Giristi
Hiking in east side of mount Psiloritis or mount Ida and especially in summit Gurisi is a great adventure. This is a demanding hike as the journey starts from 400 meters and going up to the summit at 1779 meters; that is an ascent of 1379 meters in a day. You need to be very fit to complete this hike. The view from the summit is outstanding, one of the best landscapes in Crete.
The hike starts from the village of Ano Asites just half an hour drive from the city of Heraklio. From Ano Asites the group will follow stay on an off road approximately for 1.5km and then will move on a rocky path all way up until the base of Giristi summit. During the walk there will be a break at the refuge of Prinos (1100 m). Occasionally is open; if that is the case we can have a cold or hot drink depending the season!
The E4 European long distance path or E4 path is one of the European long-distance paths starting in Spain at its westernmost point and leading through France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria to end in Greece. It visits the Greek island of Crete as well as Cyprus.
This hike is not easy and is definitely not for everyone. You need to be in a very good shape, been able to carry at least 2-3lt of water (during the summer months) and been able to walk for at least 8 hours within a day. It is possible to adjust the route's length to a shorter one. If that is the case instead of Giristi summit we will try to reach Piramida which is about 3 hours less walking (total 5-6 hours instead of 9).
FAQ
What to bring?
Daypack (approx. 25-35lt), trekking shoes, fleece jacket, windproof jacket, water bottle (at least 2.5lt of water during the summer), hat, sun cream, sun glasses and ice axe/crampons if you choose this hike during the winter.
For a winter ascent you need to have excellent skills in using crampons and ice axe.
Where do we start?
You can either meet us in Heraklion or directly to the starting point which is in Ano Asites village.
Will be in touch via email for the exact spot.
How to book?
Use the "BOOK" button located above of this page as the booking form has extra details that we need. After submitting the form you will get an email within 1-2 days (usually same day) with a link to pay the 20% of the cost to confirm booking. Rest of the money either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip.
What time do we start?
10 am during the summer months and much earlier during the winter. Will be in touch via email with the exact meeting time. The earlier the better when travelling in July-August to avoid the high temperatures.
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.
What will happen if there aren't enough participants?
We do need a minimum of 3 to run this hike; if you are travelling alone will try to put you with another group. If we don't have any other bookings during your dates a full refund will be given assuming you paid the deposit to confirm the trip or you can cover the extra 2 participants and make the trip private.
