Half Day 4h
Semi-Private
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Sunset Over the Sacred Mountain — A Mythical Evening on Juktas
Experience the magic of Crete bathed in golden light, on a private sunset tour to one of the island’s most sacred and scenic places — Mount Juktas. This journey is a blend of myth, nature, and authentic flavor, offering a profound connection to the land, its stories, and its people.
Where Myth Rests in the Mountains
Just 10 km south of Heraklion, rising modestly to 811 meters, Mount Juktas has held a sacred place in the hearts of Cretans since Minoan times. From the northwest, the mountain’s profile strikingly resembles a sleeping face gazing at the sky — believed to be the resting Zeus himself. Its name derives from “Jupiter” — the Roman name for the king of the gods.
Tasting the Land Beneath the Gods
Your tour begins in the greater Heraklion area, depending on your accommodation. After meeting your guide and a brief introduction, we travel through Cretan countryside to the traditional village of Archanes. Surrounded by ancient groves, you’ll sample award-winning oils and learn about the island’s most iconic product — a true connection to its land and history.
Sunset at the Summit
We then ascend Mount Juktas via a scenic dirt road lined with pine forest on its eastern slope. Our destination is the chapel of Christ the Lord, perched near the summit and built in 1443. As the sun begins to set, the panoramic views become breathtaking — the vineyards of Archanes, the peaks of Psiloritis and Dikti, and the distant sea all glowing in golden hues.
This is the perfect moment for quiet reflection, photos, or even spotting griffon vultures riding the thermals above the cliffs. As twilight sets in, you’ll enjoy seasonal specialties paired with local wines, celebrating the end of a day that seamlessly blends mythology, natural beauty, and the rich flavors of Crete.
