Thank you! Will make more soon. :)

Thank you! You will love it.

Thank you for your comment! You will find for sure. There are a zillion options! Hope you make it back soon.

Great plan! Thank you for your comment :)

Thank you for your comment. You will love Crete. Many options on activities and beaches. Great food too!

Glad to hear that. I hope you make it and enjoy some good hikes. Beaches too! :)

Grazie! Όταν έρθετε θα χαρώ να τα πούμε!

Made with love indeed. Thank you!

Thank you so much Aurelio for your kind words. I have a lot of material to edit. Will post more from Crete and other places in the next months. Hope they also prove to be good and helpful. :)

Thank you for your comment. Hope it helps! Planning to make 2-3 more in the next months. :)

can you please suggest the best months to do these hikes? Not too hot, not too rainy.

Thank you for your input! Sounds like you had a very active week. :) Maybe next time you check parts of E4 to the south or, my recent addiction, some hikes on the White Mountains (Lefka Ori).

Very active week thanks to you. Some stunning scenery. Lovely place.

This is impressive! As a map/track/numbers junkie, i would love to see your route on map.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Ok, from fuzzy memory, 46 years ago: I lived and worked in Fournés and Mesklá for 3 winters of fruit picking. One spring, I asked to go up to the mitata with the valley shepherds. Every year, since biblical times, they had led their sheep and goats up beyond through Zourva to find pastures where we made camps just below the snow melts. Back then, Meskla to Zourva had no road, only a donkey track. And ... there was *defintely no tracks or roads across to Therison* . We drove the sheep 3 days up to a mitato near a cave. Once set up, they pulled down a stone wall to enter the cave, in which had been stored to cure, last year's TYRI (the big rounds of hard yellow cheese). We milked daily and made new cheeses to store in the cave and cure till next year. Every time over spring and summer someone went back down to Zourva or Meskla for supplies, they took a caravan of donkeys carrying cheeses for their villagers and for sale in Hania. In early summer, a mate and I wanted to see the south coast. The shepherds simply told us to go up and over "Pachnes", 35.292461,24.032409 then "just head towards the sea" !!! "You'll come out near Agni Roumelli" they said. So we just walked off with a bit of food and water. No maps, compasses, or mobile phones back then. Took 2 days, I think, from memory. We got to the coast alright, but had arrived at steep cliffs. Eventually we found a route down and arrived at Agia Roumelli, much to the surprise of the locals. The one taverna and one guest house were not open at that season, but they gave us a bed and a meal for just turning up! There was no boat out for months (only in mid summer, back then). We stayed there a few nights then walked along the coast to Hora Sfakion. In those days, there was not a single tourist establishment between Agia Roumelli and Hora Sfakion. Just rocks and sea. Phoenix 35.2000097, 24.0722590 was NOTHING, just a few dry ruined walls and an old fort tower. Loutron was just a few fishing boats. There were no roads to anywhere on the south coast between Paleohora and Hora Sfakion. Tourism was barely existent on the south coast of Crete back then, let alone in the mountains. In 1969/70 Joni Mitchell had sung about hippies at Matala. Otherwise, Agios Nikolaos had moneyed sightseers and Knossos was the only "thing to see on Crete!!! Lol. When I first went to Crete (1976), I had long hair. All the Greeks used to say -- "Ah you dirty hippie. Go to Matala". So I cut my hair, learned Greek (Cretan, actually), and went to pick fruit and make cheese up in the non-touristy western end of the island. Great memories, bit fuzzy now though.

@@thedolphin5428 i bet you have some very cool stories! Would love to hear them. Saw recently a video of two locals talking about their childhood and their first encounters with tourists in the 60s.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Lol. I wrote a whole book of short stories about my travels in Crete. It was called: "Aπό που είσαι?", because that was the first question EVERY Cretan asked you when first meeting. Lol. If you've got an email I can send you some.

@@thedolphin5428 excellent title! :) Yes i would love that! johngiannelis@gmail.com Thank you!

Thank you for your input! Sounds like you had your share of adventure! Hope you come back soon again. :)

Thank you Roman. I hope you have a great time.

Thank you for your comment. Hope you make it soon!

Τι θα έλεγες εσύ...? Ευχαριστώ αδερφέ!

Thank you for your comment! Glad if it helps :)

Ευχαριστώ!

Thank you! Will upload more hiking related videos in the future! 😁

Thank you for your comment Devon. Hope they help! Will make a couple more soon. Drop a line if you need any help.

Thank you! Hope it proves to be helpful. :)

We are similar in that. Thank you again!

Thank you for your kind comment. 🙌

Indeed!

Thank you! I think you will find something in most of the places you plan to hike. You can send me a message if it gives you a hard time. finding a room. Maybe i come up with an idea.

Anywhere. Or next to the KTEL bus station if you take a bus, or just along the way, asking in taverns, or at the beginning of the trail. I lived in Stalis, and in Rethymnon, and in Chania, and in Sfakia, and in Sougia, and in Makrigialos - it’s convenient to make radials from everywhere and go further along the paths.

Ευχαριστώ πολύ Μιχάλη!

Hope they help

it is a unique place. :)

Glad it helps! Send me a message if you need any ideas for each location.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ We will be two days in Herakio then we will rent a car and drive to Tzermiadon for two nights, then to Rethymno for one night then to Chania for five nights. After that we head to Milos for 5 nights and then Paros for 6 nights. Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks so much. : )

@@mshavrotscanadianuniversit6234 very good plan! You will see many great places.

Thank you for your comment. That part from sweet water to the road is my favorite! I think I passed it more than 20 times by now. Pachnes is very easy. The driving feels long though. Hope you have a blast! Wind looks calm up there today. I'm going tomorrow.

Ευχαριστώ!

ευχαριστώ πολύ ξαδέρφη!

Oh no! You are trapped in all inclusive??? 😭 Joking. :) But would be great if you get away one day bor two. :)

@@THATGREEKGUY_ I agree 😂. This place is gorgeous. I did get away to hike in santorini, faro-oia via skaros temp reached 43.6 on my thermometer. 🥵. I may make a list of n routes to take and come back next season at the end of the season.

@@summittaedae2323 that was tough! You have to come back. Too many good hike options around.

Ναι ρε φίλε! Έλα σου λέω να πάμε.

Dziękuję! :)

You will love it up there whichever route you take. I love Mavroi Lakkoi (Black Pits). It's my favorite, most astonishing part of the area. If that's what you mean, to go there from Askyfou Plateau, I would suggest you find a way to go to Niato Plateau. This way you will save 10km and 600m elevation. Otherwise it will be close to 22km total to go and come back. it is doable of course if you are strong and it's not a very hot day. Below you can find some routes that might help you plan it. Drop me a line if i can help more. Askyfou plateau - Niatos plateau el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/askyfou-plateau-niatos-plateau-114251785 White Mountains crossing (part 3 Livada - Askyfou) el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/white-mountains-crossing-part-3-livada-askyfou-114253980 Niato - Askifiotikos Soros - Mavroi Lakkoi - Niato el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/niato-askifiotikos-soros-mavroi-lakkoi-niato-114623951

totally agree!

Thank you!

Thank you! Don't hesitate to send me a message if you need some ideas or opinion.

Ευχαριστώ!

Thank you!

thank you

Ευχαριστώ πολύ! Έχω ακούσει τόσα για Σαμοθράκη. Θέλω πολύ να ανέβω.

@@THATGREEKGUY_,,,H μια πλευρα της Σαμοθρακης ειναι πλουσια σε βλαστηση... και η αλλη ειναι γυμνη...κι αν ανεβεις στη ψηλοτερη κορυφη που ειναι το φεγγαρι κι ειναι καλος ο καιρος, μπορεις να δεις την Ιμβρο και τη Τενεδο

@@voula3able ίσως καταφέρω να ανέβω σύντομα!

Thank you!

Ευχαριστώ!

thank you!

It was indeed!

Thank you! Yes Eligias is on our list for spring. Either from Kakoperato (north) or Poria. (behind Kallergi)

Thank you!

Thank you!

thank you!

Thank YOU!

ευχαριστώ πολύ!

Αν θέλεις κάνε μια εγγραφή και στο δικό μου κανάλι ευχαριστώ..

@@FAMILYTSIATIS έγινε!

Thank you. It has to be done very early in the hot months. Or go in a cooler period. It's up to each person i guess.

Thank YOU!

Ωωωωωω ευχαριστώ! :)

thank you!

Thank you! I guess it's only for the mountains where might still be some snow.

excellent hike!

I guess there are .any shorter walks. Katholiko I'd say is ok. Also from Xyloskalo (Omalos) to Kallergi is ok. There are also many gorges that are not long and should be ok. :)

Thank you. Probably Imbros would easy but also Pachens if you can find a jeep to drive there. :)

Thank you Mark. You are indeed doing the hardest part first. I don't think you will have a problem. If I may suggest, investigate more hikes ok the mountains (will post a vlog for a day hike up there) and I would also recommend Aradena. Will be glad to help if you need anything.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ legend, thanks very much. Your advice is much appreciated, and your local expertise from your videos will be a great help with my plans.

@@markfullwood9413 hope you have a great time!

From east to west it is easier and the sun does not shine in your eyes. Just take more water, there is none on the route (there is one in Vukolasi after Tripiti, quite close to Sougia, but drink using a filter). I passed through - a 55-year-old woman after a major operation, with a heavy backpack and without much preparation.

Thank you! I guess depends on how long the child can go. The easiest summit is Pachnes, provided you have a jeep to get to the trailhead or you can plan for transportation. If you think you can do more, Gigilos might be a good option too.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Thanks for your answer! How about mount Psiloritis from the parking at the refuge? It seems rather doable since it is paved in the beginning.

@@fimfengius so not only in Chania. Cool then. It's even easier to get to Psiloritis trailhead.. The hike is easy too but still, 900 meters of elevation gain. You will be fine i think.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Very nice, thank you!

yes! You will find many options.

:)

Thank you. I wouldn't there are many parts with big drops. The terrain is very rough at some parts but not over cliffs. Can't get enough. Made many hikes since i published this video. Need to make more from the White Mountains.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Hi! Thanks for the reply. Ok, that is good to know, many thanks. And yes, keep the videos coming - really good / informative. Take Care

@@theamphoraannals.173 Thank you! You too. :)

Samaria is king

:)

There might be the totally legit way to fly a drone. TBH the only thing i do, is to apply to unlock a zone when needed. Apart from that i had no problem flying anywhere, especially up on the mountains. Except Samaria gorge of course.

If you went there with the bus from Chania, there is another bus coming from Sougia to Xyloskalo and then Chania. I think around 19.30 to 19.45. Which would mean some time waiting.

My opinion is Gigilos hike is neither difficult nor dangerous. Depending on the person, could be of some challenge. Weather is not warm yet. Yesterday we had some cold wind and rain on the way back from our hike. But i think you will be ok with short sleeve for the climb and a light jacket for the summit. It often gets windy up there.

​@@THATGREEKGUY_Thanks :) I have to admit this snow on Your video is confusing. Should I still expect it now?

@@Raffinsky88 Noooo. No snow up there since beginning of April. :)

Thank you! If you are talking about Kourtaliotis waterfall, there is water all year round. Of course in June is more than August.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ efxaristo! ! :)

Thank you. That's a lovely route. You will enjoy it. Probably you mean taxi from Hora to Aradena bridge. I have a number, 6973305964. Name, Manousakis.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ I meant a taxi from Loutro or from a Finikas bay. I see that in Loutro there is no paved way to Ardena, but there is a road accessible to cars about 1 km west to Loutro,

@@michkli239 i know this road. Been down that way several times. But i don't think a taxi will come from Hora over there. You can ask the guy and if he can't, maybe he can give you the phone of a local with a pick up. If this happens, which i think is more likely than the taxi, you can make a deal with the pick up driver. But could be expensive.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ thanks. Do you know the hike from Agia Roumeli to Agios Pavlos, then uphill and then Aradena gorge and Loutro? How difficult is it?

@@michkli239 Hehe. Did Agia Roumeli to Agios Ioannis just last week. Here is strava and wikiloc. www.strava.com/activities/9774981425 el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/agia-roumeli-selouda-agios-ioannis-145947410 The climb is a bit challenging but i have the feeling you won't have any problem. After Agios Ioannis is about 4km (slight downhill) to Aradena, easy part. Then Aradena down to Marmara, another 7km. And Then Marmara to Loutro about an hour. I think it's a very beautiful hike. Amazing view from the top of the climb to Agios Ioannis. Aradena, one of my favorite gorges. Marmara, one of my favorite beaches. The hike to Loutro is very beautiful on the edge of the cliff until Lykos and Foinikas. And you finish in wonderful Loutro. You have it all!

i think until the first days of September. But contact the guys who run it to be sure.

Hi. By cheaper what do you mean exactly? How to get to the trailhead?

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Kalimera.Thank you for the quick response. By cheap I mean getting to these destinations/trailheads, yes. But also getting around the Island. From point A to point B. I don't really want to rent a car because that will be quite expensive for 2-3 weeks. So I thought my buddy and I would backpack around via motorbike or bike. Of course, I know it will take much longer, but we don't mind. And we have at least 2 weeks. Perhaps 3. Also, you said not to do one of the more difficult routes during the summer? why not, is it just because of the heat? (for perspective, I have climbed to the peaks of Olympus in Litochoro 3 times).

@@trevorwillis1729 sounds like you are a seasoned hiker. :) I said that about the heat yes. Not every day, but it can get terribly hot sometimes. Those are the days i/we consider dangerous for hiking. But i think you will be fine. Regarding transportation, if you are willing to sacrifice time, you can get to many places with public transportation. Hitch hiking could also help in more rural areas and near villages.

In this list, Katholiko (Gouverneto). Depends on where you are. Close to Rethimno there is Milloi gorge for example. Very short and easy.

That's the way to Gigilos

There is nothing complicated there, no need to cling, stairs are just fun.

I wouldn't say it's dangerous. But if you want to skip the ladders, there is a path on the side of the gorge.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ yes, I went this way and that way.

Check yourself and maybe help. Many stray cats rather than dogs in my eyes..

For everything there is an easier or "harder" way I guess. Depends on what you are looking for.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Well, I was looking to do an afternoon hike and go out with my relatives to dinner at a restaurant just outside Chaniá that evening (and still have time to shower and change in between) so I didn't really have much of a choice. Also... Driving up into the mountains means I have more time and energy left over to hike deeper into the mountains and to reach the high peaks than what I would have if I started in, say, Omalós. Ναι, μπορείς να αναθρέψεις ένα γουρουνόπουλο και να το σφάξεις και να το καθαρίσεις και τα λοιπά και μετά να το μαγειρέψεις, αλλά όταν χρειάζεσαι να φας απόψε, πηγαίνεις στον χασάπη και αγοράζεις παϊδάκια και τα ψήνεις ή πας σε ταβέρνα και τα παραγγέλνεις. Εξάλλου, δεν είμαστε όλοι για ν' αναθρέφουμε γουρούνια... Μιλάω, φυσικά, μεταφορικά, χρησιμοποιώντας παραβολές, έτσι που έκανε κι ο Χριστός. Αν ναι... Καλά Χριστούγεννα!!! 🎄⛄❄️🎅🎀🎁

@@langleywallingford260 δεν διαφωνούμε κάπου. Συμφωνούμε στο ότι δεν υπάρχει σωστό και λάθος. Ο καθένας το κάνει με τον τρόπο που του αρέσει. Καλές γιορτές! ❤️

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Το αν είναι "σωστό" ή "λάθος" εξαρτάται απ'τις συνθήκες κι απ'το τη θέλεις να καταφέρεις και τη μπορείς να καταφέρεις και πόση ώρα έχεις στη διάθεσή σου να το καταφέρεις. Επίσης, αυτό που είναι σωστό στη μία περίπτωση μπορεί να είναι λάθος στην άλλη καθώς και το αντίθετο.

Δεν θεωρώ τον εαυτό μου πολύ άρρωστο ή διεστραμμένο. Λίγο ίσως. Χρόνια πολλά με υγεία.

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Δεν μιλούσα για'σένα...

@@langleywallingford260 επειδή έτσι το έκανα και γω. :)

@@THATGREEKGUY_ Considering the length of the hike, the terrain, and the weather on the south coast of Crete for a good portion of the year, hiking from Souyia to Ayía Roúmeli in one day would be considered by most sane people to be not just impractical and unfeasible, but also downright dangerous. Βέβαια, πολύ σκληροί (hardcore) ορειβάτες, όσο ευφυείς και να είναι, δεν είναι και τόσο πολύ "στα καλά τους" και κάποτε συνηθίζουν να κάνουν πράγματα αλλόκοτα, κάτι που εξηγεί τις τόσες τραγωδίες που συμβαίνουν.