Almiros Gorge
Gorge description
Almyros Gorge, situated in Ellinoperamata, is the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The gorge, a small oasis near the bustling city, is formed between Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. It serves as a crucial habitat, primarily due to the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete located on its eastern side. Other species like platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also thrive here despite overgrazing.
The gorge has various names, such as Keri Gorge, named after the adjacent hill, or Almiros, due to its closeness to the Almiros river. It’s also called Ellinoperamata, the area where the gorge terminates. Frequently termed Porofarago, a common name for Cretan gorges, it’s also known as the Three Churches, in honor of the three chapels — Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi. Its commencement point near the Strouboulas peak gives it the Strouboulas name, while stories of Satanist assemblies and ghost sightings have resulted in its spooky moniker, the Ghosts’ Gorge.
Despite its proximity to Heraklion, few people have ventured here. Cars can reach the location where the 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was constructed near the canyon exit. The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the present two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi with significant frescoes. A little further, a shrine dedicated to Saint George can be found, and after nearly 1:30 hours of walking, the chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached.
The trail is lined with various trees, and the vegetation thickens as one ascends. Initially, the gorge is typically dry but transitions into a small stream during spring. While ascending, one can encounter three small waterfalls, which form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Almiros Gorge is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. To reach this wild beauty, navigate towards the equally breathtaking Lake of Almiros. Located just a short distance from the path leading to the gorge, this lake is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water, flowing directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs, offers an extraordinary view all the way to its bed.
Most frequent asked questions
What type of gorge is the Almiros Gorge?
The Almiros Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Is there water in the Almiros Gorge?
Yes, there is water in the Almiros Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is the Almiros Gorge?
The Almiros Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
What is the length of the Almiros Gorge?
The Almiros Gorge is 3 km long.
What is the difficulty level of the Almiros Gorge?
The Almiros Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike the Almiros Gorge?
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to hike the Almiros Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in the Almiros Gorge?
The altitude difference in the Almiros Gorge is 150 meters.
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User reviews
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Stays near Almiros Gorge
- Μετοχι Κεφαλογιαννη
Located in Palaiokastro and only 2.7 km from Amoudara Beach, Romantische Bergvilla Artemis mit Meeresblick provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
This villa comes with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and kitchenware, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Venetian Walls is 14 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 17 km from Romantische Bergvilla Artemis mit Meeresblick, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€97
/night
- 840 m
- 9.9 / 10
- Kapetanaki metochi Rodia Maleviziou
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, CRETelia House is set in Palaiokastro. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This holiday home is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Venetian Walls is 14 km from the holiday home, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 17 km from CRETelia House.
from
€119
/night
- 1.2 km
- 8.2 / 10
- ΡΟΔΙΑΣ
Located in Gázion and only 13 km from Venetian Walls, Endless View Apartment to Heraklion city provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
This apartment comes with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 15 km from Endless View Apartment to Heraklion city, while The Palace of Knossos is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.
from
€81
/night
- 1.3 km
- 7.8 / 10
- Amoudara
Situated in Amoudara Herakliou, a few steps from Amoudara Beach, Atlantica Akti Zeus Hotel features accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.
The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. At Atlantica Akti Zeus Hotel rooms come with bed linen and towels.
An American breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation.
You can play table tennis and darts at Atlantica Akti Zeus Hotel, and car hire is available.
Venetian Walls is 11 km from the hotel, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 12 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 15 km from Atlantica Akti Zeus Hotel.
from
€241
/night
- 1.7 km
- 9.2 / 10
- Georgiou Seferi
Situated in Gázion, 1.9 km from Amoudara Beach and 8.5 km from Venetian Walls, Olive Apartment near the Beach offers free WiFi and air conditioning. The property features garden views and is 10 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 14 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The apartment with a balcony and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 26 km from Olive Apartment near the Beach, while Pankritio Stadium is 5.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 13 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
- 1.9 km
- 9.7 / 10
- Solonos
Boasting mountain views, Cozy House with Pool near Beach features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.1 km from Amoudara Beach. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment has 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Venetian Walls is 7.8 km from Cozy House with Pool near Beach, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 8.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 11 km from the accommodation.
from
€191
/night
- 1.9 km
