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.

Petrigiari Gorge

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Petrigiari is a small and wild gorge located parallel to the wild gorge of Kakoperatos, at the south coastline of Central Crete. The canyon is only accessible with technical (canyoning) equipment) with the maximum rapel being about 15m. The gorge ends at an amazing tiny pebbly beach with caves and crystal clear deep blue water.

Koumos Gorge

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Gorge Koumos is located at the area of Kapetaniana and it ends near the seaside settlement of Agios Ioannis, in a area full of pine trees. It is an unknown gorge and it can only be accessed with technical equipment. It is generally dry but after some heavy rainfalls it forms spectacular waterfalls.

Prinias Gorge (Lagouta)

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Adjacent and parallel to the current highway linking Heraklion to Messara plane, between the villages Prinias and Avgeniki, a beautiful canyon is formed. Its descent requires the use of canyoning equipment, as it forms some steep descents.

Rizopetro Gorge

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On the southeast side of Mount Sanida, near the village Skourvoula, a small but very wild gorge is formed called Rizopetro. The gorge ends near Faneromeni dam after a very impressive 60m high waterfall, having water only after heavy rainfalls.

Farangouli Gorge at Voriza

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The Gorge Farangouli at Voriza is located in Psiloritis massif, in the area of the village Vorizia. It is one of the three parallel canyons of the area, with the most famous of all being the great Gorge of Vorizia. The shortest and most unknown is Farangouli, which starts in the village houses and climbs up steeply.

Litheos River

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Litheos Potamos (Lethean River) collects water from the basin of Gergeri and Panassos in the south-eastern roots of Psiloritis. It continues its course as a wide river from Apomarma, during which many vertical streams meet the main stream. Throughout its course one meets many dilapidated watermills, while we also encounter traces of the ancient aqueduct that transferred water from Gergeri to Gortyn.

Pastrikos Gorge

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The Gorge of Pastrikos is a small gorge formed on the north side of Asterousia, in the wider area of the village Panagia. It is technical, i.e. it requires special equipment for canyoning. It starts from a small plateau where there is a temple dedicated to Saint Cyril.

Agia Paraskevi Gorge (Voukolias)

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The wild canyon of Agia Paraskevi is located in the Asterousia Mountains and on the borders of the village Paranymphi. It is called the little "brother" of the adjacent imposing and most famous Ambas Gorge, as both of them have the two highest waterfalls of Heraklion prefecture.

Heraklion

Rouvas Gorge

Astrakiano

Arvi Gorge

Heraklion Gorges