Kato Symi: Pine Forest, Hiking Trail and Cult History

A pine forest stretches around Kato Symi; in the village stands the chapel of Panagia Galatoktismeni and Nistikoktismeni. The sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite lies near Krya Vrysi. The landscape and religious history offer different perspectives on the area: an uphill hiking trail through the forest on the one hand, and a long history of worship and local traditions on the other.

A sanctuary with an extraordinary history

The sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite near Krya Vrysi dates from the Neopalatial period (Middle Minoan III b) and was in continuous use for many centuries. It is considered one of the most important ancient sanctuaries; at the same time, it is described as the only documented place of worship in Crete and Greece with such continuity. For those interested in culture, its significance lies both in its historical classification and in its long, uninterrupted use.

Artifacts from the sanctuary of Symi, now housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, also form part of the wider regional context. The sanctuary’s connections thus extend beyond its site to a named museum.

Tradition in the village chapel

The chapel of Panagia Galatoktismeni and Nistikoktismeni is in the village of Kato Symi. According to local tradition, it was built throughout the construction period by fasting craftsmen, using clay and milk instead of water. The chapel celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August. The building tradition and feast day offer different points of interest: a story about the chapel’s construction and a religious occasion on a specific date. The unusual building materials make the story vivid for younger travel companions too, and can provide a starting point for a conversation about local traditions.

Pine forest and hiking trail

According to the Heraklion Forestry Service, the pine forest around Kato Symi covers almost 10,000 stremmata, or about 1,000 hectares of protected land. There are relatively few holm oaks in the forest. The figure conveys the extent of the protected land, while the holm oaks are a distinctive feature of the forest landscape.

A rural gravel road leads to the starting point of an uphill hiking trail through the pine forest. The trail continues to the Omalos Plateau of Viannos. For planning your visit, the ascent and the named destination provide two clear reference points: the trail draws attention to the terrain and landscape, while the chapel and sanctuary offer their own cultural themes. Check the condition of the hiking trail before your visit.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can decide whether Kato Symi suits you better for its forest landscape and hiking trail or for its cult history, chapel and sanctuary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Keratokampos, Mathia, Vori, Achlada, Psari Forada, Pompia, Lendas, Astrakoi.

For the main travel overview: Heraklion.