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.

Erganos Gorge

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On the southeast side of Afendis Christos summit, above the villages Embaros you will meet the verdant vineyards at Erganos plateau at 900 meters altitude. The water gathered from the melting snow of the surrounding slopes and from many springs of the region form the main tributary of the Anapodaris river, Baritis, which crosses the plateau of Erganos and forms the rugged canyon of Erganos.

Mindris Gorge

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The gorge of Mindris starts near the village Filippi and ends at the port of Tsoutsouras, after running a distance of 6km. It is a open canyon without vertical walls, which’s riverbed is dry in summer and very easy to walk. On the riverside traces of ancient settlements, ranging from the Minoan to Roman Era have been found.

Anapodaris Gorge

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Anapodaris Gorge is formed at the final part of the longest river of Crete, Anapodaris, that collects the waters of Central Province Heraklion and South Dikti Range. The suggested route has a duration of 3-3.5 hours and is possible during summer or late spring when the river does not have too much water. It is worth noting that the river empties to the sea about 40 million cubic meters of water annually.

Porofarago Gorge

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The Gorge Porofarago or Sfakoryako is a small canyon, almost 2 km long, starting from village Kato Vatheia and ending near the settlement of Vrachokipos. It is crossed by the river Krommidas carrying water on the beach Kokini Hani.

Vorno Gorge (Ethiano)

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The Gorge of Ethia, officially known as Vorno, is located south of Heraklion, at the Asterousia Range. It starts from the village Ethia and, after tearing Asterousia northwards, it finishes at the plain of Messara, between the villages and Rotasi and Mesochori.

Troulla Gorge

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Just a few meters to the west of Tsoutsouros, the very narrow and smaller gorge of Troulla is formed. Being shorter than the Tsoutsouros canyon, it has attracted the attention of the canyoners and is very impressive with more than 15 beautiful waterfalls along its bed, the largest being 15m high.

Psaro Nero Gorge

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The gorge of Psaro Nero is located 55km southeast of Heraklion. It is a short inaccessible canyon with high waterfalls (rapels), very well known to canyoners of Crete. Psaro Nero with its wonderful rock formations has water till late spring. It is initially open and closes abruptly close to the end, where the high rappels are (the highest is 25m). The gorge empties into Baritis River, a tributary of Anapodaris, near Katofygi.

Ligiofarago Gorge

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Ligiofarago is one of the few canyons of East Asterousia range that one can walk down to the sea without needing technical equipment. Recently the path has been signed, connecting Achendrias to Maridaki, running through the gorge.

Heraklion

Rouvas Gorge

Astrakiano

Arvi Gorge

Heraklion Gorges