- Hike name: Stalida-Mochos-Malia
- Location: Northern Crete, Greece
- Route highlights: Historic trails, a charming village, coastal panoramas
- Distance: 10 kilometers
- Duration: 5 hours
- Level: Easy (1 on a 5-point difficulty scale)
- Starting point: Stalida
- Organizer: Mountaineering Club of Heraklion
- Leader: Eleni Arnopoulou
- Departure time and place: 8:30 AM from the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion
- Register: Weekdays, 8–10 PM, Justice Street 53, Heraklion
- Contact: 2810227609
History, Coffee, and a Whole Lot of Views
So, what’s the deal with the Stalida-Mochos-Malia hike? Picture this: you kick off in Stalida and hit an old trail lovingly dubbed the “Bulgarian path.” No, it’s not a hipster café—it’s a track rebuilt by Bulgarian prisoners of World War I. It used to connect Stalida to the village of Mochos, which sits quaintly at 400 meters above sea level.
On your way up, you’ll pause at the Axion Esti Monastery. A cute little pit stop, perfect for a breather, maybe some photos, or just pretending ancient ruins enlighten you. Once in Mochos, you’ll get time to roam its cozy alleys or sip a coffee at one of its square cafés. If you don’t Instagram this village, did you even hike?
Trail Magic and Coastal Spectacles
From Mochos, the journey continues uphill towards a mountain pass. Then, it’s all downhill (literally, not figuratively). You follow a cobbled path—think of it as nature giving you a break from climbing earlier. This scenic route eventually spills out near Malia. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the northern coast and the Cretan Sea. Pro tip: stop blaming your phone’s camera when those photos don’t do the views justice—they’re just that good IRL.
This hike is easy enough for beginners, clocking in at about five hours. It’s rich in history, light on effort, and heavy on scenery. Whether you’re there for the cultural backstory, the killer views, or just to feel smug in your hiking boots, this one’s worth signing up for.
