Our Cache is located at the end of the hike. After reaching the final Monastery, you can continue to the hike down to the sea through the ravines.
Here is a detailed description of the hike starting at the second Monastery near the trailhead:
Having parked your car at the front yard of the monastery of Gouverneto, the view to the sea is irresistibly inviting and the path through a wild and majestic ravine seems (and it is!) so promising.
The first stop on your walk down (in approx. 10 min.) will be at the so-called Cave of the Bear. In the middle of the large cave there is a massive stalagmite in the shape of a bear. Tradition connects this cave with the worship of Goddess Artemis.
After another 15 min. walk you find your self at the final, old monastery of Katholiko. It is a Byzantine rock-carved building of the 11th century, with an impressive Venetian façade, perhaps the most ancient monastery on Crete. After numerous pirates' raids the monks abandoned it in the 16th century and stays uninhabited since then. You can visit the nearby cells and crypts, while west of the monastery you can find the entrance to a deep cave in which St. John the Hermit (Xenos) spent his ascetic days. You can walk for approx. 20 min. to the bottom of this cave, kind of easy walk, but not recommended for claustrophobics.
Cross the massive stone bridge and head down to the sea. Soon you will really appreciate a swim from the rocks!
While the walk downhill is only 30-35 minutes, allow 1hour + 30 min. for the return trip. A bottle of water is always a good idea...
