Lassithi Gorges

In the dry climate of eastern Crete, most gorges remain without flowing water during the summer months. However, there are also green routes with springs and waterfalls, the most characteristic example being the Richtis Gorge. The gorges of Lassithi are mainly formed in the mountain ranges of Dikti and Thripti, in mountainous Mirabello and around Sitia.

On Dikti, notable routes include the Sarakina Gorge near the village of Mythoi, the Kritsa Gorge, the Adrianos Gorge, the Havgas Gorge near Kalamafka and the Havgas Gorge of the Lassithi Plateau. On Thripti, amid rocky and pine-covered slopes, lie the gorges of Pefki, Orino, Ahlia and Milonas, several of which form seasonal waterfalls.

The Zakros Gorge, also known as the Gorge of the Dead, dominates the area around Zakros. Its name comes from the Minoan burials discovered in caves along its walls. Nearby are the gorges of Katsounaki, Lamnoni, Agia Irini and Pervolakia. In mountainous Mirabello are the gorges of Kouroukoulos, Havgas above Plaka and Skotini. Lassithi is also home to the imposing technical Ha Gorge, one of the most demanding canyoning descents in Crete.

Lapathos Gorge

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The gorge of the Holy Apostles in Lapathos is located south of Mount Dicti, 28km west of Ierapetra, 72km south of Heraklion, in the area of Kato Simi. This is a very rough canyon, which is a perfect challenge for very experienced canyoners. Its length is about 4km and the elevation difference between the starting and the ending point is about 900m.

Ahlia Gorge

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West of Skinokapsala village, at position Kipos, starts the small and quite quite wide gorge of Ahlia. The pine-wooded gorge finishes at the beach of Ahlia, known as Galini. During the winter months, waters from Thripti Range form a river along which there are several waterfalls (ranging from 5 to 8 meters high). Because the sandstone walls are not narrow, hiking is quite easy and no canyoning equipment is needed.

Maza Gorge

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The long gorge of Maza starts from the village Karydi, merges a smaller gorge that starts from Vrysidi village and ends shortly before the village Adravasti. It is long and has impressive landforms inside, but the path is only suitable for experts in crossing gorges. In the past it was the main route between the settlements of the area.

Skotini Gorge

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Skotini Canyon (Dark Gorge) is located at a rugged region of Mirabello province, near the village Finokalia. Walking is easy and hiking in the canyon can be combined with a bath at the beach formed at the exit of the gorge. From there, the trail runs along the rocky shores to the monastery of St. Andrew.

Kouroukoulos Gorge

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The unknown gorge of Kouroukoulos starts from the deserted village Agalianos at the province of Merambelo, Lasithi prefecture. By following the old trail starting from the village and we reach the watercourse, which is accessible for hiking throughout its length.

Apidi Gorges

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At the drier side of Crete, near the seaside village Goudouras of Sitia Province we meet fouir parallel gorges of unique beauty. All of them are technical and descent requires rope. At the driest side of Crete, near the seaside village Goudouras of Sitia Province we meet fouir parallel gorges of unique beauty. All of them are technical and descent requires rope.

Korakas Gorge

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Very beautiful small canyon that starts from Meseleri village and after turning to a wide river, it waters of the dam of Bramiana. The vegetation consists mainly of pine trees, while its main feature are the striking eroded rocks and sides.

Maliaris Gorge

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The Gorge Maliaris starts near the village Peronides, passes west of the village Souvlos (from where a trail starts), merges with Hristopatimata gorge and ends at the beach Tzavlidon Vlyhada.

Lassithi

Cha

Richtis

Zakros

Lassithi Gorges