We walked down through Livania village yesterday, saying to each other how much we missed the café for its shade and views, not to. mention the refreshments. To our surprise, as we approached we heard the hum of a fridge motor then realised that the cafe gate was not fastened. Inside there was a lar...

OK, as of 1500 UK time the maps in stock in London were

11.11/11.12 Lefka Ori date 2019 (I bought that)
11.13 Sougia etc date 2018

Good luck with buying updated maps in Chania.

Jan

The shop is on Skalidi street. I'm afraid I can't remember its name, but if you leave the bus station by the NW corner, walk up the road leading towards Skalidi, cross that street when you reach it and walk a short distance to the E you can't miss the shop. The staff were very helpful last time I wa...

My copy is the 2016 edition, which the Anavasi website lists as the current one. The same source shows a 2019 version of 11.11/11.12 ie Lefka Ori etc. I'll be in Crete in early June so will look to buy that if it's in stock at the outdoor equipment shop near Chania bus station. Maybe someone else wh...

And thanks again Simon.

We'll ask around in Sougia regarding Ag Irini as things will have changed - hopefully for the better - by the time we arrive.

Jan

Thanks Simon. Now you remind me, I think I read somewhere that the Ag Irini gorge had been damaged, which would be a shame as it's a good route from Sougia to the Omalos. I don't suppose you have information on the state of the track which leaves from near the Ag Theodoros chapel and ends at Koustog...

Does anyone know whether the bus service from Sougia to the Omalos is currently running on the 'normal' route? And whether the Ag Irini gorge is yet open to walkers? The online bus timetable implies normal service but things can be different in reality! It's still six weeks till our annual walking v...

I'm pretty sure that rambler is correct. Twentyfirst century safety concerns apart, the port infrastructure just isn't suited to accepting and managing unaccompanied luggage belonging to individuals, specially those not known to them. Accommodation owners hosting parties of walkers may offer a (paid...

A few thoughts: We have only done this walk in early June when hours of daylight aren't a major consideration. First thing is to check that you'll have enough light to get down to the Omalos if you encounter any delays along the way. As early a start as you can persuade your 4x4 driver to make would...

If you do think about approaching from the west we'd suggest Paleochora rather than Sougia as your starting point. If the wind did blow up, as happened to us a few years ago, the Samaria could miss out the Sougia stop and go straight from Paleo to Roumeli. That leaves you sitting on the quay at Soug...