From Agios Ionanis to Agia Roumeli via Seloudha Share and discuss the many routes and paths in the mountains, along the coast, and on the plains of Sfakia. Post your walk description, add photos, and discuss safety. Use information at your own risk.

[jan@olsenevents.dk]

This is a very nice walk with lots of variance in the scenery. It is well posted and relative easy (no climbing) but really steep at times and not for those who suffer from vertigo....

The path starts in Agios Ionanis but we cheated a little and parked the car on a dust road a little before the town (see map). From here it is 9 km. to Agia Roumeli. First a walk on the plain along the dust road (in our case) and on the well kept paths (see pictures) to the steep slopes of Seloudha (See pictures).

Then. down hill until you reach E4. The first part is like walking down the Aradena gorge from the bridge on the old Kalderimias - it is in good conditions. Then steep downhill in shades of the pine forest until E4 on a well kept track.

Down on E4 you soon reach Agios Pavlos and the welcoming taverna (open in October) and then another 1 1/2 hour partly on a path along the cost and patly on the gravel beach. This part is exposed to sun - so bring water!

As said a lot of variance in the scenery and really worth while..

Jan

[kokkinos vrachos]

Kalimera Jan, thanks for your report and the great photos.

In Ágios Ioánnis, in addition to Sellouda there is still a great "balcony", named Kakos Poros. The way there is also marked.

Greetings from Hamburg, kv

[Mihalis]

Hello from America! It's been too long. My girlfriend and I will be in Sfakia 8/3 to 8/8 and we intend on doing this hike. I have a few questions.

1) we are athletic good hikers, but is this trail difficult to follow?

2) we contacted a hiking guide, we are not sure if we will go with her or go just by ourselves. Would anyone be interested in doing this hike with us to share cost of tour guide? We will get a cab from hora sfakion that I will pay for.

[zam-zammah]

Hi Mihalis,

I did the path Ag. Ioannis- Selouda-Ag. Roumeli some years ago, in both directions. It's a very easy path, very nice to walk, beautiful landscape. I only recommend you to have enough water to drink and avoid the hottest hours of the day. From my point of view a guide isn't necessary: the parth is very well marked, in good conditions, not dangerous. But this is obviously only my opinion.
In Ag. Pavlos there is a taverna were you can possibly eat and drink. Then one other hour and half to get Ag. Roumeli.
Be careful just before getting Roumeli: the path leaves the coast and climb a little: here there is a little slippery and narrow section of path, above rocks, all covered by sand. But it only requires attention.
Have a nice trip!

Marco from Italy

[Mihalis]

thank you Marco!!

[kokkinos vrachos]

I agree with Marco: the path is well marked (yellow/black E4 signs and poles). The coastal section via Agios Pavlos Beach to Agia Roumeli is part of the European Long Distance Trail (E4). You can't get lost there. A hiking guide is not necessary.

I found the section across the sand from Agios Pavlos Beach a bit tedious.
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-to ... uda-sfakia

The biggest challenge in August will be the heat. It is very important to take plenty of water and headgear.

Best regards from Hamburg, kv

[rambler]

If you want to save some euros there is a bus at 0830 from Sfakia (Monday to Saturday) that takes you to the bridge across the Aradena gorge & with the Anavasi map you can easily follow the dirt roads to the path at Seloudha.

[kokkinos vrachos]

The path (Monopathi) from Ágios Ioánnis to Sellouda is also marked.

Ágios Ioánnis: https://agios-ioannis-sfakia.com/

Many greetings from Hamburg, kv

[Mihalis]

If you want to save some euros there is a bus at 0830 from Sfakia (Monday to Saturday) that takes you to the bridge across the Aradena gorge & with the Anavasi map you can easily follow the dirt roads to the path at Seloudha.

Thank you for this information! We will take the bus on Monday!