“To the End of the World”

 

Mianes –Lighthouse –Tainaron -Paliros

Timings

• Just under 4 hours
• The car to the lighthouse: I hr 45 mins
• The lighthouse to Tainaron: 50 mins
• Tainaron to Paliros: 1hr 15mins (this could be cut short by simply following the asphalt road from Tainaron back to the car, therefore totally bypassing Paliros).
• map of walk

 

Nature of Walk

Stunning views over the Ionian and Aegean seas to the west and east respectively as the lighthouse is approached A wide dirt road up to Mianes. Off piste across spine of hills, picking up well worn dirt path to lighthouse and back to Tainaron. Rocky path and then dirt track to Paliros. Tarmac to finish.

Chance for a cooling dip and a drink/something to eat at Tainaron, another swim stop later at the pebbly beach at Vathy. No need for long trousers.

Not advisable to walk from Mianes when there is a strong wind.

Places of Interest

The ancient site of Tainaron

Once you have passed the Marmaris junction and turned right to the Death Oracle at Tainaron, the best place to leave your car is just after the turning up to Mianes where there is a clear area on your left. Retrace your steps and start heading up to Mianes.

After 20-25 minutes you will approach the tiny hamlet. When you arrive in Mianes, turn left at the major junction of paths between the walls and houses, wiggle round to the right and then once in the meadow,

contour at the same level round to the left of the windowless house on the horizon. Once at the walls on the skyline look down to your left (south) and you can see the spine stretching away over various humps and even the lighthouse is visible. Having orientated yourself in this way the direction is obvious – there is no clear path to follow so simply pick out a route through the low shrubs and rocks. As a rule I keep to the right side of the spine as a path does develop later on so keep an eye open for it. Once spotted, make use of it as by this stage you may be tiring of finding your own way.

As you approach the last rocky crag switch over to the left side of the ridge and the main Tainaron -lighthouse path is visible beneath you. Drop down to join this path whenever you like – the last opportunity to do this will become clear! When on the path, turn right and follow it all the way to the lighthouse. You are now at the southernmost point of mainland Europe. A great spot to take a rest, gaze out towards Crete and do a little ship spotting. The lighthouse is now fully automated.

Return all the way to Tainaron on the same dirt path where you may pass other lighthouse seekers coming the other way. As you approach Tainaron, now the modern day hamlet of Kokkinogia, you will soon become aware of an older history. The wave mosaic just lying exposed to the elements is the most obvious indicator though by stopping to look a little closer foundations hewn into the rocks are all around you as well as a number of cisterns. Having passed the last of three pebbly coves, the path heads up to the church of Agii Asomati and the welcome site of a taverna just above.

Continue on the main road past the taverna through the village until you pass the last house on the right (a white-washed bungalow with brown shutters). Keep going for another 200m until you come to a plot of land totally enclosed by a dry stone wall, again on your right. At the furthest end of this walled field head right off the road, over some boulders and start heading down to the cove now in view (to check you have turned off at the right place look behind you at one of the boulders lying by the road- one should have a blue arrow painted on). As you descend down the terracing keep to the right of the gully where a rocky path of sorts will take you to the isolated beach

The path continues on the far end of the beach and winds upwards, once you have passed some umbrella pines offering some welcome shade. The path soon becomes walled in and the first houses you pass make up tiny Koureli. At the telegraph pole, turn left and follow the path, keeping straight when it becomes a wider track. Soon the main part of the fortified village of Paliros appears on your right. After the track passes to the left of a church it becomes asphalt. Keep straight, ignore the sharp right turn and soon you will come once again to the ‘Death Oracle’ junction. Turn left and rejoin your car.