This is a very easy part of the E4 trail in Crete, mostly through dirt and paved road. From Dafni, we move to the east and through dirt roads and trails reach the secluded village Vori, where we should wander in the narrow alleys.

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.

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.

Olive trees and the valuable fruits they yield have been part of Cretan life for more than 3,500 years. Centuries of history form the background of the complex relationship between Cretans, their olive trees, and oil. A long time may have passed since the Minoan era, though the olive tree -fruit and oil alike- is still part of the islanders' lives. Far from being just a product, it stands out as a symbol of Cretan civilization through the ages.

The Cretan livestock farming tradition has resulted in a variety of dairy products, among which excellent cheeses, yogurt, and a sort of crumb-like pasta called ksinochondros, all made from goat and sheep's milk .

Fruit-bearing trees, especially citrus trees, thrive in many areas of Crete. Oranges from Maleme in Chania have been awarded PDO status, though other famous varieties include oranges from the planes of Milopotamos and Fodele, cherries from Gerakari, bananas from Arvi, and apples from Lassithi Plateau. At present, alternative crops have been developed and previously ignored products, such as prickly pears, have become standardized.

Cretans used to eat more sheep and goat meat than beef or pork. Small-scale livestock farming and the particular relief of the island called for flocks of smaller animals, usually grazing in mountain pastures. Traditional livestock farming would be nothing special if it weren't for the abundance and nutritional value of the indigenous herbs on which the flocks feed. That's what makes their milk and meat so tasty, and their owners so proud.

Honey, one of the most important products of Crete, wouldn't be what it is without the wealth of fragrant plants and herbs thriving on the island. The product first appeared in ancient times. One of the most important finds from the Minoan era is the golden charm with two facing bees, which indicates that beekeeping activity existed early on.

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).

Raki or tsikoudia, the spirit preferred by most Cretans, has been awarded PGI status. It appears in every single aspect of social activity and every household on the island. Over time, tsikoudia has become a symbol of kindness and hospitality, a spirit which helps with introductions and starts new friendships. More than just a drink, it's a means of communication between friends and strangers alike.

Crete may be an island, but its culture is closer to the mainland type. The inhabitants always preferred areas close to the mountains, where they could peacefully develop agriculture, livestock farming, and trade, as coastal areas were exposed to pirate and buccaneer raids. Several small villages, however, managed to survive and even thrive after the tourism boom.

This is another name for snails, a very particular trademark Cretan delicacy. Popular recipes include cooking them with chondros ; in a tomato, courgette and potato casserole; simply fried; or boubouristi (boiled and then fried with herbs).

Crete has the largest natural carob forests in the Southeast Mediterranean. Carob used to be a key ingredient for livestock feed, but it was ignored for several decades before making a comeback. Its sweetening properties made it an important energy source in the Cretan diet, and it was also used to make flour. Carob is attempting a remarkable comeback to modern markets with innovative products used mainly in bakery and confectionery, thus rooting modern food trends in older traditions.

The wild Gigilos top at an altitude of 2080m at the Mount Sapimenos dominates above Omalos plateau. From Xyloskalo (1200m altitude) we follow the steep path that from afar seems very difficult because of the flimsy grounds of the mountain, however it is generally well marked and visible.

The easiest way for someone to conquer the highest peak of the White Mountains and the second in Crete, Pachnes at an altitude of 2453m, is to follow the dirt track of Madara that starts from Anopolis and enters the Mountain Desert of Sfakia crossing the eerie landscape at Ammoutsera and terminating at Mavra Gremna. The ascent from Mavra Gremna to the peak Pachnes lasts about 1:30.

The imposing Ida Range has the highest peak of Crete, Timios Stavros at 2546m altitude. For reaching Timios Stavros, there are many ways from both north and south sides. Since ancient times, many people ascended to the peak to leave some relics at the peak sanctuary, at the side where today we meet the chapel of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross). The chapel is built of stones, without any other material.

From Agios Ioannis, province Sfakia, starts the amazing path that reaches Krousia plateau at an altitude of 1200m., below the imposing peak of Zaranokefala. From Krousia start two paths, one towards Zaranokefala and the second to cave Drakolakki, which is presented here.

One of the nicest and easiest paths in Asterousia Range is the one connecting the settlement of Agios Ioannis by Kapetaniana to the monastery Koudoumas. We originally start from Agios Ioannis, we pass the beach Elygia at the exit of the gorge Valachas and via a piney seaside trail we reach the majestic cave of St. Anthony, with the small temple surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

Asterousia Mountains are characterized by the wildness and the eerie landscapes causing awe to anyone attempting to discover them. A trail that offers countless emotions is the ancient path that connects the village Paranimfi to Tris Ekklisies and runs on the edge of the cliff.

Kofinas can be reached with a short, but very steep and majestic trail, which starts near the church of Panagia in the northern foothills of the peak. The church can be reached via a dirt road starting from Kapetaniana or Sternes. The views over the top is excellent and walking in the trail is not recommended for those with fear of heights.