Agia Irini Gorge If you want to pass through the Agia Irini Gorge you must wear the right clothes and shoes for walking and hiking. The Agia Irini Gorge is 12 km, 7 km of them in the gorge and 5 km outside. The starting point is the village of Agia Irini. An official walking map for Crete does not exist, but you will always find a map of the whole route at the entrance to each gorge. These maps are detailed enough to give you information about the gorges. Like most gorges on Crete, the Agia Irini Gorge is also a riverbed. The path first goes uphill and then downhill. In the gorge there are several picnic areas where you can have a short rest beneath the shade of the old pine trees. It is a medium level hiking trail. The walk takes a total of 5 hours and can be done throughout the year, provided that it hasn't just rained. An average walker knows that hiking in a gorge after a rainy day is dangerous because stones from the mountain can be dislodged. This riverbed is dry in summertime, but up until June you will see some water, brooks and springs where you can fill your bottle with fresh water. It is paved with huge stones and shingle. Like the other gorges, the kilometres are signalled on stones along the whole route. You will see an overwhelming landscape with wild flowers, wild herbs and huge old trees (mainly pine and plane trees). At the Agia Irini Gorge exit you will find a café for a short rest. After the café you will have a 5 km walk to the coast, to Sougia village. Sougia is a small village with a few houses and some tavernas. Our recommendation for individuals who want to navigate the gorge without a guide: you can go by car to Agia Irini village, where you will find parking. At the end of your walk to the village of Sougia, you can take a taxi back to the gorge entrance. You can ask in the tavernas for a taxi and they will call one for you.
Imbros Gorge The Imbros Gorge is also a riverbed and is an easy hiking tour of 3 hours downhill (8 km). The Imbros Gorge is situated in the southwest of Crete. The starting point is the village of Imbros at an altitude of 650 metres on the Askifou Plateau and it ends at the southern coast in the village of Komitades (near Orchora Sfakion). It runs parallel to the Samaria Gorge. The flora in the gorge reflects the two climes you will pass. At the beginning in the north plane and oak trees dominate, whilst in the south of the gorge you will see cypress and oleander trees.
We recommend this trekking tour for families and you do not need a guide.
The Preveli Gorge The Preveli Gorge is easily accessible for those who have their holiday homes and hotels in Plakias. It is part of the district of Rethymnon and is situated on the southern coast of Crete. Guests who are staying in Plakias can go on a daily cruise by boat from Plakias village to the Prevali Lagoon. It is a romantic place to see. There is a lovely beach and a river, which forms the gorge. The banks of the river are full of palm trees. When you follow the river uphill you will see small pools formed by the river where you can stop to swim. It is a paradise, and not only for children.
Ayiofarango Gorge The gorge is situated outside the village of Sivas in the south east of Crete. You have several means to get there, either by boat or by car. If you want to go by boat you have to go to the small villages of Kaloi Limenes, Pyrgos or Agia Galini where you can take a daily cruise to this wonderful gorge. If you want to go by car you have to drive to the small village of Sivas (close to Matala and Festos) and then follow the road to Moni Odigitrias (Holy Monastery of Odigitria). This is a dirt road for several kilometres, but easy to drive. When you pass the Monastery you have to follow the road to Kali Limenes or Ayiofarango. About 4 km past the Moni Odigitrias the road ends and you have to leave your car and continue on foot for about 1 hour. We recommend doing this tour as a daily boat cruise starting from the village of Agia Galini with small boats. It is a Gorge with many caves. Shortly before reaching the end of the gorge you will see the 14 century church of Agios Antonios; the sanctuary of the church is part of a small cave.
It is a nice tour for guests who have their accommodation in Lentas, in our Crete hideaway Galini Studios.
