On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club enjoyed one of its easiest and most pleasant hikes. Beginning in the charming village of Meseleroi—nestled in the heart of the Lasithi region, north of Ierapetra and south of Kalo Chorio, at an altitude of 347 meters—the group set out to explore the picturesque surroundings.

The Path through History

The club members described the village and route in rich detail:
“Meseleroi,” they note, “gets its name from the ancient city of Oleros or Oleria and has been continuously inhabited, thanks to the fertile plain on which it sits.” A pine forest surrounds the village, though it was heavily affected by a wildfire in 1994. Despite reforestation efforts, the area still holds much of its natural charm.

Heading eastward, the group walked along provincial and rural roads until they reached the Monastery of Panagia Vryomeni, dating back to the 14th century. Unfortunately, the monastery was closed, so they missed the chance to admire its ancient frescoes. This monastery is steeped in history—it was reportedly here that some of the first revolutionary actions against Ottoman rule in eastern Crete began in 1821. Outside the monastery, a spring that has supplied Meseleroi with water since ancient times continues to flow.

Climbing to Timios Stavros

Continuing on, the hikers encountered diverse landscapes with views of Crete’s inland areas and the Dikti mountain range. They walked through areas filled with pine trees and low vegetation, especially thyme shrubs, eagerly awaiting the winter rains. After two hours, they arrived at Timios Stavros, a small chapel perched on a hill at an altitude of 742 meters. Here, they took a break, sharing snacks, nuts, pomegranates, energy bars, and, of course, a bit of raki to celebrate the hike. The view from the hilltop was unbeatable, offering sweeping vistas over the southern Cretan Sea—a perfect backdrop for a group photo.

The Return Route

Afterwards, the group descended, returning along a different path that allowed them to take in views of the northern Cretan Sea and the stunning Mirabello Bay. The total hike covered about 13 kilometers, with an elevation change of around 400 meters, making for an easy yet scenic route through nature.

The group expressed their thanks to their leader, Giorgos Vardakis, and set their sights on the next Sunday adventure.

For more details, photos, videos, and a route map, visit the club's blog: Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club.