Gorges

Crete could be characterized as the land of Gorges. There are more than 250 small and long gorges on the island, more than the rest of Greece. Sfakia region, in the foothills of the alpine White Mountains have the most impressive gorges. The Samaria Gorge in Sfakia is the longest and most famous in Europe, while the less-known neighbouring gorges are really impressive with lush flora and very important fauna. Some of them are extremely dangerous to trek in and require guidance from an expert. The most important gorges in Chania, except Samaria, are Kallikratis, Imbros, Aradaina, Eligia, Klados, Tripiti, Agia Irini and Theriso. Smaller gorges are Asfendou, Sfakian Gorge, Prasse, Katholikos, Dittany, Syrikario, Chalase, Deliano, Iliggas, Kapni and many more.

Rethymno has smaller, easier accessible, but beautiful gorges. The most famous is the Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Big River flows and ends up in the Preveli palm forest. Other gorges are Kotsifos, Patsos, Arkadiotiko and Prassano.

Heraklion prefecture has many gorges, with most of them running across the foot of Psiloritis Mountain of Asterousia Mountains. The area if Asterousia has some of the most amazing gorges in Greece, with the most important being Agiofarago and Martsalo. The Agios Nikolaos Gorge with the majestic Rouvas Forest is the most beautiful gorge in Heraklion prefecture. Some other gorges are Almiros and Karteros, near Heraklion, Astrakiano, Arvi, Kounaviano, Askiano, Knossano and Astritsi.

Lassithi Prefecture has the most dangerous gorge in Greece, called Cha. There is a 215m high waterfall. The Gorge of the Deads in Kato Zakros and the Gorge of Red Butterflies are some of the important gorges of Lassithi. Other noteworthy gorges are Lamnoni, Perivolakia (Kapsa), Pefkoi and Lapithos.