Climbing Mount Timios Stavros
Above the village of Lefkogeia near Plakias
The route leads into the rocky landscape of southern Crete to a small chapel on top of a limestone hill, from where there are nice views towards the Libyan Sea, the surrounding hills and the coast at Plakias. The climb is not long, but it gets steeper and rockier towards the end, so sturdy shoes and plenty of water are useful, especially on hot days.
The road climbs in serpentines from the parking lot.
By car you can get to the bottom of the mountain, where there is room for a few cars. Then the road climbs up the serpentines. It is wide and well-maintained, so it is a good climb even for the less fit.
Through the thistle field
Halfway through the path, the path cuts through a field of thistles. They are tall and all around the path. Don't worry, you will pass the path unharmed. It is a beautiful sight to see the flowers and the bug life on them.
Views of the surrounding mountains
The journey will be made more pleasant not only by the plants but also by the surrounding rocky hills. There is always something to look at.
Resting in the shade at the Stations of the Cross
In the last 1/4 of the way there is a Stations of the Cross. It starts at a large wooden cross and a place to sit in the shade. The road is wide enough for an off-road jeep to handle it.
Stations of the Cross
From the Cross, a narrow footpath leads further, nicely paved with stones. According to the year of the cross, it was only recently created in 2023.
The church on the top
At the top of the hill at an altitude of 433m above sea level you will find a small church and a small square with seating options.
Bell
There is also a bell to ring. The sound can be heard really clearly from a distance.
Sea and bay view
The peak views offer a 360° view of the surrounding area. Both the surrounding hills, the surrounding valleys with orchards and all the way to the sea, where the bay and port of Plakias can be clearly observed.
And now all I have to do is descend the 200 vertical meters back down to the car.
