trail offers some excellent mountaineering experience with amazing scenery changes. The highlights of the route include the views to Lassithi Plateau and Selakano slopes. The route takes about 6 hours, so you could split it in two and stay overnight in Strovili shelter.

One of the most beautiful trails in Crete that one may attempt in the area of Western Asterousia is the path from Matala to Vathy beach. The route is mostly along the coast, but requires good physical condition due to long distance (11 km), lack of a marked trail and it definitely required good sun protection