Heraklion Gorges

The gorges of the regional unit of Heraklion are mainly formed in the mountain ranges of Psiloritis and the Asterousia Mountains, as well as on the western slopes of the Dikti range. The landscape of Asterousia is dry and rocky, with gorges ending at secluded shores of the South Cretan Sea. The best-known hiking routes include Agiofarago Gorge, Martsalo Gorge and Trafoulas Gorge, while the same mountain range also contains many technical canyons with vertical descents and waterfalls.

On Psiloritis, the Rouvas Gorge, also known as Gafaris, crosses the forest of Rouvas. The same mountainous zone includes the Kroussonas Gorge, the Vorizia Gorge and the gorges of Asites. These routes combine rugged mountain terrain with forests, springs and old passages that once connected the northern settlements with the interior of Psiloritis.

Near the city of Heraklion lies the interconnected system of the Astrakiano, Kounaviano and Knossano gorges, while farther west are the gorges of Almiros and Venerato. On the western slopes of Dikti are the Roza Gorge and the Ambelos Gorge, while near Hersonissos lies the Aposelemis Gorge.

Eligas Gorge

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The gorge of Eligas is a monument of natural beauty located on the west side of the mountain Koupa near the village Miliaradon by Embaros. It is actually a high waterfall with nine rapels, ideal for canyoning. The difference of altitude between the entrance and the exit is about 230m.

Ambelos Gorge

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The Gorge of Ambelos is located southeast of Gonies village (Hersonissos Municipality), just about one km from the southern limits of the village. The approach is easy from the rural road, which runs through the gorge, along the bed of a tributary of Aposelemis river.

Panagia Keralimeniotissa Gorge (Kalami I)

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The canyon of Panagia (Virgin Mary), also known as Kalami I is parallel to the gorge Xerofarago or Kalami II and takes its name after the former monastery of Panagia Keralimeniotissa located at its exit.

Spiliotissa Gorge, Rogdia

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West of the village Rogdia a small gorge is formed that exits at the area of Paliokastro. It initially starts at position Koukos, where we meet the ruins of an old watermill.

Kakoperatos Gorge

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Canyon Kakoperatos located 10km south of Ahendrias village, on the eastern side of Asterousia Mountains. The distance from Heraklion is approximately 66km. The gorge is only crossed with technical equipment.

Tsoutsouras Gorge

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The canyon of Tsoutsouras is located in Tsoutsouras village and is one of the many inaccessible canyons of the area. It starts at position Sfakias and it's exit is located near the settlement, in Larinaki area, and at first glance it causes awe.

Mesosfini Gorge

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The wild and inaccessible canyon of Mesosfini is located 55km south of Heraklion city, in an isolated area west of the seaside village of Treis Ekklisies. Its entrance is located at a height of 450m, near the village of Mournies and Prinias, in the Asterousia Mountains. At its exit, 2km south, it is formed the majestic beach of Voidomatis, which can be accessed via a dirt track from Tris Ekklisies.

Santorinios Gorge

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A few minutes away from the city of Heraklion, close to Agios Panteleimonas Monastery by Fodele, there is the canyon of Santorinios. The canyon is short but has not been exploited yet due to its quite difficult access, because of the dense vegetation and many ponds.

Heraklion

Rouvas Gorge

Astrakiano

Arvi Gorge

Heraklion Gorges