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Charkomatas Gorge

Description

The Chalkomatas, also known as Charkomatas Gorge, is situated close to the village of Chamezi in the province of Sitia. The gorge begins where a dirt road ascends towards the Prophet Elijah temple and Liopetro fortress. The vegetation in the gorge is sparse, but the limestone geological formations are striking. The path along the usually dry riverbed is mostly smooth and relatively easy to navigate.

Approximately halfway along the route, elevated 60m above the riverbed, lies the Geloudospilios cave. Its name derives from the Geloudes, demonic entities that take the form of women and are said to drain the life from newborns by drinking their blood.

A three-hour trek through the gorge leads to the stunning Roussa Limni beach. The beach is located below the Chalkomatas cave, where, as per local folklore, pirates once concealed their valuable loot. There are rumors that locals even detonated the cave in their quest for gold. Alternatively, Roussa Limni can be accessed via a road from the nearby Papadiokambos beach, which is just a short walk away.

Gorge details

Location

Get directions to Charkomatas Gorge 

Most frequent asked questions

Where is Charkomatas Gorge located?

Charkomatas Gorge is located in the Lasithi Region of Crete, Greece.

How long does it take to hike Charkomatas Gorge?

It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Charkomatas Gorge.

What is the difficulty level of hiking in Charkomatas Gorge?

The hiking difficulty level in Charkomatas Gorge is moderate to difficult, with some steep and rocky sections.

What is the best time to visit Charkomatas Gorge?

The best time to visit Charkomatas Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Charkomatas Gorge?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Charkomatas Gorge.

Are there any facilities available at Charkomatas Gorge?

No, there are no facilities available at Charkomatas Gorge, so visitors should bring their own food, water, and other necessary supplies.

What should I wear and bring when visiting Charkomatas Gorge?

Visitors should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning views.

Charkomatas Gorge Reviews

Other gorges in the area

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  • Lassithi
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  • Lassithi
  • 5 km
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  • Lassithi
  • 4 km

Things to do near Charkomatas Gorge

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  • 5.0 of 5 (5)
  • Price from
  • €89.3
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  • 4.0 of 5 (1)
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  • €42
  • 23.4 km

Stays near Charkomatas Gorge

  • 9.3 / 10
  • Papadiokampos

Featuring mountain views, Papadiokampos Maissonete provides accommodation with free bikes, around 35 km from Vai Palm Forest. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The villa 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.

The villa offers a children’s playground. After a day of snorkelling, diving or cycling, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 10 km from Papadiokampos Maissonete.

  • 730 m
  • 8.2 / 10
  • analipsis

Boasting sea views, Kelia Analipsis features accommodation with a balcony, around 35 km from Vai Palm Forest. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.

The air-conditioned holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.

Windsurfing and fishing can be enjoyed nearby.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 10 km from the holiday home.

from

€72

/night

  • 860 m
  • 8.9 / 10
  • Σητεία πριν από Παναγία Φανερωμένη

Located in Roússa Límni, right next to the beach, Stonehouse villas with breathtaking view features self-catering accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. The property provides barbecue facilities as well as a garden.

The villas feature 1 separate bedroom and includes a kitchen with an oven and a dining area.

The villas offer a terrace. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling is possible in the surroundings.

Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are around 80 km from Stonehouse villas with breathtaking view. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 120 km from the property.

  • 3.9 km
  • 9.8 / 10
  • Sarantapichos

Amvikas suites-Sitia has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Sitia, 28 km from Vai Palm Forest.

The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and slippers, while the kitchen features an oven, a toaster and a fridge. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony with garden or inner courtyard views.

At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub.

Guests can relax in the garden at the property.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 3 km from Amvikas suites-Sitia.

from

€122

/night

  • 5.2 km
  • 8.8 / 10
  • Καραολή και Δημητρίου

Boasting city views, Mira Sitia Luxury Apartment features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Sitia Beach. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.

The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.

Deep River Beach is 2.2 km from the apartment, while Vai Palm Forest is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, a few steps from Mira Sitia Luxury Apartment.

from

€111

/night

  • 6.5 km
  • 8.4 / 10
  • Eparchiaki Odos Parasporiou

Located in Sitia in the Lasithi region, The Garden House, Sitia features a patio and garden views. The air-conditioned accommodation is 35 km from Vai Palm Forest, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 9 km from the apartment.

from

€86

/night

  • 6.6 km

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