Walking & bird watching holiday

The Azigores centre near Paleochora is an ideal location for walking, and in the springtime, bird watching too. This holiday runs for two weeks and it is possible to attend either or both weeks and join in the planned walk and excursions how you feel.

Most of the walking will be done directly from the centre; we are 8km from the coast near the head of the valley at about 400 metres above sea level.

Some walks will be half day some full day and there will be excursions to places such as the Omalos Plain and Irini Gorge. I am not a bird watching expert or a professional guide but I have a good local knowledge and have led many walks in this area with groups from the centre over the last 5 years.

Early May is a good time for migrant species I have been a bird watcher for 30 years and have gained good knowledge over that time. The birds we can expect to see are species like Migrant Flycatchers and Warblers, Golden Oriole and Hoopoes, Alpine Swift, Egrets, Herons and Waders, Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles and possibly the rare and spectacular Lammergeyer.

In May the temperature is just about ideal for walking and the Flora and Fauna is at its best it is especially a good time for Orchids. The walks will range from 8-20 km using footpaths and donkey trails and some goat trails. The terrain is generally stony and a little loose underfoot, so good walking footwear is essential. The Fauna is often a little hostile around the ankles and below the knees.

We will have shared transport for our excursions, which is covered in the cost; we may possibly take a boat trip together which will incur a small additional cost. There will also be 2 free days each week for people to either rest or to do a couple of the more adventurous walks, such as the Samaria Gorge or the mountain of Gingolos (which may involve using local bus or boat.)

All walks undertaken will be at your own personal risk. I will not undertake walks with people if I feel them to be beyond their ability.

This includes all accommodation, breakfast, five evening meals each week, packed lunches when required, and all transport. (Except boat trips, flights and transfers.)

From the centre we take the donkey trail to the village of Anidri, spectacular views and flora and fauna, and after exploring round the village the possibility of a spectacular reasonably priced lunch. Then by road to Paleochora or down the trail and through the Anidri Gorge (approximately 2 km with moderate downward scrambles in places) to the beach at Anidri, then by foot or vehicle to Paleochora for a drink before returning to the centre for dinner.

We will travel by car to the village of Temenia, and then walk up the donkey trail to the ancient hilltop Dorian city of Irtakina. (Approximately 4 km, moderate climb.) Some of the walking will be along goat trails in the area of Irtakina. Spectacular views, some evidence of the ancient city where we will rest and explore and eat packed lunch. Also this will be our first real vulture and eagle possibility. And then back by donkey trail and road to the centre, approximately 8km.

We will walk on the opposite side of the valley to the Anidri trail to the ruin of the Turkish Fort above Spanyakos. Once again using a combination of road and donkey trail and enjoying views of the valley down to Paleochora .

We shall return via the Cave of the 99 Saints, with an opportunity to descend into the cave before returning to the village, through the Olive grows to the local taverna for, optional lunch, afternoon bird watching around the village, or free time to relax or go to the beach.

Probably more beautiful, particularly at this time of year, and less crowded than the longer Samaria Gorge, the Irini Gorge is a great walk, ending at the beautiful seaside village of Soughia. The walk is sometimes steep (down) and there is a little scrambling and climbing to be done, but generally this is a pleasant and moderate walk. At this time of year it is possible that footwear will need to be removed in order to ford the stream that flows down the gorge.

At the end of the gorge (7km) there is now a very pleasant taverna, a good watering and resting place before the less spectacular finish to the walk, the final 4km into Soughia.

At Soughia there will be plenty of time for lunch, and for spending time swimming and exploring the sea caves or relaxing on the pebble beach before catching the boat back to Paleochora (approx cost £2.50) for transportation back to the centre.

We will take the boat from Paleochora to Soughia. From there we shall head directly from the harbour up a short gorge and over a short plateau, before descending into the ancient healing site of Lissos.

We will then trek up the other side of the valley and onto Podromi, from there to Anidri. There we will meet our transport and after taking a drink at the local taverna, return to the centre (possible pick up from Podromi for the less fit!) The whole walk will be between 16- 20km.


	Azogires - holiday for body & soul in Crete \| Back to Centre Calendar \| Home Walking & bird watching holiday with Malcolm, centre manager The Azigores centre near Paleochora is an ideal location for walking, and in the springtime, bird watching too. This holiday runs for two weeks and it is possible to attend either or both weeks and join in the planned walk and excursions how you feel. Most of the walking will be done directly from the centre; we are 8km from the coast near the head of the valley at about 400 metres above sea level. Some walks will be half day some full day and there will be excursions to places such as the Omalos Plain and Irini Gorge. I am not a bird watching expert or a professional guide but I have a good local knowledge and have led many walks in this area with groups from the centre over the last 5 years. Early May is a good time for migrant species I have been a bird watcher for 30 years and have gained good knowledge over that time. The birds we can expect to see are species like Migrant Flycatchers and Warblers, Golden Oriole and Hoopoes, Alpine Swift, Egrets, Herons and Waders, Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles and possibly the rare and spectacular Lammergeyer. In May the temperature is just about ideal for walking and the Flora and Fauna is at its best it is especially a good time for Orchids. The walks will range from 8-20 km using footpaths and donkey trails and some goat trails. The terrain is generally stony and a little loose underfoot, so good walking footwear is essential. The Fauna is often a little hostile around the ankles and below the knees. We will have shared transport for our excursions, which is covered in the cost; we may possibly take a boat trip together which will incur a small additional cost. There will also be 2 free days each week for people to either rest or to do a couple of the more adventurous walks, such as the Samaria Gorge or the mountain of Gingolos (which may involve using local bus or boat.) All walks undertaken will be at your own personal risk. I will not undertake walks with people if I feel them to be beyond their ability. Cost for 1week: £235.00 2weeks: £420.00 This includes all accommodation, breakfast, five evening meals each week, packed lunches when required, and all transport. (Except boat trips, flights and transfers.) Stay week before or week after B/B only £160 p/p (eve-meal optional) For more information contact: Malcolm 0180373296 (until 15/03/01) 0030/0823-42355 (after 30/03/01) or Emai:momo@breathe.com For information, bookings and flight information contact: The Retreat Co. The Manor House, Kings Norton, Leicestershire, LE7 9BA. Email: timeout@retreat-co.co.uk Tel:0116-2599211.Fax:0116-2596633. (A list of some of the walks is available from the above contacts.) 1. Azogires - Anidri - Anidri Gorge - Paleochora. From the centre we take the donkey trail to the village of Anidri, spectacular views and flora and fauna, and after exploring round the village the possibility of a spectacular reasonably priced lunch. Then by road to Paleochora or down the trail and through the Anidri Gorge (approximately 2 km with moderate downward scrambles in places) to the beach at Anidri, then by foot or vehicle to Paleochora for a drink before returning to the centre for dinner. 2. Irtakina. We will travel by car to the village of Temenia, and then walk up the donkey trail to the ancient hilltop Dorian city of Irtakina. (Approximately 4 km, moderate climb.) Some of the walking will be along goat trails in the area of Irtakina. Spectacular views, some evidence of the ancient city where we will rest and explore and eat packed lunch. Also this will be our first real vulture and eagle possibility. And then back by donkey trail and road to the centre, approximately 8km. 3. Turkish Fort and Cave of the 99 Saints. We will walk on the opposite side of the valley to the Anidri trail to the ruin of the Turkish Fort above Spanyakos. Once again using a combination of road and donkey trail and enjoying views of the valley down to Paleochora . We shall return via the Cave of the 99 Saints, with an opportunity to descend into the cave before returning to the village, through the Olive grows to the local taverna for, optional lunch, afternoon bird watching around the village, or free time to relax or go to the beach. 4. IriniGorge, Soughia. Probably more beautiful, particularly at this time of year, and less crowded than the longer Samaria Gorge, the Irini Gorge is a great walk, ending at the beautiful seaside village of Soughia. The walk is sometimes steep (down) and there is a little scrambling and climbing to be done, but generally this is a pleasant and moderate walk. At this time of year it is possible that footwear will need to be removed in order to ford the stream that flows down the gorge. At the end of the gorge (7km) there is now a very pleasant taverna, a good watering and resting place before the less spectacular finish to the walk, the final 4km into Soughia. At Soughia there will be plenty of time for lunch, and for spending time swimming and exploring the sea caves or relaxing on the pebble beach before catching the boat back to Paleochora (approx cost £2.50) for transportation back to the centre. 5. Soughia- Lissos- Podromi and Anidri. We will take the boat from Paleochora to Soughia. From there we shall head directly from the harbour up a short gorge and over a short plateau, before descending into the ancient healing site of Lissos. Once there we will spend time exploring swimming and enjoying our prepared packed lunch We will then trek up the other side of the valley and onto Podromi, from there to Anidri. There we will meet our transport and after taking a drink at the local taverna, return to the centre (possible pick up from Podromi for the less fit!) The whole walk will be between 16- 20km.