Pigi Aspro Nero

## Overview Pigi Aspro Nero (Πηγή Άσπρο Νερό, meaning "White Water Spring" in Greek) is a public drinking spring located in the community of Nippos, within the municipality of Apokoronas in the Chania regional unit of western Crete, Greece. Situated at an elevation in the foothills south of the coastal town of Georgioupoli, this spring is part of a landscape rich in natural water sources that have sustained Cretan villages for centuries. The Apokoronas region is known for its abundance of freshwater springs, fed by rainfall that percolates through the limestone karst geology characteristic of Crete's White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The name "Aspro Nero" — literally "white water" — likely refers to the clarity or the pale, milky appearance the water can take as it emerges through calcium-rich limestone formations. Springs like this one have historically served as vital communal water sources for the surrounding villages and remain culturally important gathering points in rural Cretan life. The spring is located near the village of Nippos (Νίπος), a small traditional settlement in the hilly interior of Apokoronas. Visitors to this area will find a quiet, authentically Cretan landscape of olive groves, stone-built villages, and mountain views — a world away from the busy north coast resorts. ## Directions 1. From the coastal town of **Georgioupoli**, head south on the road toward the inland villages of Apokoronas. 2. Follow signs toward **Nippos** (Νίπος), which lies approximately 8–10 km south of Georgioupoli in the foothills. 3. The spring is located at or near the village of Nippos. Use the GPS coordinates **35.3924, 24.1692** for precise navigation. 4. Roads in this area are narrow and winding but generally paved. A standard vehicle should be sufficient, though caution is advised on the mountain roads. *Note: Signage for rural springs in Crete can be minimal. Asking locals in Nippos for "Pigi Aspro Nero" or "Άσπρο Νερό" may help you find the exact spot.* ## What to Expect Pigi Aspro Nero is a traditional Cretan public spring — expect a modest, functional water source rather than a grand fountain. Many such springs in the Apokoronas area feature a stone or concrete spout with continuously flowing water, sometimes shaded by plane trees or set into a roadside wall. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community. As with many natural springs, water quality can vary with seasonal rainfall and other environmental factors, so visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding consumption. The surrounding area offers a peaceful glimpse into rural Cretan life. The village of Nippos and its neighbors are known for their traditional architecture, friendly residents, and scenic walking paths through olive groves and gorges. The region is excellent for combining a spring visit with a leisurely drive or hike through the Apokoronas countryside. **Seasonal notes:** Springs in this part of Crete tend to flow most strongly in late winter and spring (February–May), following the rainy season. Flow may diminish during the hot, dry summer months (July–September), though many established springs in the area maintain year-round flow thanks to deep limestone aquifers.