Path

The route starts from Spili, reaches the spring of Agia Fotia, and then ascends to Kissos. It comes above the Monastery of the Holy Spirit and climbs to the summit of Mount Kedros (1776 m.). From there we go back and meet the trail that leads to the Church of the Prophet Elijah and descends to Gerakari. This route is a part of the European E4 trail.

The part of the European path E4 that connects Chora Sfakion with Frangokastelo and then with Rodakino is all on paved road and can be visited even by car.

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.

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.

Some of those who cross the gorge of Agia Irini, start their course from the plateau Omalos and reach the village of Agia Irini, before entering the canyon via the E4 trail. The trail has amazing views to the groves with the full of the typical cypress trees of the White mountains.