3 of the best gorges in Crete
Gorges in Crete – Striking, cavernous and not for the faint hearted!
There is one element about Crete that makes it stand out from the other Greek islands – it’s myriad of gorges and ravines. Wildly ascending, descending, twisting and turning through the mountainous, varied and breath-taking landscapes, gorges in Crete are one of this island’s many tourist attractions and it is easy to understand why.
Being blessed with a natural backdrop of sheer ruggedness, precariousness and intrigue, Crete offers some of the most memorable hiking opportunities in Europe.
With such a vast array of gorges in Crete that have been dramatically established within Crete’s geographical makeup for centuries, knowing which gorge to head to for a day of sheer elation and exhilaration can prove to be a difficult decision.
If you are visiting this stunning island sometime soon then it is highly recommended that your holiday includes a visit – at least one – to the island’s innumerable gorges. To help you decide which Cretan ravine to explore, we have highlighted three of the most dramatic, stunning and photogenic gorges in Crete.
Samaria Gorge
Situated at the westernmost edge of the Omalos plateau in Sfakia, lies what is possibly the most famous gorge on Crete. Being a whopping 14 – 16 km in length, the Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe. To walk the whole length of this colossal canyon takes between six and seven hours and finishes at the coastal villages of Agia Roumeli, which is worthy of a visit in itself. Gorges don’t come much more picturesque and stunning than this geological marvel and it is hardly surprising that Samaria Gorge attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Aradaina Gorge
Having been described as looking like ‘someone cut with a knife through the mountains’, perilously demanding could be one way to describe Aradiana Gorge. Vividly positioned from Anopolis to Marmara Beach near the town of Loutro, to walk the whole length of this magnificent asset of nature will take approximately four to five hours and does require some hiking experience, if not to just handle the often startling astonishment of the sheer drops.
Preveli Gorge
With a river lined with palm trees that forms the mouth of the gorge, Preveli Gorge has to be among one of the prettiest gorges on Crete. Whether you intend to hike along the gorge’s winding paths, go for a refreshing swim in the many small pools formed by the river at the foot of the gorge, or relax on the nearby beach absorbing the surrounding beauty, Preveli Gorge is irrefutably worthy of a visit – just remember to take your camera!