Experience

This is one of the most popular and well signed parts of the E4 European Trail, ascending to the highest peak of Crete, Timios Stavros (2456m). The course offers amazing views to almost entire island, as in clear days, we can see even Gavdos island. We usually meet snow from early winter months to early summer.

This part of the E4 European trail starts from Anogia, arrives at ancient Zominthos and finishes at Nida Plateau. Due to being quite long, it is used to split the trail into two parts (Anogia - Zominthos and Zominthos - Nida). The route offers a very good experience of the typical rocky terrain of the Range Psiloritis. During winter, it is very possible to meet snow.

Ligiofarago is one of the few canyons of East Asterousia range that one can walk down to the sea without needing technical equipment. Recently the path has been signed, connecting Achendrias to Maridaki, running through the gorge.

From Ziros, the E4 European trail heads northeastwards and soon enters a dirt road that leads to ruined historic settlement Skalia. From Skalia we walk north and east, we pass a small plateau and then descend to Ano Zakros springs.

Traditional Cretan bread and rusks are an important part of Cretan culture. Among the Minoan finds unearthed in the island are the earliest occurrences of simple barley bread. Quite a few traditional baking methods and recipes have survived to the present day, with some even acquiring a mystic tinge (such as the making of a specific rusk, the eptazimo).

This E4 part starts from the village Thrypti and heads southeastwards and through dirt roads finishes at Dafni village. The route is very easy, thus being ideal for cycling. The trail comes through the lush green village Orino, the starting point of Orino Gorge. The route continues to the east and crosses the village Hrissopigi, before ending at Dafni.

From the gorgeous pine wood of Selakano, the E4 European trail follows the stream to the south of peak Koreli. Through this, we reach the settlement Rousoxyla and then Prina.

From Profitis Elias, the E4 European Trail runs along a dirt road that passes north of the fortress Roka (Temenos) and via a network of dirt roads, through vineyards and oliveyards, reaches the western slope of Mount Youchtas, near the village Karnari. Then, through asphalt road, we bypass Youchtas from the south side and follow the dirt road that climbs to the Youchtas and soon we enter the trail to Archanes.