Activity Snapshot
Activity description
Climb up the beautiful Asterousia Mountains range in southern Crete and explore its unique ancient history. This activity offers a lot of fun and adventure mixed with some culture.
It is the Asterousia Mountains that are separating the Messara Plain from the Libyan Sea and where evidence of ancient Cretan cultures has been found in excavations performed within the sites. Because of its' history, its' natural beauty and the heritage of the range, it is nominated for becoming a UNESCO recognized heritage.
After meeting in Heraklion, you will reach the beginning of the Eligia gorge located in the area of Kapetaniana. There a safety briefing will follow where you will be acquainted with your equipment and with all the safety procedures that are necessary for crossing the gorge and the Via Ferrata. After a short hike, you will enter the gorge where you will observe its geological diversity and find yourselves at the beginning of your Via Ferrata adventure. Throughout the entirety of the hike and climb through the gorge and Via Ferrata you will have the opportunity to admire the wild Cretan beauty of the gorge as the imposing peak of Kofinas which is the highest point of Asterousia, decorates the route up until the end. Once you reach the middle point of the Via Ferrata though where the Mytiki peak resides, you will be able to experience the stunning scenery of this gorgeous Greek island in all its beauty. Here your effort of climbing up will surely be rewarded when admiring the breathtaking view of the gorge on one hand and the Lybian sea on the other hand. Take your time at this perfect location for some memorable pictures. Moving on from Mytiki you will follow a circular climbing root which leads you to the end of the Via Ferrata.
After your exciting experience, you are invited to visit the small local village Kapetaniana, which is built on the slopes of the Asterousia Mountains at an altitude of 750m, offering magnificent views of the Libyan Sea and the Messara Plain.
Participants should be able to hike for 3 to 4 hours (moderate hiking) and have no fear of heights.
No previous experience is required.
- Experienced guide
- Free transport from/to hotel with our vans (within free pickup area)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lunch pack (water, energy bar, fruits, juice)
- Via Ferrata equipment (harness, lanyards, helmet, gloves)
- Trekking equipment upon request (trekking poles, backpack)
- Private expenses (coffees, alcoholic beverages, etc.)
- Trekking shoes or regular sport shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Jacket
