The EOS Heraklion (Mountaineering Club of Heraklion) invites you to join two unique hikes this Sunday, each with its own historical and natural charm. Here’s what the organizers say:

a. War Paths: The Abduction of General Kreipe VII – Koumi to Alones

Continuing our exploration of the route taken by the abductors of German General Kreipe, we hike through the area between the villages of Koumi and Alones in the Agios Vasilios region. Starting in Koumi, we head southwest before turning west. We pass near the entrances of the Karantale and Moundros gorges, entering briefly into the Vilandretho (or Kato Poros) gorge. Along this route, we’ll discover two of the three hideouts used by the abductors: one high on the hillside near the gorge entrance and another within the gorge itself. Continuing south, we reach the third hideout at the foot of Mount Kryoneritis, concluding in the village of Alones.

• Leader: Eleni Arnopoulou
• Hiking Duration: 8 hours
• Difficulty Level: 3
• Distance: 18 km
• Departure Time: 07:00 AM from the Archaeological Museum.

b. Koritsi – Vromonero

A relatively easy downhill hike designed for new hikers and children accompanied by their parents.

We begin approximately 2 km past the Agia Marina church (at 1,300m altitude) on the road from Anogeia to Nida. Following a dirt road, we pass through the Koritsi plateau and the small chapel of Agios Aristeidis, descending via a trail along the Skinakas Observatory into the Vromonero Forest. From there, we follow another dirt road to the Monastery of Agia Irini (650m) in Krousonas.

The name Vromonero (not Broomonero) originates from ancient Greek, combining bri-mon, meaning "mighty," and hier-on, meaning "sacred." According to myth, the goddess Demeter encountered the hero Jason at the foot of Mount Ida, and from their union, Plutus, the god of wealth, was born.

The Vromonero forest, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Psiloritis just below the Skinakas Observatory, is a unique ecosystem featuring a dense mix of holm oaks, maples, and lentisk shrubs. It is one of the last remaining forests of its kind in Crete and a perfect choice for a day hike near Heraklion.

• Leader: Fanis Mamos
• Hiking Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty Level: 1
• Distance: 12 km
• Departure Time: 08:00 AM from the Archaeological Museum.

For information and participation:
Visit the EOS Heraklion office (Dikaiosynis 53, Heraklion) Monday through Friday, 8:00-10:00 PM, or call 2810227609.

Photo by Alexandra Mirgheș on Unsplash