2018 Crete Trekking

The object of the expedition was to trek unsupported across parts of Crete’s E4 trail over three and a half weeks from the end of August. A further goal was to improve the members navigational skills, since parts of the trail are overgrown and difficult to follow, and other parts are not marked at all.

Crete, the largest Greek island, possesses a wild and pristine interior region comprised of three limestone mountain ranges that are mainly frequented by shepherds, and hikers from local mountaineering clubs. The ranges are rugged and considered hard to navigate. The E4 trail is 320km long, running from Kastelli Kissamos in the west, crossing the whole Island, before reaching Kato Zakros. The group of seven, comprising six Imperial students, followed the E4 trail only on its most challenging parts, including routes that pass through the Samaria Gorge, the longest and one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe. During the expedition the group did not use tents, just relying on sleeping bags, and also depended on local water sources.

Following arrival in Heraclion, the group travelled to Anogia and then to Nida, climbing for 10.5 hours, and finding the scenery becoming more beautiful the further they ventured into the impressive mountain ranges. The next stage to Ayios Ioannis Chapel involved the group having to scramble 2.5km downhill on jagged rocks with some tripping. The group progressed to Zaros and then to the Kamares 

cave with its large entrance and its singing birds, before visiting another cave that, according to Greek myth, the baby Zeus was hidden to prevent him being eaten by Kronos, his father. A climb of Psiloritis, (2,456m), the highest point in Crete, then led the team to Toubotos Prinos and onto Fourfouras, Gerakari, Mixorouma, Kanevos before reaching touristy Argiroupoli. They continued through stormy weather to Kallikratis, before passing through the Imbros Gorge to the seaside town of Sfakia, before catching the ferry to Chora Sfakion. From sunrise the members walked along beaches and coastal cliffs before reaching a forest which brought them to Agia Rumeli. The trek continued through the Samaria Gorge to the refuge at Kalergi, followed by a night hike to Melindau, (2,133m), and then to Sougia. The group traced a route along the coast to the campsite at Paleochora, and then onto Elafonissi, the end of the expedition trail.

The E4 trail revealed old trackways, settlements, and monasteries, important archaeological sites, and beautiful beaches, and throughout the team experienced the kindness of the Cretans, who freely provided homemade breads, cheeses, honey and other foods, as well as offering tea, coffee and salted tomatoes. Total distance travelled 339km, total elevation gain/loss 7,500m.