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Trekking is not only a kind of sport, it is also a good way to get to know about a country and its people. In the villages, when you stop at a kafenion you will always be welcome as a xenos (stranger). On your journey when you visit a chapel or talk with a farmer or a shepherd you will get a feel for the Cretan traditions and way of life.
Trekking means to get in contact with nature. Some regions in the Cretan mountains are still untouched, wild gorges and ancient forests and in between fertile valleys and plains offer a rich alternative. Springtime is a real paradise for botanists, countless plants, some of them very rare, in bloom. Many species of orchids and lillies grow only on Crete. The fragrance of the aromatic herbs is unforgettable, many of which have healing powers. There is little wildlife on the island when compared to the vast variety of plants. However, it is possible to do some bird watching and find some interesting species of insects.
Trekking trails on Crete are not easy to find, maps are often inaccurate and the trails badly marked or sometimes not marked at all. Always try to find the latest edition of hiking books as the landscape is constantly changing through human influence. In particular the land close to villages change with for example trees being felled, new fields and roads created and fences being constructed. A good and safer alternative therefore is to walk in a small group with a guide. |
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IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2008:
EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY WALKS IN THE SURROUNDING OF MIRTOS AND THE EAST PART OF CRETE, ARRANGED BY ANGELA
WINTER ACTIVITIES ON CRETE
17th 24th January 2009
Walking, Olive harvest, collecting wild vegetables, Information about herbs, cooking
Day one:
Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the accommodations in Mirtos (Villa Aliki, Myrthe,
House Andros 1 and 2)
Depending the arrival time will be a welcome meeting with Angela. She will introduce the program for the whole week and offer a drink. In the case of very late arrival the meeting will be next morning after breakfast.
Day two:
Breakfast
Free time in the morning, in the afternoon there will be an easy (approx. 2 hours) walk through the Orange- and Olive gardens in the valley behind Mirtos. There will also be a small introduction about Olive oil and the harvest of Olives.
Dinner
Day three:
Visit of an Olive field where the locals are harvesting and there will be the possibility to work with the family. Midday will be a picnic on the field with the family.
Dinner
Day four:
Breakfast
Visit to an Olive oil press in the region, depending on which time they will work. This
could be in the morning or the afternoon.
Dinner
Day five:
A day, free of group activities or in case the guests wish, an excursion or walk can be arranged on the spot.
Day six:
Breakfast
Walk in the late morning hours in the surroundings of Mirtos to find and collect wild
vegetables (Chorta). After a midday break the group will prepare and eat together the Chorta at dinner time. There will be an introduction for Cretan cooking and medicinal herbs.
Day seven:
Breakfast
A longer walk from approx. 4 5 hours, depending on the weather conditions, in the higher mountain regions or along the coast.
After the walk, a lunch in a local taverna or if not possible a dinner in Mirtos.
Day eight:
Departure and transfer to the airport of Heraklion
Minimum of persons: 4
Price per person: 488 Euro
Included:
5 x breakfast
4 x dinner
1 x picknick in the Olive field
1 x self prepared dinner at day five
Transfer from and to the airport
Transfer to the start of the walk and back
7 x accommodation
Guide for the activities and the walks (English, german, greek and dutch speaking)
Not included:
Drinks and tips
Halfboard and optional organized activities at the free day
Halfboard at the arrival and departure day
In case of program changes entree fees in museums
Travel- and cancellation insurance
flight
What is important to take with you?
Walking boots
Rain coat
For the day in the olive field working cloths, the spots of olives are difficult to remove of the cloths! For sensitive hands working gloves.
January can be very sunny, but also rainy, the temperatures are usually between 10 20 degrees on average. Care for enough cloth for changing.
There can be changes in the program if its necessary , like for example bad weather conditions.
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PROGRAM FOR A WALKING WEEK IN APRIL 2009
THE EXACTLY DATES WILL BE GIVEN UNTIL END OF OCTOBER!
PEFKI GORGE VILLAGE LIFE
Visit of a small cave, the mountain village Pefki with a folklore museum and a walk through the Pefki gorge down to the south coast.
Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
Walking distance: approx. 12 km
High difference: 350 m
MAIZONA GORGE ON OLD PATHES BACK IN THE PAST
A beautiful walk along a deep gorge on old tracks, which was used in the past as connection ways between the settlements at the north coast and in the mountains,
with great views to the north coast and the mountains.
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Walking distance: approx. 11 km
High difference: 700 m
PERIVOLAKIA GORGE THE PATH OF THE MONKS
A walk through the a impressive gorge to a small village and after a rest in the kafenion
back to the starting point over an old monks path to a monastery at the south coast.
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Walking distance: approx. 10 km
High difference: 400 m
KATO SIMI IN THE LARGEST FORREST REGION OF EASTERN CRETE
On an old path up a view point with beautiful views to the south coast and further through the beautiful forrest, passing an archeological site and an old settlement back to the starting point.
Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Walking distance: approx. 12 km
High difference: 500 m
Price per walk: 40 Euro, included transfer (to the starting point and back) and guide
Minimum of persons: 4
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Angela Panagopoulou, born in Austria, lives on Crete since more then twenty years and for the last twelf years she has worked in tourism. First as a tour guide escorting organised excursions and later as a trekking guide. She is fluent in german, greek, english and speaks also little bit dutch.
Trekking is also her private passion, especially in eastern Crete. During her time as a trekking guide she has discovered many old paths and trails which are not mentioned in any trekking books.Her favourite subject is plants and herbs.
Having lived on Crete for many years and speaking greek she has built up good relationships with the people of the island which has helped her to learn a lot about their history, traditions and way of life
You may contact her to arrange an individual programme for a group. Through her years of experience she can tailor walks to suit all needs and for any period of time, providing you with details of suitable accommodation and route and also assist you with the arranging of accommodation.
mobile number: 0030 6974 127305
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Important Information for Participants of a Walk:
You should have an average level of fitness and be in good health.
The terrain is partly rough so it is important to have good comfortable walking boots so that you can gain the maximum enjoyment from the walk.
Basic Equipment Required:
walking boots;
sun hat;
sun protection cream;
light waterproof jacket; and
a small backpack.
The average time of a walk is 3 to 5 hours, the routes are partly old cobbled paths or dirt tracks. The altitude is dependent on the walk and varies between 300 and 600 metres. There will be breaks during the trek to rest, observe plants, wildlife and enjoy the beautiful views. Trekking is no race through nature but more an opportunity to be part of nature.
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