A pleasant and easy hike just a few kilometers outside the city of Heraklion. Juktas, the human-head-like mountain (Greek Γιούχτας – Giouhtas) was an incredibly sacred religious site for the Minoans. According to legend, this is the face of Zeus (the king of the gods) and the mountain is his tomb. Indeed the name Juktas is a corruption of the Latin word for Zeus, Jupiter. On the mountain, we find three archaeological sites, an old monastery, and a church.
The hike up to the peak of the mountain (811m altitude), is relatively easy. The trail that crosses the mountain from one side to the other offers an amazing panoramic view. From the peak where the church of Lord Christ is, you can see Ida (Psiloritis) mountain, Dikti mountain range, the Archanes village with its vineyards and olive groves, the city of Heraklion, and Dia island!
The fauna and flora of Juktas are also interesting! Here you can admire the impressive griffon vultures (scient. Gyps Fulvus) flying around, searching for food, and find many herbs!
Pricing
- 1 person – 140 euros
- 2 persons – 80 euros/person
- 3 persons – 70 euros/person
- 4 persons – 60 euros/person
- 5 persons – 50 euros/person
- 6 persons – 40 euros/person
- More than 6 persons/families – Please contact
