By Klaus Huettemann, Author of LEROS-WALKER’S GUIDE.
A walk of breathtaking views through untouched areas of natural beauty along the impressive coastline between Lakki and Gourna.
What you need: sturdy shoes, water, provisions.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Category: Medium
Start at the Marina on the waterfront in Lakki.
Beside the café escape is a small road that leads inland to a crossroads. At the crossroads, turn left and follow the road to a pine forest. Take the unpaved forest road on the left.
Follow the winding trail along an old retaining wall through the pine forest to the “Chapel of the Prophet Zacharia” and the Tunnel War Museum, which is well worth a visit.
After your visit, head back towards the Bay of Merikia. Turn right and follow the coastal road as it winds uphill.
You will reach a chapel on a rocky summit. The path now leads you downhill again along the impressive coastline and provides you with magnificent views of the sheer cliffs and offshore islands, clear over to the monastery of Patmos.
When, on your right, you can see two adjacent chapels, look carefully for the path which leads to the left. Here, you can make a detour to the Chapel and monastery of “ Agios Petros.” From here, the route continues towards Gourna. After approx. 800m. the road forks.
The right fork leads back to Lakki, the left to the village of Drimonas, and the main road from Gourna to Lakki. if you turn left at the main road, it will lead you down to the long, sandy beach at Gourna. From here, there is a nice view over the islets offshore.
Enjoy a rest after your long walk and relax on the beach and in the cosy tavernas of Gourna.