HIKING TRAIL: (Degree of difficulty 2.5, duration 3-4 hours)
At the northern end of the hill of Aghios Antonios, where the archaeological site of the Doric town of Driros is located, near to a recently defunct windmill, an interesting walking tour begins. The starting point is at the village of Nikithiano. The beauty of the natural environment which springtime enhances with wild flowers, sage, and furze, and the villages and lands which still retain their traditional character, together with the scattering of Byzantine and post-Byzantine memorials, all together create a walk that is laden with visual images and unique experiences. Points of interest along this hiking trail are Keramos, Sirmesos with Aghios Anthonios and Aghios Barbara, and the village of Aghios Konstandinos, the ruined but still sufficiently interesting architectural remains of the Monastery of Kardamoutsa, close to Karidi and the Monastery of Areti. Here it is truly worth your while to make a stop. Visit the Monastery that is dedicated to The Holy Trinity and built in the seventeenth century, which has been restored during the last few years. The entire unit is one of the best examples of a monasterial complex in all of Crete. Continuing as always along the pathway, you arrive at the next village of Skinia, where the churches of Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Georgios are found. You can continue along the hiking trail as far as the north beach at Skotini or at Vlychadia.
