
A Scenic Hike to the Ancient Minoan Settlement of Karfi
Our adventure begins in the charming village of Tzermiado, nestled in the heart of the Lassithi Plateau, 70 km east of Heraklion. From here, we embark on a picturesque journey through the small yet stunning Nissimos Valley, making our way to the summit of Karfi. At the top, we’ll explore the ruins of an ancient Minoan settlement while taking in a breathtaking panoramic view of the north coast, the Selena and Dikti mountain ranges.
For the descent, we follow a different route, trekking along an old, stone-built mule path that leads us back to Tzermiado, offering a new perspective of the landscape along the way.
Trail Data:
✔ Difficulty: Easy
✔ Distance: 7 km
✔ Duration: ~3 hours
Optional Add-On: The Birthplace of Zeus
If you’re up for more adventure, we can visit Dicteon Andro, the legendary cave where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus was born—a mystical experience for history and mythology lovers alike!
Did You Know?
The Lassithi Plateau is famous for its iconic windmills. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, it was home to one of Europe’s very first wind farms! Around 10,000–13,000 windmills once stood here, pumping underground water to irrigate the fertile farmland—a fascinating glimpse into the region’s agricultural history.
Pricing
Includes:
- Certified Guide
- Trekking poles upon request
- Small backpack upon request
- Light snack and water
- First aid Kit
- All taxes and insurance
Does not include:
- Transfer
- Ticket to Dikteon cave
- Anything that it is not listed above

