Hiking at Psiloritis

A climb of Timios Stavros, Crete's highest peak at 2,456 meters above sea level atop Mount Psiloritis. It's usual to need a jacket in the summer, even in July and August when everyone is lounging on the beach, as the temperature is consistently at least 10oC lower than sea level.

Our climb begins at 1700 meters at a location named Lakkos Mygerou on the northern flank of Mt. Psiloritis (also known as Mt. Ida). We follow a well-marked, steep, stone-built track that meets the E4 European trail in two hours. After that, we arrive at Timios Stavros, the tallest point in the area, which provides a wide-angle perspective of the entire island. You have to know how to use an ice axe and crampons well in the winter. Typically, snow covers the top from December to the beginning of April.

Situated in the Rethymno regional unit, it was considered sacred to the Greek Titaness Rhea. Legend has it that Zeus was born in one of the caves on its slopes, Idaion Andron.

In Greece, Timios Stavros, the summit, has the highest topographic prominence. A natural park that encompasses Mount Ida is a part of the Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO. The Jewish people are said to have originated as exiles from the island of Crete and settled in the most remote regions of Libya during the period when Jove had deposed and banished Saturn, according to a belief recorded by the ancient Roman historian Tacitus in his Histories. The belief includes a speculative etymology.

The word itself serves as support for this theory: the Idaei, who lived there, were named after a well-known peak in Crete called Ida. This name was eventually extended to the uncivilized Iudaei."

Things to pack?
A day pack (around 25–35 liters), trekking shoes, a fleece jacket, a windproof jacket, a water bottle (at least 2.5 liters in the summer), a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and, if you decide to climb this route in the winter, an ice axe or crampons.

Using crampons and an ice axe effectively is essential for a winter ascent.

So where should we begin?
At Mygeros Shelter, we shall meet. As there isn't phone coverage there, make sure you set it in your GPS (Google maps have an offline version that functions excellent without phone signal) and that you have an offline system in place

What about transfer?
We pick up clients from Heraklion free of charge. Many times we are able to pick up clients from other locations as well but it needs to be on our way to the starting point. If you need transport and you are not sure get in touch with us. Remember to send us the exact location of your hotel, not just the name.

Activity info