Kavousi Gorge
Kavousi Canyon is located near Keratokambos in the province of Viannos on the south slopes of Dikti Mountain. The last part, which is called Skotino Gorge (Dark) is 1km long and the altitudinal difference between entrance and exit is 170m. For the canyoners, there are 10 technical descents and the highest is the second one which is 20m high. There is water during late winter and spring and mainly after long rainy seasons, which is gathered in the area of Agia Moni monastery (the stream before reaching the Skotino gorge is called Kavoussi).
Of high interest are the water level marks on the gorge sides that depict that the water from time to time is so much that it literally floods the gorge making the walking part minimal. The gorge was created due to the corrosive action of water and the action of three faults, one at the beginning, one at the end which intersect with it vertically, and one along its east side. The fault at the beginning of Kavoussi also intersects the gorge located 1km to the west, Canyon Portela, one of the most imposing gorges in Crete.
