Tsigounis Gorge
The exit of the gorge Tsigounis is located 1km west of the village Sfaka, Sitia district, on a turn of the main road connecting central Crete to Sitia. The river flowing through the gorge gets its water from the plateau Monokara and is "stingy" (tsigounis means stingy) as it has small quantities of water even in winter. The stream of the gorge empties on the beach Stomio near Mochlos.
Ascending from its exit near Sfaka, we initially meet a ravine with oaks, olives and thyme. After managing to cross the barbed wire put by shepherds to limit their flocks, we walk along the bed of the gorge. In many places there are large rocks that prevent smooth passage and we must climb.
After half an hour, the conglomerate walls turn to hard limestone and the gorge walls become very narrow, forming a very imposing landscape. In some places there are waterfalls (carrying water only in winter), which we must climb, preferably with the help of someone else. With a little effort, we can discover this beautiful canyon that is unknown even to locals. Its upper part, close to Monokara Plateau becomes impressively narrow and the inclination is hard.
