Crete: E4 European Long Distance Walk from Kissamos to Chrisoskalitisa

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Photo ofCrete: E4 European Long Distance Walk from Kissamos to Chrisoskalitisa

Author

John P

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Trail stats

Distance: 27.85 mi
Elevation gain: 4,557 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 4,459 ft
Max elevation: 2,618 ft
TrailRank: 50
Min elevation: 1 ft
Trail type: One Way

Coordinates: 697
Uploaded: June 27, 2019
Recorded: June 2019

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near Tráchilos, Crete (Greece)

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Itinerary description

The official route of the E4 European Long Distance Walk in Crete from Kissamos to Chrisoskalitisa is along tarmac roads, some quite busy. The attached is an alternate route on paths, tracks and quiet roads. Starting from the ferry terminal where I arrived from Gythio in the Peloponnese where the E4 continues, the route goes to the town of Kissamos. From there it travels up a quiet tarmac road to Polyrinia where the ancient ruins are worth a visit. In addition to the Venetian arches and city walls, the flowers were beautiful and the views impressive.

After Polyrinia a path takes you up the Sirikari gorge, after which a road and tracks climb up to the wind farm at the pass. Coming down from the pass, opening and closing some rudimentary "gates" made of rebar you enventually reach the village of Berpathiana where there are tavernas and accommodation. From here you can visit the Kambos gorge if you wish, however the onward route follows the small coastal road through the village of Livadhia joining the busy main road shortly before Chrisoskalitisa with its famous monastery.

For my complete trek on the E4 across Europe read my book "Six Pairs of Boots: Spain to Cyprus on the E4 Trail" by John Pucknell available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, the Bookdepository.com, lehmanns.de, bookspot.nl, and other good online bookstores.

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Waypoints

Alternative route up a track

I missed the track on the right that can be taken to avoid a bit of tarmac

Ancient remains of Polyrinia

There are a range of archeological remains from classical times through to the Byzantine and Venetian times. Shortly after entering the village there is an information point that was serving coffee and cake when I was there, with a very informative lady. In adddition to the ruins the flowers and views from the hill are well worth the visit.