Descending Crete’s Gorges :

Cretan nature is famous for the its countless gorges and ravines. Some of them are a great opportunity for trekking , especially in summer .

Descending a gorge in Crete which is ending to the sea is the perfect combination of easy hiking and lots of swimming .

• Samaria gorge: One of the longest gorges in Europe which is really famous with thousands of visitors every summer. ,Samaria gorge is the most famous national park in Greece.( 6-7 hrs , 16 kms).
• Kourtaliotis gorge: , with a small river inside which forms the gorge ends at a great beach. The banks of the river are full of palm-trees. It's much preferable to ascend from the beach, following the stream. There is always the opportunity of a refreshing swim in the small pools formed by the river.
• Agia Eirini gorge: a beautiful gorge in western Crete ( 5 hrs , 12 kms ) starting from Agia Eirini to Sougia village .
• Agios Antonios ( Patsos): May be the most beatifull gorge on the island .Another swimming & trekking experience near Patsos village and Rethymnon town(3 hrs).
• Kotsifou gorge: small but fantastic gorge near Plakias village on South coast .
• Myli -gorge: an easy (1 hr )walk from Hromonastiri village to Xiro Horio village. Inside the gorge there is the abandoned village of Myli with many traditional houses.
• Aradaina gorge:, from Anopolis to Marmara beach, near Loutro village . A really impressive gorge; it looks like someone cut with a knife through the mountains. However it's a gorge that needs some experience. It takes 3 hrs from Anopolis village .
• Ιmbros gorge: (2hr 30min )from Imbros village to Komitades village, close to Sfakia area .One of the most visited gorges.
• Polirinia gorge:, near Acropolis of Polyrinnia.
• Rouvas gorge: in the southern flanks of Mt Idi ( Psiloritis).
• Lissos gorge: (1 hr walk) from Sougia to the nearby ancient town of Lissos.
• Agiofarago gorge: in Messara area close to Sivas, Festos. The gorge starts 3 km past Moni (monastery) Odigitrias leading to a great beach.

Samaria Gorge Long-way- "Do" the adventure!

Samaria gorge is situated within the National park of Samaria. You will appreciate one of the most spectacular natural beauties of Crete .If you are are reasonably fit and like walking , do this Samaria - long way. Dragged you out of your bed rather early, your coach will bring you to the northern entrance of the gorge above the Omalos plateau at an altitude of 1100 m. About 16 kms later in Agia Roumeli you will have a meal or a swim into the Libyan sea . This is the end of the gorge where you will catch a small ferry to Hora-Sfakion cruising along the South coast. Dolphins in tow, alongside or in front as the sun sinks towards the sea is something to experience. Bus is waiting and collect you from Hora-Sfakion. Est. 10-11 Hours. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Price:30 E + entrance and boat tickets.

Samaria Gorge -Easy Way- a ride you will remember !

For those of us who simply can't or don't want to walk 16 kms. Evergreen’s coach will bring you to Hora Sfakion, over the white mountains to the Libyan sea. From here you take a small ferry to Agia Roumeli - the village at the Southern end of the gorge, and from there you can walk into the gorge itself - maybe as far as the Iron Gates, before returning to Agia Roumeli with time for a meal and or a swim in the sea. The ferry returns you to Hora Sfakion and your coach will bring you back to your original departure point. Price: 27 E + entrance and boat tickets.

Imbros Gorge:

This gorge is becoming more popular, not just for walkers, as it is much easier than Samaria but still ends at the Libyan sea. Being only 7 Km long it is also more attractive perhaps to the less hardy among us. Price : 27 E + Entrance ticket.

St.Antonio's ravine:

One of the most beautifull and best known ravines of Crete, also known as Patsos ravine, named from the village near.it. It is about 35 minutes away from Rethymnon, in the Amari area. The ravine is about 5 kms long and requires about 2 hrs to traverse. A small river goes through its bottom and the whole ravine is full of plants and trees.

Rare Cretan wild flowers , giant trees,small water falls, enormous rocks and the small river will fascinate you. You can also admire St.Antonio's very old cave-church and get a taste of the "holy water" which comes out of the enormous rock.Price : 50 E ( lunch included) , 35 E lunch not included.

The Libyan sea breath -Sunset walk on Krioneritis mountain:

About 50 minutes away south of Rethymnon town this sunset walk takes you on Krioneritis mountain (1.310 m). This walk take place at an altitude of 1200 m. and lasts around 4 hrs . The dramatic scenery and the fantastic sunset view of the South and North Seas of Crete will fascinate you.Price : 50 E , lunch is included.   

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