| Name of the trail: |
PETRA - LIGONA WATERMILLS VALLEY and/or PETRI - ΑHILLOPIGADA - PETRA or MONASTIRELLIA (Ag. Dimitrios)-VAFEIOS |
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| Distance: |
11.630 m or 9.630 m
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| Minimum Altitude: |
2 m (Petra Beach) |
| Maximum Altitude: |
260 m (Ligona sources) or 343m (Vafeios) |
| Height Difference: |
257 m or 341 m |
| Kind of the trail: |
Circular and/or crossing |
| Difficulty Level: |
Easy-Moderate |
| Duration without long stops: |
(3Κm/h) 3h and 50min or 3h and 12min |
| Category: |
Moderate Trekking or Hill Walking. |
| General Description: |
The trail starts from Petra, follows a trail through plains to the east to the Ligona Valley and then ascends to the abandoned watermills ANO and KATO LIGONAS. From the Ligona sources towards south it reaches Petri and from there descends to Petra through the ruined Turkish village AHILLEIOPIGADA. Also from Ligona sources heading east it arrives in MONASTIRELIA (Ag. Dimitrios) and then heads north and descends to Vafeio.
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| Detailed Description: |
This trail is low to moderate difficulty because while it is slightly uphill and is mainly on paved and gravel paths, the accessibility is good throughout the year, except for the extremely rainy days. The trail is 11,63 Km or 9,63 Km and passes through olive groves, scrub, low arboreal vegetation and riparian vegetation and a valley with rocky formations.
The trail travels through an area with the cultural and natural environment of Ligona valley and the nearest settlements with an important architectural and building stock (Petra, Petra, Stipsi, Vaefios).It is located within the Special Protection Area (SPA - SPA) network NATURA 2000, with the name 'North Lesvos' and password GR: 4110012. It includes large areas with brushwood, grasslands and olive groves and farmland. Also within the area there are small-scale artificial wetland (eg Mythimnas Reservoir)
Within the Ligona valley the ruins of 17 watermills from the 19th century, last phase of the history of water power, are found. The watermills are part of the medieval and modern history of the region and the island, an integral part of the local economic and social history . They are monumental stone buildings with economic - strategic importance in the past , remarkable architectural specimens associated with the production of the region and the residents’ daily lives . The Ligona watermills were used mainly for grinding grain in the areas of Petra Stipsi , Vafeios, Lafiona and Petri. Amongst the numerous watermills of the Valley ( identified 17 in number ) it becomes obvious that the site supports both an important economic activity and an entire social group ( millers, ploughmen, mule drivers, etc.).
In the lower parts of the valley, where we find a cluster of three mills, it is probable the existence of a settlement during the medieval or early Ottoman period. The gates of the Valley are the two chapels , Agia Foteini or Agia Fotia, as it is called in the area and Panagia Porpatichtra . Agia Fotia is located on the north bank of the stream, probably built over an early Christian church and was one of the churches of that settlement. Panagia Porpatichtra is located on the opposite side and connected due to these findings with the pagan worship .
Remarkable historical importance is the region 'Monastirellia' on the gravel road between Stipsi -Vafeio. The area was known for its water disposal, r its vineyards, the famous wine and vegetables gardens. In the same area there is the chapel of Agios Dimitrios and post-Byzantine church ruins, while a few meters south it is probable the existence of a small monastery.
On the way down Petri there are the ruins of Tourkochori Ahilleiopigadas. Near is a peculiar geological formation resembling upright petrified link. According to the legend, 'Achilles tied the boat there during the Trojan war.'
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| Means of Transportation: |
Pedestrian |
| Accessibility: |
Paved roads, dirt paths, small gravel roads and very small sections of asphalt road. |
| Best Period: |
All the year round |
| Sites Visits: |
External |
| Starting Point: |
Petra, from the town center or from 'Golf-OTE' on the Petra beach with available parking. |
| Track Termination: |
Back in the traditional village of Petra from the town center and under the rock of Panagia or Vafeios when the second part istravelled. |
| Tourism Type: |
Cultural, Naturalist, Trekking |
| Marking: |
Yes |