Santorini Trail 11 - Akrotiri - Ormos Mpalou

This route starts where the Venetian Castle of Akrotiri is and can be combined with the short tour of the castle. Outside the castle and without any signs, hikers will need to follow the cobblestone roads of the settlement to cross the main road at the north edge of the settlement and approach the remains of a rural road that used to go down to the chapel of Agios Nikolaos next to Apothiki beach. The descent initially takes place on a wide dirt road carved by deep water gullies which is soon replaced by weathered cobblestones and further down by a narrow path. Lower and just before the hiker reaches the coastline, they encounter a branch that gives them the possibility to choose the beach they will rest on. Here as the route follows a clockwise circle, the right direction is chosen. Moving through pebbles and black sand below imposing rock formations for the next 1 kilometer or so the hiker goes on a journey through the geological history of this place. At the end of the beach, a steep asphalt road leads to the beginning of the route, initially rising to the height of the main road and then leading to the Castle where the circular route ends. Marking is not found except for one point of the route. The passability of the route is satisfactory and the length is suitable for family outings.