87 Ziros – Skalia

87 Ziros – Skalia

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Ziros – Skalia

The Ziros to Skalia route of the E4 walking trail is an inland path with beautiful views of the plateau with lots of flat areas. Ziros has a small lake and a few churches but otherwise a very quiet village that doesn’t see lots of visitors.

At the north-eastern side of Ziros, there is the beginning of an old footpath (1), which initially runs along the left bank of a dry watercourse and then meanders on a slope. Next, it crosses to the southern side of the watercourse and climbs up to a bare flat area with sparse prickly bushes. A few metres beyond, having crossed a dirt road (2), we reach a makeshift boundary fence with a gate, through which we pass and continue straight on, somewhat north-eastwards. (Remember, gates should be left as you find them!)

We then come to a small flat area surrounded by a dry-stone wall seen on our left, as well as the ruins of a mitato (= stone shepherds hut) on its northern side.

We continue in a north-easterly direction and pass south of a low rocky elevation with a great many stones as well as a characteristic almond tree at its foot. We then bypass the small rocky rise (3) by its northern side.

North of this point there is the area of Zakathos, one of the ancient locations of the region. Here you will see the ruins of an old settlement, as well as the chapel of Agios Ioannis.

We continue walking among the rocks and pass south of a small hollow with an old lime kiln; immediately after we come upon a gate in a boundary fence, through which we pass. On our right, we see a low summit and the fence can be seen on our left for quite a few metres, as we walk along the old path.

After 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ziros, we arrive at a small plain with vineyards, on the northern side of which there are a few farmhouses and a well with drinking water; this location is called Kaneva.

After another 10 minutes, we reach the little, abandoned settlement of Skalia (4). South of the settlement there is a small flat area with abandoned cultivation terraces. This is a good spot to stop for a refreshment. You will find a water spring with drinking water at the foot of a rock, opposite the chapel of the settlement.

 

Path Length 6 km
Hiking Duration 1.5 hour
When to hike Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter
Path Region Lassithi
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