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Mylopotamos
In Crete, the biggest island of Greece, between the cities of Heraklion and Rethymnon spreads the historic province of Mylotpotamos. Its northern coasts are reached from the Cretan sea, while its southern part is demarcated from the mountain tops of Psiloritis. Mylopotamos is consisted of four Municipalities: The Municipality of Anogia, with Anogia as the capital, the Municipality of Kouloukonas, with Garazos as the capital, the Municipality of Geropotamos with Perama as the capital, the Municipality of Arkadi with Adele as the capital and the commune of Zoniana, with Zoniana as the capital. The area of Mylopotamos is mostly mountainous. The visitor is taken by surprise by the dramatic changes of the landscape. High mountains, deep gorges and cliffs are spread everywhere. The beautiful valley of Geropotamos splits Mylopotamos in two areas: North Mylopotamos, with the banks of Psiloritis and South Mylopotamos, with the relatively lowland zone and the area of Kouloukonas that ends up to the northern coast. The snow which is a frequent visitor during winter across north Mylopotamos is a characteristic of the mountainous landscape offering a getaway from the cities. The villages of Mylopotamos are spread around the mountain tops and the glacis: Anogia, Livadia, Zoniana, Kalivos, Agios Mamas, and ancient Aksos etc. In the valley of Geropotamos, Doksaro, Aimonas, Apladiana, Sises and other small villages of the area are built in dense vegetation. The southern areas such as Perama, Garazo, Melidoni as well as the coastal Panormo and Bali villages, gather a plethora of activities. The yellowish limestone of the traditional houses is a special characteristic of these dorps which are located near the Monastery of Arkadi, Margarites, Eleftherna and other smaller villages. Access to this area is made through various road axis that lead to the glacis of Psiloritis and link the area with the cities of Rethymnon and Heraklion. A dense mountainous road network with asphalt and earthen roadways links the dorps not only with each other, but also with the mountain tops of Psiloritis. Access to the plateau of Nida and Idaion Andron is made through Anogia village, while the visitor can access Psiloritis mountain top through the village of Livadia, by following the marked route. The passing of the new national road of Heraklion and Rethymnon from the coastal zone allows quick access to the area from across Crete. However, for those who love nature, the old national road that passes through the valley of Mylopotamos constitutes a great experience.
