The best walks and hikes in Ψηλορείτης Δήμου Ζαρού Και Ρούβα

This is actually about two completely different monasteries, which indeed have the same patron saint (Saint Nicholas) and are only a few hundred meters apart as the crow flies at the entrance to the same gorge, but have a completely different history, theology, and community. 1. The new, monumental monastery: Moni Agiou Nikolaou (Zaros) The newly built main church (Katholikon) with the imposing bell tower in front. This is a regular, orthodox men's monastery. It was built in recent decades in a modern, neo-Byzantine style directly at the foot of the rock face, as the historic, tiny monastery in the gorge no longer met the current needs of the monks. 2. The traditional "Old Calendarist" monastery: Agios Nikolaos (faith and calendar fidelity) This is a world of its own. This monastery belongs to the so-called Old Calendarists (often referred to as G.O.X. – Gnesioi Orthodoxoi Christianoi). They split off from the official Greek state church in the 1920s because they rejected the introduction of the new (Milanković or Gregorian) calendar and strictly live according to the Julian calendar. The courtyard, overgrown with vines, and the buildings appear much simpler, more familial, and "more conservative". Walking through there, you immediately feel the strict, almost ascetic spirit of the monastic community there.

So the bridge is still there. The ascent to the bridge has been completely destroyed. You can't get any further at the moment.

Under almost every old tree there is a picnic area with tables and benches, as well as fire pits and a few taps with fresh, cold spring water.

A bench in the shade with a magnificent view. Only the singing cicadas disturb the silence.

I ate the most delicious apple here. No joke!

Simply a highlight

Yes, Tom, that's exactly what the Rouvas Gorge is, far away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Samaria. A real treat, especially in the off-season.

Great path....simply fantastic!