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Kritinia, the fertile valley and the little bay

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Discover a little bay accessible only on foot, a panoramic view over the Aegean Sea and a path through the fertile valley to the castle.

In summary

  • EVERY SUNDAY 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Meeting point: Kritinia village

  • Duration: 5 h

  • Distance:  12 km

  • Elevation gain: 380 m

  • Difficulty: medium

  • Ring: yes

  • Cost € 35 per person

  • Type of trail: dirt roads and paths

Itinerary description

We begin in Kritinia, a village of Cretan origin, and walk down a path surrounded by Aleppo pines, strawberry trees, wild sage and kermes oak to a pebbly little bay with crystal-clear waters. The view on the way down is truly unique: Halki, Alimia and other little islands poke out of the deep blue Aegean Sea; the views and the pure air we enjoy along the way are unforgettable.
We cross the little bay and start to climb toward the castle along a narrower path, which then opens up onto vineyards and olive groves, enchanting us with the scent of aromatic herbs.
After visiting the castle, we end our excursion by returning to the village, accompanied by the fragrance of fruit and citrus trees.

Startingpoint

Tour Gallery

USEFUL INFO

  • Includes: Traditional snack and bottle of water

  • Hiking equipment available on request

  • Minimum number of participants: 4

  • Maximum number of participants: 16

  • Best time of year: Year-round, except for July 1 through September 15 (due to high temperatures)

  • Meeting point: see map

  • What to bring: sunscreen, water, sun hat, beach towel and bathing suit.

  • Transfer on request: € 20 Central Area and € 40 Side Areas per person return – See map

  • Meeting time is 15 min prior to the scheduled departure time. The balance must be paid prior to departure (Paypal, Credit/debit card or cash). Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of responsibility and a declaration that they are in good health prior to departure. Open to kids aged 14 and up only if accompanied by an adult.

Regulations

Comply with the established departure time and programme, and with any changes made by the guide;
• Participate in the excursion in good psychological and physical condition, with appropriate clothing and equipment. If you have any doubts, discuss them with your guide before the day of the excursion;
• Behave in a disciplined way during the excursion, demonstrating respect for other people and for private property and following your guide’s instructions;
• Follow the established route, without becoming separated from or leaving the group, and without walking ahead of the guide;
• Collaborate with your guide to ensure the success of the excursion and comply with his or her decisions, especially if difficulties arise (in the environmental conditions and/or among the participants); inform the guide of any problems that may emerge during the activity, especially in relation to your psychological and physical condition and equipment;
• Do not pick protected plant or flower species and follow the guide’s instructions at all times;
• Carry your garbage until you come to a bin for proper disposal.

Every participant is personally responsible for any behaviour resulting in a risk to him/herself or to others, particularly if he or she takes personal initiatives against the guide’s opinion.

Photography and filming
Photographs and/or videos will be taken during the excursion which may appear on web sites in the public domain used by the organisers for the promotion of their initiatives. By participating in the excursion, you agreed to publication of this material.

Mobile telephones
Participants are asked to keep their mobile telephones turned off. If this is not possible, they should at least be kept in silent mode. If you need to make a telephone call, please notify the guide and then leave the group, while remaining in the guide’s sight.

Recording of GPS tracks
GPS devices may be used during excursions for the purposes of orientation, but participants agree not to make any GPS tracks they may record available to the public.

LEGEND OF DIFFICULTY
– easy: for everyone (including minors over the age of 12 accompanied by an adult)
– medium: requiring at least some training (minors over the age of 14 accompanied by an adult)
– hard: requiring a fair amount of training (minors over the age of 16 accompanied by an adult)
– hard +: requiring considerable training (minors over the age of 16 accompanied by an adult)

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