The hike to this geocache is one of the most spectacular in eastern Crete. It is entirely on the E4 trail between two traditional and historic villages of the area. Our group of 4 hikers from New Mexico began in Zakros and finished in Ziros, but you can hike in either direction. After climbing high above Zakros, you pass through the plateau of Mavros Kambos (black plain). Formerly, it was full of vineyards and was the most southerly wine-producing region of Europe. Now only grain is growing. Visit the chapel of Agios Georgios of the isolated village of Skalia. There is a natural spring of clear cold water gushing out the rocks.
Look for a plastic box in the rocks above the spring to find the geocache. See spoiler pictures.
Then cross the wild,deserted landscape of Psilo Kefali (lofty head)and descend into Ziros.
Enjoy your hike !
Here is a tidbit of history from the crete-today website :
This village which is now deserted belongs to the Itanos Municipality. In 1583 Castrofylaca listed it as Scaglia with 162 inhabitants. The origin of the name may be connected with its geographical position on the slopes of a hill; skalia: steps.
After the Turkish seizure of Crete the people of Skalia refused to submit to the Ottoman yoke. In order to subdue them Turkish troops had been sent ashore at Xerokambos (Ambelos) and had set up camp at Mavros Kambos.
The Turks planned to attack the Skaliots at night but their guide, a Christian, had managed to warn the Skaliots who made a lightning attack and wiped out the Ottoman troops. The Skaliots however, were betrayed, and indeed by their own parish priest Papa Drakos (or Papa Frangias) from Ziros. He called the Christians together in the church of Agia Paraskevi at Ziros, ostensibly to offer them absolution and communion after the slaughter of the Turks; he allowed no arms inside the church and so the men had to lay down their arms in the forecourt. The Turks, who had been summoned by the traitor priest, then surrounded the church and massacred the Skaliots.
The priest's horrible betrayal shocked even the Turks themselves, and since no one loves a traitor they burnt him in a lighted oven. Many people from the surrounding villages of Hametoulo, Kalo Horio, Achladia, Tso or Agia Triada, Apidia and Ziros had also been in the church. The bones of the dead are in an ossuary in the church of Agia Paraskevi at Ziros. There is no definite date for this event, and although it may have taken place at the beginning of the 19th century, it could have happened much earlier.
Congratulations to mythos-dreaming for the excellent job of being FTF !