Heraklion (Irakleion) is the capital and largest city of Crete, a port city of about 179,000 people beside the Palace of Knossos, with a Venetian harbour, 16th-century walls and the world's finest collection of Minoan art.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Martinengo Bastion and Venetian Walls Walk
A flat urban ramble along the 16th-century Venetian ramparts to the Martinengo Bastion and the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis.
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2
Mount Juktas Summit Trail
A climb to the summit of Mount Juktas, topped by a Minoan peak sanctuary and views over Knossos, Heraklion and the Aegean.
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3
Agiofarago Gorge
A walk down a dramatic limestone gorge to a hidden pebble beach on the Libyan Sea, passing hermit caves.
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4
Rouvas Forest and Zaros
A forest walk in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, ending at Votomos lake and the spring water of Zaros.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Irakleion.
- Best
- April to early June and September to November
- Summer
- Very hot, up to 40C; walk before 09:00 or choose high mountain routes
- Autumn
- Mild and quiet; the best weather for gorges before the rains
- Winter
- Snow above 1,500 m on Psiloritis; gorge streams can flood
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Summer heat above 35C on exposed trails; start early and carry water
Hazard: Loose rock and flash floods in gorges after rain
Hazard: Wildfires in dry months; check the fire risk map
Hazard: Free-roaming goats and sheep; sheepdogs can be protective near huts
Hazard: Limited phone signal in gorges and on the Psiloritis massif