Tiny beach/cove on road beyond Pondamos?

[andyblueflame]

Hi, I've walked from the harbour to this one a couple of times during my stays; you go on the road that leads to Pondamos beach but just keep going way beyond it, eventually the Tarmac road climbs up via steep hairpin bends and finally at the top there is a building with an old (disused?) coke vending machine from there you go onto a goat track and zig zag down towards the sea, this takes quite some time (and you see loads of goats), at the end you are rewarded with a lovely little secluded pebbly/sandy cove surrounded by rocks.
Anyone know the name of this place and if there are any other similar or maybe even nicer walkable beaches/coves?

[stevec]

Sounds like Ghiali. The valley down from the saddle is labelled 'Aghnathi' on the walking map.

[Deleted]

Can confirm Yialli. The local guy who owns the rights there and has the goats has systematically fenced and walled the place over years and in my opinion ruined it. He is also not too friendly when he happens to be there when you appear. At one time it was idyllic. Earlier on the right of the zig zag path there was a cement plant used for the initial construction of Tarpon Springs Boulevard. That simply crumbled and rusted away until the remaining bits (most of them) were removed. Surprised to hear the coke machine is still in evidence.

[andyblueflame]

Thanks guys, would like to find somewhere new anyway! So can you recommend other similar beaches/coves on the island that can be reached?

[Deleted]

Areta is about 2 hrs each way. Goat track pretty well all the way and a lot of it is uphill. Bit of a scramble up and down to the actual beach and you have to be aware there is a very small "sun" window on that side and with a narrow, steep sided bay. Not unusual to find a dad sheep which kind of makes staying there a bit off putting. Having said all that, I have many pleasant visits. Boat is better!!!!!
St.George is a boat only cove. There's a track down to the water from the monastery but it does NOT go to the beach. The other small sandy coves further over towards Kefali such as Dio Yiali are a very long, difficult and in places dangerous hike and would not advise unless you know the island very well and are a serious hiker. In the event of attempting such an outing I would advise strongly that you let someone know what you are up to in case you get into difficulty and be aware, mobile reception down that side is sketchy.
You wild probably meet nobody after leaving the monastery road. Probably better to chill at one of the closer ones.

[andyblueflame]

Thanks sth, all sound a bit challenging for the non serious hiker!, Which would you say is the nicest spot to go via boat?

[Deleted]

IF you can find a boat (!!!) Alimnia or Trachia for peace and sun. PM on it's way to you.

[davidfromhastings]

Aug 8, 2016 7:25:25 GMT @sth said:

Can confirm Yialli. The local guy who owns the rights there and has the goats has systematically fenced and walled the place over years and in my opinion ruined it. He is also not too friendly when he happens to be there when you appear. At one time it was idyllic. Earlier on the right of the zig zag path there was a cement plant used for the initial construction of Tarpon Springs Boulevard. That simply crumbled and rusted away until the remaining bits (most of them) were removed. Surprised to hear the coke machine is still in evidence.

When I walked there last year I didn't see anyone -but the three dogs chained up both sides of the path to the cove were certainly none too friendly. There was a narrow path of safety between them which called for some very precision walking

[Deleted]

They say owners become like their dogs