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Located just half an hour above the Lissos archaeological site, in a concealed location known as Lichnou Laki, is a small yet stunning canyon. This gorge is situated in the Selino district, beneath the village of Prodromi, to the south of Chania. It can be accessed via a dirt road that leads south from the village. This petite canyon is lush with greenery and is divided into two distinct sections. The first section is predominantly populated with lentisks, junipers, and oaks, while the second section is blanketed with pine trees, despite a previous fire that ravaged the area.
The gentle riverbed of Lichnou Laki canyon doesn’t feature any waterfalls or other impediments. At the canyon’s most striking point, there is a picturesque rock shelter forming a triangle. Towards the lower exit, a plateau is scattered with ceramic fragments, a clear indication of a former ancient settlement.
Get directions to Lihnou Laki Gorge
Lihnou Laki Gorge is located in the Chania Region of Crete, Greece.
The hiking difficulty level in Lihnou Laki Gorge is moderate, with some steep and rocky sections.
The best time to visit Lihnou Laki Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
It is not necessary to have a guide to hike in Lihnou Laki Gorge, but it is recommended for safety reasons and to learn about the history and nature of the area.
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Lihnou Laki Gorge.
It is recommended to bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
Find below the list of things to do near Lihnou Laki Gorge:
Through this route we will discover the wild side of southern Crete and end up at one of the best beaches of Crete with crystal clear waters
Our first stop is the Minoan Farm where we will have the opportunity to learn how Cretan honey and Cretan olive oil are produced as well as to get to know Cretan herbs up close. Our stop really fills us with Crete.
Then we arrive at traditional village of Archanes where we will have about 40 minutes of free time to be enchanted by the architecture of the houses, the narrow streets of the village and to relax under the plane trees
Then through a beautiful route we reach the foot of the constellations and climb to an altitude of 850 meters
This is where the wild side of Southern Crete begins to appear and the landscapes are truly beautiful and dreamlike
Crossing the beautiful gorge we find ourselves at one of the best beaches of Crete with crystal clear waters
Here we enjoy a wonderful meal and take a bath
On our way back through a beautiful route we end up at the Monastery of Epanosifi with the Byzantine churches and we will get to know the life of the Cretan priests
With what better images we end up at the hotel
This route will imprint deep in your mind the best memories from Wild Unknown Crete !!!!
Embark on a full-day guided trip to the Samaria Gorge from Chania. Arrive in Omalos in the heart of the White Mountains, and enjoy breakfast before trekking along the longest gorge in Europe, 4,000 feet above sea level.
After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace with your English-speaking guide at the end of the group to help out if you need them.
Hike over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river, passing by fresh-water springs along the way. Enjoy views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range and see mountain goats roaming in the wild. Feel the exhilaration of challenging yourself with a long hike.
At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide.
Late in the afternoon, you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point about 7.30 PM.
Take a day trip from Rethymno to set out on an outdoor adventure into Samaria Gorge National Park. Hike at your own pace with a guide over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees, along a river, and by fresh-water springs. Keep an eye out for mountain goats roaming in the wild.
Begin your full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge with pickup and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you start the hike. Challenge yourself with 18 kilometers of walking over rocky terrain.
Be accompanied by a mountain escort who speaks English, German, and French. Get briefed about your hike and get your tickets for the entrance and ferry boat from your escort. These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival.
After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace as your guide will be at the end of the group to help out if you need them. At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops.
Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide. Late in the afternoon, board a boat to go from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the pickup point.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk.
Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.
Find below the list of hotels near Lihnou Laki Gorge:
Located within 300 metres from Sougia Beach, Galini offers accommodation with furnished balconies overlooking the Lefka Ori mountain range. Rooms are equipped with fridge and a TV.
Studios and Apartments Galini feature air-conditioned units with coffee-making facilities. Most accommodation types include kitchenettes. Room cleaning is provided daily.
Family-run Galini Studios & Apartments offer free Wi-Fi access in all studios and apartments. There are barbecue facilities in the garden as well as a common kitchen. Free private parking is possible on site.
The scenic Sougia village is located by the Libyan sea, about 70 km from the city of Chania. There are many tavernas and shops for everyday necessities. Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini Gorge are easily accessible by boat.
Situated just 200 metres from the beach of Sougia, 3-star Syia Hotel offers self-catering rooms with private balcony. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.
Syia open-plan studios and two-room apartments are bright and very spacious. They include a well-equipped kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster and fridge. Climate control, a satellite TV and a hairdryer are included.
Guests can start their day with the breakfast served at the property’s dining area. They can also enjoy a drink from the bar either at the lounge area or at the furnished terrace overlooking the Libyan Sea.
Syia serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the beaches of South Crete, such as Palaiochora located a 30-minute drive away. Free on-site parking is possible.
from
€97
/night
Featuring a sun terrace, Archon Villa is a detached holiday home situated in Palaiochóra. The air-conditioned unit is 36 km from Chania Town.
A dishwasher and an oven can be found in the kitchen and there is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player is offered. Other facilities at Archon Villa include a swimming pool.
Chania International Airport is 46 km away.
Built of stone and wood, Monastery Estate is located in the traditional Moni Village of Chania, within 4.5 km from Sougia Beach. It offers self-catering accommodation with fireplace, free Wi-Fi and a patio overlooking the mountain range of Lefka Ori.
Fitted with wooden floors and beamed ceilings, the apartments of Monastery combine modern and traditional elements. Each air-conditioned unit features a seating and a dining area and a well-equipped kitchen. The stone-built bathroom comes with shower and a hairdryer.
Restaurants and mini markets can be found at Sougia Village, within 4.5 km from Monastery Estate. The famous Agia Eirini Gorge is at 13 km, while the seaside Paleochora is 28 km away. Free private parking is possible on site.
Located in Sougia, 33 km from Samaria Gorge, Monastery Estate Retreat provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a concierge service, along with free WiFi. The property is allergy-free and is set 46 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms are equipped with a patio and others also offer pool views. At Monastery Estate Retreat each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
Monastery Estate Retreat offers 3-star accommodation with a sauna and spa centre.
The nearest airport is Chania International, 68 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in the mountainous Anidri Village, Christos Place-Anidri offers luxury self catering cottages with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea, the mountain and the surrounding area. It provides free WiFi throughout and lies within 5 km of the beach.
Opening to spacious terraces with sun loungers, the cottages of Christos are fitted with beamed ceilings, wooden or tiled floors. underfloor heating and well-chosen furnishings. Each unit has a seating area and a well-equipped kitchenette with 2 hobs, dining area, fridge and microwave. Facilities also include air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A welcome package is provided containing family-produced olive oil, raki, vinegar, filter coffee, mountain tea, sugar, salt and pepper.
Private boat tours can be organized at extra charge, upon request. Free on-site parking is possible.
Guests will find a traditional tavern within 400 metres from the property. Paleochora Town and Paleochora Port, connecting to Gavdos, Elafonissi and Hora Sfakion, are located 5.5 km away. Chania Town is at a distance of 72 km.
from
€88
/night
The trail linking Sougia to ancient Lissos runs through the grandeur of the Lissos or Skevroto gorge. This lengthy canyon is characterized by its majestic towering walls. However, the path to Lissos only covers a fraction of this route, taking approximately one hour to traverse.
Upon exiting the path on the Lissos side, one encounters the historical remnants of ancient Lissos. Notable landmarks include the Asclepius temple with its floor mosaic, the scattered ruins of the ancient city, tombs, the Roman theatre, and the Panagia and St. Kirikos churches. These churches were erected on the foundation of a previous early Christian church.
Returning to Sougia is possible either by embarking on a boat ride from the picturesque Lissos beach or by retracing the path on foot.
The relatively small yet stunning Anydri gorge is situated to the east of Paleochora, accumulating water from the Asfendiles and Ancient Hyrtakina regions via the Dichalomata stream. The gorge originates from the Anidri village and meanders for approximately 3km between towering cliffs, eventually ending at the picturesque Gialiskari beach.
Trekking through the canyon is straightforward and follows the stream, which typically dries up during the summer. The gorge is sparsely dotted with trees and the rocky walls are not too high, so it’s recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen for protection.
The petite Keratida gorge, filled with pine trees, begins just past the village of Koustogerako. After a challenging two-hour hike, it intersects with the coastal E4 trail that links Sougia and Agia Roumeli. Initially, the route runs alongside the gorge. However, the descent is quite steep and requires caution, as the gorge can be quite unforgiving. The route concludes near the sea, in close proximity to Agios Antonios beach (also known as Charei). From Agios Antonios, it takes an additional two hours to get back to Sougia.
Situated on the western flank of the White Mountains in the Selino province, the Agia Irini gorge owes its name to the nearby village of Agia Irini (Saint Irene), a mere 46 km from Chania.
The trail of Agia Irini Gorge commences just below the Agia Irini village and concludes at the Oasis Taverna. The track, which descends approximately 500 meters, extends for 7.5 km and requires nearly three hours to navigate. It is a well-preserved and predominantly shaded path, embellished with pine trees, plane trees, and oleander bushes.
The journey from the exit of the gorge to the village of Sougia covers about 5 km along a lightly used road with scarce shade. On sweltering days, arranging transportation to Sougia is recommended. The gorge, which is open all year round, is graced with a small river, but certain sections may become inaccessible or dangerous after heavy rain. From April to October, during the tourist season, a nominal fee is collected at the entrance (or exit for those hiking uphill) of the gorge. This fee aids in maintaining the path, collecting trash, and general upkeep to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The gorge forms part of the European footpath E4. Its southern entrance is positioned 5 kilometers north of Sougia. It is included in the NATURA 2000 protected areas and has been declared a wildlife reserve by the Ministry of Agriculture. The gorge is home to the endangered Cretan ibex, agrimi, and boasts a variety of microenvironments and habitats for an array of wildlife species. The diverse flora, including trees (cypress, pine, maple, plane, oak, holm oak), shrubs, brushwoods, and fine herbs such as dittany, is of significant importance.
The gorge holds immense significance, not only for its rich biodiversity and aesthetic appeal but also for its historical and cultural significance. At the “Polla Spitakia” area within the gorge, rebels found refuge from the Ottomans. This is where the “Fygou” path begins, which served as an escape route from the gorge to the Omalos plateau. The area houses the Byzantine Church of Christ (1358 AD) and the dilapidated church of Saint George (1460 AD). The gorge, second in popularity to Samaria in the Chania prefecture, remains open for a longer duration.
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