Description

At the 200 meter elevation marker on the eastern edge of the Megalochori area, Path Seven (7) begins, heading to the thermal baths of Plaka. This path is one of the few places on the island where we can descend to the bottom edge of the caldera, at sea level. Each descent of the caldera is an impressive, unprecedented experience, but it is equally dangerous and is undertaken at your own risk. Special caution is required because of both the steep terrain and possible landslides. The trail starts as a nice cobbled road with dark volcanic rocks but changes halfway down, when we encounter the church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos). Then it becomes narrow and steep, remaining so until its end at the church of the Virgin Mary (ekklisia tis Panagias) and the old baths. The total downhill time is 30 minutes (and 40 minutes uphill), and the ideal time for the descent is one hour before sunset.