On 7th April 2024, a sizable group of hikers, including several children, assembled for a hike in the Kalamafka area with the Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club.

Participants of the hike described how ‘a beautiful and tranquil day unfolded, marked by breath-taking cloud formations that accompanied us along the route’.

From the East to the Holy Cross 

Maria Metzogiannaki, in an Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club announcement, meticulously documents the route they traversed minute by minute as follows:

At around 9:30 in the morning, we commence our journey from the entrance of the village of Anatoli, Ierapetra (649 metres). We embark on an uphill path initially along a rural road, then transition to a trail amidst the pine trees. Our objective is to ascend to the peak of Kallithea (948 metres), as indicated by a walker's bench at its base. This spot hosts the chapel of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), featuring a large cross in its courtyard, offering panoramic views of both the northern and southern coasts of Crete. Here, we pause briefly to admire the scenery.

Nature at its finest!

The rejuvenated pine forest, following a significant fire several years ago, generously offers its fragrances. Among the low vegetation, the yellow asphodels (Asphodeline lutea) stand out, known locally as ‘drilos’, with their edible stems considered a delicacy when tender and juicy. Typically, they are cleaned of their leaves, leaving the stalk, and sautéed with other seasonal greens or alongside goat meat or eggs in a pan. Unfortunately, due to this year's drought, they are lean and past their prime. Nonetheless, their blossoms add a vibrant yellow hue to the meadows. This season also brings forth the spiny broom in its full glory. Additionally, wild pear trees adorn themselves with flowers, and appear to be favoured by bees.

A delightful surprise awaits us in a freshly tilled meadow: an abundance of peony plants (Paeonia clusii), known as ‘one of the oldest and most beautiful wildflowers’, and dubbed ‘the queen of herbs’. According to the forestry department's page, in the Iliad (E, 401), the myth of Paeon, a student of Asclepius, recounts his transformation into a plant named peony upon his demise. Leonidas Klontzas, in his article in Anatoli, notes, ‘In Eastern Crete, it is known as ‘pagonia’ and is rare due to its presence in small, remote populations, and its brief flowering period. Depending on altitude and region, it blooms in April or May.’ You can imagine our joy upon encountering these magnificent blooms!’

In the 'Meteora' of Lassithi!

Meanwhile, we've arrived at the renowned Kastellana (739 metres), a rocky hill that adds to the area's reputation as the ‘Meteora of the Lassithi prefecture’. At its peak lies another chapel of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), a humble single-aisled church containing some fragmentary frescoes from the 13th century (reportedly the oldest in the Ierapetra area, as noted on the Cretan Beaches website). It's an exceptional spot boasting breath-taking vistas. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of the Bramiana Dam among other sights.

We descend leisurely, following the downhill path that guides us towards Kalamafka, an equally scenic route. Along the way, we're treated to spectacular rock formations, towering pine trees, and the impressive Havgas Gorge. While in previous years, one might have witnessed flowing waters and small waterfalls in this area, even in drier times, its beauty remains undiminished.

This hike offers a truly beautiful experience through one of the last green havens in our prefecture. Situated equidistant from both the north and south sides of Crete, it lends itself perfectly to a full-day circular route by car, ascending on one side and descending on the other. We extend our gratitude to our leader and president, Panagiotis Evdaimon, for organising this non-circular hike. While today's route covered a shorter distance of around 8.5 km, it allowed for a larger group to join, and sometimes we opt for easier paths to accommodate newer members testing their endurance.

For further details, photos, and route maps, please visit the Association's blog.