It is one of the most scenic routes of south-central Crete. Perfect choice if you want to enjoy the peace, tranquility, nature and impressive views, practically at every step. In addition, you probably will not meet any tourists on the route. This trail gives a variety of unusual landscapes. During most of the walk we will enjoy views of Kedros massif and the mountains of the Ida Mountains with small villages on their slopes. With good visibility, we may even see the peaks of the White Mountains. Scenic landscape of the long coast from Agia Galini, through Kalamaki to the looming Matala cliffs in the distance is also waiting for us. Another advantage of the trip is the traditional village of Melambes, where you will have the opportunity to rest at the fountain with drinking water, taste the Greek coffee in a charming café in the shadow of a giant plane tree and visit the Byzantine church from the 14th century.


  • silence, peace, nature, lack of tourists on the trail
  • impressive, varied views of the Ida range, the Kedros massif, villages on the mountain slopes, the coast range from Agia Galini to the Matala cliffs
  • traditional village of Melambes with historic churches and tangled streets

About 3 hours

Around 6,3km

About 420m

Gravel roads, path, stones

Average

10 AM

Melambes village, at the cafeteria “Platanos cafe”(access by own means of transport)

Melambes village distances from:

  • Agia Galini: 22min (16km)
  • Spili: 27min (20km)
  • Plakias: 54min (41km)
  • Rethymno: 1h (47km)
  • Matala: 1h (41km)
  • Heraklion: 2godz (110km)
  • water
  • sunblock
  • snack if you need (at the beginning and end of the trail – cafè in Melambes, no taverns and shops on the trail)
  • comfortable hiking shoes
  • a comfortable outfit
  • a hat
  • sunglasses