South Crete (Zaros - Kaliviani Monastery - Matala)
Travelling
south through the pass of Vourvouliti, we reach the ancient village of
Zaros. Built on a green valley, at the foothills of Psiloritis mount in
the heart of Crete, at an altitude of 340 meters, the village is famous
for the beautiful lake of Votomos and the local vivarium with the trouts
and salmons. It’s also known for the amazing Gorge of Rouvas, which is
on the hiking route and is named as the E4 European walking Path.
Leaving
Zaros heading south, we stop at the Monastery of Panagia Kaliviani. It
dates back to the 2nd Byzantine period, and it’s dedicated to
Virgin Mary, since an old small icon of the Annunciation of the Holy
Mother, was miraculously found there (the icon can be found today in the
new chapel). The monastery also houses a girls’ orphanage established in
1958.
Passing
the villages of Mires and Tympaki we reach the South Coast and the small
fishing village of Matala with its beautiful beach. Here you can have
lunch, swim in the clear sparkling water, sunbathe on the golden sand and
explore the pre-historic caves in the cliffs on the beach, that were once
used as tombs and later as
the homes of the early Christians on the island. During the 60s and
70s the caves hosted an international Hippie’s community known
worldwide.
