Sopata – Koudoumas Gorge
Sunday 5th April 2026
Koudoumas Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges on our island—lush and offering breathtaking views. It begins at the location of Sopata (1,030m), right in front of Kofinas, the imposing peak of the Asterousia Mountains, and ends at Koudoumas Beach, where the homonymous monastery is located.
Detailed Program:
Meeting at 08:00 in the village of Sternes. We register at the Secretariat, as on the same day, and for 29 years, the Koudoumas cross-country race has been taking place. We receive a commemorative gift and then board pickup trucks to reach the starting point at Sopata (1,030m).
From there, we begin our descent through a unique gorge overlooking the Libyan Sea. The first part of the gorge is demanding, with difficult passages and unstable terrain. Midway through the descent, we leave the main trail briefly to admire a waterfall.
At the end, we reach Koudoumas Monastery, where participants are awarded a certificate and a medal. Food will be available at the monastery. Later, we board the pilgrims’ trucks again to return to Sternes, and the bus takes us back to Heraklion.
The use of a helmet and mountaineering boots is mandatory, as well as prior experience in demanding Cretan gorges.
A second group may follow a forest trail or dirt road. Both groups end at Koudoumas Monastery. The activity is organised in collaboration with the Moires Mountaineering Club (EOS Moires).
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
Leaders: Group A: Manolis Savvakis • Hiking duration: 5 hours • Difficulty rating: 3
Group B: Katerina Malefitsaki • Hiking duration: • Difficulty rating: 1
Departure time: …:… from the Archaeological Museum.
Information – Registrations: Monday to Friday, 20:00-22:00, at the Mountaineering Club offices, 53 Dikaiosynis Street, Heraklion, tel: +30 2810 227609, email: info@eos-her.gr
