
Sitia may be popular about its customs, villages, cuisine and beaches but its gorges and mountains are an integral element. One of the most beautiful gorges is in Hohlakies. It isn’t as the name suggests a river with hot boiling water. We are talking about a beautiful quaint village, with few people and a small cafe somewhere in the middle of the village. This is where
our trip to the Hohlakies gorge begins.
The right time at the right place.
We set off from Sitia, quite early on Sunday morning to seize the day. Our outing would be long, as it is every Sunday. We took the seaside road and after twenty minutes the first village was in front of us. Palekastro. A few minutes after we drove
from Palekastro we parked in front of the village. This is where we started feeling like Indiana Jones and where the adventure begins.
Hohlakies gorge is of relatively average difficulty. It includes hiking, ascending,descending, climbing and swimming (depending on the season). Just where the ascending tohe mountain begins (yes, we have just started and we’ve begun climbing already) the view ofthe stream down below lures you to look at it and photograph it in order to be able to look at it again a few more times at home. You’re going up a mountain which offers you tranquility,concentration and a few landings in wild bushes if you choose-like I did-trainers, Nike or Adidas
for example. So, beforehand I recommend climbing boots, firm and comfortable.
”Let’s relax for a while under the rocks by the river”,I said. I could swear at that moment that I wanted to enjoy, more than just enough, the comings and goings of the river. It was so beautiful, like it had been painted by some artist.
know if you have swum in deep blue water. Here, at the destination, I found the most beautiful, secluded, unspoiled beach I have ever seen. Amazing scenery, crystal clear water, small pebbles. This is KAROUMES. So secluded and beautiful. I felt overwhelmed by the beauty, so I promised to return in the summer with my friends to enjoy swimming.
them and felt jealous at the same time. It is wonderful to be a tourist in your own town! Because it is your town, the town where you grew up! Because there is always something new
to experience!
This is how the adventure that Sunday ended , resulting in a single tavern in Chochlakies with music , song , dance and laughter .
Tip of the day: It’s great to be a tourist in your own city ! Why is yours the city that grew up ! Why there is always something new to live !
I would like to express my gratitude to F.O.R.S.S (Nature-loving Climbing Club of Sitia) for organising this trip and to our new associate-photographer Stelios Paraskeuopoulos for his amazing photographic material!
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