A long time ago, people on Crete were not necessarily drawn to the sea. The dangers were too great. Pirates were on the move and it was easy to be attacked by other civilisations from the sea. Furthermore, the sea was not necessarily the safest place to obtain food. Fresh water and fertile soil were more likely to be found in the mountainous region inland. Here we can still discover ancient settlements and paths, either of the Minoans, the Dorians or other tribes. Life was hard, the labour routes long and challenging. Over the course of time, people made their way to the coast.
Admittedly: Walking the routes of the ancestors is not a relaxed and pleasurable experience for everyone - but for one or the other it is a breathtaking and sometimes enlightening adventure.
In September 2024, I set off with some hiking friends through ancient olive groves and along the edge of the Mesonas Gorge in eastern Crete up to the ruined settlement of Mylonies. The view into the gorge was (fortunately not) breathtaking! Below us was the 3000-year-old settlement of Azoria and in front of us a magnificent panoramic view of Mirabello Bay. But take a look for yourself....
