Chania Gorges

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.

Vrissi Gorge

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One of the nicest gorges of Crete is that of Vrissi on the north side of the White Mountains, crossed by the river Vrissiotis which gathers water from Melidaou area and waters Zourva and Lakki. In the gorge there is the cave - underground river with water springs, while many waterfalls of exquisite beauty are met in several places. The trail to the spring of the cave starts from Lakki and ascends along the walls of the gorge. From the spring starts another downhill trail to Zourva.

Avlaki Gorge at Katholiko

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Avlaki gorge is located near the monastery Gouverneto, 16km east of Chania city. It is one of the most important gorges in Crete with a particular religious value, as many monks and hermits found shelter in its caves. Inside the small canyon there is the deserted Katholiko monastery, perhaps the oldest monastery in Crete. Thus, the gorge is also called Katholiko Gorge.

Kydoni Gorge at Karanou

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The Gorge Kydoni is a small lush green paradise near the village Karanou, which has been adorned with a beautiful trail and information signage. The trail starts from the fountain of the village and is very easy to walk and appropriate for children.

Mesavlia - Deliana Gorge

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Deliana – Mesavlia Gorge is located 37km west of Chania. Starting from the village Mesavlia it descends to the village Deliana after 5km. Walking in the gorge is very easy (takes about one hour) and is suggested even for children, as it runs along a dirt road.

Kallikratis Gorge

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Kallikratis is a relatively small gorge in the southeast region of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in Chania Prefecture. The gorge connects the mountainous pasture lands with the lowland villages. It is a very pleasant walk, offering great views and rare flowers, but is not very popular with tourists. The Kallikratis Gorge together with the Asfendou Gorge can be a full day’s excursion.

Roka Gorge

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The gorge of Rocca, Roka, Rocka or Rokka is located 32km west of Chania, in the area of Kolymbari. The 2km gorge starts from the village Deliana and ends at the village of Roka. In the settlement there is Trouli hill, where you can still see the ruins of a Byzantine fortress.

Sirikari

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Sirikari is located 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, in a lush green area with canyons and water streams. The road to Sirikari is paved and runs through the dense vegetation, indicating the beauty of the area at the very first moment. From here begins the beautiful canyon of Sirikari leading to the settlement of Polirinia, where the ancient town of Polirinia was built.

Tripiti Gorge

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Tripiti is the second large gorge parallel to Samaria gorge and, like Klados, the trail heading to its entrance also starts at Linosseli spring. In order to approach its entrance there is a dangerous passage where you risk getting stuck, so that you can neither walk on nor turn around and go back. Therefore, you should never attempt to cross this place it without the escort of an experienced hiker.

Chania

Samaria

Imbros

Agia Irini

Chania Gorges

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