The regional unit of Chania has the densest network of gorges in Crete, particularly on the southern slopes of the White Mountains and in the province of Sfakia. According to one interpretation, the name “Sfakia” is connected with the ancient Greek word “sfax”, meaning a cleft in the earth or a gorge, although this etymology has not been conclusively established.

The best known is the Samaria Gorge, which forms the core of the White Mountains National Park. The complete route from Xyloskalo, near the Omalos Plateau, to Agia Roumeli is approximately 16 kilometres long. Sfakia is also home to the easily accessible Imbros Gorge, the imposing Aradena Gorge, the Sfakiano Gorge and the gorges of Kallikratis, Asfendou and Tripiti.

On the western side of the White Mountains, notable routes include the lush Agia Irini Gorge near Sougia, the Lissos Gorge, Topolia Gorge and the gorges of Sirikari and Kambos. Near the city of Chania lie the Diktamos Gorge, the road-accessible Therisso Gorge and the smaller green gorges of Boriana and Kydoni.