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Adventures in Crete PARAPENTE SITES
AMMOLOFOS NEA HORAThis site is situated in the city of HANIA, only 2 km from the center of the city. It has a Northern orientation and it is perfect for beginners and learners. The elevation variance is no higher than 10 m.
OMALOS PLAINSOne of the most beautiful flights in Crete in the plains of Omalos. It is situated about 45 km outside of the city of Hania. The takeoff site is at the end of the road for the KALLERGI shelter and its orientation is Northwest-West. The takeoff is not very easy and the ground is rocky, but the flights from here are magical. You fly exactly beside the gorge of SAMARIA and GIGALO mountain. The elevation variance is 640 m.
FALASARANA
ASKUFO PLAINSIf the wind is East or even if it is still, it is always worthwhile to take a trip above Askufo. The small rural road which is 4 km above the village, will lead you to the takeoff which is situated on the mountain peak. Askufo plain, even in dead calm, produces a strong wind current which is capable of keeping you in the air for hours. The landing in the plateau certainly will not be one of the easiest things that you have done but, why not try? The elevation variance is 450m.
LAKE KOURNASAbout 50 km, outside the city of Hania is the lake of Kourna. With Northern and North-eastern oreintation and with an elevation variance of 550 m. this certainly is a unique flight. The hillside around the lake produces a strong current, which will make your flight interesting and last for hours.
BARUPETROBarupetro is situated only 7 km outside Hania. A small rural road begins outside of the village and leads to the takeoff which has an elevation variance of 150m. It has Northern orientation and the view is amazing - below you are the White Mountains and the lake of AGIA.
AVDOU
KAMINAKIAn area in which you can see many unique beauties is the plateau of Lassithi. It is possible do many things: to hike, to explore caves in nearby DIKTH ANDRO, and to fly parapente from the village of Kaminaki. The village is situated at the end of the plateau. It has a Northern orientation with a elevation variance of 300m. There is a mountainous rural road which leads to the takeoff which is relatively good. The landing, of course, is below in the village in which the willing and hospitable Cretan people will offer you the traditional drink, "tsikoudia". And after a nice flight, it's worth it.
Information and photographs have been provided by George Antonakakis, a professional mountaineering instructor. Copyright © 1997 Multimedia Systems Center S.A. |