Active Hiking in Crete: Walking in Milos and Skalopatia: A unique natural area in Crete is Skalopatia. The location is central Crete. We will start our walk from the village's kafenion, from where we will start to walk a stretch of 12-22 kilometers. We organize this tour weekly, from the end of March to December. This trail has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. The route is unique; there are many streams flowing during summer and winter. In this area live many turtles. It is wonderful to see how they live in the clear blue water; on some rocks they enjoy sunbathing.

organized by Ask for Travel Kokini Hani

For whom is active hiking in Crete suitable? We adapt our hikes to the participants. We organize (on request) the more intensive hikes (27 km), medium hikes (22 km) and lighter hikes (12 km). All options are on request. We recommend you wear good walking shoes and socks. It is also important to bring along enough water; the whole track takes us right through nature. We offer a multiple-day hike in Skalopatia with overnights in the woods. For more info click on: multiple-day hikes in Crete

Kalderinis in Crete: these are old tracks from the days when the villages were linked together by mule paths. You will recognize many of these paths during the hike through Skalopatia. Kalderinis were the only transportation option in Crete until 1850 and far earlier. Along the way you will also see places where once the cattle would drink. From central Crete there are many old kalderinis that pass through small villages, and ultimately lead to the capital Heraklion. This was a long journey by donkey.

Hiking vacation in Crete (Milos Skalopatia): Departure from the kafenion; after our coffee we will go down to Skalopatia. Through an area of vineyards and olive fields we will walk to an old Venetian bridge; at this beautiful location there is a beautiful old arch bridge. After the bridge we will go down 500 meters gradually, with beautiful views of the gorge. When we are at the bottom, we will see a beautiful freshwater lake to our left. This lake lies in the shade of many trees such as oaks and sycamores. On the other side you can already see the first turtles. We continue on the kalderini alongside a wooded area with next to us a streaming brook, alongside which many water plants grow.

After a few kilometers we will reach the first place where in the summer months hundreds of turtles live.

We always walk quietly here, so we can observe as many turtles as possible. After that the path continues to an old water flood gate, where once water was collected (on this spot during the winter months you have to take off your shoes!). After the flood gate, which is beautifully constructed of sandstone, we descend back to the creek. Along this path the route is built in between beautiful rock formations.

After several kilometers our surroundings start to resemble a jungle. Here you can find a real Cretan forest, with a lot of vegetation of native plants, which you can still find in Crete. After walking several kilometers through the forest, we will reach a kind of jungle. Here you will walk in between bamboo and oleander. Moments later, we will be walking through a small orange grove. This part of the tour goes along, and underneath, great rock formations. At the end of this formation we will reach the lower part of a canyon, after which the path with lead upward alongside a ravine. Here we will have a wonderful view of the river, and all the trees and plants that grow here. Halfway we will arrive at the place where we will organize a lunch.

Down alongside the creek there is an old fortress with cottages that are constructed of sandstone. It's kind of a deserted village. Between the sandstone you can find many fossils. After lunch we will walk further upwards along the stream. After passing a region of beautiful nature we will arrive at an abandoned church. Just after the church we will be back down at the level of the creek, and again we will see turtles. Now the path takes us along fences, which are there for the sheep and goats. We have to open and close many fences while we walk, to keep the sheep and mountain goats fenced in. We will come across many flocks of sheep, and along the almost vertical rock formations you will see many mountain goats. At the end of the canyon we arrive at a sort of gathering place for livestock. Here you will find another abandoned church with some shepherds’ houses. This is the spot where we will be picked up again. During the more intensive hikes we will continue walking down to sea level.

Plants, herbs and trees in in Crete (Skalopatia) along the way: Anthemis riga, Malcomia flexuosa (Cruciferae), olive-, cypress-,  and orange trees, Arum idaeum Cousrur (Araceae), cyclamen, Maquis, Cistus salviifolius, Phlomis fruiticosa, Lavandula stoechas, Asphodelus aestivus iris, phryganas, Polygala monspeliaca, Ophrys, Orchis quadripunctata, Ebenus cretica, oleander, Dracunculus vulgaris.

We offer a number of larger apartments. Here you have several options, international TV, summer and winter opportunities, two verandas. Ideal for a family holiday in Crete. The apartments are suitable for families and groups, but for two people, we have options.