Guided Trekking Excursion to the Summit of Mount Karfi near Heraklion
Discover the ancient remains of the Minoan civilisation on this guided trekking excursion from Heraklion to the summit of Mount Karfi!
Practical information
Looking for an interesting hike near Heraklion? Discover the ruins of an old Minoan settlement during this guided hike to Mount Karfi!
- Family friendly hike.
- Distance: 7.5 km (4,6 miles).
- Maximum altitude : 1 100 m (3 609 ft).
Course of events
You should plan to spend 8 hours on this activity:
- Pick-up from your accommodations near Heraklion
- Approximately 1-hour drive to the starting point of the hike
- Safety and activity briefing
- Start of your 4 to 5-hour trekking excursion to the summit of Mount Karfi
- Stops to rest and enjoy the landscapes
- Descend the Mount through a different path
- Transport back to your accommodations and end of activity
Activity requirements
You must be able to walk a distance of 7.5 km (4,6 miles) to take part in this activity.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Special terms
Free transportation from/to your accommodations is included, as long as you are within the predefined pick-up area: on the coast between Paralia Fodele and Pirgos. You can see the area for free pick up here.
Please notify your guide in case of allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, phobias, and disabilities that may affect the excursion.
Please note that the pricing is per vehicle for 1-6 participants (not per participant).
The duration of the excursion depends on weather conditions, participants' skills, and group size.
Included
- Experienced, English speaking trekking guide
- Free private transportation from/to your accommodations (check special terms)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lunch pack (water, energy bar, fruits, juice box)
- Trekking equipment (trekking poles, backpack) upon request
Excluded
- Private expenses (coffee, alcoholic drinks etc.)
Do not forget to bring
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Comfortable sports clothing
- Windproof jacket
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
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Practical information
About the activity
Mount Karfi is a peak located in the Lassithi plateau region of Crete, at an altitude of around 1,100 metres (3609 ft). It is known not only for its magnificent natural scenery, but also for its archaeological and historical importance, particularly in relation to the Minoan civilisation. The mountain is said to have served as a refuge for the Minoans when their civilisation collapsed towards the end of the Bronze Age (around 1200 BC), but it also has amazing significance in Greek mythology, since it is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods. If you're looking for a cool hike near Heraklion, enjoy climbing mountains, and are interested in history, Mount Karfi is for you!
Thanks to this activity organised especially for you, trekking up Mount Karfi has never been so easy! Transportation to the starting point in Tzermiado village is included in the activity, from Heraklion and its surroundings, so you don't have to do anything apart from packing your hiking gear and coming with all the necessary energy for the day. The drive from your accommodations to the starting point of the trekking excursion will last around 1 hour, and once you get there and receive a short but thorough safety and activity briefing from your expert instructor, it's time to go!
Your professional guide will accompany and advise you throughout your trekking excursion to the summit of Mount Karfi, from Heraklion, to make sure you stay safe and on the right path. They can also tell you all about the fascinating history of Mount Karfi and the flora and fauna of the region as you explore it. Together, you will visit the ruins of an ancient Minoan settlement, as you observe stunning panoramic views of the northern coast of Crete, including Selena and Dikti mountains, and the Aposelemi dam. Finally, you'll return to Tzermiado village through a different path than the one you used to climb up Mount Karpi, so you'll be able to observe different landscapes, fauna, and flora!
And your trekking excursion to the summit of Mount Karfi even includes a packed lunch! What's more, the hike to Mont Karfi is at an accessible level, so you can do it with your family with children aged 6 and over. Don't forget to bring your best hiking or trekking shoes, some comfortable clothing adapted to the weather, a waterproof jacket in case it rains through the tour, some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as anything else you might need (medication, extra snacks, etc.) to spend an amazing 4 to 5 hours exploring the stunning Cretan landscapes. Keep in mind that the whole activity will last around 8 hours, so you should reserve the whole day to avoid scheduling issues.
What are you waiting for? Go trekking in Crete and reach the summit of Mount Karfi with a professional guide! History buffs won't want to miss this amazing experience, with easy access from Heraklion.