Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana: A Thrilling Adventure in Southern Crete
Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana is a unique and exhilarating activity located at an altitude of 560 meters on the Asterousia mountain range, south of Heraklion and near the village of Kapetaniana. Visitors to this stunning area have the chance to cross the Eligia Gorge, a route that takes you through a wild yet breathtakingly beautiful landscape, offering panoramic views of the Libyan Sea. This thrilling adventure is perfect not only for you and your friends but also for family members seeking an exciting holiday experience. The route is classified as moderate difficulty, making it suitable for anyone over the age of 8, as long as they are comfortable with heights.
About the Activity
Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana is situated in the Asterousia mountain range, a natural divide between the Mesara plain and the Libyan Sea. Archaeological discoveries have revealed that ancient Cretan civilizations once thrived in this area. The natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Asterousia have led to its nomination for UNESCO protection, adding to the significance of this landscape.
After descending from Kapetaniana village, it takes just a few minutes of driving along a paved dirt road to reach the entrance of the Eligia Gorge. A short, 10-minute hike brings us to the start of the Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana, where participants can admire the dramatic geomorphology of the gorge and the diverse rock formations.
Once on the via ferrata, you’ll be greeted by the rugged beauty of the terrain, with the imposing Kofinas peak (1,231 meters) of the Asterousia range accompanying you throughout the route. As we continue along the path, approximately midway through the journey at the location known as Mytiki, we’ll be treated to a spectacular view of both the Libyan Sea and the gorge, making this the perfect spot for photos that capture the beauty of Crete’s wild nature.
The route follows a circular path along a steep slope, with the endless blue sea below us, leading to the exit of the via ferrata. Before concluding the adventure, there’s a final 20-minute hike to return to the starting point and our vehicles. In total, the 3-kilometer route takes around 3 to 4 hours, offering an unforgettable experience that redefines what an ideal holiday can be. While Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana is considered one of the most beautiful via ferrata routes in Greece, we also offer similar experiences in Athens and Epirus for those interested in further adventures.
Activity Location
Via Ferrata Crete Capetaniana is located on the south side of Crete, and the distances from major cities on the island are as follows:
- Heraklion: 67 km
- Rethymno: 104 km
- Chania: 162 km
- Agios Nikolaos: 140 km
For those seeking additional adventures, we also recommend canyoning in Kourtaliotis Gorge, another exciting activity available in Crete.
5
Nice experience!!!!!!!!!!!