Trekking in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

Wednesday 12th – Thursday 13th – Friday 14th August 2026

We depart at midday on Wednesday 12th August, and ascend to the Tavri Plateau, where we spend the night camping outside the mountain refuge.

Very early on Thursday morning, we set off for the Niato Plateau. Along the way, we leave Agrimokefala, Kako Kasteli, and Mavri to our right, pass beneath Fanari, ascend to Koutalas, and continue along the ridges of Akrotirianos and Kanakis, reaching Pousia (also known as Mikro Trochari).

Throughout the route, we enjoy magnificent views of the Apokoronas Madares to our right and the moon-like landscape of the White Mountains to our left. We cross Sidiroporti and descend to the spring at Lagou to replenish our water supplies. Depending on the pace and strength of the group, we continue to the Livada mitato (traditional shepherd’s stone hut), where we spend the night.

Route length: approximately 16 km  •  Elevation gain: approximately 1,600 m

On Friday, we start before dawn. We pass behind Katsiveli Refuge, climb to Kefala, pass the Pirou mitato, and continue to the summit of Petrade. From there, we enjoy spectacular views of the gorge before descending towards Koumon Limni, above the Motis side gorge, for a breathtaking panorama of the Samaria Gorge.

We then pass the Koumon, Petrade, and Kleisidia mitata, descend through Potamos, pass the Malefou mitato, visit the remains of a crashed airplane, climb to the Zarani Spring, and finally descend to Krousia, where our bus will be waiting for us.

Route length: approximately 23 km  •  Elevation gain: approximately 1,200 m  •  Elevation loss: approximately 1,900 m

Payment must be made to the IBAN accounts of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club (EOS Heraklion), and the Club must be informed by sending the deposit receipt via email.

IMPORTANT: Any transfer fees are at your own expense (OUR).

  • Alpha Bank IBAN: GR76 0140 6610 6610 0233 0001 166
  • Piraeus Bank IBAN: GR05 0171 9120 0069 1215 4711 881

Leader: Zacharias Roditakis  •  Difficulty Level: 4
Departure time: 15:00 from the Archaeological Museum.

Information – Registrations: Monday to Friday, 20:00–22:00, at the offices of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club, 53 Dikaiosynis Street, Heraklion, tel: +30 2810227609, email: info@eos-her.gr

[ + ]