Waterfalls

Crete’s rugged terrain provides the conditions for numerous small and large waterfalls. Rivers and seasonal streams cross gorges and steep slopes, forming cascades over rocky steps and vertical cliffs. Many waterfalls are seasonal, flowing mainly after winter rains and during spring, while their discharge varies considerably from year to year.

Among the best-known destinations are the waterfalls of Kourtaliotis in Rethymnon, Richtis near Sitia and Milonas near Ierapetra. Water flow differs between locations and seasons, so their appearance can change significantly depending on rainfall and the contribution of springs.

In the Asterousia Mountains, steep slopes host impressive seasonal waterfalls, including Lichnistis in the Achendrias Gorge at Maridaki and Abas near Paranimfi. On Mount Kedros, notable examples include the Selinara waterfalls, Gre Dafni waterfall and Digenis Rehtara.

Many other waterfalls lie within technical canyoning routes, including the gorges of Ha, Tsoutsouras, Kalami and Arvi. Completing these routes requires suitable equipment, training and canyoning experience. Some waterfalls, however, can be approached along hiking trails, without this necessarily allowing visitors to continue through the gorge.

A distinctive example is Mastoras waterfall, which drops approximately 215 metres into Ha Gorge. It is one of Crete’s most impressive large waterfalls, in a location associated with demanding technical routes.

Choosing the season and route requires consideration of weather conditions, water flow and access difficulty. Rainfall can make the waterfalls more spectacular, but also increases the risk of flash flooding inside gorges.

Selinara Waterfalls

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The Selinara waterfalls lie near the village of Orne in the province of Agios Vasilios, Rethymnon, on the southern slopes of Mount Kedros. They form a series of successive drops along the same stream rather than a single waterfall.

Tsikalaria Waterfall

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Tsikalaria waterfall lies beside the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, between Koutsouras and Stavrochori in the province of Sitia. It is approximately 12 metres high and forms on the rocky slope behind the small church.

Richtra Waterfall at Kato Kastelliana

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Richtra waterfall lies at the southern edge of Kato Kastelliana in the province of Monofatsi, at the foot of the Asterousia Mountains. It forms very close to the village houses and is approximately 8–9 metres high.

Saint George Waterfall at Pirouniana

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Saint George Waterfall lies near Pirouniana in the historical province of Monofatsi, in the Agia Varvara area. It forms on the Axedianos River, just below the Byzantine church of Saint George Chostos, along the riverside path leading to the abandoned settlement of Axenti.

Riktra Waterfalls at Rotasi

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Riktra lies on the northern side of the Asterousia Mountains, near the road connecting Rotasi with Ethia. It consists of four successive waterfalls, visible from the road when enough water is flowing and easily accessible from it.

Lygaria Waterfall

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The wider area of Ligaria beach hosts several waterfalls in after rains, framed by the unique greenish rocky grounds. One of the falls stands out due to the height of 10m and the small pond at its base. The fall is almost hidden by dense vegetation. To locate it, walk upside down the creek that flows to the east of the beach, overcome the small waterfalls from the side and you will meet the large waterfall in a stream coming from the left.

Xepatomenos Waterfall near Korfes

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East of the village Korfes, River Gazanos that transfers water from Psiloritis Range to Ammoudara bay, meets the hard limestone of the area. At this position it forms a small beautiful waterfall that locals call Xepatomenos. Access to its base in winter is impossible without getting wet. A few meters after the fall, the light colored clay rocks create a unique landscape, called Kolimbithres.

Richtra Fall at Voritsi

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West of the village Voritsi and very close to the monastery of Agios Georgios Kavou a compact rocky massif is formed. In the center of this impressive rock a very beautiful cascade of 25m is formed which locals call Richtra. The waterfall is fed by a nearby spring and has water after heavy rain.