Nearest hamlet: Epano and Kato Archanes
Distance: 3.1km
Duration: 1.5 hour
Entrance / exit coordinates: 35° 15.080’N / 25° 9.767’E (Fourni Theatre)
Trail type: Goat trail without markers
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended season: Year-round
Amenities: In Kato and Epano Archanes
From Kato Archanes, approximately at the centre of the hamlet, turn onto the uphill asphalt road following the sign to ‘Fourni’ along the path to the next sign, which will lead you to the parking area of the Municipal Contemporary Theatre. This is where the trail begins. Despite it being a short trail in duration and length, it presents very interesting features. In an hour and a half hikers get a very good feeling of the geomorphology of the Mt. Juktas Ecological Park, since this circular trail starts from the small artificial forest on ‘Kefalas’ Hill and goes around the northern slope of the hill, revealing the panoramic view of the gorge of Agia Eirini below, with porous limestone rocks sculpted by time and the elements and lush vegetation.
The trail follows the gorge from the very top and approximately half way along it you can make out the hamlet of Epano Archanes. Shortly after that the trail changes course and heads north, to bring you to the ancient Minoan trail that leads to the Minoan Cemetery in Fourni, where the view is riveting. Make arrangements with the relevant archaeological service (Tel: 2810 752712- Archaeological Collection of Archanes) to gain entry to the archaeological site (especially if you are a group). From there you continue to the theatre parking area where this route ends.
Download the kml file of the route in your device: (kml) Fourni
source: archanes-asterousia.gr