periphery. The terrain offers a good starting point in Vainia, a settlement of Ierapetra to its NE. The village is noted for Vainia Tower , built by the Venetians 4.55 km from the city center at an elevation of 160 m. This landmark comes the closest of any to being the SW corner of the massif. It looks over flat farmland divided into plots all the way to the city. Above it looms Skouros peak, 440 m, and above that Katalymata peak, 802 m.

Heading north on Route 20 (?? 20) at the foot of the massif one arrives at Plakoura, where Route