The Mountaineering Club of Heraklion is preparing an exciting weekend with two distinct hiking adventures.

Sunday, January 26: Koritsi – Vromonero

An easy downhill hike for young adventurers and families.

This route begins about 2 km after the church of Agia Marina (1,300 m) on the road from Anogeia to Nida. Following a dirt road, hikers pass through the Koritsi Plateau and the chapel of Agios Aristeidis, before descending along a trail beside Skinakas Observatory into the lush Vromonero Forest. The hike concludes on a dirt road leading to the Monastery of Agia Irini (650 m) near Krousonas.

The name Vromonero (not Vromonero, meaning “stinking water”) has ancient roots, derived from vrimon, meaning strong, and ieron, meaning sacred. According to myth, the goddess Demeter met the hero Jason on the slopes of Mount Ida, and from their union, Plutus—the god of wealth—was born.

The forest of Vromonero, located on the eastern slopes of Psiloritis below the Skinakas Observatory, is a unique plateau hosting a dense grove of oaks, maples, and lentisks. It’s one of the last remaining oak forests in Crete, making it an ideal destination for a day trip near Heraklion.

📍 Details

• Leader: Fanis Mamos
• Hiking Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (1/5)
• Distance: 12 km
• Departure Time: 8:00 a.m. from the Archaeological Museum

ℹ️ Information & Participation
Monday to Friday, 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Mountaineering Club of Heraklion
Dikaiosynis 53, Heraklion
Tel.: 2810227609

Route map: Koritsi – Vromonero

The members of the Mountaineering Club describe it best:
“Psiloritis has donned its winter attire. On this snowy mantle, we’ll trek for two unforgettable days.”

Starting from the village of Fourfouras (460 m) at the base of Crete’s tallest mountain, hikers will ascend the E4 trail to the EOS Rethymno refuge at Toumbotos Prinos (1,520 m). There, they’ll prepare for the night, cook, bond with fellow hikers, and rest.

The next morning at 7:30 a.m., the journey continues to the summit of Mount Ida, known as Timios Stavros, at 2,456 m. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, offering a chance for the mind to wander across the horizon.

After enjoying the summit, the group will descend back to Toumbotos Prinos for a short break before making their way downhill to Fourfouras and returning to base.

This hike is suited for experienced mountaineers with excellent physical condition and familiarity with winter equipment.

📍 Details

• Leader: Dimitris Sfyrakis
• Hiking Duration: Day 1: 4 hours | Day 2: 9 hours
• Difficulty: Very Challenging (3/5 + 6/5)
• Departure Time: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. from the Archaeological Museum