Taking off from Chania and following a 45-minute car ride, you will find yourself in the quaint village of Zourva, perched at an elevation of 550m. Here, you will be captivated by the fantastic amphitheatric landscape. The hike begins in a spindly cypress forest, gradually ascending towards the sky. Brief gaps in the foliage grant you glimpses of the settlements below. After about an hour, the trail becomes less steep, offering a view towards the Tromarissa gorge to the west and the highest peaks. Further along, the route descends slightly into a stream before climbing once again towards Tromarissa. Here, you’ll find an ever-present spring providing fresh water throughout the year. The area is home to huge trees, a variety of herbs, and numerous plants. You will reach an elevation of 1050m here, which means an overall ascension of 600m from the start of the hike. Hiking enthusiasts have cherished this route throughout all seasons. Historically, locals utilized this trail to progress further up during summers as shepherd communities were largely nomadic. My ancestors were among them, mountain folk themselves. Today, I serve as a certified local hiking guide.