Goula Gorge
The Goula Gorge, a rugged canyon nestled in the Asterousia Range, begins just south of the village of Kapetaniana and concludes at the coastal settlement of Agios Ioannis. Like its counterparts in the area, such as Flomias, Salamiano, Koumos, Gerakia, and Valahas, it is untraversable without the correct canyoneering gear. Nonetheless, there is a hiking trail on the eastern side of the gorge that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Entry to the gorge is via Kapetaniana, with the closest access point being the telephone antenna en route to Agios Ioannis. The gorge boasts 18 rappels, the tallest of which is 55m, and others measuring 25m, 15m, 13m, and smaller. The gorge spans roughly 1700m in length and a team of five would require around 4 and a half to 5 hours to traverse it.
The gorge’s beauty lies in its wild and haunting rocky landscape, caves, and rock shelters. The primary vegetation is pine trees. Although it is generally dry, the name “Goula” translates to “spring” in the local Cretan dialect. True to its name, Goula is home to the area’s main spring, which provides for the water needs of the Agios Ioannis settlement.
Location
Goula Gorge is located at Goula Gorge, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is there water in Goula Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Goula Gorge until the spring.
What is the accessibility of Goula Gorge?
Goula Gorge is accessible by walking.
How long is Goula Gorge?
Goula Gorge is 1.7 km long.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult is Goula Gorge?
Goula Gorge has a difficulty level of 6 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike Goula Gorge?
It takes approximately 4.5 hours to hike Goula Gorge.
