Traditional walk to Axlada in 2018
Axlada remains a charming place for those who love the solitude of quiet walks and always subject to improbable encounters. I usually stop at the village of Ksévris, the first village at the exit of Artemonas, on the way to go to Cheronissos.
Then I take the path that leaves the small church of Ayios Minas on the left, bypass the few houses and down on the east coast of the island towards Ayios Sostis.
The first part of the road is dotted with stone walls and beautiful figs but also plots of land on terraces occupied by goats.
The road continues until you see on the left some steps leading to a wooden gate of green and brown colors. Open it and close it then to take the direction of Ayios Sostis.
The mountain on the left, a stone wall on the right, the landscape becomes lunar and desert until new steps let us see the peninsula where is the church of Ayios Sostis.
At some point, when the church is in front of us far below, a path goes on the left to go behind a mountain pass and the path to the farm Antonios looming on the horizon. This time there was nobody so I have decided to continue with the descent to Axlada, without a path and paying attention to rocks’ scree.
As for Avlaki, the sea was beautiful and quiet which made the ride even more enjoyable. As it is a very small funnel bay, it carries a lot of waste becoming offshore. Pity! But that does not detract from swimming and enjoy!
One last thing: the climb is rough, you will face the sun, provide a lot of water!
Photographies at Axlada 2018!