The Sfakia-Argyroupoli route provides an excellent option for hikers seeking a moderately challenging trek. To enhance the hiker's convenience, this route can be divided into two sections: Sfakia to Frangokastelo and Frangokastelo to Argyroupoli.

Sfakia-Frangokastelo

A superb option for hikers seeking a moderately challenging trail is the Sfakia-Frangokastelo route, spanning a distance of 14 kilometres.

Sfakia is a village nestled at the base of the Lefka Ori (the White Mountains), with a population of around 2,000 residents. It boasts numerous hotels for lodging and a stunning beach for swimming. If you're interested in exploring further afield, you can access Gavdos, as well as Marmara, Loutro, and Agia Roumeli by boat. Additionally, during the summer season, there are two daily bus connections from Chania.

Close to Sfakia, you'll find several gorges, including the Illigas Gorge, Sfakia Gorge, Imbros Gorge, and Kalikratis Gorge, all of which are accessible during the summer months.

The route that links Sfakia with Frangokastelo is entirely paved and can be traversed by car or bicycle. We begin by heading east along the main road, locating the entrance to the Sfakia Gorge, and then proceed to the village of Komitades, which marks the exit of the Imbros Gorge.

Continuing eastward, along our route, we encounter the villages of Vouvas, Nomikiana, and Agios Nektarios before reaching the renowned Frangokastelo, celebrated for its castle. The castle itself takes on a straightforward rectangular structure with a tower positioned at each corner. Its walls stand vertically and are relatively fragile. The primary entrance to Frangokastelo is situated to the south and, in its current form, represents a reconstruction from the 19^th century.

Above the entrance gate, you'll find a relief featuring the lion of St Mark. This castle is considered one of the most significant attractions in the area and is particularly renowned for the phenomenon known as ‘Drosoulites’. This unique occurrence, observed in the plains surrounding the castle, transpires every year in late spring during the morning hours. During this time, shadows resembling horsemen or warriors appear in the plain, creating a captivating and enigmatic spectacle.

According to local tradition, these apparitions are believed to be the spirits of soldiers who lost their lives in a historic battle that occurred in the area. However, the most widely accepted scientific explanations attribute this phenomenon to a mirage or optical illusion.

In the vicinity, you'll find several hotels and tavernas where you can enjoy a meal. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to take a swim at Orthi Ammos Beach, a splendid beach known for its shallow waters.

Alternatively, you can travel from Frangokastelo to Sfakia by car or bicycle. It's worth noting that during the summer, the weather can be quite hot in the region.

Frangokastelo - Argyroupoli

The Frangokastelo-Argyroupoli route covers a distance of 22 kilometres and features a moderate uphill incline. On the other hand, the Kallikratis Gorge is suitable for children over 10 years old.

In Frangokastelo, two paths converge, with one leading to the southern part of the island, while the other continues northward along the E4 trail. Our route takes us towards the village of Kapsodaso.

After covering approximately 3.5 kilometres, we enter the Kallikratis Gorge. This relatively compact gorge, often overlooked by tourists, can be reached via a readily accessible trail and offers numerous vantage points with views of the sea.

This trail serves as a link between the mountain pastures and the villages in the Frangokastelo plain. You can ascend from there and descend at the entrance located in Kallikratis village. The village itself is sparsely populated, with only a handful of residents. A significant landmark in the village is the Panagia Church, situated on a hill and serving as a point of reference.

Kallikratis does not offer any accommodation or dining options.

The simplest route to reach Argyroupoli is to stay on the paved road. Following Kallikratis, you'll come across a junction that leads to the village of Asi Gonia, which is about 10 kilometres away from the village of Myriokefalo.

The impressive views of the nearby mountains and the lush village of Argyroupoli stand out as the highlights of this route.