The Kalidonia Peninsula

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It was wonderfully hot this morning. Extra water had been put in my rucksack and liberal amounts of sun cream applied. Shortly after breakfast, I headed to the bus station and, once on the bus, settled down for the 30 minute journey through the little villages and up to the Kalidonia Peninsula.

The bus stopped on the main road but, as seen in many American films, although this was the main road, there was no other sign of life. Indeed, once the bus had moved on, all was quiet.

Taking the steps behind the bus stop, I made my way through the sleepy village of Melissourgio and began to wind my way up the hill. In the hot sun, I took a water break at a little church part way up before continuing all the way up to a small summit below some new solar panels. One final push and I'd climbed the steep path and was standing on the top of the ridge with views to both sides of the Rodopou peninsular. And guess what? More water to drink!!

The views along the ridge were stunning with wonderful blue seas to both sides. Walking along the ridge, I felt envious passing the solitary house on the top. Slowly, the path began to descend, badger setts dug into the banks, eventually turning into a steep descent into the village of Ravdouha. There, I met Giorgia, a little old lady, dressed in the traditional black of a widow, who provided me with kalitsounia and beer. It was so pleasant to enjoy the late summer sun whilst also enjoying the simply rural Cretan life.

After this relaxing lunch, I bade my farewells to Giorgia and made my way down the road, turning on to a rough goat path descending through olive trees. Contouring along the cliff, the views were amazing ... as were the drops to the sea!

Crossing a wooded gully with olive trees, the path reached a small headland where the onward path was visible. I continued, eventually finding myself almost at sea-level in an
oleander patch. Passing through, I came to a stony beach, with much jetsam. A ruined chapel nestled against the cliff, its altar still tended by the faithful.

One final climb back up the cliffs in the heat and I soon began the slow descent to a dirt road by the sea, eventually leading to the bus stop and a beer.

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Comments

[Karen]

Crete travels
I love the photos of the churches against the backdrop of the stunning blues. Happy travel, regards, Karen.