Nature

To the west of the prefecture of Chania and 20 kilometers away from the city of Chania we meet the estuary of Tavronitis. Tavronitis with Platanias are the two largest rivers in the western part of Chania. At its exit to the sea, the river forms a delta which is a very important wetland.

Kollita Gorges, i.e. Twin Ravines are located nearby the picturesque village Argyroupolis, about 22km southwest of Rethymnon city. They are named so, as they consist of two parallel canyons that end near Kato Poros settlement. Here we refer to the easternmost gorge of Moundros.

The Gorge of St. Savvas is the natural continuation of the canyon Trypiti, in the wild and imposing Asterousia mountains. In the arid landscape of Asteroussia Mts, the dense forest of the wild olive and carob trees looks like an oasis in the desert.

At the middle of the southeast shores of Lefki or Koufonissi island, at 75m altitude, we meet the ruined lighthouse of the island. There was found a temple, which unfortunately has suffered from predatory looting from the authorities (in 1920) in order to build the huge lighthouse, only 5m from the eastern short side of the temple where the entrance would have been, even though another stepped entrance was found on the north side.

From the village Astiraki, Malevizi province, we can reach the fertile plateau of Vaklia. Before meeting the plateau Strouboulas we meet the position Galia. Galia is a completely barren plateau in contrast to the fertile reddish soils of Vaklia.

At the west part of Chrissi islet you will meet the small lighthouse, powered by photovoltaic panel. The lighthouse is located close to the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) and the dried lake of the island.

In Niatos the beauty is indescribable, as the views to the peak Kastri (2215m) of the White Mountains causes awe. If you ever drive to Sfakia via Askifou, do not forget to visit the two plateaus, as they are totally unknown and are awesome.

Vavouledo canyon starts about 1km east of the village Hamalevri. A trail runs along the gorge. Near the village Lidiana, the canyon joins the Gorge of Trahinos and the merged river runs till the "cosmopolitan" neighborhood of the Palea Roumata, Arhontika, where you can eat at the taverns.