And, if you are really a fan of Nature, you may drive up to the mountainous village Orino (meaning “mountainous”!), found at the eastern mountainside of mountain Thrypti, at a distance of 11 kilometers northern to Mavros Kolymbos. It is a wonderful route within an amazing environment with luxurious plantation. It is worth stopping at Orino for a coffee, a refreshment or, much better, for a “tsikoudia”, under the shade of the walnut and plane trees, listening to the birds and to the sound of the current water around, as you enjoy the fascinating view.
The most ... courageous may continue for another 11 kilometers and arrive at the top of mountain Thrypti at a height of 1476 meters, in a rough mountainous environment. Once there, you will certainly think that the drive was worth doing; the landscape is marvelous and the view breathtaking. And, if you have time, you may stay there overnight, at the mountain shelter near the church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) and leave the place the next day.
If you like local feasts (“panighyri”) try to be at Mavros Kolymbos on the 27 th of July, when it is celebrated the feast of Aghios Panteleimonas, or on the 14 th of September, at the feast in honor of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross).
Access to the beach is possible from Aghios Nicolaos by rented or private car and motorbikes, and by taxi from Ierapetra, which is found close enough. |
