In the heart of Upper Mirabello, the village of Fourni serves as the starting point for a demanding route that captures the very essence of the Cretan soul. The ascent begins through lush olive groves, where the ancient trees stand like living sculptures of time, and continues through carob and Cretan oak trees (prinos) that release the characteristic, fresh scent of the island’s hinterland.

As the altitude rises toward 600 meters, the landscape reveals its wild charm. Flocks of sheep grazing freely on the slopes and wild goats leaping among the rocks accompany the rider, a reminder of a land where nature remains undisturbed. The moment the horses reach the plateau of Timios Stavros is the ultimate reward.
From this vantage point, the gaze wanders from the fertile valley of Fourni and the surrounding traditional villages all the way to the Mirabello Bay in the distance and the Libyan Sea to the south. It is the exact point where the sky meets the earth, offering a sense of absolute freedom and serenity before the journey back.