Sopata – Koudoumas Gorge

Sunday 5 April 2026

The Koudoumas Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges on the island. Lush and green, with breath-taking views, it begins at Sopata (1,030m), right in front of Kofinas, the imposing peak of the Asterousia Mountains, and ends at Koudoumas beach, where the monastery of the same name stands.

Meeting point is at 08:00 in the village of Sternes. Participants must register with the Secretariat, as on the same day (for 29 consecutive years) the Koudoumas Cross Country Race takes place. Participants receive a commemorative gift and travel by small trucks to Sopata (1,030m).

From here begins the descent through a unique gorge overlooking the Libyan Sea. The first section is demanding, with difficult passages and unstable terrain. Midway, the group leaves the main path to admire a waterfall. The route ends at Koudoumas Monastery, where participants are awarded a certificate and medal. Food will be available at the monastery, before boarding trucks once again to return to Sternes, where the bus awaits for the journey back to Heraklion.

Helmet use and mountaineering boots are mandatory, and prior experience in difficult Cretan gorges is essential.

A second group may follow a forest trail or dirt road. Both groups will end at Koudoumas Monastery. The route is organised in collaboration with EOS Moires and is not suitable for beginners.

• Group A Leader: Manolis Savvakis • Hiking time: 4 hrs • Difficulty: 3
• Group B Leader: Katerina Malefitsaki • Hiking time: 5 hrs • Difficulty: 2

Departure time: 07:00 from the Archaeological Museum

Information & Registrations: Monday to Friday, 20:00–22:00, at the offices of the Mountaineering Club of Heraklion, 53 Dikaiosynis Street, Heraklion
Tel: 2810227609 | Email: info@eos-her.gr

Kissamos

Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 April 2026

A special two-day escape in western Crete awaits on 4–5 April. Each day offers something different: one dedicated to the mountains, the other to the sea.

Departure is on Saturday morning from Heraklion, heading towards Kasteli Kissamou, where the group will stay overnight in a hotel. Over the two days, participants will walk along paths in the surrounding area and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

• Leader: Christoforos Cheiladakis • Hiking time: 4+5 hrs • Difficulty: 1+1

Departure time: Saturday at 07:30 from the Archaeological Museum

Information & Registrations: Monday to Thursday, 20:00–22:00, at the offices of the Mountaineering Club of Heraklion, 53 Dikaiosynis Street, Heraklion
Tel: 2810227609 | Email: info@eos-her.gr