Volikas – Milé: the ice cave
After waking to the sound of the birds we set off for today’s hike.
The uphill path from the refuge gradually takes us higher, where the trees are fewer. The white-grey limestone changes through a palette of colours as the sun rises above us. We follow the path for approx 3 hrs up to Milé, a vertical sinkhole and cave where ice exists all year round! In the days before refridgeration, this path was used by locals who would come up with their mules during the night, collect ice and return to Chania before daylight in order to sell it in the market… a task that today seems more than demanding! After a break and a snack, we make our way back to Volikas refuge and after lunch under the cypress trees, we continue down the valley to Kambi village.
End of excursion or transfer back to your hotel.
Transfer time: 1hr – Hiking time (approx.): 4hrs (7km) + 3hrs (5,5km) – Altitude range (m): 1350-1750-1350-550
