Walks in Elounda, East Crete (book and map)

Twelve walks based on the village and resort of Elounda in scenic north-eastern Crete.

Elounda comprises a cluster of small villages, the largest conglomeration being Skhisma, which contains the main square, harbour, shops, and many accommodations and tavernas. To the east of Elounda is the causeway to Greater Spinalonga island, through the area known after the ancient city of Olous. To the southeast of Elounda, the road to Agios Nikolaos passes many large – and often luxurious – hotels that occupy prime sites along the rocky shoreline.

Routes include the Olous saltpans to Kolokythia beach on Greater Spinalonga island; west up into the Pinés villages; the high ridge walk onto Agios Ioannis Point; the ascent of nearby 563m Mt Oxa; and longer routes from inland Fourni or from the Areti and Kardamoutza monasteries down towards the coast.

The scenery is mostly open hillside, criss-crossed with ancient stone walls, and colourful with wild flowers and shrubs in spring. The villages are generally compact, with most of the hotel development confined to the coastal strip south of Elounda. To the west are several flat, fertile plateaux, the largest at Fourni. The views to seaward are often spectacularly beautiful.

There are a number of shorter walks in the immediate area of Elounda, plus longer walks in the hills to the west. Some of the older paths retain their cobbled stone surfaces. Several walks have steep sections, although usually on reasonable surfaces. There is usually shade, in the shape of isolated trees, on the routes. A few en route villages have café facilities. A few routes will have other walkers.

Also includes suggestions for interesting visits further afield.

Large-scale sketch maps of Elounda, Poros-Olous, Kato Elounda, Pano Elounda, and Kato and Pano Pines villages are included within the text.

The 28-page book is A5 size, with a card cover. It is accompanied by an A3 double-sided colour walkers' map of the area, at a scale of 4.2cm:1km. Book and map are supplied in a tough A5 plastic sleeve.

Book first published 2003, updated 2006; map published 2004, extensively updated 2008.

ISBN 978-1-900802-89-5

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Lance Chilton and Marengo 2012

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