Spectacular views of Kalamitsi Bay
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A kalderimi is a cobblestone-paved track built for hoofed traffic. Kalderimia are sometimes described as cobbled or paved mule trails. They are typically 2m wide, so that two fully laden mules could pass each other without much difficulty. After many years of neglect, overgrowth, and destruction for modern road-building, there are now some initiatives to map and restore kaldirimia for walking tourism.
In Greece, the kalderimi network formerly linked almost every village, hamlet, chapel, and even sheepfold. There were thousands of kilometres of these roads in Crete alone. These roads are paved with flat stones. As they are designed for foot and hoofed traffic, they have steps where necessary, made of stones laid vertically. On flat stretches, they may be unpaved. On slopes, they have retaining walls. Kalderimia use switchbacks on steep ascents, and often have parapets next to steep slopes. When they cross streams, there may be paved fords.
Essential items
for a pleasant 1-hour walk
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Layered clothing
- Cotton socks
- Athletic footwear
- Bottle of water