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The Gorge Chalase, also known as Porofarago, begins close to the Sassalos village and concludes just before reaching the Makronas village, after a four-hour journey through lush vegetation. The gorge is fed by two primary streams that converge south of Sassalos; the Mylonofarago ravine that originates from the Mylones village, and the Kalogirou stream.
Navigating through the gorge can be quite challenging due to a significant landslide (referred to as ‘chalase’ in the Cretan dialect) at a certain point, and the absence of a well-defined path. Near Malathyros, approximately halfway through the route, the trail transitions into a dirt road that follows the riverbed all the way to Makronas. Just before reaching Makronas, we come across a historical site where, on August 28, 1944, German forces executed 62 civilian men from Malathyros as retribution for the activities of local guerrilla groups. The German atrocities committed during this time have yet to be brought to justice.
Get directions to Chalase Gorge
Find below the list of things to do near Chalase Gorge:
Terra Creta is a working olive mill in the Kolymbari region west of Chania, and this one-hour tour walks you through production from harvest to bottling, ending with a guided tasting of three oils. The estate sits in the heart of Kolymbari’s groves, one of the recognised olive-growing areas of western Crete. Tickets start at €10, and the tour holds a 4.73 rating across 446 reviews.
The hour moves from grove to press to glass. Three parts make it up.
First is the facility itself, a modern mill where you see the equipment and the guide explains the sequence from harvesting through extraction to bottling, along with what actually separates extra virgin from the rest. Second is the storage and handling advice, which the staff give as practical guidance rather than sales patter. Third is the tasting: three different Terra Creta oils, served with finger foods and water, with bread for dipping.
The shop afterwards stocks the oils, balsamic vinegar and Greek olives in travel-safe packaging, and takes cards as well as cash.
The estate sits inland from the north coast, between Kolymbari and the olive villages behind it.
The €10 covers the tour and the tasting.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the cheapest hour of real education available in Crete. Ten euros buys a guided walk through a working mill and a three-oil tasting, and 446 reviewers averaging 4.73 agree it delivers. A New Zealand visitor called it educational and good value in the same breath; an American couple said they learned exactly what they wanted to about the process.
What the reviews keep coming back to is the guides’ enthusiasm. An Estonian reviewer wrote that their guide was extremely passionate about olive oil and it was a joy to see. A Polish guest praised the way they talked about the place and the production, noting you rarely get to see a real factory. Americans who cook with olive oil said the tour changed how they use it.
The tasting is generous rather than token. One Polish reviewer described unlimited opportunity to try different oils with bread, and a Finnish guest mentioned plenty of oil and olives to take home.
Three things to know before you go, and the first one decides which month you should book.
The mill only runs from October to February. Outside those months the machinery stands still, so a summer visit is a tour of the facility and the process rather than a working press. That is not hidden, but it changes what you see.
Parts of the site may be closed in summer. The operator states that some areas inside and outside the mill may be inaccessible between April and September for building expansion and machinery upgrades.
The pace can feel quick. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says some travellers find the delivery rushed with little time for questions, and asks for slower explanation. At one hour with a full tasting, that is the trade-off.
Visit in autumn if you can, arrange your own transport, and ask your questions early.
The meeting point is Epar.Od. Rapaniana-Vouves, Kolymbari 730 06. You reach it by taxi in about 25 minutes from Chania or Kissamos; no hotel pick-up is provided.
The mill operates only from October to February, and some areas may be inaccessible between April and September because of building work. The shop takes cash and cards.
The tour takes one hour, covering the facility, the production process and a three-oil tasting.
The mill presses only from October to February. Outside that window you tour the facility rather than watching production.
The tasting covers three different olive oils served with finger foods, water and bread for dipping.
No transport is included. The estate is about 25 minutes by taxi from Chania or Kissamos.
Wheelchair access is provided, though some areas may be closed between April and September for building work.
The shop sells oils, balsamic vinegar and olives in travel-safe packaging, and accepts both cash and cards.
Check dates and prices for the Terra Creta olive oil experience tour.
Come and experience a Greek Night with traditional cuisine, traditional Cretan dances and learn more about the history of Cretan food and culture. Our outdoor seating venue is located in the center of Kissamos in an old cobble stone road.
At night you will see an old church close by being lit up while we eat, laugh and dance!
Break a Plate with us while dancing like a local!
** Starting time: 18H00 / 6 PM
We will kick off the evening with local Cretan Beer & Wine tasting at 6pm
(Please be at the venue 10 minutes prior, to secure we start on time)
This Experience is held at The Greek Cook Out. The Venue was first an old Greek Prison and is now transformed into an experience to dance, enjoy Cretan cuisine, and make new friends.
Welcome to our table, the longest dinner table in Greece – 15,3m
We can’t wait to meet you!
Our amazing off-road adventure begins by crossing a valley full of orange and avocado trees, and many vegetables gardens. Climbing up the foothills of the White Mountains where we make our coffee stop at Deres to enjoy our morning break. Continuing we drive through the Cretan villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva and Therisso getting a taste of the mountainous Crete in the foot of the White Mountains, following an off road route up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” far away from tourist areas. We are traveling on uncharted routes where only a four wheel drive can approach and we enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of northern Crete and, if lucky … to marvel some wild eagles and goats from up close giving us a good reason to stop and capture the moment. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point of 1350 meters altitude in the heart of the White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd. We will learn where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd’s hut called “Mitato”.
On our way back we will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above, until we arrive at Therisso village for a short walk in the historic village and a visit in a small Cretan family tavern for our lunch. After our lunch we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us back to the city of Chania.
This evening trip pairs a 110-minute horse ride near Falasarna with drone photography and a tavern dinner on the sand. Falasarna faces west, which makes it the best sunset on the north coast of Crete, and the ride is timed so you are in the saddle as the light goes. HappyTravellersTours runs it over 6 hours from €250 including hotel pick-up, and it holds a 4.9 rating across 17 reviews.
The evening moves from stable to saddle to table across about 6 hours. Three parts make it up.
First you choose a trail, and the choice is made on riding ability rather than preference. Beginners take the countryside route through green trails, local herbs and mountain views as the sun starts to drop. Experienced riders take the coastal route along the shoreline with an unobstructed view of the sunset, beach rides are restricted to experienced riders for safety. Second, a drone follows the ride, producing photos and video you keep. Third, the evening ends at a beachfront tavern with a tasting of local dishes, eaten with your feet in the sand.
The ride itself lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, which is long for a holiday trek.
The evening happens on the far west coast of the Chania regional unit.
The €250 covers transport, the ride, the photography and dinner.
Included:
Not included:
A liability waiver is required, and the tour runs for a minimum of 2 people.
We recommend this for the timing more than the horses. Falasarna is the sunset on this side of Crete, west-facing, unobstructed, and far enough from Chania that most visitors never get there for the evening. Being on the beach at that hour, on a horse, with somebody else driving you home, is a well-designed evening.
The reviews are unusually consistent about why it works, and the answer is one person. The guide, Yannis, is named in almost every review we read, by guests from the United States, Canada, France, Finland, Japan and the UK. What they describe is not horsemanship but hosting: tailoring the evening to what people wanted, taking the drone footage himself, showing people around, and being, in one American reviewer’s words, an extremely passionate and genuine local. Every dimension, guiding, transport, value, scores a flat 5.0 out of 5.
Beginners are well handled. One American guest rode for the first time and rated the day five stars, which is the split the operator’s own trail system is designed around.
Two things to be straight about.
The review base is small. Seventeen ratings is not many, and a 4.9 across 17 tells you far less than a 4.5 across 500 would. Nothing negative recurs in what is published, but there is not much published to go on.
Be honest about your riding level, because the operator asks you to and the reason is safety. Beach rides are restricted to experienced riders; declaring yourself experienced when you are not puts you on a beach at speed on an unfamiliar horse.
Wear long trousers, declare your real riding level, and expect a late finish.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, and the whole evening runs about 6 hours. A liability waiver is required, and rides are at your own responsibility.
Bring comfortable clothes, long trousers and closed-toe shoes, plus a hat and sunscreen.
The ride itself lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, inside an evening that runs about 6 hours including transfers and dinner.
Beach rides are for experienced riders only. Beginners take the countryside trail, which the operator restricts for safety reasons.
Dinner at a beachfront tavern is included, served as a tasting of local dishes with your feet in the sand.
Drone photos and video are included, shot during the ride and given to you afterwards.
Wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes, which the operator requires, plus a hat and sunscreen.
The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to go ahead.
Check dates and prices for the Falasarna sunset horse riding with dinner.
Find below the list of hotels near Chalase Gorge:
Boasting mountain views, Velanis Ηouse, style into nature – secluded offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 14 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This property offers access to a balcony, tennis at the tennis court, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and Velanis Ηouse, style into nature – secluded can arrange a car rental service.
Ancient Falassarna is 26 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 55 km from Velanis Ηouse, style into nature – secluded.
from
€135
/night
Located in Maláthiros, 19 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 30 km from Agios Dimitrios Church, Villa Margarita’s farm, private pool offers free bikes and air conditioning. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with mountain views.
The villa offers a terrace. A car rental service is available at Villa Margarita’s farm, private pool, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Platanias Square is 30 km from the accommodation, while Ancient Falassarna is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 53 km from Villa Margarita’s farm, private pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€126
/night
Situated in Kaláthenai in the Crete region, Georgia’s Village House features a patio. The air-conditioned accommodation is 15 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
Ancient Falassarna is 25 km from the holiday home, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 56 km from Georgia’s Village House.
from
€56
/night
Boasting a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a lounge, Trialonia Luxury Villa features accommodation in Kissamos with free WiFi and pool views. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The villa has 3 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
The villa offers a children’s playground. A bicycle rental service is available at Trialonia Luxury Villa.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 18 km from the accommodation, while Gramvousa is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 56 km from Trialonia Luxury Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Voulgaro village, in Kissamos, this air-conditioned holiday home features a terrace and a garden. Offering free private parking, the holiday home is 9 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Villa Ouranos is fitted with a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and microwave. A plasma, satellite TV and a fireplace are also provided. Other facilities at Villa Ouranos include a barbecue.
Near Villa Ouranos, you will find a mini market, a traditional taverna, and a gas station. The popular beaches of Falassarna, Balos and Elafonisi are 20 km away. Chania International Airport is 41 km away.
Situated in Kissamos, 14 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 23 km from Ancient Falassarna, Batilas Garden House offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 32 km from Batilas Garden House, while Platanias Square is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 55 km from the accommodation.
The Deliana – Mesavlia Gorge, a point of contention between the villages of Mesavlia and Deliana, is situated 37km to the west of Chania. This disagreement is even evident in the area’s signage. The gorge begins in Mesavlia and stretches 5km to Deliana. A dirt road that runs alongside the riverbed makes the walk quite straightforward, taking approximately an hour. Originating from Mount Anavos, the river flows through the Mesavlia – Deliana Gorge, then the Roka Gorge, before finally reaching Nopigia beach.
The gorge is renowned for its lush vegetation, which is most vibrant in spring when water is plentiful. Not far from Mesavlia, you’ll find the cavernous chapel of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi), which hosts an annual feast. Closer to Deliana, you’ll come across the chapel of Saint Photios (Agios Fotios).
The quickest way to reach the gorge from Chania is via Deliana, while the fastest route from Paleochora is through Mesavlia. From Deliana, you can hike (uphill) to Mesavlia and back, unless you’ve arranged for a pick-up from Mesavlia (2 hours round trip). Deliana and the nearby village of Panethimos offer several quaint, traditional taverns. Also worth a visit is the ruined monastery of Theotokos in the neighbouring village of Gra Kera.
The gorge of Topolia (Topoliano) is located in west Crete and it runs along the road leading to Elafonissi via Elos. The canyon actually starts near the village Strovles at an altitude of 450m, and exits near the village Topolia, at an altitude of 150m. However, the narrowest and most impressive hiking part of the gorge is located between Katsomatados and Topolia, where the side rocks are very high and steep. The canyon is crossed by the River Tyflos, which originates from Mount Dikeos. At the beginning of the narrow part, it is worth visiting the Cave of Agia Sofia, located just above the main road.
The canyon and the wider area host rare and endemic plants of Crete, while the Cave of St. Sophia houses a species of cave spider that lives only there (Pholcus creticus). According to local traditions, Topolia Gorge hosted fairies and the Minoan goddess Vritomartis. Here, the legendary Talos used to stop and enjoy the divine music of the fairies. When Talos arrived at the place, rested inside a big cave, drank water and fell asleep. Then, the fairies and elves of the river arrived, singing and dancing.
The Rocca, Roka, Rocka, or Rokka Gorge, situated 32km west of Chania in the Kolymbari region, stretches for 2km from the village of Deliana to the village of Roka. The settlement features Trouli hill, which is home to the remnants of a Byzantine fortress.
Despite the ease of hiking through the gorge (typically a 2-hour trek), it can be challenging to traverse without getting wet during periods of water flow in the narrower sections. The gorge is adorned with numerous plane trees that provide a cool respite from the sun. The gorge’s vertical sides are incredibly tall and impressive at certain points. The main path follows the dry riverbed during the summer.
Upon exiting Roka gorge, you’ll encounter the Mesonisi settlement. Following a dirt road will lead you to Roka village and Trouli hill. You can climb up to the castle ruins for a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, or unwind in the local coffee shop.
The Sirikari gorge, situated 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, is nestled in a verdant area filled with canyons and streams. The paved road leading to Sirikari weaves through lush vegetation, offering a glimpse of the area’s beauty from the get-go. The gorge splits into two parallel paths here – Tsichliano to the west and Kioliano or Sirikariano to the east, both culminating at the Polirinia settlement, the site of the ancient town of Polirinia. The town’s ancient walls, still in a decent state of preservation, stand tall in its citadel, atop a hill with a panoramic view of the Kissamos bay.
Close to Sirikari, an enchanting forest unfolds, home to towering chestnut trees, quaint waterfalls, and babbling brooks. Although it isn’t the only chestnut forest in the Chania prefecture, with several others dotting the slopes of the White Mountains, its beauty and vastness set it apart.
Adjacent to Sirikari, in Sineniana, stand two well-preserved old watermills. A visit to the Church of the Assumption is also recommended, particularly on August 15th, when a traditional feast is held. The church, nestled in the chestnut grove, is surrounded by other trees like holm oaks, cypresses, and plane trees. A little further along, you can explore an abandoned village set amidst a stunning oak wood. Additionally, the Sirikari village houses the 15th-century Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli), which is definitely worth a visit.
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