Panagia Paplinou monastery was founded in the 16th or 17th century. In 1823 it was deserted after an outlaw janissary Mehmet Pilavas plundered the monastery. See information board at the monastery for the gruesome details... In 1900 it was officially abandoned, and the remaining chapel was handed over to the parish of Vainia. Presently the monastery seems just another greek orthodox chapel for most of the year, but every year from the 1st to the 15th of August (Assumption Day) Paplinou is revived by the local muggles, who temporarily populate the shacks and cabins surrounding the church. If you go cache-hunting here during this fortnight, you might find a small open air tavern operating below the church, serving only fasten food like (vegetarian) dolmades, patates tiganites (fried potatoes) and saligaria (escargots).
From the monastery grounds you'll have a beautiful view over the Mediterranean, towards both Koufonisi and Gaidouronisi (Chrysi Island). Best viewing point is the rock with the cross opposite the church (be careful!).
Many thanks to OMILOS for agreeing to assist in maintenance!
FTF: Bernielog
STF: jg_lecter
TTF: Dani&Michi
Συγχαρητήρια!
Finding the cache
The cache is hidden along the mountain path which leads from Paplinou to Vainia, in the outcrop opposite the monastery. No luck finding the cache? Try hint and spoiler!
Directions
Route 1: if you are in for a quick and easy cache pick-up, you can turn north from the main Ierapetra-Koutsounari road onto the asfalt road which leads to the monastery, and park your car there. The mountain path to Vainia starts behind the church, and you'll probably be able to walk to the cache in five to ten minutes.
Note: don't attempt this walk when weather conditions are bad, there is a deep abyss next to the path.
Route 2: if you are in for some good hiking, you might park your car in Vainia, at the big church overlooking the town. A well-marked route leeds you over the arid slopes of Mount Skouros to Paplinou. It is a 4,5 km hike, most of it on dirt roads (wooden signposts), the last 1,7 km on a mountain track (red dots). On your way, you'll come across the ruins of a Venetian tower, which later was used as a base of the rebels against the Turks of Ierapetra. A few meters behind the tower are the ruins of a basilica. The (probably quite new) chapel on the outcrop opposite the tower will give you a great view over Ierapetra, the sea and Mount Dikti.
Note 1: Add at least 1 point extra to terrain difficulty. Make sure you wear good walking shoes, and have enough water with you.
Note 2: If you have a 4x4, or a mountain bike, you might shorten the hike by parking you vehicle at the start of the mountain track. See waypoints.