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 🙂
Sougia to Paleochora
This trail is one of my personal favorites, offering a delightful combination of coastal views, mountain climbs, ancient ruins, and stunning beaches. With its diverse landscapes and rich historical heritage, this trail promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and history buffs alike
For those seeking to avoid car shuttle arrangements, the easiest way to experience this trail is to drive to Paleochora, which takes approximately 1 ½ hours from Chania, and then catch a boat to Sougia.
The trail begins at the drop-off point where the boat leaves you, and you set off on an exciting trek through the captivating gorge of Lissos. As you make your way up the mountain, the remnants of the ancient village come into view, offering a glimpse into the glorious past of Lissos.
Lissos gained fame for its renowned Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), a center for healing where individuals from all corners of the island sought solace in the therapeutic thermal baths. Though the temple succumbed to a devastating earthquake, the mosaic floor adorned with intricate depictions of animals and geometric patterns remains a testament to its former grandeur
Continuing along the trail, you meander through the mountains until you emerge onto the breathtaking coast. Here, the famous Galiskari beach awaits, inviting you to cool off with a rejuvenating dip in the crystal-clear sea. Galiskari beach also offers the option of enjoying the freedom of nudity, allowing you to truly connect with nature.
After a refreshing break, you will continue along the coast, following a scenic dirt road. As you navigate along this stretch, the picturesque Paleochora comes into view, marking your approach to the end of the trail. From here, you will proceed along the road back to the starting point where you parked your car by the port. Reward yourself with an ice-cold beverage and a well-deserved dinner, savoring the memories of your exhilarating journey.
Approximately 16km long, with little shade, please bring plenty of water, wear sun tan lotion and take snacks with you. This is the E4 path and so is generally well marked with yellow/black markers but I would always recommend taking a gpx file with you.
The Power of Community
If I can share all this information with you it is because I am so passionate about running and hiking. Running has changed my life completely.
For me it’s as much for my physical health as well as my mental health but more importantly it is the community that comes with it that makes it so special.
I still remember when I first started running (jogging!) and it wasn’t easy. My mission is to support as many people as possible on their way to discovering not only the health benefits but also the fun of running, being in nature and sharing great moments with a group of likeminded people.
That is why I organise a free social run every Monday, I have developed a Step into Running program for people who would like to start running and I create fun activities to get children excited about being in nature. Click on the links to find out more.
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 and 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 explore the island 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/cretanwild
https://www.facebook.com/helen.galerakis/
https://linktr.ee/livehappyrunfree
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