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.

Ambas Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.31 (13 Votes)

The gorge of Ambas is located 53km south of Heraklion, in Asterousia Mountains. Starting from the small plateau formed near the village Paranymfi (710m altitude), it ends at the beach of Treis Ekklisies. This is a large (4km long) and beautiful canyon with many narrow passages, which is accessible only by experienced canyoners.

Astrakiano Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.63 (20 Votes)

Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two lush green gorges by Heraklion that merge near the village Skalani and carry on their united course till Karteros. The total length of the two canyons is about 21 km.

Portela Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.70 (10 Votes)

Portela Gorge is located at the south of the prefecture of Iraklion; the canyon starts from Hondros village and its exit is in Keratokambos. It is one of the most dangerous canyons in Greece.

Martsalo Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.58 (19 Votes)

Martsalo gorge has a length of about 2km and is located in the south coast of Asterousia Mountains, in Heraklion Prefecture. It starts from the north and ends at the Libyan Sea, in the small picturesque beach of Martsalo. Apostle Paul stopped in Martsalo, during his journey to Rome.

Goula Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.50 (2 Votes)

The gorge of Goula is located south of the village Kapetaniana and ends at Agios Ioannis seaside settlement. Like the two other gorges of the area (Koumos and Gerakia) it is impassable without canyoning equipment

Venerato Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.09 (11 Votes)

The unknown canyon of Venerato is located 17km south of Heraklion, just next to the village Venerato and Paliani Monastery. The deep part of the gorge is very short in length (about 500m), but its beauty does not leave the visitor unaffected, although it is badly infected by human activities.

Vorizia Gorge

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.80 (5 Votes)

East of Voriza village, at the foot of Psiloritis, starts an arid canyon with holly trees that leads to the plateau of Nida Plateau and the cave Ideon Antron. The gorge is very steep at the beginning with small waterfalls coming from the brecciated steep limestone cliffs.

Agios Antonios Gorge at Asites

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (8 Votes)

West of the village Ano Asites the river that initially is the gorge of Saint Haralabos and then crosses the village soon turns into a deep and spectacular gorge, the gorge of St. Anthony.

Heraklion

Rouvas Gorge

Astrakiano

Arvi Gorge

Heraklion Gorges