June 2026
Saturday 6 – Sunday 11
Mt Taygetus
Leader: Eleni Arnopoulou
Mount Taygetus is the highest mountain range in the Peloponnese, with its highest peak being Profitis Ilias (2,407m). It rises impressively next to Sparta, forming its natural boundary and offering unique mountain routes, rich history, and abundant natural beauty, connecting Laconia, Messenia, and Mani. In antiquity, it was known as “Taleton” and was considered a sacred place. It takes its name from the Pleiad Taygete, daughter of Atlas. This is a six-day trip through this magnificent and particularly energy-rich landscape. The detailed program is to be announced in due time.
Sunday 7
Monopari Gorge
Leader: Eleni Vasilaki • Hiking time: 7 hours • Difficulty: 2
The hike starts from the settlement of Monopari. We follow a dirt road uphill to reach the ruins of the Bonriparo fortress. We see the remains of this impressive fortress, which offers expansive views over the surrounding villages and the Petre Gorge, and we learn about its history. Following a descending trail, we reach the bed of the Petre Gorge. At the time of our visit, the gorge is dry. Its vegetation is rich, and the scenery is unique.
Saturday 13 – Sunday 14
a. Loutsopos
Leader: Giorgos Robogiannakis • Hiking time: 9 hours • Difficulty: 3
On Saturday afternoon, we depart for Omalos (1250m), where we spend the night in rooms or tents. Early on Sunday morning, we start from Xyloskalo and hike up to Linoseli and then to the Gigilos peak (1981m). We then descend toward the Langada area. Following a route to the north and northeast, we drop significantly toward the gorge to reach the spring of Loutsopos. We return by the same route.
Sunday 14
b. Theologos – Kroustas – Kalo Chorio
Leader: Dimitris Sfyrakis • Hiking time: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
Starting from Agios Ioannis the Theologian chapel, we follow a path to Kroustas (520m) and then continue downhill to Kalo Chorio (50m) via dirt roads and a stone-built trail. Although not widely known, this route is preserved in very good condition and belongs to the group of remarkable stone-paved paths of Merabello, which can be found throughout the northwestern part of the Lasithi Prefecture.
c. Canyoning in the Erganos Gorge
Leader: Thomas Viskadourakis • Duration: 5 hours • Difficulty: 1
Canyoning in the Ergano Gorge, intended for participants who have attended the relevant courses of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club or who already have some experience in canyoning. The gorge is open along most of its length but narrows toward the end, offering seven major rappels, the longest of which is 25 meters. It usually contains water until the beginning of summer. The rock formations shaped by the water are particularly impressive.
Sunday21
Kedros
Leader: Grigoris Kokolakis • Hiking time: 8 hours • Difficulty: 3
The ascent to the peak of Mount Kedros starts from the village of Krya Vrisi. We hike up the lush green slopes of the mountain, walking along a trail. Along the route, we admire the beautiful Gyous Kampos Plateau and then continue to the summit of Kedros (1,776m). After enjoying the stunning views, we follow a circular route along a different trail that brings us back to the village of Krya Vrisi.
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28
Agia Irini Gorge – Sougia – Paleochora
Leader: Michalis Lyratzakis • Hiking time: 4 + 6 hours • Difficulty: 1 + 2
On Saturday morning, we depart for the Omalos Plateau in Chania (1,080m). From the Seliniotikos Poros of the plateau (1,000 m), we begin the crossing of the lush green Agia Irini Gorge, ending at the seaside village of Sougia, where we stay overnight in rooms or tents. On Sunday, we start our hike towards Paleochora, crossing the Lissos Gorge. Along the way, we make stops for swimming. Those who do not wish to hike can enjoy Sougia beach until midday and then travel to Paleochora by bus.
