E4 is a European footpath with long routes. It starts in the Pyrenees, crosses the Alps and reaches Florina in Greece via Yugoslavia. It then crosses mainland Greece to Gythion and then continues mentally to Kastelli in Kissamos. The Cretan section of E4 starts there, and ends in Zakros. At Sougia, the footpath divides into the southern and northern branch. The northern branch is purely alpine, and walkers must be suitably experienced. The southern branch, along the island's southem coast, is very rough at times because of the rocks. At some points sport ween Sougia and Chora in Sfakia, it is possible to leave the path and choose your own way to proceed. (The footpath does not pass through the Samaria Gorge). The length of each branch is around 320 km and takes three weeks to cover. E4 gives walkers the chance to explore the unknown parts of Cretan nature, as it passes by old monasteries, settlements, and the high mountains of Crete. The footpath was traced and sign-posted on the initiative ofthe District of Crete, in co-operation with the communities in the areas crossed by E4, and all the mountaineering associations in Crete. The architect, writer and climber Giorgos Petrakis is responsible for the project and forthe mapping of E4 in Crete. Please note: Before you attempt to follow the footpath, it is a good idea to contact the Heraldion Mountaineering Association, because the yellow-and-black signposts delineating the footpath have been destroyed or removed by unscrupulous individuals, making the passage precarious.