Climbing enthusiasts have one more excellent reason to visit the Lasithi region, specifically near Kalo Chorio, at the Peza By food journalist Dimitris Sta
Climbing enthusiasts have one more excellent reason to visit the Lasithi region, specifically near Kalo Chorio, at the Peza climbing field. Located 12 kilometers south of Agios Nikolaos at an elevation reaching 300 meters, this is a relatively new site offering climbers an exceptional panoramic view of Mirabello Bay and the beautiful peaks of Lasithi.
Access to the site is very easy, as you can reach the rocks by car and need only a five-minute walk. Depending on the season, you'll smell the herbs, particularly thyme, which fills the area.
Getting There
To approach the location at Forti, you'll leave the main road by turning right and move uphill. There are relevant signs to guide you. However, from quite a distance you'll spot the vertical iconic rocks you need to reach. During your movement on the path, you'll need to open and then close again two makeshift wire gates that local shepherds have placed to mark the boundaries of their flocks.
The Peza climbing field consists of four rocks named Minos, Talos, Istronas, and Panas. It's an important site for sport climbing in Crete. The orientation of three rocks (Minos, Talos, and Istronas) allows climbers to scale throughout the day and all year round. Routes start from 14 meters for the shortest to 30 meters for the longest, and a 60 to 70-meter rope and 16 quickdraws are recommended. The rock is solid limestone of very good quality. All routes are equipped with stainless steel plates and bolts.
Dionysus Cave
At the location of Talos rock, there's an impressive cave known as Dionysus Cave, with routes rated 8a and 8b+. Beyond its special technical characteristics, the field represents an exceptional site of natural beauty.
Very close to the Peza climbing field is the settlement of Kalo Chorio. Set in a lush green valley with fertile hills, along with neighboring settlements Arniko, Pyrgos, Istro, and Forti, they form a beautiful corner of Mirabello Bay. The area's history begins in Minoan times, as shown by significant archaeological findings brought to light by excavations. Indeed, the economic, residential, and population development of Kalo Chorio has been remarkable thanks to its natural environment, large clean and beautiful beaches, and cultivation of its fertile plain.
Golden Sand Beach
One of the area's most beautiful beaches is Voulisma Beach, which forms the second bay of Istron village. Known also as Golden Sand due to its beautiful sandy shore, it's located about 500 meters east of the village. With a length of approximately 700 meters, it's the largest municipal beach of Kalo Chorio with crystal-clear blue waters. On the western side of the bay, the smaller beach is also the most sheltered. Above the beach rises the steep Vrokastro hill, where ruins of a Minoan city can be found.
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