Plakias Forums
Plakias => Where to go => Topic started by: Graham_and_Karen on October 04, 2004, 12:54:59 PM
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This year the cooler, breezier conditions made walking a bit easier . Here are a few suggestions based on our experiences.
First – arm yourself with a good local map. The Plakias Walker’s Map is fine but the Damnoni Area Map covers the same area with the same level of detail and is about 1.5 Euro cheaper. Available from a couple of the Supermarkets in Plakias.
1. Plakias to Lefkoyia
Out of Plakias along the road, turn right at the main road, going to Lefkoyia, take the 2nd or 3rd, uphill. Keep going until you reach the irrigation channel. Turn right and follow it as it meanders through the hills. There will be several tracks leading back down to the main road but keep going until you see a church on the left. At the crossroads here you can turn right or continue on and take the next right. Both take you to Lefkoyia. From Lefkoyia you can take a back road/track running parallel to the main road which joins the road to Amoudi. From Amoudi, you can go via Damnoni and the Olive grove route to Plakias.
2. Plakias to Finikas Monastery
Take a route of your choice to Selia, then take the road heading WSW slightly downhill across the valley leading to Souda. Be careful not to take a left turn which will take you down to Souda (although we did just that and managed to get across the river with only a couple of attempts). The road to Finikas Monastery is quite tortuous but a pleasant walk none the less – very peaceful. On the way back, you need to turn right, off the road before where the bulls are kept (Sept. 04) (take the thin black line on the map) The path is not at all clear but if you go through the olive grove and vegetable patch you can pick up a track for a while, then another ‘thin black line’ track (this one is easier to follow) takes you to a track leading to Souda. If you get there at the right time, you can get the train back to Plakias.
3. Kali Sykea to Plakias
We got a taxi to Kali Sykea, then ambled down the road to a junction. Turned left to check out Aghios Ioannis. On the far side of Aghios Ioannis there is a track on the right which goes down into a small valley, then up again to Kanevos. After exploring the back streets there, we followed the road down through the gorge. It would have been possible to have dropped down to the dried out river bed (in the summer) but it’s not easy to tell how ‘lumpy’ that route is from the road so we didn’t try it. Once through the gorge, just after taking the left turn to Myrthios there is a track leading down towards the river bed. If you take this it goes down some way but then climbs again to join a track running along the Selia side of the valley. For another time, note that the track that runs parallel to this one, but a bit lower down gives excellent views of the old mills from above.
Eventually the track meets one of the rough roads going to Selia and you can turn left to get back to Plakias.
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We visited Plakias 1 Oct for 1 day.Tried to walk up to Myrthios via Water Mill.(We did the walk in 97).Got to Mill O.K. but no obvious way up.The defaced signpost indicated others also had problems.
Any one tried it recently?
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I think we looked 1 or 2 years ago bur didn't find a route. We didn't look too closely this year as we were focused on getting further up towards the gorge from the Mill. We failed when starting from the Mill but when we walked down the gorge on the Selia side of the valley it was easier some of the less distinct paths on the Myrthios side.
Something for next year I expect
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another route i'd recommend is going over to rodakino ( well nearly) via the coast
walk over to souda bay, cross over the stream and look for the path going up the hillside ( this may be overgrown) to join the main path going towards the headland. the path is pretty obvious at this point, but tends to fade out
you head over the headland (the dragon) and you come across a bulldozed path which will lead you on to a small lane, going past a few houses (or apartments). the lane becomes a road and after passing a nice tarvena (actually much more fun to stop at it rather than pass it) the road turns left to go up to rodakino proper.
this will take around three hours of (not too difficult) walking through some beautiful scenery, full of the smells of wild herbs
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another route i'd recommend is going over to rodakino ( well nearly) via the coast
walk over to souda bay, cross over the stream and look for the path going up the hillside ( this may be overgrown) to join the main path going towards the headland. the path is pretty obvious at this point, but tends to fade out
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3118\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda. Walk up the road North a little from Souda, turn left down a track and the new buldozed path is easily picked up. It is a super walk. We walked all the way to Rodakina, had a good rest and drink at the Taverna and then walked back. - Superb. Some of our friends staying at the same hotel did this walk but took some very unconventional transport back to Plakias from Rodakina - the details about which I am sworn to secrecy. I do feel that confessions are required on this small matter
John R
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quote=John R,Apr 22 2005, 07:09 PM]
The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda. Walk up the road North a little from Souda, turn left down a track and the new buldozed path is easily picked up. It is a super walk. We walked all the way to Rodakina, had a good rest and drink at the Taverna and then walked back. - Superb.John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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[attachment=99:attachment]
taken last Sept. (early) - the route looks very barren at the Souda end. Does it get better towards Rodakino?
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The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Is this a path for walkers or a road for vehicles? Where does it go to and from exactly?
Mike
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The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Is this a path for walkers or a road for vehicles? Where does it go to and from exactly?
Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3124\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
For walkers - unless you have a big 4 x4
It goes from Souda to Rodakina - a very good walking track - mostly newly buldozed during last year. As I said before the Souda end can be picked up if one walks a couple of hundred yaerds ofr so up the road leading Northe up from Souda and picking up a track on the left. Fairly obvious when you are there. It ends on the coastal track going in/out to/ from the east end of Rodakina, thankfully very close to a Taverna near the beach.
The photo attached shows a view looking back down the track soon after leaving Souda - the buildings in the background being at the Northern end of Souda.
[attachment=100:attachment]
Another photo of the new track :-
[attachment=101:attachment]
John R
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Thanks for the additional info, John.
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Thanks indeed
that does sound like an improvement, the section that 'fades out' could be difficult (to follow)
we'll be doing the walk again next month!!
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I've tried to do this walk on several occations, but could never find the footpath. I watched them blowing out the road last year and got the idea they were doing this especially for me.
I am really looking forward to doing this new road this year and going by the interest, it's going to be busy up there!
george g...
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I've tried to do this walk on several occations, but could never find the footpath. I watched them blowing out the road last year and got the idea they were doing this especially for me.
I am really looking forward to doing this new road this year and going by the interest, it's going to be busy up there!
george g...
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3142\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
that must be it george, they realised it was a problem for you and......bang!! there you go
we had to be shown the way up from the beach , it was very difficult.
i was talking to someone on another forum who has rented one of the apartments at the other end of the walk near rodakino, looks wonderful but too remote for my liking
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Is this a path for walkers or a road for vehicles?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3124\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
For walkers - unless you have a big 4 x4
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3128\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Looks like a perfect enduro ride to me. I hope it hasn't been tarmac'ed over the winter. I'll definitely try this one in June. This should be a significant shortcut to Rodakino, compared to the route via Sellia.
Andy (counting the days )
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Adny, is an 'enduro' a bike?
(excuse my ignorance)
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Adny, is an 'enduro' a bike?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3151\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yes, it's an offroad motorbike.
(excuse my ignorance)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3151\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
No problem. As I'm not a native speaker, I don't know which terms are commonplace and which aren't. I hope I'm understandable though.
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another route i'd recommend is going over to rodakino ( well nearly) via the coast
walk over to souda bay, cross over the stream and look for the path going up the hillside ( this may be overgrown) to join the main path going towards the headland. the path is pretty obvious at this point, but tends to fade out
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3118\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda. Walk up the road North a little from Souda, turn left down a track and the new buldozed path is easily picked up. It is a super walk. We walked all the way to Rodakina, had a good rest and drink at the Taverna and then walked back. - Superb. Some of our friends staying at the same hotel did this walk but took some very unconventional transport back to Plakias from Rodakina - the details about which I am sworn to secrecy. I do feel that confessions are required on this small matter
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Looks like busy time has arrived no room for confessions J
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No problem. As I'm not a native speaker, I don't know which terms are commonplace and which aren't. I hope I'm understandable though.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3154\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Andy, i think your english is better than mine I'd sort of guessed it was a bike but i wanted to be certain, do you hire one in Plakias?
Looks like busy time has arrived no room for confessions J
i'm sure we'd all love to know, confession is good for the soul ( so im told )
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The beginning of this walk is now much easier to do and to find since the new buldozed track is now (October 2004) completed all the way to Souda. Walk up the road North a little from Souda, turn left down a track and the new buldozed path is easily picked up. It is a super walk. We walked all the way to Rodakina, had a good rest and drink at the Taverna and then walked back. - Superb.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Very useful information John, which has happened since Lance Chilton last updated his "Plakias Walks" books.
I hope they don't upgrade it to a road for motor vehicles as that would presumably mean cars travelling from Rodakino to Rethymnon could go through Plakias, with unpleasant results for the tranquil nature of the place.
Mike
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No problem. As I'm not a native speaker, I don't know which terms are commonplace and which aren't. I hope I'm understandable though.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3154\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Andy, i think your english is better than mine I'd sort of guessed it was a bike but i wanted to be certain, do you hire one in Plakias?
Looks like busy time has arrived no room for confessions J
i'm sure we'd all love to know, confession is good for the soul ( so im told )
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3159\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Tell you what if you are in Plakias end of Oct/Sept I will tell you in person, that is if John R doesn't beat me to it.
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Andy, i think your english is better than mine I'd sort of guessed it was a bike but i wanted to be certain, do you hire one in Plakias?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3159\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Too kind, harribobs.
Yes, I always hire a bike in Plakias. It's much cheaper than at the airport or in Iraklion. I usually go to the bike rental near Lysseos Restaurant. It's called "Odyssia". They have the best prices by far (as of Sep. 2002 when I was there). Only setback: The helmets available are (#@&. So your best bet is to bring your own helmet (which is what we always do).
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Tell you what if you are in Plakias end of Oct/Sept I will tell you in person, that is if John R doesn't beat me to it.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3176\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
i'll hold you to that
Yes, I always hire a bike in Plakias. It's much cheaper than at the airport or in Iraklion. I usually go to the bike rental near Lysseos Restaurant. It's called "Odyssia". They have the best prices by far (as of Sep. 2002 when I was there). Only setback: The helmets available are (#@&. So your best bet is to bring your own helmet (which is what we always do).
i know the place you mean, i'll leave the motorbikes to you i might be able manage a pedal bike down to the far end
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Tell you what if you are in Plakias end of Oct/Sept I will tell you in person, that is if John R doesn't beat me to it.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3176\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
My lips are sealed, my mouse is asleep
John R
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regarding the new bulldozed road bit
it has been extended towards souda, BUT, it isn't completed
it runs around the side of the hill and down towards the stream, ( about 500 yards from the sea)
there is no bridge across the stream, in order to get across, you must climb down about six foot and use the stepping stones to cross the stream and climb about four foot up the other bank
no real problems for agile walkers, but Andy won't get his bike over it
Andy, other points to bear in mind, there are still a couple of fences on the road, they have gates but you need to be careful. there was also a dog chained across the road towards the Rodakino end, he was friendly but again be careful
chris
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regarding the new bulldozed road bit
it has been extended towards souda, BUT, it isn't completed
it runs around the side of the hill and down towards the stream, ( about 500 yards from the sea)
there is no bridge across the stream, in order to get across, you must climb down about six foot and use the stepping stones to cross the stream and climb about four foot up the other bank
n
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3436\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Not true - you didn't investigate far enough. We did it last October. You walk up that side road (blacktopped) Northward from Souda and after a short distance you come accross an unmade track to the left which goes to some houses. Take this track and after another short distance you come to another track to your left. This leads directly to the new buldozed bit with absolutely no obstructions nor any rivers to cross without bridges.
John R
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regarding the new bulldozed road bit
it has been extended towards souda, BUT, it isn't completed
it runs around the side of the hill and down towards the stream, ( about 500 yards from the sea)
there is no bridge across the stream, in order to get across, you must climb down about six foot and use the stepping stones to cross the stream and climb about four foot up the other bank
n
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3436\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Not true - you didn't investigate far enough. We did it last October. You walk up that side road (blacktopped) Northward from Souda and after a short distance you come accross an unmade track to the left which goes to some houses. Take this track and after another short distance you come to another track to your left. This leads directly to the new buldozed bit with absolutely no obstructions nor any rivers to cross without bridges.
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3453\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
i couldn't have investigated it any further, i was walking down the track on sunday afternoon
the bulldozed section ends just in front of a concrete structure by the stream, to get to the tarmac road ( above the tavernas) you have to cross the stream and there is no bridge
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i couldn't have investigated it any further, i was walking down the track on sunday afternoon
the bulldozed section ends just in front of a concrete structure by the stream, to get to the tarmac road ( above the tavernas) you have to cross the stream and there is no bridge
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3456\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I can only think that they have progressed the bulldozed part a bit further and demolished the old bridge or culvert over that stream and stopped there for now. We certainly walked on an obstacle free track all the way at the Souda end last October - will investigate again next October !!
John R
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i couldn't have investigated it any further, i was walking down the track on sunday afternoon
the bulldozed section ends just in front of a concrete structure by the stream, to get to the tarmac road ( above the tavernas) you have to cross the stream and there is no bridge
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3456\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I can only think that they have progressed the bulldozed part a bit further and demolished the old bridge or culvert over that stream and stopped there for now. We certainly walked on an obstacle free track all the way at the Souda end last October - will investigate again next October !!
John R
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that's the only thing i can think of, certainly the last section has been freshly bulldozed ( there were two still on the track)
i notice that andy is over there now, i think we'll find out if he trys to ride it
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You rang Sah
Now...this bulldozed track you talking about which I believe runs past our door heading east, is it short cut to Plakias for our 4X4
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3489\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
hmmm indeed ! you turn right out of the 'drive', past the sheep, being careful of any tethered dogs, watching for fences and landslides
and remember when i got to the end there was a six foot drop so as you start losing height...FFS get out and have a look first !!
cheers
PS what a cheery reply, you can tell i'm back in manchester
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i notice that andy is over there now, i think we'll find out if he trys to ride it
Indeed, I was over there until yesterday :'( , and rode it.
Harribobs, your observation is absolutely correct.
I tried to find the start of the road in Souda, but as there's a real labyrinth of unsurfaced roads there (as is in so many places in Crete), I gave up, went up to Sellia (nice ride as well), went to Rodakino, and tried it from the other side.
It's very easy to find there: Start at the beach below Rodakino (forgot its name), follow the signs to Akropolis Apts., pass Akropolis and just stay on the main track.
There is one fence across the road which needs to be shut after you went through (i suppose to prevent the sheep from invading neighboring territories).
And then you're almost in Souda and find out that the Finikia "river" (more like a creek) has dug in just deep enough to make you rethink your route plan.
But no problem: So I had an excuse to ride that nice track again
There was no sign of current construction activity, so I have no idea if a bridge will be built or not.
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i notice that andy is over there now, i think we'll find out if he trys to ride it
So I had an excuse to ride that nice track again
There was no sign of current construction activity, so I have no idea if a bridge will be built or not.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3509\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
glad to hear you enjoyed it mate,
was there a dog tied up near the akropolis apartments?
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Good day everyone,
I discovered a site the other day while hunting around for weather info, www.weatheronline.co.uk, some of you may know of it.
The weather info it puts out I found to be easily and well presented, but the interesting extra that I discovered was the way in which it links with other aspects of the locality you are interested in weather wise.
Each locality seems to have selected webcam links to local sites, around Plakias this is Chora Skafion and Loutro. If you clik onto to them you get local info including walks in these areas.
I thought it was very good.
Mark.
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was there a dog tied up near the akropolis apartments?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3510\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
No, there was no dog there when I rode by.
There were several dogs on the Souda side of the Finikia "river", at one place even two at opposite sides of the road, but none near Akropolis Apts.
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We are arriving in myrthos.. on the 5th of july and would really like to walk the samaria gorge, are there any excursions from plakios !!
We will have a car but looking at the various websites it seems that getting back to the starting point would be a real problem.
or am i best waiting till i get to georgiopolis..
anyone who spots a mad hull city fan please let on to us.
many thanks for some great info.
tiger geoff
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We are arriving in myrthos.. on the 5th of july and would really like to walk the samaria gorge, are there any excursions from plakios !!
tiger geoff
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3513\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
There are usually trips to Samaria arranged from Plakias - we did one about 3 years back. Ours was arranged by Anso Travel - who have an office in town. Start time was VERY early in the morning - so early I can't even remember right now.
John R
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For anyone interested I have uploaded quite a few of my photos of Plakias and surrounds on to my website here Here (http://www.flute.toucansurf.com/Plakias/index.html)
In particular the photos DCP_1925 to DCP_1947 were taken on the Souda to Rodakina walk.
Unfortunately the automatic webpage creater I used does not allow me to title each photo but if any one wants to know about any in particular please feel free to email me.
There are photos of Plakias, Festos, Imbros etc.
John R
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For anyone interested I have uploaded quite a few of my photos of Plakias and surrounds on to my website here
John R
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3516\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Excellent photos John.
Re. No. 2, this shows tables at the Mousses taverna and the others either side (including the Ostraco bar I think) on the "promenade", beachside of their main tables. Since mid May the local council have banned this, on threat of a 2000 Euro fine! I thought this a shame as this was a lovely place to eat and enjoy the sea views. The promenades after the tables were moved didn't seem to be being used for walking either.
Mike
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Good day everyone,
I discovered a site the other day while hunting around for weather info, [url=http://www.weatheronline.co.uk]www.weatheronline.co.uk[/url], some of you may know of it.
Mark.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] ([url]http://index.php?[/url]act=findpost&pid=3511\")
Yes, looks interesting Mark. I still use Yahoo for the weather as it gives a 10 day forecast. Click [a href=\"http://www.weather.com/activities/travel/businesstraveler/weather/tenday.html?locid=GRXX0046&from=_topnav_business]here.[/url]
Mike
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excellent photo s john
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No, there was no dog there when I rode by.
There were several dogs on the Souda side of the Finikia "river", at one place even two at opposite sides of the road, but none near Akropolis Apts.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3512\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Ok Andy,
there was a dog tied up across the path when we went down that way, i was wondering if he was still there
we also got attacked by a crab ( who was living in a puddle in the road? )
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You seem to have some kind of magnetism on malicious animals...
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Dear Community,
does anyone know the way to this wonderful place? I saw photos from this waterfall and the pool underneath it several times in the past but we never got there yet.
I think it must be part of the Finika river?! Must be great to jump into the cold water during a walk round highnoon ... [attachment=120:attachment][attachment=120:attachment][attachment=120:attachment][attachment=120:att
chment][attachment=120:attachment]
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Uups...something seems to be wrong with my pc-set...
[Is it possible to delete posted pics?]
With deep regrets
Shinaria
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Uups...something seems to be wrong with my pc-set...
[Is it possible to delete posted pics?]
With deep regrets
Shinaria
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3532\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
you can edit your post or delete them through 'managing your attachments'
i have never seen the place my self
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does anyone know the way to this wonderful place?
Maybe it's the place where the drinking water comes from in Kourtaliotiko Gorge?
But that's only a vague presumption.
You can check it out next time you're there: In Kourtaliotiko Gorge there's a large parking area and a very small parking bay (on the right side of the road right at the beginning of the gorge when you come from Plakias). At the small parking bay a path starts that leads downhill to a small chapel below the road and further to the springs/waterfalls. Very nice place. Maybe the place in the pics is below the waterfalls (I didn't check if there's a way to get there). There's also a gravel track that goes off the road on the right hand side before the gorge (with a sign to some appartments, forgot their name). Maybe it's somewhere there...
But, as I said before, that's only a vague presumption.
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We are arriving in myrthos.. on the 5th of july and would really like to walk the samaria gorge, are there any excursions from plakios !!
We will have a car but looking at the various websites it seems that getting back to the starting point would be a real problem.
tiger geoff
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3513\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Getting back to the start would indeed be a problem. The only ways I can think of are:
- walk back up
- get a boat from Ayia Roumeli (bottom of the gorge) to Souyia or Paleochora, spend the night there and get the early morning bus (between 6 and 7 am) which supposedly goes to Omalos, a mere 5km from the entrance to the gorge.
You might be better off doing it on an excursion from Yeoryoupolis (sp?) as it's a fair bit closer to the start.
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Hallo wakefossil,
thank you for your information. We stood right at the place you mentioned a two years ago but as our youngest son sat in his buggy then we didn't make the way down.
We will try it next time we're there...
shinaria
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We pre booked our apartment in Sougia which was superb in every way and run by very helpfull and friendly owners.
which apartments did you use in Sougia mate? i wouldnt mind making a note of them
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Sent you an email with details, cant have this Plakias lot crowding out Sougia now can we
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3727\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
damn right! ( they're a rough lot you know )
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Anyone ever spent the night at Omalos before walking the Gorge?
I'm quite tempted to try it this year. According to the Rough Guide accommodation should be plentiful and cheap, mostly due to the fact that hardly anyone stays there.
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Anyone ever spent the night at Omalos before walking the Gorge?
I'm quite tempted to try it this year. According to the Rough Guide accommodation should be plentiful and cheap, mostly due to the fact that hardly anyone stays there.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3745\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
i've never stayed up there, it looked a little bleak when i passed by.
i think i'd prefer to go up on the early bus
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Anyone ever spent the night at Omalos before walking the Gorge?
I'm quite tempted to try it this year. According to the Rough Guide accommodation should be plentiful and cheap, mostly due to the fact that hardly anyone stays there.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3745\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
We did originaly plan to stay at Omalos, but like Harribobs says we found the bus option better as we stayed in Sougia for several days.
Looked a bit of a dismal place compared to a good evening down in Sougia on the night before our trek
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Yes, Sougia's a pleasant place to while away a few days - a bit low-key compared to Plakias but that's part of its charm.
I hadn't actually thought of starting from Sougia, I've always got the dawn bus from Chania in previous years. Thanks for the tip.
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This year the cooler, breezier conditions made walking a bit easier . Here are a few suggestions based on our experiences.
First – arm yourself with a good local map. The Plakias Walker’s Map is fine but the Damnoni Area Map covers the same area with the same level of detail and is about 1.5 Euro cheaper. Available from a couple of the Supermarkets in Plakias.
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Lance Chilton, author of the Plakias Walker's Map complains on his website that pirated copies of the map are on sale in Plakias and Damnoni under different names. He doesn't name any pirated versions, but I'd say Lance deserves some support for his efforts and the 1.5 Euro difference hardly registers against the overall cost of your trip. You can order the map and two booklets direct from Lance before leaving the UK; see www.marengowalks.com. You may be better off doing this as you can't rely on the Plakias supermarkets to carry the latest editions.
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I hadn't actually thought of starting from Sougia, I've always got the dawn bus from Chania in previous years. Thanks for the tip.
Bus leaves at 0700, get your ticket from the taxi driver who arrives 15 mins beforehand. There are some places open to get a bite to eat or drink if you up early enough before catching bus. In all a leisurely start to one hell of a good day out.
We were walking down the gorge by 0830 and arrived back in Sougia via the ferry by 1800 still leaving the evening to relax and eat. If you return back to Chania it makes for a very long day
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Yes, Roxana's snack bar a little way up the main road is one place that opens early to cater for bus users. The bus is a lot more punctual than on my previous visit in 1991, it actually left at 7.00 on the dot.
Having got the idea of Sougia as a base for the Samaria Gorge I ended up spending the second week of my holiday there. A delightful place, like a mini-Plakias in some ways if you wind the clock back 20 years or so. There are some good walks around Sougia itself though sturdy shoes are needed and there may be some scrambling.
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Lance Chilton, author of the Plakias Walker's Map complains on his website that pirated copies of the map are on sale in Plakias and Damnoni under different names. He doesn't name any pirated versions, but I'd say Lance deserves some support for his efforts and the 1.5 Euro difference hardly registers against the overall cost of your trip. You can order the map and two booklets direct from Lance before leaving the UK; see www.marengowalks.com. You may be better off doing this as you can't rely on the Plakias supermarkets to carry the latest editions.
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when i contacted marengo and asked for a copy of his map, he wanted £10 for it
i decided against paying that...........
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Yes definitely worth getting it in the supermarket in Plakias. Both booklets have been available in previous years.
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Lance Chilton, author of the Plakias Walker's Map complains on his website that pirated copies of the map are on sale in Plakias and Damnoni under different names. He doesn't name any pirated versions, but I'd say Lance deserves some support for his efforts and the 1.5 Euro difference hardly registers against the overall cost of your trip. You can order the map and two booklets direct from Lance before leaving the UK; see [url=http://www.marengowalks.com]www.marengowalks.com[/url]. You may be better off doing this as you can't rely on the Plakias supermarkets to carry the latest editions.
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I agree with you Rodger. £10 (incl postage) buys two books with a total of 17 Plakias area walks plus a very decent map. They made my walking immeasurably more enjoyable than it otherwise would have been. They will suffice for future years as well. The research which went into them must have been significant. It is only by making a reasonable return that Lance will update them I suspect.
Click [a href=\"http://www.marengowalks.com/Plakias_bk.html]here[/url] for his website.
Mike
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if you fancied going a bit further afield...
Rother have published two guides (West and East Crete)
and we used 'Circular Walks and Gorges in East Crete' last year which i would highly reccomend
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it's still very early to be planning but thats a huge part of the holiday for us
we have decided to get further up into the mountains ( my knees are aching from the thought of going down)
and first on the list for next year is.......
gingilos (http://www.sougia.info/walk-gingilos.htm)
looks like fun
so has anyone done it? i know Jean( forgot surname) does guided walks up there
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Adny, is an 'enduro' a bike?
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Yes, it's an offroad motorbike.
(excuse my ignorance)
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No problem. As I'm not a native speaker, I don't know which terms are commonplace and which aren't. I hope I'm understandable though.
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This is what you mean?
Andy should try this one. It is seen in Matala!
[attachment=261:attachment]
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what's that?
V twin Harley Davidson??
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what's that?
V twin Harley Davidson??
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It is one of 88.000 Harley Davidsons type WLA 45 build for the American army during WWII. Normally only in war museums. This one on the road in Matala.
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i've resurected this thread as i think it's full of good information and can be expanded more
here's a pic of souda bay showing the finikas 'river', we found it quite deep to get across last year and this year avoided it by driving up the road behind the taverna and parking there
(http://harribobs.smugmug.com/photos/72671977-M.jpg)