The track was in place in June and looking very raw. When we asked about it at the Small Paradise Aidin said 'there are elections soon' - without putting words into her mouth, we got the impression that giving permission for the bulldozing might have resulted in an advantage to one of the political ...

The path is clearly shown on the Anavasi map but - in my opinion - is probably less clear on the ground. From the plateia, walk along the road towards Kambia and take the smaller road off left, uphill, as the 'main' road bends to the right. Pass the church at the top then wiggle left and right. When...

I can't speak for October, but in previous years and earlier in the year it's been possible to do a 'bus swap' at the point where the routes from Sougia and Palaeochora meet. One bus then continues to Chania via Ag Irini village where the gorge begins. You then walk down the gorge to Sougia and pick...

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...