In the Footsteps of King Minos
A PILGRIMAGE HIKE BETWEEN THE OLDEST CITIES IN EUROPE -
FROM KNOSSOS TO PHAISTOS
Uncover the Mysteries of the Minoans
Experience the Heart of Crete's Land and People
Savor the Island's Unique Culinary Delights
7-Day Guided Trekking Adventure
For groups of 4 to 7 participants, Difficulty Level: 2
5 Scenic Hikes with Luggage Transport Included
For groups of 4 to 7 participants, Difficulty Level: 2
5 Scenic Hikes with Luggage Transport Included
Crete, Hekatopolis – This was the name Homer gave to Crete in the 8th century BC, as the island was home to over a hundred cities at that time. However, two cities stood out as the most renowned and largest from the Minoan era, which spanned from around 3,000 to 1,100 BC: Knossos and Phaistos.
The aim of our pilgrimage hike is to trace the steps of the Minoans, following the same path the Cretans walked 5,000 years ago, as they traveled from the capital of Minoan Crete, Knossos, on the northern side of the island, to Phaistos, the second-largest city, on the southern coast.
This journey offers the most immersive way to experience Crete, echoing the words of Wolfgang von Goethe: "Only where you have walked, have you truly been."
The aim of our pilgrimage hike is to trace the steps of the Minoans, following the same path the Cretans walked 5,000 years ago, as they traveled from the capital of Minoan Crete, Knossos, on the northern side of the island, to Phaistos, the second-largest city, on the southern coast.
This journey offers the most immersive way to experience Crete, echoing the words of Wolfgang von Goethe: "Only where you have walked, have you truly been."
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Sunday: Welcome to Crete
Arrival in Crete (individual travel)
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Apartments Petronikolis, Choudetsi
Sunday: Welcome to Crete
Arrival in Crete (individual travel)
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Apartments Petronikolis, Choudetsi
Monday: Knossos – Archanes
We begin our journey at the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, exploring the heart of the Minoan civilization. From there, we walk south towards the charming village of Agia Irini, following a scenic path that runs parallel to the Katsampas River (known as Kairatos in Minoan times). As we meander through olive groves and vineyards, we approach the sacred mountain of Jukhtas. Seen from Heraklion, Jukhtas resembles the profile of a man’s face, earning its status as the sacred mountain of the Minoans.
In 1979, archaeologists uncovered a Minoan sanctuary at Anemospilia, located on the northern side of Jukhtas, which was destroyed by an earthquake. The site revealed four human skeletons, one of which was found in a distinctive position. It is believed that ritual sacrifices may have taken place here during Minoan times.
After exploring the Anemospilia sanctuary, we continue our walk to the foot of the mountain, where the picturesque village of Archanes awaits. Known for its rich history and local charm, Archanes offers a chance to savor traditional Cretan dishes and meze in the village square, paired with some of the finest local wines.
Route: 12 km | Time: 5 hours | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 150 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Apartments Petronikolis, Choudetsi
We begin our journey at the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, exploring the heart of the Minoan civilization. From there, we walk south towards the charming village of Agia Irini, following a scenic path that runs parallel to the Katsampas River (known as Kairatos in Minoan times). As we meander through olive groves and vineyards, we approach the sacred mountain of Jukhtas. Seen from Heraklion, Jukhtas resembles the profile of a man’s face, earning its status as the sacred mountain of the Minoans.
In 1979, archaeologists uncovered a Minoan sanctuary at Anemospilia, located on the northern side of Jukhtas, which was destroyed by an earthquake. The site revealed four human skeletons, one of which was found in a distinctive position. It is believed that ritual sacrifices may have taken place here during Minoan times.
After exploring the Anemospilia sanctuary, we continue our walk to the foot of the mountain, where the picturesque village of Archanes awaits. Known for its rich history and local charm, Archanes offers a chance to savor traditional Cretan dishes and meze in the village square, paired with some of the finest local wines.
Route: 12 km | Time: 5 hours | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 150 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Apartments Petronikolis, Choudetsi
Tuesday: Archanes - Jukhtas - Profitis Ilias
Starting from the village square, we head west towards Mount Jukhtas, following the path that ascends to the mountain's summit. From the top, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of both the sea and the largest wine-producing region in Crete. At an elevation of 811 meters, we find the Jesus Church, which has been a sacred site for over 5,000 years—honored annually on August 6th. This mountain has remained sacred since ancient Greek times, continuing its significance today for modern Greeks. After exploring the summit, we descend along a dirt road, heading west to the village of Profitis Ilias, a place where most inhabitants are engaged in agriculture. The area is marked by rolling hills, where lush vineyards thrive.
Route: 8.5 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 630 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Villa Kerasia
Starting from the village square, we head west towards Mount Jukhtas, following the path that ascends to the mountain's summit. From the top, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of both the sea and the largest wine-producing region in Crete. At an elevation of 811 meters, we find the Jesus Church, which has been a sacred site for over 5,000 years—honored annually on August 6th. This mountain has remained sacred since ancient Greek times, continuing its significance today for modern Greeks. After exploring the summit, we descend along a dirt road, heading west to the village of Profitis Ilias, a place where most inhabitants are engaged in agriculture. The area is marked by rolling hills, where lush vineyards thrive.
Route: 8.5 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 630 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Villa Kerasia
Wednesday: Profitis Ilias - Kyparissi - Agios Thomas
Before 1955, Profitis Ilias was known as Kanli Kastelli, meaning the "Bloody Castle," due to a fierce battle in 1647 between the Ottomans, Venetians, and Greeks. The journey begins with a downhill path offering views of the area's olive groves and vineyards, as well as the central Cretan mountains. Our first stop is Kyparissi, where we can enjoy a refreshing cup of mountain tea in the village square. We then continue downhill to a local stream, before heading uphill towards Agios Thomas, a village surrounded by cattle farms. The landscape here offers a stark contrast to what we've seen so far. In Agios Thomas, visitors can explore 5,000-year-old Minoan wine presses, Roman tombs from the 3rd century AD, and several ancient churches.
Route: 12 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 510 m | Descent: 320 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Villa Kerasia
Before 1955, Profitis Ilias was known as Kanli Kastelli, meaning the "Bloody Castle," due to a fierce battle in 1647 between the Ottomans, Venetians, and Greeks. The journey begins with a downhill path offering views of the area's olive groves and vineyards, as well as the central Cretan mountains. Our first stop is Kyparissi, where we can enjoy a refreshing cup of mountain tea in the village square. We then continue downhill to a local stream, before heading uphill towards Agios Thomas, a village surrounded by cattle farms. The landscape here offers a stark contrast to what we've seen so far. In Agios Thomas, visitors can explore 5,000-year-old Minoan wine presses, Roman tombs from the 3rd century AD, and several ancient churches.
Route: 12 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 510 m | Descent: 320 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Villa Kerasia
Thursday: Agios Thomas - Lakes of Gergeri Village
The scenery shifts at the beginning of today’s hike. Olive groves and vineyards give way to small livestock farms and grain fields. After approximately 7 km, we are greeted by a panoramic view of the Psiloritis (Ida) massif and the villages nestled at its base. In Panasos village, we have the opportunity to admire the oldest olive tree in Crete, estimated to be about 3,000 years old. Our destination today is the lakes of Gergeri village—one natural and one artificial, built for irrigation purposes to support the local fields.
Route: 11.5 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 210 m | Descent: 370 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Idi Hotel
The scenery shifts at the beginning of today’s hike. Olive groves and vineyards give way to small livestock farms and grain fields. After approximately 7 km, we are greeted by a panoramic view of the Psiloritis (Ida) massif and the villages nestled at its base. In Panasos village, we have the opportunity to admire the oldest olive tree in Crete, estimated to be about 3,000 years old. Our destination today is the lakes of Gergeri village—one natural and one artificial, built for irrigation purposes to support the local fields.
Route: 11.5 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 210 m | Descent: 370 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Idi Hotel
Friday: Zaros - Phaistos
Our final excursion begins in Zaros, heading south along the Agoutsakitis River, which flows into the Faneromeni Dam, operational since 2005 for irrigating the fields of the Messara Plain. We walk alongside the dam on its eastern side, eventually reaching the village of Faneromeni. From here, our hiking adventure concludes, and we proceed to Phaistos before heading to Kalamaki Beach. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before our farewell dinner.
Route: 13 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 130 m | Descent: 420 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel Alexander
Our final excursion begins in Zaros, heading south along the Agoutsakitis River, which flows into the Faneromeni Dam, operational since 2005 for irrigating the fields of the Messara Plain. We walk alongside the dam on its eastern side, eventually reaching the village of Faneromeni. From here, our hiking adventure concludes, and we proceed to Phaistos before heading to Kalamaki Beach. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before our farewell dinner.
Route: 13 km | Time: 5 hrs | Ascent: 130 m | Descent: 420 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel Alexander
Saturday: Farewell to Crete
After breakfast, we drive to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Cost: €1,440.00 per person for a double room, €200.00 single room surcharge