13°C
From the chapel of Agios Pavlos, the path begins to climb again above the beach, surrounded by pine trees. After a while, it descends lower, running parallel to the beach, through apine-covered hillside.
After 1.200 m, and having passed close to the church of Agiοi Pantes, we come to a branch of the road with a wooden sign showing the way to the village of Agios Ioannis.
We go right, constantly walking parallel to the sea. During all this section of the route, a sandy beach stretches lower, below. At the edge of the pine-forested area and the sandy beach (1 km after the junction to Agios Ioannis) we encounter a steep rocky slope which we climb, and then reach a level, bare landscape above the sea.
After 500 m, the path goes through successive scree areas and a gully, for the next 500 m.
Next, we see a stone hut with a sheepfold, on our right.
Immediately afterwards, we successively pass through two gullies, next to which we encounter first a rectangular and then a circular stone hut.
500 m from the circular hut, the path runs parallel to the top of the cliff above the sea and passes by an old stone house.
6,5 km in total after Agios Pavlos, we descend to the outlet of the gorge of Aradena, to a beautiful beach named Marmara.
It probably was a quarry for the ancient town of Phoenix.
After Màrmara, we continue on a path over the rocky coast and descend to Likos beach, where there is a Byzantine chapel. (From Likos, we can follow the dirt road leading to the villages Livaniana, Aradena and Anopoli). Then, we bypass a small rocky hill from its north side, and arrive at the small bay of Finikas.
From Likos, we can follow the dirt road leading to the villages Livaniana, Aradena and Anopoli.
Leaving Finikas, we begin to climb towards the top of Cape Mouri.
On the ridge of the hill we encounter old cisterns and the ruins of the old fortress of Finikas, on our right. From the fortress we can distinguish the settlement of Loutro, down below, to which we descend following the distinct path.
The route from Agia Roumeli to Loutro is one of the most interesting and enjoyable in Western Crete, since it combines contrasting landscapes with an easy trek.
Relatively Easy
E4 (Yellow/Black)
3 hours & 30 minutes
9500m
All year round; mainly from September to May
Hiking
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