Drive through stunning gorges past pine forests and vineyards to the peak of Mountain Giouhtas on this exciting 4x4 off-road excursion. Everyone can join!
This exciting 4x4 off-road adventure takes you on a journey to the limits between myth and reality. Visit the impressive 811m high Mountain Giouhtas, located west of Archanes, about 10km south of the city of Heraklion. Located in a unique landscape surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves, this prominent place in mythology was sacred to the ancient Minoans because of its human face-like shape. According to the legend, the mountain got its name thanks to Zeus, who is buried there.
You will follow a dirt road through an incredible pine forest and drive towards the highest peak of Giouhtas, where you can gaze at this famous mountain with your own eyes. There, you will also get to see the historical small church of Christ the Lord, which was built in 1443. From this altitude, the view of the valley of Archanes, which is a vast vineyard, Psiloritis, Dikti and Heraklion, is simply mind-blowing! You will also have the opportunity to search for regional herbs and observe and hear the imposing vultures, that find refuge on the steep cliffs. To take a break, your tour group will drive to a winery for a special wine tasting at the Fabrika Wine Experience, learning step by step about traditional winemaking processes.
One highlight of this excursion is surely the amazing and astonishing Archaniotiko Gorge with beautiful waterfalls and dense forests. To recharge your energy levels, you will stop in the charming Syllamos village, surrounded by an almost fairytale-like landscape, where you get to enjoy the taste of the delicious Cretan cuisine in a traditional, rustically furnished country-side tavern with excellent Greek dishes. The iconic old road of Archanes - Heraklion leads you past the popular picturesque Venetian aqueduct, built in 1628 by Morozini, back to Heraklion.
Book your activity
Practical information
- Meet your tour group and guide in Heraklion and start driving towards the highest peak of Gihoutas past the valley of Archanes, Psiloritis and Dikti.
- Take a break at the winery Fabrika Wine Experience.
- Drive through the Archaniotiko Gorge to Syllamos village, where you will eat a local meal.
- Return to Heraklion via the Archanes-Heraklion old road past the Venetian aqueduct.
- Experienced, English-speaking driver
- Free transportation from/to your hotel (within free pickup area)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lunch (with wine, soft drinks, water)
- Two bottles of water
- Juice box
- Rental of binoculars (2 pairs per car)
- Wine tasting
- Private expenses (coffees, drinks, etc.)
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Jacket (depending on weather)