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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.
Get directions to Anydri Gorge
Find below the list of things to do near Anydri 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 !!!!
Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline. Visit traditional villages like Elos and Kaloudiana.
Get picked up from your hotel area in the morning, then stop for a short break in the traditional village of Elos. Time permitting, enjoy time to have breakfast or a coffee (cost not included). Afterward, depart for Elafonissi.
On the way, see small traditional villages combined with typical Mediterranean scenery. Admire the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge. At Elafonissi, get 4 hours of free time to soak in the sun and enjoy the spectrum of shades of blue that this beach has to offer.
At the end of your tour, stop at the village Kaloudiana, where you can explore the village and have refreshments or food (not included). Later, get driven back to your accommodation in Rethymno.
Known for its sandy pink beaches and clear waters, Elafonisi is a stop you won’t want to miss. Located 76km west of Chania, in the South-West tip of Crete, this peninsula forms part of a protected area and is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle as well as other rare plants and animals.
The day begins with pick up from specific points in Chania. Travel for about 40-minutes on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Make a stop in a place with authentic and traditional products for about 15-minutes. At the beach, you’ll have the chance to explore the area on your own. Wander through sand dunes or just enjoy a relaxing swim.
Those traveling with children will enjoy the shallow lagoons, which are perfect for wading and exploring. On your return journey stop iat a traditional tavern in a picturesque village for about an hour. Choose to eat from a number of places to eat at this location (at your own expense). Be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to get a picture of the pinkish sand – a color it gets from the millions of crushed shells.
In the mid-afternoon, the bus departs for the return trip to Elafonisi.
On this full-day trip, you’ll travel from Georgioupolis to the southwest corner of Crete and spend a relaxing day on the pink beaches of the small island of Elafonisi.
During the 3-hour drive to the island, you can sit back and relax, admiring the beauty of the lush green landscapes, traditional villages, and a small church built inside a cave along the way. After taking a short break to stop for a drink, you’ll reach your destination, Elafonisi, a picturesque bathing paradise with an island that can be easily reached by foot. The water on the island is shallow, clear and gleams with beautiful shades of blue and green. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind on the beach and to purchase snacks and drinks on the island before returning to Georgioupolis in the evening.
Find below the list of hotels near Anydri Gorge:
Located in Palaiochóra, Unique, luxurious coastal villa in beautiful Anidri, Paleochora provides accommodation with a private pool. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
Leading onto a terrace, the air-conditioned villa consists of 6 bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Samaria Gorge is 50 km from the villa. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from Unique, luxurious coastal villa in beautiful Anidri, Paleochora.
from
€428
/night
Set in Palaiochóra and only 50 km from Samaria Gorge, Elpida Country House -Paleochora-Anidri offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation features a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the holiday home.
from
€145
/night
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
Featuring pool views, Villa Talos provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 42 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The holiday home is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 80 km from the holiday home.
from
€295
/night
Centrally located in Paleochora, the family-run Manto Studios features a a furnished sun terrace and a snack bar with traditional flavours. It offers free Wi-Fi in all areas and self-catering units with a balcony or patio.
Overlooking the surrounding area, the studios and apartments of Manto have a kitchenette with fridge, cooking hobs and electric kettle. Each air-conditioned unit is equipped with an iron and a TV with satellite and cable channels. The private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
A buffet breakfast, enriched with homemade flavours, is served daily at the snack bar, where guests can also enjoy drinks and light meals. Restaurants, bars and mini markets are within a short walk from the property.
Manto Studios is located 71 km from Chania Town and 76 km from Souda Port. Staff at the front desk can arrange car rental to explore famous places, such as Elafonisi at 48 km and Sougia at 34 km. Free public parking is possible nearby.
The boutique hotel Libyan Princess is situated in Paleochora, also known as the Nymph of the Libyan Sea. It offers superior guest rooms, an outdoor pool, a gym and on-site parking.
The luxuriously appointed guest rooms combine elegance with functionality. Among the many room facilities, guests will find LCD 26’ TVs, safe, minibar and clothes dryer. The bathrooms feature a spa bath and a magnifying mirror. Their private balconies offer views of Paleochora, or the pool and the garden.
Popular snacks, salads, refreshing juices as well as Greek and international wines are served at the pool bar.
The wellness club features a gym and a hot tub. Massages, face and body treatments are also available.
Libyan Princess is located 75km from Chania, on the southwest coast of Crete, in a small peninsula between two scenic gulfs. In a few minutes guests can reach the long sandy beach Pachia Ammos or the pebbled beach Chalikia.
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.
In the overlooked area of Selino, South Chania, you’ll discover the hidden gem that is the Pelekaniotis River. This river, boasting the highest water flow in Selino, holds such significance that it inspired the name of the Paleochora municipality – Pelekanos. It remains a steady water source throughout the year, culminating in a verdant green valley at the Macherota location. The towering cliffs of the canyon serve as a habitat for numerous birds of prey, providing company for hikers along their journey.
The gorge’s exit can be located by following a dirt road that begins at Grameno beach near Paleochora and traces the river’s west bank. Regrettably, this path crosses a small area littered with rubbish and debris. However, beyond this, the scenery transforms into a lush Cretan landscape. Two kilometres in, the Agios Mamas chapel, adorned with well-preserved frescoes, can be found on the western shore. Despite its significance, the existence of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas) remains largely unknown, even to locals. Across from Agios Mamas, the old whitewashed chapel of Saint George stands, though it lacks frescoes.
A kilometre further, the dirt road ends at a tank filled with drinkable water. From this point, the gorge can be explored on foot, particularly during summer when the water levels are lower. Adventurous hikers might prefer to visit the Pelekanos Gorge in winter, to witness a 25m high waterfall cascading into the river.
Approximately halfway through the gorge, some of Crete’s most impressive plane trees can be found, with some over 1000 years old and featuring remarkable trunk formations. Much of the canyon is narrow, with sunlight rarely reaching the riverbed. This natural masterpiece is adorned with vertical walls dotted with numerous holm oak trees.
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 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.
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