From Chania/Almyrida : Imbros Gorge Hike
This day trip walks the 7 kilometres of Imbros Gorge from the mountain village of Imbros down to Komitades, then spends two hours at Frangokastello on the Libyan Sea. Imbros Gorge forms part of the E4 European long-distance trail, its vertical walls rise to 300 metres, and the route follows sections of the old cobbled road that once linked Sfakia with northern Crete. Io Tours runs it over 9 to 10 hours from €28.80, with a 4.48 rating across 56 reviews.
What this hike actually does
The day splits cleanly in two: a downhill walk in the morning, a beach in the afternoon. Three stages fill it.
First comes the drive, roughly 90 minutes from the Chania coast up to Imbros at 800 metres in the White Mountains. Second is the gorge itself, 7 kilometres of descent on a well-maintained and relatively easy trail, past rare plants, unusual rock formations and the narrowest sections where the walls close to a few metres. A licensed trekking guide walks with the group. Third, the coach meets you at Komitades and continues to Frangokastello, where you get about 2 hours to swim below the Venetian fortress.
The walk is downhill throughout, which is why it suits most fitness levels despite the distance.
Places this tour visits
The route crosses the White Mountains from the north coast to the south, and four of its points have their own page here.
- Imbros Gorge, the walk runs the full length of Imbros gorge, the gentler alternative to Samaria and the one we send first-time gorge walkers to.
- Frangokastello, the afternoon stop is Frangokastello, where a square Venetian fortress stands directly behind a shallow, warm beach.
- Chania, pick-up covers the city and the coastal villages west of it, so no car is needed from a Chania base.
- Almyrida, the eastern end of the pick-up route reaches Almyrida, on the Apokoronas coast.
What’s included and what isn’t
The fare covers the coach and the guide, and it leaves out the gorge ticket and all food.
Included:
- Air-conditioned coach transport
- Licensed guide in English, Greek and German
- Pick-up and drop-off from Halepa, Chania town, Chrissi Akti, Kato Daratso, Agioi Apostoloi, Kalamaki, Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani, Maleme, Kamisiana, Tavronitis, Kolymbari, Souda, Kalyves and Almyrida
Not included:
- Gorge entrance ticket, €5 paid in cash on site
- Food and drinks
Why we recommend this experience
We recommend Imbros as the gorge to walk if you only walk one. Samaria takes 16 kilometres and a full day of concentration; Imbros gives you the same sensation, the cliffs narrowing overhead, the old mule road underfoot, the Libyan Sea at the bottom, in 7 downhill kilometres. Pairing it with Frangokastello is the right call too, because ending a mountain walk in warm shallow water is a better afternoon than a coach ride home.
The reviews point at the operator’s care rather than the scenery. One German guest described being given a detailed briefing on the route and having their footwear inspected and assessed before setting off, that is not standard practice, and it tells you how the guides approach the day. Guides are named repeatedly across nationalities: Dafni, Cristina, Irini all appear by name, praised for knowledge and for looking after everyone. Another reviewer called the guide a gorge specialist.
Reviewers also mention the pick-up running precisely to time, with 32 pick-up points along the north coast, and several describe the lunch at the taverna at the gorge exit, local beer, and a pancake with cheese and thyme honey, as a highlight in its own right.
Three things to know before booking.
The rock is slippery. Two separate reviewers flag it, and the operator’s own notes say the path can be slippery in sections. Hiking shoes are not optional here, and the footwear check exists for a reason.
The day is long for the walking in it. At 9 to 10 hours door to door with a 90-minute drive each way, the 7-kilometre hike and 2 hours of beach sit inside a lot of coach time. One reviewer wanted more time hiking and more at the beach.
Guiding style varies. One reviewer wanted more history about the village and the gorge’s function; another, on a different day, felt the guide talked a bit too much. Both rated the trip four stars.
CreteLocals insider tips
Wear proper hiking shoes, carry the €5 in cash, and pack swimwear in the same bag.
- Wear hiking shoes with a firm sole, since the riverbed rock is polished and reviewers repeatedly call it slippery.
- Bring €5 per person in cash for the gorge entrance, which is collected on the spot.
- Pack swimwear and a towel with your hiking kit, because the coach goes straight from Komitades to the beach.
- Carry your own water and snacks, given no food or drink is included across a 10-hour day.
- Eat at the taverna at the gorge exit, which reviewers single out for the cheese pancake with thyme honey.
- Walk slowly through the narrows, as the 300-metre walls are the part people rush past and regret.
What to know before you go
You are contacted by email with your pick-up location and time. Pick-up covers 17 named areas along the north coast west and east of Chania; ask the operator if you are staying elsewhere.
Bring swimwear, snacks, sunscreen, water and hiking shoes. Smoking, littering and intoxication are not permitted on the tour. Some sections of the path are slippery.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Imbros Gorge hike?
The hike covers 7 kilometres, walked downhill from Imbros at 800 metres to Komitades near the south coast.
How difficult is Imbros Gorge?
The trail is relatively easy and well maintained, descending throughout, though the operator warns some sections are slippery and reviewers recommend firm-soled hiking shoes.
Is the gorge entrance fee included?
The €5 entrance fee is not included and is paid in cash at the gorge.
How long do you get at Frangokastello?
You get about 2 hours at Frangokastello, enough to swim and see the Venetian fortress before the return drive.
How high are the gorge walls?
The walls of Imbros Gorge reach up to 300 metres, narrowing to a few metres across at the tightest points.
Is lunch included?
No food or drink is included. A taverna at the gorge exit serves lunch at your own expense, and reviewers rate it highly.
Check dates and prices for the Imbros Gorge hike from Chania.
Location
From Chania/Almyrida is located at Imbros Gorge. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
