The Mountaineering Club of Agios Nikolaos is organising a hike of natural and cultural interest on Sunday 8 March 2026 in the Archanes area, open to members and to anyone wishing to register. Transportation will be by bus.

The walk begins at the Spilia of Agia Eirini (second section of the aqueduct). From here, we follow a shaded riverside path towards the area of Karydaki (third section of the aqueduct that once carried the water of Archanes to the centre of Heraklion), where we will see the half-ruined Church of Panagia with its water spring.

Heading south, we cross the wooded gorge of Myristis until we reach its exit at Paradisos, home to the Minoan stone quarries used for building and the Morosini spring.

Walking along a provincial road, we arrive at the archaeological site of Anemospilia (440m) on the northern side of Mount Giouchtas (811m). From here, a path climbs to the peaks of this sacred mountain: a Minoan peak sanctuary on one summit and the chapel of Afentis Christos on the other.

Our route then descends through a pine forest, ending in Pano Archanes.

DEPARTURE: From Agios Nikolaos (K. Karamanli 23, S/M Vasilopoulos), Sunday at 7:30am. Transfer by bus. Ticket price: €15 

HIKING DURATION: Approximately 6 hours, including stops

DISTANCE: Approximately 13 kilometres

ELEVATION GAIN: 794m

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1+

LEADER – INFORMATION – REGISTRATION:
Panagiotis Evdaimon (6979687576), during shop hours until midday on Saturday.

More information, photos and videos from a previous hike, participation terms and equipment details are available on the Club’s blog:
https://orsian.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_27.html