May 2026
Sunday 3
a. Richtis Gorge
Leader: Nikos Apostolakis • Hiking time: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
Richtis Gorge is one of the most beautiful small gorges in eastern Crete, featuring an excellent route through dense vegetation that follows the bed of a small river, which flows almost all year round, creating a stunning waterfall. The gorge begins just outside the village of Exo Mouliana, on the foothills of Mount Orno, about 25 km before Sitia. The route is lush with plane trees, oleanders, ivy, and wild olive trees. It passes by the beautiful old stone arched bridge of Lachanas, built in 1907, as well as the ruins of old settlements. Just after the midpoint of the route, a wooden staircase leads to the magnificent 15-meter-high waterfall and the small pool formed by its waters. There is an entrance fee to access the gorge.
b. Krioneritis Mt
Leader: Giannis Antonakis • Hiking time: 7 hours • Difficulty: 2
Our hike starts from the village of Alones, Rethymno (510m). Following a trail, we reach the summit of Kryoneritis (1,310m), after first passing the Church of Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit), where there is a spring with cold water. We then continue uphill toward the Vrundouvas summit and, following a trail that in some sections is intersected by dirt roads, we will finally reach the village of Ano Rodakino (220m).
Sunday 10
a. Demati – Choursakas Peak – Dermatos
Leader: Babis Pyrovolakis • Hiking time: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
The starting point of our hike is the historic Church of Agia Paraskevi, set in a beautiful ravine 1.5 km from the village of Demati, which we reach by bus. We hike heading southeast, first along a dirt road along the base of a mountain ridge. We then ascend toward the peak and, following the ridgeline, enjoy views to the east over the Anapodaris gorge and the Viannitika Mountains (southern Mt Dikti), and to the west toward the Asterousia Mountains. Descending, we reach the village of Dermatos, where we can swim, or the beaches of Tsoutsouros or Keratokampos (Listis, Skouros, or Limanaki). This outing is being organized for the first time.
b. Introduction to Rock Climbing
Leader: Valia Andreadaki • Duration: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
An opportunity for both experienced and new climbers to enjoy a unique outdoor experience, get to know an exciting sport, develop their skills, and potentially become successful athletes and take part in competitions. The event takes place at the climbing area of Plakias, a site that is an international climbing destination for climbers of all levels. Under the guidance of rock-climbing coaches and members of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club, Thomas Viskadourakis and Valia Andreadaki, participants are introduced to the sport of rock climbing, climb at least one route in complete safety, and experience climbing with no risk involved.
Saturday 16 – Sunday 24
Bulgaria
Leader: Fanis Mamos
A trip to Bulgaria, staying in the city of Sofia. Mountaineering and hiking routes will be carried out. We visit Rila National Park and the Rila Monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes, and descend to Sapareva Banya, home to some of the hottest thermal springs in the world. We also visit the impressive Borovets, Vitosha National Park, and the old town of Plovdiv. This is a 9-day trip organized by our Club, designed to suit all interests and ability levels. The detailed program is to be announced at a later date.
Sunday 17
Asterousia Mountains: Katarti
Leader: Manolis Savvakis • Hiking time: 8 hours • Difficulty: 3
From the village of Kapetaniana, we descend by small trucks to Agios Giannis shore, proceed west toward Salamia, and then to Vroulidia Beach. We continue our hike, both on and off trail, heading west until we reach the “Mast of Eros.” We return by the same route.
Sunday 24
Vrysi Gorge
Leader: Dimitris Sfirakis • Hiking time: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
We start from the village of Lakkoi, Chania (450m) and, following a lush green trail, reach Vrysi Gorge, which takes its name from the cave that hosts the underground river of the same name. We move along the sides of the gorge on a carved path among cypress trees and kermes oaks, reaching the Vrysi spring (790m). We then cross to the opposite side and, continuing on a rugged carved trail, arrive at the village of Zourva (570m).
Holy Spirit Long Weekend (Pentecost): May 30 – 31 – June 1
a. Samaria Gorge
Leader: Fanis Mamos • Hiking time: 6 hours • Difficulty: 2
The classic Pentecost long-weekend trip to Samaria Gorge. On Saturday, we depart early in the morning for the Omalos Plateau, Chania (1,080m), and from Xyloskalo (1,200m), we enter and cross the world-famous Samaria Gorge. We end up in the settlement of Agia Roumeli, where we stay overnight in rooms or tents. Sunday is free for swimming, rest, or short hikes. Optionally, on Monday, we walk east along the E4 trail to Loutro.
b. Trekking in the White Mountains
Leader: Zacharias Roditakis • Hiking time: 1.5+9+11 hours • Difficulty: 1+4+4
Starting from the Askyfou Plateau on Saturday, we ascend to the Tavri Shelter, where we spend the night. Early the next morning, passing through the Niato Plateau and below the peak of Fanari, we climb the peaks Akrotirianos, Kanaki Pousia, Sidiporto, and optionally Agio Pnevma, before descending to Laggo for water resupply and an overnight stay. On Monday, we ascend to the Kefalas peak and, after passing the Pyrou Mitato, we continue to the Petrade peak and then to the area of Pyrgon Armi. The next key points are Potamos and the Zarani spring, from where we descend towards Krousia. This trek is intended exclusively for experienced mountaineers with excellent physical condition.
