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Hiking Trail
· Apokoronas
Chania Trails - APO 12 - The Way of the Shepherds
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Hiking on the shepherds' path (no. 12) in Ási GoniáPhoto: Fivos Tsaravopoulos, Chania Trails
The circular route leads through a landscape rich in contrasts: first through a narrow, wooded gorge steeply uphill to the Hainospilios cave (where the rebels once entrenched themselves), then through a mountain landscape with typical Cretan vegetation to a small lake that is only filled seasonally and in which the giant plane trees are reflected in spring.
The highest point is soon reached at a small church before the most beautiful section of the tour begins: you descend over a rocky ridge, always accompanied by magnificent views down into the valley and across to the White Mountains. However, you shouldn't get too distracted by the view, as the path itself is technically demanding and requires concentration and a sure footing between jagged rocks and thorny bushes. However, anyone who enjoys hiking in the mountains will have a lot of fun on this section of the trail.
The small chapel of Timios Stavros directly on the steep slope (here too - the view!) marks the end of the adventurous part of the hike. Now it's back down to Ási Goniá along easy paths past sheep pastures. Incidentally, the village today is particularly characterized by dairy farming. Every year on April 23 (St. George's Day), a big festival is held in the village where all the sheep are driven through the church and blessed - a spectacle worth seeing!
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Do not go alone and always take a first aid kit with you.
- This tour is not recommended immediately after rainfall, it is better to wait for dry conditions.
- Take only memories with you, leave only your footprints. Ants, other insects or animals have not yet figured out how to eat plastic. Take all garbage back with you.
- Don't make a fire if you are cold. Try to walk faster instead.
- Smoking on the trail doesn't help anyone - neither you nor the fire risk.
- The locals are not tourist attractions! If you want to take a photo, ask politely. They are sure to give you a smile!
- If you come across a door on the way, go through it and leave it as you found it.
- Stay on the path. For good reason, people have been walking on these paths for centuries and not anywhere else.
Roadbook
On the first part of the hike, after a good 2 km, you come to a rock that you have to scramble up briefly. You will need to use your hands here, but a sturdy steel cable has been installed.
In the second half of the tour, there are several places on the rocky ridge path where you also need to use your hands for balance (difficulties in the upper T3 range) and surefootedness is required. However, orientation should not be a problem here either.
Small seasonal lake
Church of St. John
Timios Stavros Chapel
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Take plenty of water with you, there are no water sources along the way. Sturdy hiking boots, long hiking trousers (because of the thorny bushes), hiking poles, headgear and sun protection are essential. A flashlight and fully charged smartphone are also recommended.Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions