Crete, the most mountainous island in Europe, is home to dramatic ranges and gorges stretching west to east. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply taking in the view, its wild beauty is unforgettable.
Crete, the most mountainous island in Europe, is home to dramatic ranges and gorges stretching west to east. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or simply taking in the view, its wild beauty is unforgettable.
Mighty, majestic and mysterious; Crete’s highest mountain, Psiloritis dominates the eastern edge of the regional unit of Rethymno. In ancient times, people climbed up to leave offerings at the sanctuary on the peak; today, the Chapel of Timios Stavros (“Holy Cross”) stands here. The view from the peak is breathtaking, particularly in winter, when the mountain is covered in snow.
The 2456m summit can be reached from either the south or the north. The shortest and easiest route to the top, called “Strata of Psiloritis”, takes two hours and begins at Lakos Mygerou (1580m). Recently created, this trail is well-marked and is paved with stone slabs for easy footing. Another well-known route to the summit follows the E4 path from the Nida Plateau.
On the way to Chromonastiri lies the beautiful Mili Gorge, once the site of dozens of watermills. Hiking the gorge involves an easy and enchanting 4km walk. Mili Gorge is a stunning green oasis near the town of Rethymno. It is actually a ravine that hosts a huge number of plants and trees, a real botanic garden. It is located north of the village Chromonastiri and south of Xero Chorio. In recent years, it attracts many walkers who trek along a nice trail.
Spiritual surroundings on the southeast of the town of Rethymno, a patchwork of quiet country lanes connects tiny hamlets hardly touched by tourism. Follow the road to Patsos at the valley’s northern end, where mighty Mt Psiloritis, Crete’s highest mountain, looms large to your left.
Below this legendary peak, a journey in the Amari Valley takes you through some of Crete’s oldest olive groves; nestled among them are places of ancient spirituality. This is a timeless, sacred place. Tiny Byzantine chapels with colorful frescoes sit beside the remains of Minoan sites that predate Christianity by more than_
The gorge of Kourtaliotis is located 22km south of Rethymno and has a length of 3km. It is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of prefecture Rethymnon. It starts from the village Koxare and flows between the mountains Kouroupa (984 m) and Koules of the range Xiro Oros (676m). The huge cliffs of the canyon reach a height of 600 meters and are full of openings and caves, where significant fauna species live.
The canyon is crossed by the Kourtaliotis River which flows up to Lake Preveli, after merging with Frati Gorge. In the latest part of the river it is called Megalos River (Big River).
The springs of Kourtaliotis, near the chapel, are one of the nicest attractions of the gorge. Just below the springs is the amazing waterfall of Kourtaliotis with a large flow of water in a very narrow and dark part of the gorge, which can be reached by swimming from a lower level of the river. F
The gorge of Patsos or Agios Antonios is located 8 km southwest of the Monastery of Arkadi, in the beautiful province of Amari.
The water of the gorge is gathered in the dam of Potami. Hiking in the canyon up to one point is very easy, as a well-designated path has been formed by the forest service, ending at its narrowest point with a unique waterfall falling into a cave.
From there the gorge gets narrow and forms several small waterfalls, and the descent to the lake of Potami requires considerable attention, especially in winter and spring. Another trail ascends to the watchtower of avifauna above the river.