How to reach Selakano by car starting from:
- Ierapetra: Head outside the town of Ierapetra on the road to Gra Lygia . Take the right turn to Anatoli , continue towards Males and after passing the village of Males, look for the sign “Selakano”.
- Heraklio: Follow the road to Viannos and before reaching Myrtos, turn left to Mythous& Males. When you get to the village of Christos, turn right to Selakano.
- Agios Nikolaos: Take the road to Ierapetra. When you reach Kalo Horio, take the turn to Kalamafka, Anatoli& Males. When you reach the village of Christos turn right to Selakano.
- Selakano position coordinates for GPS: 35ο 05’32.29″ Β 25ο 32’33.46″ Ε
Under the same name, “Selakano”, the wild forested mountain area the fertile valley, as well as a small picturesque settlement. Located in the north-western territories of Ierapetra, in the south-eastern part of the Dikti massif at an altitude of 930m.
The area is truly blessed with magnificent natural beauty, with numerous springs, little streams and breathtaking gorges, a wild forest of unique environmental importance, with pine- trees, planes, oaks, cypresses, holly trees and Cretan maples. The forest is the nesting and hunting ground of many predatory birds and other small wild animals, one of Crete’s most important eco-systems, protected by the NATURA 2000 European networking programme (http://www.natura.org)
In the basin, where the settlements of Selakano and Mathokastana are located, there are many walnut and pear trees, vineyards and small vegetable gardens. Additionally the area produces some of Crete’s finest thyme honey, as well as exceptional dairy products.
The whole area is always lush green and beautiful, ideal for trips and excursions throughout the year. It is also an excellent starting point as it is as close to Dikti’s mountain top, as to the fabulous southern beaches of Ierapetra.
The people of the Selakano settlement – natives or owners of country houses in the area – are warm and friendly, relaxed and straightforward. They all meet in a small cafe – tavern owned by Styliani, enjoying her famous cooking and the shade of the vine in her yard. They are more than happy to meet with travelers, hikers and tourists and offer them at least a round of drinks or other treats. An authentic sample of Cretan hospitality and a glance in the Cretan way of life.