Walks to the top of the White Mountains
in the summer and autumn 2005

The first part of the walk, to the summit of Pachnes, is similar to the one described on the Pachnes tour. From the summit of Pachnes, we head straight down south towards the summit of Zaranokefala (in the middle of the picture above). There is no path and we need to detour around a number of deep sinkholes. Shortly before the summit of Zaranokefala, we head down towards the deep gorge of Eligas and find a small mule path (which comes from Potamos). This path leads us around the cliff face of the summit (and by a water place) and down towards the small village of Agios Ioannis.

To me this is the most beautiful walk in the White Mountains: first the walk from Pachnes across a moonlike landscape, then following the mule track, 1900m above the sea (and relatively close to it) and well over 1000m above the gorge of Eligas. The views are simply unforgettable.

After walking around the base of the summit of Zaranokefala, the path leads us gently down to Agios Ioannis. Because the village is still a very long way away, we get picked up on the track above the village and drive back to Anopolis and Hora Sfakion.

What level of fitness is required?

The walk up to the summit takes no more than 2 hours. Then you walk on very rough and stony ground for 2 hours before reaching the mule track. Another 3 hours are needed to reach the track where we can be picked up. This is walking time excluding breaks. This walk is not at all dangerous and requires no mountaineering skills but it requires a good fitness level, endurance and experience in walking in mountainous regions. Ascent 500 meters, descent 1500 meters.

What do you need to take with you?

• Good, solid walking shoes are essential.
• Warm clothes. Remember that the temperature is around 15C lower than at sea level. If it is cloudy (and windy) it can get pretty cold once you stop walking.
• Bring food and water (there are two springs on the way so you don't need too much water)
• Sun cream is essential.
• Binoculars if you have them. You will almost certainly have the opportunity to watch griffin vultures and other raptors.

Programme

This tour will only happen from time to time if there is sufficient interest. Please email me about it.

The excursions are led by Jean Bienvenu. Jean speaks fluent English, French and German and divides his work between web design and guiding walks in the region of Sfakia and the White Mountains.

Cost

Euro 55.00 per person. A minimum number of 4 participants is required for the tour to take place.

Contact for information and reservation

You can email me or phone 6974694206 (or 00 30 6974694206 if calling from outside Greece)

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