 The Gorge of Aradena
If Samaria is too crowded for you, make the hour's walk from Loutro to Anopolis.
From here follow the road path to Aradena,, a ghost village, where a mule track descends
into the beautiful Gorge. Smaler than Samaria but it will stil take you a good six hours
to walk through. There is a 15 meter rock face along the track that is fitted with a fixed
ladder and a pair of ropes so you do not have to bring your climbing gear. There is no
patrol or other park service. The path leads back to Loutro. Bring your own water!
Falassarna
Ancient coastal naval town, harbour of Polirrinia. Falasarna was built during the
historical period, and it took its pre-Hellenic name from the nymph Falasarna. It was more
important than Polirrinia and it had its own currency coin, which on one side depicted the
head of a woman with earrings and on the other the letters FA, between a trident.
Supporting walls, part of walls of the Acropolis, many foundations of houses, ancient
graves, and a stone throne, probably consecrated to Poseidon. The harbour of Falasarna
that has been lately discovered and excavated at 200 meters above today's sea level is a
clear indication of the "lift" of the western part of the island of Crete
throughout the centuries.
Polyrenia
South of Kastelli, founded by the Achaeans and Dorians once supported a large population.
It seems that its domination spread from the Cretan sea in the North to the Lybian sea on
the south of Crete. Parts of ancient walls remain today, added to by the Romans and
perhaps the Turks. The church of the 99 Holy fathers was built from the stone of an
ancient temple. and the cemetery occupies another temple's foundation.
You can reach it by bus from Kastelli twice a day (8 kms) or walk if you prefer a smoother
ride!
Gavdos Island
The Island of Kalypso and Odysseus
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