The adventure began at 8:30 am in the square of Lastros, a village perched at an altitude of 320 meters. Taking the picturesque Nireides Street, the group exited the village to the east, passing the Sakka well and the monumental 2,000-year-old olive tree known as "Eftychia’s Tree." The path led them to the serene chapel of Agia Marina, famous for its solar sundial.

From there, the group admired the chapel of Agios Ioannis Kapsas from afar, situated near the ridge of the Lastros mountains. This ridge, marked by a dramatic fault line known locally as “Stefanies,” is a geological marvel.

Continuing northwest, they encountered an old stone farmstead near the village cemetery. This charming site, possibly an ancient windmill, features a traditional oven and a threshing floor. A short walk away stood the restored “Mill of the Priest,” where the windswept landscape offered a glimpse of the nearby stormy sea.

The route then took the group to the renovated “Inn of Geronymakis.” In days gone by, this inn served travelers on the old road connecting Sitia to western Crete. The mule drivers, responsible for ferrying passengers and luggage between villages, were vital to this route. As one of the hikers shared, her own grandfather, Kyriakogeorgis, had once worked as a mule driver here in his youth!

The Path to the Chapel of Panagia Myrtidiotissa

The group descended into a dry streambed, following a beautiful cobbled path that led them to the chapel of Panagia Myrtidiotissa. Nestled in a lush setting with a spring, a cistern, and sweeping views of the Sfaka valley, this stop was perfect for a short rest.

After their break, the hikers took a rural road that crossed the national highway and entered a well-maintained trail shaded by oak trees. Thanks to the efforts of the Sitia Geopark, the path was recently cleared, making their trek to Agios Nikitas chapel both smooth and scenic.

The route then climbed toward the summit of Mount Kapsas, reaching a pass that once connected Lastros to Kavousi. Despite strong winds near the peak, the group pressed on, descending toward the charming settlements of Melisses and Avgos. These hamlets, surrounded by orchards and nestled under towering mountain ranges—Orno, Kapsas, and Thripti—offered a serene contrast to the wild terrain above.

As they approached Kavousi, the hikers marveled at views of the ancient Azorias archaeological site and the Mesona Gorge. A final highlight awaited on the descent: the ancient Minoan cobbled path running parallel to the Ha Gorge. Soon, the glimmering waves of the Gulf of Mirabello came into sight, signaling the journey's end.

A Day Well Spent

Over five hours, the group covered 15 kilometers with an elevation gain of approximately 600 meters. Despite minor adjustments to their route, they successfully completed the hike, enjoying every moment.

A heartfelt thank-you went out to the trailblazing Sofia Sidiropoulou, their leader for the day, and to the cultural associations of Lastros and Kavousi for maintaining the region’s trails. The Sitia Geopark also received praise for its efforts to preserve and promote the area’s natural heritage.

And, of course, as one hiker put it: “After such a fulfilling day, we’ve definitely earned that beer at the local kafeneio in Kavousi!”

For more details, visit the Mountaineering Club of Agios Nikolaos blog.