Mount Ida — Local services in Municipality of Milopotamos

I drove via Kouroutes to the Toumpotos Prinos shelter last May. That's where I started my hike -- about 1500 meters high. While the E4 trail guided me up for about an hour, there was still so much snow that I had to navigate around it and find my own way. There were several moments when I questioned whether I was making smart decisions. I hiked, hiked, hiked some more. After traversing about 10 meters of snow with no gear -- digging holes in the snow with my bare hands and sneaker boots to hoist myself upward and stop from falling -- I reached the peak. I must have been the first of the season because there were no signs of anyone else walking around in the snow. After about 30 minutes and an early lunch, I started my descent. No trail to guide me, plenty of snow to remind me it wouldn't be easy. I spent about three hours navigating rough and rocky terrain before I found the E4 part of the trail where I started (thank you to the mountain goats for guiding me through the snow caverns). Although it was 15 degrees, the sun was shining bright and it felt like 35. I only took one two-liter bottle of water which also could've been a grave mistake. What would've been a 4/5-hour hike if the E4 trail was clear of snow ended up being an 8-hour hike. Moral of the story for everyone considering the hike: Don't underestimate Psiloritis. It's a very rocky mountain and it feels scorching hot in the spring on a clear day. I can't imagine how hot it feels in the summer when most people aim to give it a go. Take plenty of water, wear sunscreen, pack for an emergency, find a route that suits your ability. Mygero Refuge is best for most people. The way I hiked is more challenging but...

If you are seeing this it means you are planning to go or maybe interested.. just do it. I've been to Crete 4 times and this was the best way to have the view of the whole island.

1st Tip: Start from Mygero Refuge. we went from Chania and the roads to the mountain were quite narrow and the medium sized car we had was struggling a bit and we were 3 people. get a bigger car if you are more than 3 people trust me. Roads are in a good condition overall but drive carefully. the gps worked fine but if you are coming from another city like heraklion it might take you on a different route and people say it leads to a dead end (just remember to go through a village called Krana instead of making a left turn before reaching this village).

2nd tip: Bring lots of water and food. the place there doesn't have any of that. 2x 1.5 litre bottles per person will suffice. on the hike carry a light jacket. i went beginning of September and it was quite windy in the top. It's around 2.5hrs to the top with breaks. We took our time.

3rd tip: You can sleep on the top of the mountain if you like there is a small shelter but bring your gear. or you can sleep in Mygero Refuge but best is to bring a tent. The trail is mostly in good condition so it would be hard to get lost.

Enjoy Greece! Happy Trails!...

WARNING! If you see lots of snow, don't climb without hiking poles and or crampons at the bare minimum...

Climbed mid April, 2025. Incredible 360° view of the entire island, ringing the bell is awesome. People are not lying about the wind at the top. Once you're on those peaks it goes from t-shirt weather to jacket weather (below 0°) VERY fast.

Anyway, onto the dangerous part. For mid April, the amount of snow and ice was unexpected and quite frankly, absurd. At points my step fell in thigh deep and I had to awkwardly dig my legs out of the snow. However, the worst part is that the trail goes overtop of a snow ridge where one slip or wrong step can lead you to a 20 metre fall to the rocks below. (See attached picture)

I went through this with just hiking boots, was warned multiple times by returning hikers to maybe rethink my choices, but for reasons extremely personal to me, I did not turn back. Luckily, I was fine, I just took it slow and carefully.

Anyway, I don't want to discourage anyone. Just do it with equipment or in the summer. Don't be an idiot like me and have fun...