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The Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
Get directions to Aposelemis Gorge
Aposelemis Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Aposelemis Gorge is 6 km long.
Aposelemis Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to hike Aposelemis Gorge.
The altitude difference in Aposelemis Gorge is 100.
Find below the list of things to do near Aposelemis Gorge:
Benefit from hotel pick-up at approximately 08:00 and journey to Acqua Plus Water Park in Heraklion for an estimated arrival time of around 10:30. Then, enjoy the park at leisure until 17:00.
Situated just 5 kilometers from Hersonissos and 30 kilometers from Heraklion, Acqua Plus Water Park entertains thousands of visitors every year with its thrill rides and relaxation areas. Divided into 2 sections – one for adults and the other for kids – the park includes a large number of extreme slides and water features. Zig-zag your way through 3 different pools on the Crazy River, or ride through the Black Holes and experience beams of light that attack your senses before you emerge for the final splash!
Stroll around the gorgeous garden, filled with native plants and exotic flowers to create a Garden of Eden. Perched on a hill, the park is easy to work your way around with little effort. Save your energy for rides such as the Kamikaze waterslide or Tsunami. Take the little ones to the dedicated kids area and drift around on the Lazy River or just watch them play in the active playground.
Avoid waiting in lines with a unique system that ensures you can enjoy the slides and games as much as possible, and benefit from the park’s reputation for cleanliness, hospitality and safety. Qualified lifeguards and a stand-by doctor are ready to assist and protect you at any minute of the day.
Spend a special day in one of the largest water parks on Crete. Pre-book an entrance ticket to Acqua Plus Water Park, approximately 26 kilometers east of Heraklion, and enjoy over 50 different slides, games and facilities where the friendly and helpful staff await you.
Enjoy adrenaline thrills at different slides, and attractions, like the Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, and Crazy River. Alternatively, get in some serious relaxation on a lazy river. Visitors of all ages can find something to suit among the dozens of different slides, making it an ideal day out for the entire family.
Swim in the main pool, or slip and slide down the 262-foot (80-meter) hydrotube. Relax on the lazy river or at the hydromassage pool. The park even has a garden section where you can see Cretan flowers, palm trees, and bougainvillea, along with French marigolds and many other flowers.
Spend a special day in one of the largest water parks on Crete. Pre-book an entrance ticket to Acqua Plus Water Park, approximately 26 kilometers east of Heraklion, and enjoy over 50 different slides, games and facilities where the friendly and helpful staff await you.
Enjoy adrenaline thrills at different slides, and attractions, like the Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, and Crazy River. Alternatively, get in some serious relaxation on a lazy river. Visitors of all ages can find something to suit among the dozens of different slides, making it an ideal day out for the entire family.
Swim in the main pool, or slip and slide down the 262-foot (80-meter) hydrotube. Relax on the lazy river or at the hydromassage pool. The park even has a garden section where you can see Cretan flowers, palm trees, and bougainvillea, along with French marigolds and many other flowers.
For all you wine lovers – visitors of Crete, we have created this tour specially for you! A tour that combines tastes of authentic products of Crete. All the areas that you visit are famous for their olive groves, the vineyards, and the wine production since the Minoan era. First stop is a local modern olive mill surrounded by olive groves where you have a tour at the olive grove and the olive mill, also you will have the chance to meet the olive oil maker and learn everything about olive oil production. In the end, you will taste a fresh olive oil combined with local snacks. Second stop is of course a winery, a family-owned winery which uses organic methods for cultivating, where you will get a tour around the vineyards and the winery and you will experience wine tasting of 5 different organic wines. Next stop is another winery at the same area but with a different winemaking philosophy and techniques, where you will also get a tour around the winery and the cellar, and you will taste 4 different wines combined with platter. At this tour, you will have the chance to meet the wine makers and exchange views of wine flavors and methods. Lastly, we are taking you to a picturesque village, having lunch at a local traditional tavern, with some wine and local dishes.
Find below the list of hotels near Aposelemis Gorge:
Village Heights Resort is situated in Hersonissos, just a step away from the Crete Golf club. It’s a relaxing getaway that features a spa centre with fitness area, sauna, hot tub, hammam, 2 outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool and 2 kids’ pools. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
In true traditional Cretan Village style, all studios, apartments and villas come with panoramic views of the stunning countryside and the sea. They also feature a satellite TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen and coffee machine. Each unit features a private bathroom with a bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can enjoy Cretan and international dishes at the on-site restaurants and poolside snack bar, while a range of refreshments, coffee and alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed at the pool bar.
On-site sports facilities include a tennis court, a mini golf and a volleyball court. Kids facilities include a mini club with a playground, a games room and table tennis. For family fun, the Crete Aquarium and the Labyrinth are at close proximity. Other on-site facilities include a mini market and a library.
The property can make arrangements for car hire, while daily shuttle from/to Hersonissos is also provided. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 17 km from Village Heights Resort.
from
€68
/night
Crete Golf Club Hotel is situated at The Crete Golf Club, an 18-hole Championship course in Hersonissos, 1.8 km from Aquaworld Aquarium and features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. 2 km from Labyrinth Park, the hotel features a fitness centre and a garden. The restaurant serves European cuisine.
All units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, private ultra high speed WiFi, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms at Crete Golf Club Hotel come with a seating area.
A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the property.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide guidance on what to do in the area.
Water City is 2.2 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport.
from
€281
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, PENEMA VILLA is situated in Hersonissos. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and garden views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a kitchenware, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 12 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from PENEMA VILLA.
from
€316
/night
Summer dream villas has pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Hersonissos, 11 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos.
Each unit features a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a shared bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. There is also a dishwasher, fridge and a kettle.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace.
A car rental service is available at Summer dream villas.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 25 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 19 km from Summer dream villas.
Offering a garden and quiet street view, Hermes Casa Hersonissos is situated in Hersonissos, 26 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 27 km from Venetian Walls. The air-conditioned accommodation is 11 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home with a balcony and garden views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a terrace.
The Palace of Knossos is 28 km from Hermes Casa Hersonissos, while Lake Voulismeni is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 19 km from the accommodation.
from
€127
/night
Featuring pool views, Eva Luxury Villa with Private Swimming Pool offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 5.7 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. 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 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 21 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 15 km from Eva Luxury Villa with Private Swimming Pool.
from
€45
/night
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
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