Hi everyone! My name is Helen and I love exploring Crete, the mountains and the trails. I am excited to share with you some of my favourite routes 🙂
Gorgeous Gouverneto
Just 18km from Chania (about 30min drive) you will find the Gouverneto monastery. Built in 1537 in the Venetian period, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete.
Upon arrival your first walk will be through the beautiful gardens of the monastery before reaching the top of Avlaki gorge. From here there is a stone path that takes you down to the bottom of the gorge.
On the way down you will pass the famous “bear” cave, the church of St.John the hermit and the ruins of the old Katholiki monastery.
Once you reach the bottom it is a short hike to the small cove at the end of the gorge which used to be a harbour back in the day. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal blue waters before tackling the walk back up.
This walk can be done all year round and my particular favourite is to go at sunrise, where the golden skies lend a magical and serene feel to the place.
Although, a short out and back at just 3 miles (5km) there is 800ft (245m) of elevation gain so we must remember that while it may feel easy on the way down we do still have to go back up again! Thankfully there are lots of beautiful spots for frequent rest.
If you are looking for something a little more demanding. There is an additional trail from here to Stavros approx 5 miles (7.5kms) taking you through Gouverneto gorge with some super interesting historical sites on route - a hamlet, some ruins, a church and a kiln.
You can access it from the top once you go through the gate of the monastery, look out for red and white paint markers on the left hand side that take you down into the valley and across the other side pass some ruins.
Or you can access it once you get to the old Katholiki monastery at the beginning of Avlaki gorge You then follow these markers all the way to Stavros.
I would recommend taking with you the gpx file to be safe. There is also a free downloadable map on Avenza that is very useful.
And for the die hards, you can find your own trail and follow the coastline round to Stavros!
For an added bonus you can also combine a visit to Agia Triada monastery just a short 10 minute drive away where you can sample their wines and other products,
Please remember to wear suitable hiking shoes, sun tan lotion and bring plenty of water and snacks (there is nothing available here). Please note there is an entrance fee payable of 2.50 euros.
Who is Speaking?
I am Helen, I am an ultra runner and sports nutritional advisor. I am Cretan British and I have been coming to the island for 35 years. I lived and worked in the UK, Asia, America before quitting the corporate world and discovering my passion for running and the outdoors
I set the women's world record for the fastest known time to run across the state of Arizona which was 1,400kms, running for 17 consecutive days, the equivalent of 2 marathons a day.
If you would like to book a tour with me or have any questions about the trails featured here or are looking for more inspiration, please do not hesitate to reach out to me:
https://www.facebook.com/livehappyrungreece
https://www.facebook.com/helen.galerakis/
https://linktr.ee/livehappyrunfree
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