Gorges of Crete

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Gorges of Crete

Crete, on the whole, is a mountainous island. Its mountain ranges are torn apart by magnificent, deep, wild gorges, which begin at high altitudes and usually end up at the coast.

Given the fact that these gorges were formed by the united forces of water, wind and sun, they are rightfully considered true monuments of nature. In the Sfakia area alone, within a distance of 35 kilometres, there are 15 gorges, located roughly parallel to one another.

The most famous of them is the gorge of Samaria. Numerous rare endemic species of flora grow there, and a large number of raptors nest in the cracks on its walls: Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus), Golden Eagles (Aquilachrysaetos), Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), etc. The famous Cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), which was believed to be the sacred animal of Vritomartis (the Artemis of the Minoans) also finds shelter in the gorge of Samaria.

Exploring the gorges on Crete island does not need to be a massive challenge either unless you wish it so. There are moderate to challenging hiking opportunities depending on your fitness level and preferred level of difficulty. In addition to Samaria Gorge, which is rightfully one of the most famous Greek National Parks and can take a full day to complete, there are various other smaller gorges that can be completed in a few hours. There is also the possibility of completing only part of the trail for those that wish to see more but are on a tight schedule. The Zakros Gorge also known as “Gorge of the Dead” in Eastern Crete, is located in one of the most remote parts of the island and takes only but a few hours to complete. In the end, you may relax by the seaside village of Kato Zakros and indulge in one of the many local tavernas offering fresh fish and delectable Cretan dishes.

For an easier hike, it is preferable to descend and pick a season when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Some gorges, like that of Samaria, only open to the public in May and are weather dependent. Heavy winter rains make it impossible to cross certain areas and as such, it is always best to check ahead and modify your plans during bad weather conditions.

Information about the main gorges of Crete is provided below.

Astrakiano Gorge

Astrakiano Gorge

The Astrakiano gorge starts just outside Astraki and crossing the hinterland of Heraklion ends in the area of ​​Karteros.

Kalochoriano Gorge

Kalochoriano Gorge

Kalo Chorio literally translates to “Nice Village” which is what this unknown and remote area of the eastern part of Crete island offers. A pleasant village, with close access to the coast and beautiful beaches, traditional, sleepy settlements and friendly locals.

Knossos Gorge – Knossano Faraggi

Knossos Gorge – Knossano Faraggi

The gorge of Knossano spans a length of 6 km and is essentially the natural continuation of the sacred mountain Yukhta (or Giouchta).

Kounaviano Gorge

Kounaviano Gorge

Only half an hour, (15 km) from Heraklion, the gorge of Kounaviano, one of the richest in vegetation and natural wealth in the whole prefecture, can be found.

Pefki Gorge

Pefki Gorge

The gorge of Pefki is one of the most well-known and popular gorges in eastern Crete and a favourite among visitors. A small gorge, it offers impressive rock formations and lush vegetation starting south of the village of Pefki and ending a little north of the area of ​​Aspros Potamos in Makry Gialos.

Ha gorge

Ha gorge

Ha Gorge is considered to be the most imposing gorge of Eastern Crete, due to its impressive geomorphology and biodiversity.

Vorizia Gorge

Vorizia Gorge

The gorge of Vorizia, located on the south side of the Psiloritis mountain range, in central Crete offers one of the most interesting geological formations and stunning landscapes on the island. The imposing rugged slopes at its southern side, create an impressive setting, and it is relatively easy to cross.

Oreino Gorge or Butterfly Gorge – Lassithi

Oreino Gorge or Butterfly Gorge – Lassithi

Oreino gorge is an interesting gorge that starts from Oreino village and ends in the area of ​​Koutsoura. Despite the catastrophic fires that the forest has suffered in the area of ​​Orino, the gorge remains one of the most beautiful ecosystems of Sitia with intense vegetation. It is relatively easy to cross and does not require much effort.

Havga Gorge – Kavousi

Havga Gorge – Kavousi

The gorge of Havga is a small but impressive gorge, which ends east of the village Kavousi. It is often confused with other gorges on the island that share the same name.

Mesona Gorge

Mesona Gorge

The gorge of Mesona is located north of Ierapetra, in between Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. You will find it on the east side of Kavoussi village; it is the continuation of the gorge Havga to the southeast in the direction of Mount Thripti.

Patsos gorge

Patsos gorge

The spectacular, verdant gorge of Patsos is located in the inland area of the prefecture of Rethymno, at the north-west part of the municipality of Amari.

Sarakina gorge

Sarakina gorge

A small but intensely beautiful gorge, which is located near the village of Mithi, 22 kilometres west of Ierapetra, at the south-eastern foot of Mount Dikti.

Pervolakia gorge

Pervolakia gorge

Pervolakia gorge is an exceptionally beautiful gorge, with a fairly easy route stretching almost throughout its entire length that becomes challenging the further in you go.

Kritsa Gorge – Lassithi

Kritsa Gorge – Lassithi

The gorge of Kritsa begins at the north-eastern exit of the historical village of Kritsa and ends up at a flat area 2,5 kilometres to the north. Continuing in the watercourse from this point, one arrives at the entrance to the second section of the gorge, which is a lot more difficult. After a tiring climb, it leads to the foot of the Tsivi peak, over Katharo plateau.

Hametoulo gorge

Hametoulo gorge

The gorge of Hametoulo, also spelt Chametoulo, is found on the remote southeastern coast of Crete island, in between the villages of Ziros and Xerokambos.

Roza Gorge – Gonies – Chersonissos

Roza Gorge – Gonies – Chersonissos

The gorge of Roza, which is located in the municipality of Chersonissos, is essentially a branch of the Ambelos gorge. It is an uphill route 3 kilometres long, with an elevation difference of 300 metres.

Martsalo Gorge – Asterousia

Martsalo Gorge – Asterousia

The gorge of Martsalo, that belongs to the municipality of Phaistos, is one of the most characteristic and beautiful gorges of southern Crete. It is located at the western foot of the Asterousia mountain range, right next to Agiofaraggo, and south of Odigitria Monastery. It is 2 kilometres long and the elevation difference between the entrance and the beach of Martsalo, where it ends up, is approximately 145 metres.

Agios Antonios Gorge – Asites

Agios Antonios Gorge – Asites

The gorge of Agios Antonios is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Asites, 28 km from Heraklion. Do not be confused with the Agios Antonios gorge in Rethymno close to the village of Patsos also known by the name gorge of Patsos.

Agiofarago – Asterousia

Agiofarago – Asterousia

Agiofarago (or Agiofarango meaning the Saints’ Gorge) is probably the most impressive reasonably manageable gorge of the former Asterousia municipality. It is approximately 1,5 kilometre long and ends up at a magnificent beach.

Topolia Gorge

Topolia Gorge

The gorge of Topolia (Topoliano) is located in the inland area of Kissamos, at the western end of the Chania prefecture. It begins at the village of Topolia and after approximately 1.500 metres exits at a verdant valley, next to Koutsomatados village. The walk down the gorge, which is fairly easy, requires about one hour.

Katholiko Gorge – Chania

Katholiko Gorge – Chania

The gorge of Katholiko, also known as To Avlaki tou Agίou (= water channel of the saint), as locals call it, is located at the northern end of Akrotίri, near Chania, very close to Gouverneto Monastery.

Anidri gorge

Anidri gorge

The gorge of Anidri is one of the smallest of the Cretan gorges yet lovely in its own way. It is located in the Paleochora region, at the south-west end of the Chania Prefecture. It runs from the village of Anidri to the magnificent twin beaches at Gialiskari, which are separated by a small peninsula thick with junipers. The gorge is 2 kilometres long. It requires less than 1 hour to pass through, and a little more than that to…

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Agios Nikolaos Gorge – Crete

Agios Nikolaos Gorge – Crete

The gorge of Agios Nikolaos is flanked by the peaks of Ambelakia, to the east, and Samari, to the west. It is considered the most important gorge of Psiloritis and of Central Crete, and it was named after the Byzantine chapel of Agios Nikolaos which is located at its southern entrance. It extends along the imposing southern part of Psiloritis, from the north heading south, and it connects Rouvas forest to the north with the valley of Koutsoulidis river to…

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Agia Irini Gorge – Selino – Chania

Agia Irini Gorge – Selino – Chania

Agia Irini Gorge is a place of unique beauty and vegetation. It is located at the western section of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), near Agia Irini village, which belongs to the Municipality of Kandanos – Selinos. The gorge is part of the E4 European long-distance path and can be combined with other hikes in the area. It is 7,5 kilometres long and the walk through it requires approximately 3 hours. The entrance is situated near the village of Agίa…

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Faneromeni Gorge – Lassithi

Faneromeni Gorge – Lassithi

The Faneromeni Gorge in the prefecture of Lassithi in Eastern Crete is also known as the Gorge of All Saints or Agii Pantes. This is one of the easiest gorges to hike through and is easily accessible, ideal for families and nature excursions in the area. It begins east of the location of Sfakidia and ends up at the bay of Faneromeni, next to the Monastery of Faneromeni.

Arvi Gorge – Vianos

Arvi Gorge – Vianos

The gorge of Arvi, one of the most spectacular gorges of Crete, has a north to south orientation. It begins in the Amiras area and ends up by the southern coast looking over the Libyan Sea. The outlet of the gorge is next to the Monastery of Agios Antonios, a little to the north of the current coastal settlement of Arvi. The gorge can be visited all year round, except in the wintertime, due to rainfall.

Kotsifos Gorge

Kotsifos Gorge

The gorge of Kotsifos is smaller than the neighbouring Kourtaliotiko gorge but equally impressive. It is located between the peaks of Kouroupa (984 m) and Krioneritis (1.312 m) and is 2 kilometres long. The elevation difference between the highest point of the route in the gorge and the outlet is 390 metres.

Hohlakies gorge

Hohlakies gorge

Hohlakies Gorge is a beautiful, fairly small and easily accessible gorge in the prefecture of Lassithi. It begins at the village of Hohlakies and ends up at the beautiful bay of Karoumes on the eastern coast of Crete.

Richtis Gorge – Lassithi

Richtis Gorge – Lassithi

This is one of the most beautiful small gorges of Eastern Crete, following a well-marked route. Located in the prefecture of Lassithi, between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia on the northern coast, it follows the stream which flows all year round, creating a splendid waterfall.

Zakros Gorge – “Valley of the dead” – Crete

Zakros Gorge – “Valley of the dead” – Crete

This is the most famous and most frequently visited gorge in eastern Crete. It was named “Valley of the dead”, because of the Minoan cave burials which were found in the area.

Kourtaliotiko gorge

Kourtaliotiko gorge

The gorge of Kourtaliotiko is one of the most well known and popular for nature lovers in the region of Rethymno in southern Crete.

Imbros Gorge – Sfakia – Chania

Imbros Gorge – Sfakia – Chania

The gorge of Imbros, in the area of Sfakia, is one of the deepest and narrowest gorges of Crete. It begins a little to the south of Imbros village, on Askifou plateau, and exits after approximately 5 kilometres, at the village of Komitades, near the beach of Frangokastello.

Aradena gorge

Aradena gorge

The gorge of Aradena is one of the most significant and impressive gorges of Crete. Its entrance is located at the deserted village of Aradena, which is to be found at the western end of the plateau of Anopoli Sfakion, below the imposing, high peaks of the Lefka Ori mountain range.

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is the longest and one of the most imposing gorges in Europe. This is perhaps the most popular trekking path of Greece and visited by thousands of people each summer. It has been designated as a Protected Monument of Nature, by the European Council, and it is one of the most important National Parks in Crete and Greece.

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