Walking Through the Greek Island of Crete

Written by Ian Cross, edited by Kaz Bosali

The Greek island of Crete is a favourite for walkers and climbers.

The Pan European E4 hiking trail crosses the rugged south coast of the island. Part of the trail connects the small coastal village of Sougia with the ruins of an ancient Greek settlement Lissos.

A one and a half hour hike through gorges takes you up to a plateau from where you can survey the picturesque location.

Archaeologists are still excavating, but the main feature has already been uncovered, which is a mosaic inland floor part of the temple of askrlp, dating from 300 BC.

Lissos was known for its springs and healing waters. The Romans added to the mosaic when they settled here in the 1st century.

Later conquerors of Crete also left their mark. The Ottoman Turks were here for nearly three centuries and left fortresses dotted across hilltops all over the island. Most are now in ruins like one isolated on a peak overlooking Paelochora on the west coast of the island.