March 2026
Sunday 1
Malia – Profitis Elias – Sissi
Leader: Nana Koutsandreou • Hiking time: 4 hours • Difficulty: 1
An outing that combines hiking and culture, suitable for everyone, including beginners and children. We ascend via a rural road to the hill of Profitis Elias (105m) above Malia, where we enjoy the view. On our return, we visit the Archaeological Site of Malia free of charge, where a guided tour will take place. We then pass by Potamos Beach and, following the coastal path, end at Sissi.
Sunday 8
a. Lakkos Mygerou – Ida – Stalistra
Leader: Dimitris Sfyrakis • Hiking time: 8 hours • Difficulty: 5
Our starting point is the shelter at Lakkos tou Mygerou (1,580m). We hike up to Agathias Peak (2,424m), the second-highest summit of the Psiloritis mountain massif. Moving along the ridgeline, we reach Ida – Timios Stavros -, the highest peak of Crete (2,456m). We enjoy the panoramic views and then head toward Stalistra Peak (2,336m). Continuing west along the ridge of Spathi, we reach Lakkos Modi. From there, heading east, we return to Lakkos tou Mygerou. Excellent physical condition is necessary, as well as experience in winter ascents and in the use of winter mountaineering equipment.
b. Plati – Mikros Afendis – Agios Charalambos
Leader: Christina Tranou • Hiking time: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
Our route starts from the village of Plati (852m). Following a trail and then a dirt road, we hike up to the summit of Mikros Afendis at 1,577m a.s.l. After enjoying the 360° panoramic view of the wider Lassithi Plateau area and the surrounding peaks, as well as the Pediada plain and its villages all the way to Psiloritis in the distance, we will begin our return. Most of the descent is off-trail and on rocky terrain. We will finish at the village of Agios Charalambos.
Sunday 15
Asterousia Mountains Traverse
Leader: Nikos Mylonas • Hiking time: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
We start from the village of Apesokari (155m) and, following dirt roads and trails, reach the village of Miamou (460m). We then head toward Lentas, where we visit the ancient Asclepieion, and finally reach Kefala Peak. Our route follows part of the new trail that connects Lentas with ancient Gortys.
Sunday 22
Kyparissi Villages – Machairidi – Fres
Leader: Eleni Arnopoulou • Hiking time: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
A hike through the beautiful region of Apokoronas. Our route connects the villages of Vafes, Tzitzifes, Fres, and Nipos. Along the way, we can see protected settlements, traditional houses, buildings of special architectural interest, and elements of the area’s productive activities, as well as everyday local life. On our way, we encounter springs, vineyards, and cypress trees, and enjoy views of the snow-covered White Mountains and Psiloritis in the distance.
Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28
Mt Giona – Vardousia mts
Leader: Fanis Mamos
A five-day trip to the highest mountain of Central Greece, Mount Ghiona, in a purely alpine landscape. It’s a mountain with rugged and clearly defined relief, deep ravines, gullies, and limestone cliffs that make it demanding to traverse. It also features the largest vertical rock face in the Balkans, the Plaka tis Sykias (with an elevation difference of approximately 1,100 meters). We will ascend its highest summit, Pyramid Peak, at 2,510 meters. A detailed program will be announced in due course.
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29
a. Trypiti Gorge
Leader: Nikos Diakos • Hiking time: 10 + 5 hours • Difficulty: 4
Early on Saturday morning, we depart from the Omalos Plateau (1,16 m) toward Gigilos. At the saddle (1,700m), where the trail to Koustogerako meets the Gigilos trail, the descending path that effectively traverses Trypiti Gorge begins. The passages are narrow, exposed, and quite dangerous. We hike down until we reach the gorge bed at an elevation of approximately 700 meters. From there, we follow the streambed—a stone river—down to its exit into the Libyan Sea, enjoying the tranquility and wild beauty of the landscape. Depending on the group’s capability, the overnight location is to be determined: either inside the gorge, or at the beach, or ideally at Profitis Elias. On the second day, we hike along a clear and well-defined coastal trail to Sougia. This route is strictly intended for mountaineers without fear of heights, with excellent physical condition, and capable of carrying an overnight backpack.
Sunday 29
b. Geropotamos Ravines
Leader: Fotini Sarakinou • Hiking time: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
A 10 km hike with strong cultural interest through the beautiful ravines of Geropotamos. Starting from the village of Margarites, we hike through the Margarites Gorge, along the streambeds of Katsivelos and Chalopota, and through the gorge formed at their confluence. We pass by the archaeological sites at Katsivelos, Pyrgi, and Orthi Petra, large rock-cut cisterns, a Byzantine tower, and a Hellenistic bridge surrounded by rock-cut tombs. Our hike ends in Alfa.
