Our last seaside stop before heading inland along the Dhafnon gorge and mountain pass was the tiny old harbour of Plaka near Leonidio, a clean delightful setting with a good (pebble) beach. Time for brunch and out came the cereals and bread.
The Dhafnon gorge and mountain pass from Leonidio to Kosmas is stunning, it was almost devoid of traffic on the day (low season) which meant we could stop and simply listen to the silence, a trip we should perhaps have done twice, coming from the other side as well to once again enjoy the scenery and silence. Then again it's a journey of some hours .... choices! Steep cliffs, deep ravines and the road at times so narrow allowing for single lane traffic only. Hairpin bends, a monastery on a cliff edge and unfortunately no suitable stopping place to spend a night. Perhaps the beauty of it all is because there are no overnight facilities. Humans are destructive.
The town of Kosmas is likened to an Alpine mountain resort, and it has similarities. Large cobbled central square with narrow lanes leading to small hotels, colourful cafes / taverns and views of valleys from its setting in the mountains. All of this almost deserted on this sunny day in the low season.
An intriguing feature of the town was the water 'flowing' underneath the church and exiting on the square outside to flow over the terrace and then down the valley.
This was a wonderful day of travelling, stopping and looking around. As said before we should have stayed in the area longer, but hey hindsight is easy. If ever you come this way, set aside at least two sunny days for the journey from Leonidio to Skala (or vice versa) across and through the Dhafnon gorge and the mountain town of Kosmas.
The small harbour of Plaka
The Dhafnon gorge and mountain pass from Leonidio to Kosmas is stunning, it was almost devoid of traffic on the day (low season) which meant we could stop and simply listen to the silence, a trip we should perhaps have done twice, coming from the other side as well to once again enjoy the scenery and silence. Then again it's a journey of some hours .... choices! Steep cliffs, deep ravines and the road at times so narrow allowing for single lane traffic only. Hairpin bends, a monastery on a cliff edge and unfortunately no suitable stopping place to spend a night. Perhaps the beauty of it all is because there are no overnight facilities. Humans are destructive.
Dhafnon gorge
Elonas monastery
Looking at the snow capped mountains west of Kosmas
The town of Kosmas is likened to an Alpine mountain resort, and it has similarities. Large cobbled central square with narrow lanes leading to small hotels, colourful cafes / taverns and views of valleys from its setting in the mountains. All of this almost deserted on this sunny day in the low season.
Cobbled square and the road going through it
Winter in Kosmas
Tavernas and church - happy neighbours!
An intriguing feature of the town was the water 'flowing' underneath the church and exiting on the square outside to flow over the terrace and then down the valley.
This was a wonderful day of travelling, stopping and looking around. As said before we should have stayed in the area longer, but hey hindsight is easy. If ever you come this way, set aside at least two sunny days for the journey from Leonidio to Skala (or vice versa) across and through the Dhafnon gorge and the mountain town of Kosmas.
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