Crete is the largest island in Greece by area. there are many resorts, convenient beaches, historical and natural attractions. The latter were formed due to the limestone rocks that make up the island. Therefore, tourists and independent travelers often organize hikes in the gorges of Crete, which are open to the public. But for this you need to study their location on the map, directions, recommendations for preparing for the trip.
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Hike organization, tips
Some of the gorges in Crete are easy to pass. Convenient paths have been created here, there are places for recreation and camping. But there are natural attractions that are difficult to pass. Their visit is recommended accompanied by a guide or an excursion group. Routes have been compiled for most attractions. This is a convenient way to explore the gorges of Crete without the risk of getting lost or lost on your way. The length depends on the terrain and can be 1-15 km.
Travel preparation tips:
- Study the map. Find out how to get to the gorge of Crete, the location of shops with equipment, supermarkets. It is important to determine how difficult it will be to pass.
- Independent travelers – warn friends, relatives or the hotel administration where the group is going. It is necessary to tell about the approximate time, the location of the gorge on the map of Crete.
- Organization of the trip. The route can be difficult, but you need to plan a trip within one day. You need to take a supply of food, water, warm clothes with you. A means of communication is essential. Taxi is often booked to get out. With the service agree on the place of landing.
Having made preparations, you can go to the place of the trip. It must be remembered that the gorges in Crete are distinguished by the complexity of the route, nature, weather. According to tourists, the most beautiful photos are obtained in places located off the coast. But to get to them, you need to lay the right route.
Overview of the Crete Gorge in the east of the island
On the eastern part of the island of Greece, there are the most interesting gorges for tourists and independent travelers. Most of it is located near Lassithi and Heraklion. This simplifies the organization of the trip, you can get to these gorges in Crete by taxi, public transport. The alternative is car rental. But in this case, you need to find out about the car parks closest to the place of travel.
Knossano
This is the most convenient option for beginner travelers. The Knossano Gorge in Crete is located next to the tourist routes and trails of the island. In the reviews of tourists often write that this is the most beautiful place in Europe. The reason is the combination of natural landscape with vegetation. In the photo you can see sunsets, which are especially beautiful in summer.
Useful information about Knossano:
- Location – next to the village of Arkhnes. Passes through Kato Milos, Miristi and the aqueduct of St. Irene.
- It is part of the Yukhtas mountain range. This is the only gorge of Crete on the territory of this mountain.
- You need to walk only paved routes. Along the way, there may be steep cliffs, which will be difficult to overcome without special skills and equipment.
The advantage of visiting this place is the opportunity to look at a natural attraction as part of an excursion. An experienced guide will guide you along the route, the maximum length of which is 6 km. The place can be visited at any time of the year.
Ambelos
A river runs along the central part of the gorge, the banks of which almost do not narrow. This makes it possible to organize recreation during a hike through this gorge of Crete. Additionally, you can look at the geological sections showing the periods of development of this part of the island. In summer it is not too hot here, along the entire route there are many trees and shrubs.
What you need to know about Ambelos:
- Location – next to the village of Gonis, on the southeastern border. A large resort town is Hersonissos. The distance from the village to the start of the route is less than 1 km.
- The river Aposelemis flows along the bottom of the gorge.
- In the western part, you can see large mountains that form a large slope. Its conquest without equipment is not recommended.
Popular natural souvenirs from this part of Crete are oleander branches. It grows along the entire length of the gorge. You can visit this place all year round, but in autumn heavy rainfall is possible. The water level in the river does not rise much.
Astrachiano
It will appeal to lovers of long hikes. The total length of the route is 12.5 km. According to legend, the goddess Athena Tritogenia was born in this place. Also, myths claim that Theseus chose this place for landing when he went to fight the Minotaur. There is a lot of vegetation here, almost the entire area of the Astrachiano Gorge is green. So you can organize a vacation with a small picnic.
Information about the Astrachiano Gorge of Crete:
- Location – on the territory of the city of Kolomodi. The beginning of the route is in the northwestern area of the resort.
- Passes through the sources of Miliara, follows to the resort of Karteros.
- You can see many caves along the way. But they are located high enough, it is difficult to get to them.
This place is popular with independent travelers, you can spend the whole day here. The alternative is to take a shorter route. On it you can see the main sights of the gorge of Crete, without wasting time on a long hike.
Sarakina
This place also has its own mythology. According to legend, the giant Sarantapychos, who is the son of Zeus, decided to drink water from a nearby river. Because of this, his beard was divided into two parts, resulting in one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete – Sarakina. The peculiarity is that in some places the height of sheer cliffs is 150 meters. Together with a large number of trees, this gives one of the best views on the island.
Information about members of Sarakina:
- Location – 16 km west of Heraklion. The nearest settlements are Miti, Ierapetra. There is a large highway nearby, there are several parking lots, shops and supermarkets.
- The length of the canyon is 1.5 km. one tourist route is laid along it.
- Nearby is the Dikti mountain range.
- A river runs along the bottom. In winter, due to heavy rainfall, the water level rises sharply. This makes travel impossible.
During the trip, you can see several lakes, small mountain streams. The complexity of the route along this gorge of Crete is medium. There are places where you need to be careful. You can not take special climbing equipment with you.
Nearby is the Samaria Gorge, Crete. It is located on the border of the village of the same name – Samaria. Tourists come here for extreme hiking. Holidays with children or unprepared vacationers are not recommended.
Mylonas
The peculiarity of the Mylonas Gorge is a large waterfall. Two roads lead to it. One is paved, intended for tourists. Hiking time is 20-25 minutes. The advantage of this route is the presence of signs with pointers. But tourists can choose a difficult route, which will take 2 hours. It runs through the picturesque places of the gorge of Crete. Its duration is 2 hours.
Tips for travelers who go to Mylonas:
- Location – near Ierapetra, 18 km from the city. Nearby is the village of Agios Ioannis. The gorge in Crete passes through the promenade of Kaka Skala, Koutsounari. End point – Farm.
- In summer, the air temperature rises to + 40 °, taking into account the lack of wind, it will be difficult to endure a trip during the day. It is recommended to go in the spring.
- On a difficult route, it is better to go with a guide.
Altitude – 500 meters above sea level. But this does not affect the comfort of the trip. The only thing is that it is recommended to plan an eternal trip when the air temperature does not rise much.
Gorges in western Crete
In the west of the island there are no less interesting gorges. They are located near the Greek resorts of Chania and Rethymnon. A feature of these attractions is a convenient transport location. Although the terrain here is relatively flat, tourists and solo travelers can visit several places of interest.
Kurtaliotis
This gorge in Crete is one of the most famous. There are several attractions on its territory. One of them is a place where sounds similar to applause are heard. It is called kourtala. In addition, the chapel of St. Nicholas was built here. Advantages – convenient location, relatively small route, there are several large resorts nearby.
What you need to know about Kourtaliotis before visiting it:
- Location. The start is in the small village of Kaksare. In the middle part, it passes next to Plaxis. The end of the route is the Priveli lagoon.
- Attractions – a place where you can hear sounds similar to applause, the chapel of St. Nicholas.
- The river Potamos flows along the bottom. But it is small, which does not create difficulties in movement.
- The maximum height is 984 meters and the depth is 600 meters.
Several tourist routes pass through the territory of the gorge of Crete. Along the way, you can meet relatively many waterfalls, local vulture birds. The difficulty of the hike is medium, steep slopes can be encountered along the way. It is recommended to take hiking shoes.
Kotsifu
Kotsifu Gorge in Crete is located in the southwestern part of the island. A small church was built at the entrance to this place. She seemed to be nestled in a rock. In the reviews of tourists, it is she who is most often in the photo. due to the peculiarities of the location and climate, it is windy here. It is recommended to take special clothes with you. In spring and autumn, due to the wind, it can be cool.
Information about Kotsifu in Crete:
- Location. near the villages of Celia and Plaksias. The beginning takes place at the village of Kannevos. The end of the route is Plaxias.
- In the first part of the journey, you can see that the gorge is narrow. Its width does not exceed 10 meters. Then it expands.
- The total length is 1.8 km. The height of steep cliffs is up to 600 m.
- A small river flows. On its shore it is convenient to organize picnics, relaxing holidays with children. But you have to be careful, it’s very windy here.
You can get to this gorge in Crete by car or taxi. There is no bus service nearby. Before the trip, it is recommended to buy light snacks and drinks. Walking time is up to two hours. This is how much the standard excursion program takes.
Voutsinas
Here lies a convenient route for beginner hikers. The peculiarity of this gorge in Crete lies in its small extent. Walking time will not exceed 30-40 minutes. Tourists and independent travelers will be able to see the waterfall, the height of which exceeds 27 meters. Here you can relax, take good photos.
Another feature of this attraction is several rope descents. Walking on them is safe, part of it passes over the local river, which flows into Kotsifos. The entrance to the gorge in Crete is located near the village of Kannevos. You can get there by bus or taxi. There are signs along the entire route.