Exploring the Enchanting Fourni Forest: Hiking Amidst Olive Trees and Vineyards

Starting from Kato Archanes, in the middle of the village, you'll turn onto an uphill asphalt road marked with a ‘Fourni’ sign. Continue along this road until you reach the next sign, guiding you to the car park of the modern theatre of the Municipality. This is the starting point of the trail. Despite its relatively short length, the trail offers a remarkable experience. In just 1.5 hours, hikers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the geomorphology within the Yiouchtas ecological park. A circular route begins at the artificial forest on the hill called ‘Kefala’, then follows the north-western slope, providing breath-taking panoramic views of the renowned Agia Irini Gorge. With its carved porous limestone rocks and dense vegetation, the gorge is quite a sight to behold. 

The hiking route continues along the alignment of the gorge, offering a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape. About halfway through the trail, you'll start to notice the settlement of Ano Archanes coming into view. As you proceed, the trail changes direction and heads north, intersecting with the ancient Minoan path that leads to the remarkable Minoan cemetery in Fourni. From this vantage point, the view is simply breath-taking, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

Information Municipality Archanes Asterousia

Photos 1-3: Trikali,M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete