From Radamanthys to Minos I: Phaistos – Kalyviani Monastery – Roufas – Labyrinth – Plouti

Sunday 8th February 2026

When Zeus, transformed into a white bull, abducted Europa, the Phoenician princess, he brought her to Gortyna, where they became lovers. From their union, three sons were born: Minos, who was king of Knossos; Radamanthys, king of Phaistos; and Sarpedon, king of Malia.

Our Club will connect these four archaeological sites through a series of routes. In the first phase, we will link Phaistos with Gortyna and then with Knossos. In the second phase, the Palace of Malia will be connected with that of Knossos. A journey into the mythology, culture, and history of our land is just beginning.

After visiting the archaeological site of Phaistos, we follow a dirt road, pass by the historic Kalyviani Monastery, the renovated picturesque village of Roufas, and then, continuing up a short ascent, pass the Labyrinth Cave before ending in the village of Plouti.

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

ATTENTION: any transfer fees are at your own expense (OUR).

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

Leader: Babis Christoulakis  •  Hiking time: 6 hours  •  Difficulty: 2

Departure time: 08:00 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 2810 227609, email: info@eos-her.gr