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The Achendrias gorge, situated approximately 50km south of Heraklion, concludes at the Maridaki beach. It traverses the barren landscape of the Asterousia Range, marked by stark mountains, jagged rocks, and coarse grazing lands. The gorge is quite accessible for the most part, except for the final stretch, which can only be navigated by seasoned canyoners. This is where high waterfalls form due to the Asterousia fault line.
The journey begins gently from the plain of the Achendrias village, where the gorge collects water. It initially passes through the Farangouli location, a fairly open ravine. It then moves through the Plakoures position, a striking stony mass with layered limestone, before reaching the sea via the Lihnistis gorge. Just before it reaches the sea, it forms five waterfalls, the tallest of which is 60 meters and named Lihnistis. This part requires canyoning equipment to cross, otherwise, one must turn back and follow the trail in the Ligiofarago.
After the waterfall, the landscape transforms into a verdant river valley at the Maridaki settlement, just before the sea. This area is lush with a spring, tall plane trees, and babbling water. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot the river fairies who are said to reside here!
If you prefer not to walk along the gorge, you can still enjoy its beauty by driving the rugged 15km dirt road from Mesohorio to Maridaki, passing by the Agios Nikitas monastery and the Agios Antonios palm grove. A significant portion of this route runs alongside the gorge.
The canyon is home to a large population of raptors and vultures, making the Asterousia gorges the largest habitat for these birds in Europe.
At the gorge’s exit, you’ll find the Lichnistis waterfall, a sequence of 5 waterfalls with the tallest standing at 60 meters. These waterfalls flow after heavy rainfalls and form ponds that are ideal for a refreshing dip in the spring. The waters of Lichnistis originate from springs south of the Ahendrias village and flow into the gorge, whose exit is home to Lichnistis. It’s a mere 10-minute walk from the Maridaki settlement. Named after the way the water disperses into the air like a misty cloud, resembling the winnowing process, the Lichnistis waterfall is one of many in the Asterousia mountains.
Get directions to Achendrias Gorge
Achendrias Gorge is located in the Heraklion Region of Crete, Greece.
The hiking difficulty level in Achendrias Gorge is moderate to difficult, with some steep and rocky sections.
The best time to visit Achendrias Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
It is recommended to have a guide to hike in Achendrias Gorge, especially for those who are not experienced hikers.
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Achendrias Gorge.
You should bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks. It is also recommended to bring a map and a first aid kit.
Find below the list of things to do near Achendrias Gorge:
Discover Tsoutsouros gorge, one of the many gorges in the Viannos area of South Crete. Abseil down this beautiful and technical canyon, suitable for beginners and anyone up for a challenge.
Begin your adventure with a short hike from the parking lot and reach the entrance to the canyon. From there, hear a short safety and equipment briefing before strapping up and entering the canyon. Start with short and easy abseils, ideal for getting used to the techniques and the use of the equipment. Gradually, take on longer and steeper abseils.
Admire the constantly changing terrain and seaview during your descent through the canyon. Depending on the weather conditions, you may come across water in the gorge until the beginning of summer. If so, have the incredible opportunity of abseiling through waterfalls.
The duration of the descent can vary from 3 to 4 hours depending on the experience of the group. After your abseil, head to the beautiful Tsoutsouros village.
Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Discover the magic of South Crete on a Self-Drive Private Jeep Safari in Convoy with our Brand New & Fully air conditioned 4X4 Dacia Duster. Shared or Private!
Feel the Off-road, Swim in the South, visit the local pottery workshop, create your ceramics and feel the authentic vibes of Crete! We start by exploring off the beaten paths through olive groves, traditional villages, scenic landscapes, and more! Then let’s uncover the art of pottery from ancient traditions to modern processes in the local workshop. We continue our adventure with an impressive off-road descent through the Gorge of Portela that is offering a breathtaking photo stop. Enjoy seaside driving along the Libyan Sea, Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Tsoutsouros beach and have your lunch by the sea. We end our day with panoramic views, letting the essence of Southern Crete captivate us! Take the wheel and let’s explore the South!
This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the real Crete in a small group.
We visit an olive oil factory to learn how olive oil is made now with modern machines and how used to be made in the olden days and of course we taste different kind of olive oil and honey.
Next stop is at the old village of Krasi where we go for a walk around the village to see the oldest plane tree in Crete which is estimated around 2000 years old then we are off to Lasithii plateau where we learn about the old wind mills that were used in the past to pump the water up for irrigation and the old wind mills that were used for grinding to make flour.
Now it’s time to go and {meet Zeus } at his cave , well actually we can’t promise that because last time we visited his birthplace he wasn’t there ( had a day off ) …….. so no promises.
Then we drive around Lasithii Plateau through old villages where time seems to have stopped then we visit a family restaurant to enjoy some Cretan traditional food ….and some local house wine….( or local beer…) well let’s be local just for a day or two….. maybe you like it ( maybe you don’t but give it a go …..)
After enjoying our lunch and wine ( or local beer) it’s time to hit the road to go back to your hotel where we picked you .
Find below the list of hotels near Achendrias Gorge:
Featuring mountain views, Antoine Apartment Sea Side provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Tsoutsouras Beach is less than 1 km from the apartment, while Aliori Beach is a 15-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 53 km from Antoine Apartment Sea Side, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Tsoútsouros, 300 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach and 300 metres from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach, Apollon offers a restaurant, sea views and free WiFi.
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and terrace. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with mountain views.
Continental and American breakfast options are available every morning at the aparthotel.
There is a shared lounge at this property and guests can go hiking nearby.
Aliori Beach is 700 metres from Apollon, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from the accommodation.
Located in Tsoútsouros, 300 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach and 500 metres from Pera Tsoutsouras Beach, Colorful House Tsoutsouras provides air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
This apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Aliori Beach is 700 metres from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from Colorful House Tsoutsouras.
Situated 100 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach in Tsoútsouros, blue sea suites features accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi.
Each unit features a balcony offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Aliori Beach is 500 metres from blue sea suites, while Pera Tsoutsouras Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from the accommodation.
Featuring city views, Filocsenia luxury apartment at tsoutsouras provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 70 metres from Tsoutsouras Beach. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Aliori Beach is 400 metres from the apartment, while Pera Tsoutsouras Beach is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from Filocsenia luxury apartment at tsoutsouras.
from
€72
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, VILLA PETRINO is situated in Tsoútsouros. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 3-bedroom villa features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Staff at the villa are always available to provide advice at the reception.
VILLA PETRINO offers a picnic area. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy fishing nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Popular points of interest near VILLA PETRINO include Aliori Beach, Tsoutsouras Beach and Pera Tsoutsouras Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 53 km from the villa.
from
€131
/night
The Mindris Gorge, starting near Filippi village and ending at the Tsoutsouras port, spans a length of 6km. It’s an open canyon with no vertical walls and a riverbed that dries up in the summer, making it easy to traverse. Along the riverside, remnants of ancient settlements from the Minoan to Roman Era have been discovered.
One can start their hiking journey from the road that links Kasteliana and Tsoutsouras. This route takes you through the riverbed of the Myndris River, where carob trees are predominant. Midway through the canyon, at Perdikoneri, you’ll find a spring with drinkable water.
In the vicinity of the canyon and near Tsoutsouras, archaeologists have unearthed signs of the ancient town of Inatos, including Roman Baths, a trail, and several other structures dating back to the Minoan era.
Situated in the eastern region of the Asterousia range, the Tsoutsouras Canyon is nestled within the Tsoutsouras area. This canyon is one of the many inaccessible ones in the region, initiating at the Sfakias position and culminating near the Larinaki area, close to the settlement. The sight of it can be quite breathtaking at first glance.
Despite its relatively short length of 1.5km, the Tsoutsouras Canyon serves as an excellent training ground for those new to canyoning. It’s a technical gorge, implying that the only way to navigate it is through the use of canyoning ropes. There are 12 descents or rappels within the canyon, with the highest one towering at 30m.
The majority of these rappels are found near the canyon’s exit, where the gorge deepens and the rocks display a stunning array of colors. During spring, the presence of water enhances the experience of rappelling down the waterfalls, making it truly unforgettable.
A few kilometres west of Tsoutsouras gorge in the eastern Asterousia range, you’ll find the smaller and narrower Troulla gorge. Though it’s shorter than the Tsoutsouros canyon, it has captivated the hearts of canyoners with its over 15 stunning waterfalls, the tallest reaching 15m. Its close proximity to the Tsoutsouras Canyon makes its geological features similar. It was endearingly named Tsoutsouraki, meaning small Tsoutsouras, by the first group to traverse it.
The entrance to the gorge is situated just west of a remarkable rock known as Troulla near Tsoutsouras, at a location called Meli Lakos (Honey’s Pit). The exit is located in the area of Staoussa, adjacent to the village. Descending the gorge requires technical canyoning equipment, particularly during the winter when the waterfalls are in full flow.
Situated 10km south of Ahendrias village, on the eastern flank of the Asterousia Mountains, you’ll find the majestic and untamed Kakoperatos canyon. Its journey begins at the Apomoni site, along the road linking Achendrias to the Saint Nikitas monastery, and concludes at the Skiadaki beach. To access its riverbed, technical canyoning gear is a must due to the presence of towering 15m waterfalls. However, if you prefer a less challenging route, you can bypass the falls by skirting around the edges and trekking down the gorge.
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