Agia Irini Gorge - Chania
Gorge description
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.
Most frequent asked questions
Where is Agia Irini Gorge located?
Agia Irini Gorge is a hiking gorge located 46 km from Chania, Crete, Greece.
What type of gorge is Agia Irini Gorge?
Agia Irini Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail that is part of the E4 trail.
What kind of water can be found in Agia Irini Gorge?
Water can be found in Agia Irini Gorge until the spring, as well as from various springs throughout the gorge.
How long is Agia Irini Gorge?
Agia Irini Gorge is 7.5 km long.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult is Agia Irini Gorge?
Agia Irini Gorge has a difficulty level of 3 out of 10.
How many hours does it take to hike Agia Irini Gorge?
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Agia Irini Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Agia Irini Gorge?
The altitude difference in Agia Irini Gorge is 580 meters.
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User reviews
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Things to do near Agia Irini Gorge - Chania
Stays near Agia Irini Gorge - Chania
- 9.9 / 10
- Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - Sougias
Featuring pool views, Villa Aeolus with private overflow, endless, heated pool offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 23 km from Samaria Gorge. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 36 km from Villa Aeolus with private overflow, endless, heated pool, while Limnoupolis is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
- 2.1 km
- 8.7 / 10
- Kambanos
Square Apartment, a property with a terrace, is set in Kambanós, 40 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, 45 km from Limnoupolis, as well as 48 km from Platanias Square. The air-conditioned accommodation is 27 km from Samaria Gorge, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with mountain views.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 48 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 62 km from Square Apartment.
from
€45
/night
- 3.9 km
- 9.1 / 10
- Omalos
Mike Omalos Houses features lake views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Omalós, 5.1 km from Samaria Gorge.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Mike Omalos Houses offers a picnic area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy hiking and bike tours nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 22 km from Mike Omalos Houses, while Limnoupolis is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 52 km from the holiday home.
- 4.3 km
- 9.4 / 10
- Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - Sougias
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.
- 5.3 km
- 9.4 / 10
- Moni Selinou
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.
- 5.3 km
- 8 / 10
- Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - Sougias
Boasting mountain views, Hani Kastania – Chania retreat for families and groups for holidays and workshops features accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 18 km from Samaria Gorge. This property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
The holiday home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a bath and a shower, a seating area, and a kitchen with a fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Hani Kastania – Chania retreat for families and groups for holidays and workshops offers a picnic area.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 24 km from the accommodation, while Limnoupolis is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 46 km from Hani Kastania – Chania retreat for families and groups for holidays and workshops.
- 5.5 km
