Makrirachi-Aetofolia (circular)

Aetofolia

 

Distance: 3,3 km

Time: 1 hour 50'

Altitude: from 235 m. (Makrirachi square) to  420 m. (max)

Total elevation gain/loss: 274 m.

Signing: red paint, yellow round signs

Drinking water on walk: no

Start/finish: Makrirachi square

Last checked: Οctober 2022

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             Starting and ending in the square of Makrirrachi, this relatively short circular route, which takes less than 2 hours, allows us to visit the excellent viewpoint of Aetofolia (meaning ''eagles nest'') through the wild gorge of Megalo Rema. The return to the square is made using the main kalderimi that comes from Chania via Prophitis Elias and Agii Anargiri chapels.

            Starting from the square of Makrirachi, we keep walking on the main asphalt towards Anilio village. Immediately after the last houses of the village, we take an uphill narrow road on the right. We pass a water reservoir and walk on the wild northern slope of the gorge, in a dense oak forest. Paying attention to our right, we notice a post with a sign, which points right to "Aetofolia". The uphill path we are walking on now is narrow and relatively difficult, however in 10 minutes we find ourselves at Aetofolia. From this point we have a magnificent view of the overgown gorge of Megalo Rema up to Agriolefkes peak. The Aegean sea can be seen on the opposite side. It is worth sitting quietly for a while to enjoy this unique viewpoint.

Aetofolia 

      In order to return, we continue in the same direction on the path, which immediately turns into a narrow earth road. At the point where there is a signpost on both sides of the road (ATTENTION) we meet the kalderimi coming from Agii Anargiri, which used to be the main connection of Makrirrachi to Chania and Volos. We follow it going downhill to the right (it is initially difficult due to soil that has fallen on the side of the road).

Anilio village on the opposite side of the stream

       The kalderimi continues to descend and we go through the first houses of Makrirachi. Finally we come out on a concrete road, where we go left. The road (formerly a kalderimi) descends and ends at the main road, immediately above the village square.

Mushroom tasting at Makrirachi square (October 2022)