Chania Gorges

The mountainous regions of Chania are traversed by dozens of gorges, over 10 large gorges and over 30 smaller ones. Therefore Chania is becomes in an ideal place for excursions.

Indisputably, Samaria Gorge has an unparalleled beauty as well as the most renowned. It is located in the National Park of Samaria, on the White Mountains in west Crete. Also is considered as one of Europe’s longest gorges and one of the most visited places which extends over a length of 16 km, a width ranges from 3.5 to 150 metres, with vertical cliffs which may reach a sheer 500 metres in height. The national park house rare types of Cretan flora from cypress and the pine tree to the dittany and the wildflower, while it is also the natural habitat of the wild goat called the Kri Kri.

Also layered and tectonic rock formations of limestone are impressive and discernible on its slopes. Beautiful springs, waterfalls and small lakes are found in Samaria Gorge. The most photographed part and one of the most impressive is the narrowest point known as Portes (Gates), which is a fantastic spot where steep cliffs rise dramatically to height of over 300 m, forming a narrow passage of 3,5 m. Halfway through the park visitors will see the abandoned village of Samaria with its restored buildings.

The gorges are open from May to October, but can be closed if it rains because gorges become very dangerous. The best period to walk into the beautiful gorges is in May and September where there are fewer visitors. In order to protect the park and guaranty a safe and pleasant experience for everyone, a set of rules are given to every visitor.

Samaria Gorge

The wildest and most difficult to access in Crete, therefore visitors need an experienced guide in order to walk through it. Definitely at certain points you will need a climbing rope for safety reasons and around two days available. Domata are conforms by the last portion of gorge and the coast. In addition the most beautiful and cleanest coast in Crete is situated there, with a sea of wonderful colours and the pine trees.

One of the few gorges in Chania that does not have a north – south direction, Katechori is a very beautiful and verdant gorge, with many species of Crete flora. It is situated near Chania city, so its crossing is easy and accessed from Katechori village in the province of Keramia. The passage takes three to four hours and ends in the village of Faraggi at a short distance from Chania, Stylos main road. The nearby village of Stylos is very picturesque, with affluent water sources running under gigantic plane trees, old churches and little taverns.

Near to Chania city, Eleftheriou Venizelou is the only gorge that visitors can drive through of it by car or other transportations means, since it is crossed by a carriageway leading to the gorge from Chania via the suburb of Perivolia. The main portion of gorge is 6 km long. The imposing precipitous rocky slopes and the very luxuriant flora of gorge with the village of Therisso become to the Gorge of Therisso in an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Visitors will admire the beauty of the landscape while walking through of this unique gorge and will imagine that it used to be the escape route of the Allied troops in the Second World War. Furthermore they can go to Imbross either by car or using the public busses. The gorge meanders like a snake and is so narrow at one point, that one can touch both walls with outstretched hands. As in all the Sfakian ravines it became a refuge for Christians during the Turkish occupation and a base for revolutionists. It is possible to walk through Imbross gorge from either end and takes about 2 - 2˝ hours.

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