Article Climbing Mount Paligremnos
Above the town of Plakias in southern Crete
The climb to Mount Paligremnos, also known as Korifi, is a short but very impressive hike just above the eastern edge of Plakias. The peak is only 192 meters high, yet it offers beautiful views of Plakias Bay, the Libyan Sea and the surrounding rocky landscape. The site is also interesting geologically, as below it rises the prominent Paligremnos cliff with a smooth rock face over 80 meters high.
Rock wall above the coast
The path starts just outside the town of Plakias, where you can leave your car by the side of the road. The path begins on a flat surface below a rock face that is truly monumental.
Climbing path
There are several belays drilled into the wall for climbing routes. I estimate that the routes will be level 8+, because it is completely smooth, vertical, and only occasionally there is a crack or a small protrusion that you can hold on to with one finger.
Tunnels on the road
On the road that leads above the sea and is about a kilometer long, there are two tunnels that are easily passable (you just need to use your mobile phone to shine a light). After the second shorter tunnel, the road in this direction ends.
View between tunnels
Between the two tunnels there is a short view out onto the bay by the town. Several swallows circled above our heads, trying to catch something to eat. On the way we also came across a larger cave where we could peek.
The way up
After returning from the tunnels, we took one of the paths that goes up. They are all narrow and well-trodden paths. It is better to have sturdy shoes, but we managed even with trekking sandals. There are several tangled paths on the hill, but mapy.cz maps it well.
Road markings
We also encountered some pretty good markings on the way. They are always blue or yellow splashes on the stones. You can also find arrows, especially at crossroads.
The ubiquitous goats
Goats can be found in Crete, even in the most inaccessible places on the rocks. Suddenly, there is the sound of a bell ringing and the sound of a sword. Halfway through the journey, two goats peeked out at us and looked at us from above.
View of the surrounding hills
The last part of the path is marked only by stone towers, as it is very rocky. There is still something to look at along the way, such as the pointed peak of Timios Stavros, where we were the day before.
Hilly Crete
One more view of the surrounding hills. Visibility was good, so there was something to admire.
Paligremnos/Korifi peak (192 m)
Finally, the well-deserved summit arrived. After less than 200 meters of elevation gain, we rested at the top and looked around. There is no summit cross at the top, but only a tall stone tower, but that does not detract from the joy.
View from the top of the bay
The bay near the town of Plakias is in the palm of your hand from here. Now all that's left is the road back to the town. We chose a gentler descent. It skirts the peak from the right and then connects to a gentler descent route leading to the road that went around the rock massif.
