Places to Walk, Crete Island

If you go walking in Crete you are sure to come across some of these shaggy creatures scrambling up a cliff or along the side of a gorge.

This picture was taken on a coast walk below Rodakino : they belong to Nikos from the 'Anna and Nikos Taverna (see my accommodation tip) . Try some of their delicious goat milk yoghurt for breakfast.

Spring is a great time to walk in Crete, not too hot and there are lots of wonderful wild flowers out. Don't restrict your plans to the Samaria Gorge, which herds of tourists head for. There are lots of other gorge walks - a favourite of mine is the Gorge of the Dead at Kato Zakro, which is a couple of hours walk, and is somewhat less demanding. There are some interesting pictures of various gorges at : http://www.walking-crete.de/gorges.htm (bear in mind this is a commercial site offering tours).

Probably the best general map for walkers - and for drivers - is 'Western Crete' and the separate 'Eastern Crete' maps published by 'Road Editions'. I have seen them listed on Amazon and they are on sale in bookshops in Crete. I wouldn't say they are perfect - the problem is the choice is somewhat limited. I have also been recommended the 2 maps of the two sides of the island by Harms Verlag (www.harms-ie-verlag.de.)

I'm listing a website below which gives info on walks around the Plakias, Rethymnon, Yeoryeopouli and Elounda areas.

8 km of awesome landscape. Park the car in Imbros and there you see the signs to the beginning of the Gorge. Wear comfortable shoes because of the many loose rocks. At the end you can get a taxi for about 5 euros pp. You can have a wonderful lunch in Imbros.