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Situated between the peaks of Katharios Lakkos and Katharia Kefala in the Dikti Range, Havgas Gorge is a prominent long gorge on the Lassithi Plateau. The gorge is nourished by the Megalos or Xenikos river, which springs from the Katharo plateau, courses through the Lassithi Plateau, and then vanishes into the sinkhole Chonos. The water resurfaces from Fleves springs at Kastamonitsa or a man-made water pipe at Gonies and ultimately drains into the Aposelemis dam lake. The name “havgas”, along with its variants, is typically used to refer to gorges in Eastern Crete.
Spanning about 4 km, Havgas Gorge provides a leisurely walk, especially at the exit where it widens and showcases striking landslides on its flanks. As you advance, the gorge abruptly tightens, leading to the scenic Neraidokolimbos lake, situated at the foot of a charming waterfall with a round boulder. According to local folklore, the gorge’s fairies used to bathe in this lake.
Next to Neraidokolimbos is the Plystra side gorge, recognized for its successive waterfalls that flow into the main stream of Havgas. Above the gorge, there is a singular waterfall named after Plystra, known to drip water even during the dry summer months. As per the legend, this is where fairies used to wash their clothes.
The gorge, a part of the E4 trail, offers a tranquil landscape due to the lack of crowds. It is home to a variety of trees, mainly maples and holm oaks. The river is seasonal and only flows following substantial rain or snow, whereas Neraidokolymbos lake retains water throughout the year.
Travelers usually start their journey from the exit point near the reservoirs of Agios Georgios village. Another alternative is to commence from the Katharo plateau and descend along the riverbed. However, reaching Neraidokolymbos may necessitate a jump into the water or retracing one’s steps.
Get directions to Havgas Gorge
Havgas Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.
Havgas Gorge is 2 km long.
Havgas Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
It takes approximately 1 hour to hike Havgas Gorge.
The altitude difference in Havgas Gorge is 50 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Havgas Gorge:
Discover traditional life in rural Crete by witnessing the daily activities of the locals and visiting the sites where Greek myths were born. Enjoy a tour of Potamies, Aposelemis dam, Empasa, the cave of Zeus, and the beautiful scenery of the plateau.
Start with pickup from your accommodation. Visit one of the most characteristic Cretan villages, Potamies, for a tour of a traditional local farm. See the process of milking and cheese-making, meet the animals, and sample their fresh cheese.
Next, head to the Aposelemis dam, the largest water supply project in Crete. See the village of Sfendili submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. Explore the natural wetlands and spot a unique variety of birds.
Continue uphill on the dirt roads to the gorge of Empasa. Enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. Try your hand at foraging for native herbs or relax and take in the panoramic views.
Take a trip to Lassithi Plateau to enter Psychro Cave, the fabled birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. Follow the trails of the gods and after that take a tour around the plateau to get a sense of local life.
Finally, enjoy authentic food baked in the wood oven in one of the most celebrated taverns in the picturesque village of Krasi. Admire the town square filled with fountains and see imposing plane trees that are up to 2000 years old. Return to your hotel full of unforgettable memories of Crete.
Definitely one of our best off road-experience in Crete. Explore the mountains, forests and the gorge, enjoy the view & off roading in the inlands of Crete.
This amazing tour takes you to the inlands of Crete. After visiting a olive factory with tasting of the different qualities of oil we are heading direction the mountain village of Kritza. Along the old Minoan paths and civilizations to the unknown Crete. Pure Nature, wild landscapes and breathtaking views. One highlight on your tour is the protected mountain forest of Kroustas. than we heading over the mountains south where we will serve your lunch in a very nice taverna with mountain spring water, far away from civilization you will be able to meet our local host and feel what Cretan hospitality really means.
Next stop will be the amazing Gorge of Sarakina, where you can hike depending your skills and fitness.
A visit in Myrtos at the beach of the Lybian sea (with possibility to swim) ends this amazing day.
This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the real Crete in a small group.
We visit an olive oil factory to learn how olive oil is made now with modern machines and how used to be made in the olden days and of course we taste different kind of olive oil and honey.
Next stop is at the old village of Krasi where we go for a walk around the village to see the oldest plane tree in Crete which is estimated around 2000 years old then we are off to Lasithii plateau where we learn about the old wind mills that were used in the past to pump the water up for irrigation and the old wind mills that were used for grinding to make flour.
Now it’s time to go and {meet Zeus } at his cave , well actually we can’t promise that because last time we visited his birthplace he wasn’t there ( had a day off ) …….. so no promises.
Then we drive around Lasithii Plateau through old villages where time seems to have stopped then we visit a family restaurant to enjoy some Cretan traditional food ….and some local house wine….( or local beer…) well let’s be local just for a day or two….. maybe you like it ( maybe you don’t but give it a go …..)
After enjoying our lunch and wine ( or local beer) it’s time to hit the road to go back to your hotel where we picked you .
Visit the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa and the Dictaean Cave. You’ll see panoramic views of the Lasithi Plateau and discover the epic Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Your first stop is the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, an Orthodox nunnery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, situated near the village of Kera. Famous for the icon of Mary, believed to be miraculous, it’s surrounded by fortified walls and the church features murals dating back to the 14th century.
The next stop is the village of Psychro, where you’ll take a walk to reach the Dictaean Cave, found above the village of Psychro at 1025 meters altitude. According to Greek mythology, it’s believed to be the place where Zeus, the father of Greek gods, was kept and fed from Amalthia, a goat, in secret to be protected from his father.
A most impressive sight is the lake at the lowest point, surrounded by massive stalactites and stalagmites.
The next stop is Seli Ambelou for lunch with a panoramic view of the Lassithi Plateau.
Stop in Krasi, a small traditional village set on the slope of Selena Mountain, and see its huge ancient plane tree, where the leaves and the branches of the tree provide shade all over the square in a unique and unspoiled environment.
It’s then time for the final destination, a visit to Knossos Palace, the capital of Minoan civilization. You’ll walk through the ancient site and learn how the citizens, believed to be the first Europeans in an organized community, lived 4,000 years ago. You’ll explore the palace and learn about the throne room, the frescoes, and the Minoan columns.
Find below the list of hotels near Havgas Gorge:
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Lasithi Luxury Villa is set in Mésa Lasithákion. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and garden views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
Guests at the villa can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Lake Voulismeni is 35 km from Lasithi Luxury Villa, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 49 km from the accommodation.
from
€176
/night
Situated in Agios Konstantinos in the Lasithi region and Lake Voulismeni reachable within 36 km, Vasilikata features accommodation with free WiFi, a children’s playground, a garden and free private parking.
Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain or garden views.
Guests at the apartment can enjoy a continental or a vegetarian breakfast.
Vasilikata offers a picnic area.
If you would like to discover the area, skiing, cycling and hiking are possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a car rental service.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 40 km from Vasilikata, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 48 km from the apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€68
/night
Set 36 km from Lake Voulismeni, 40 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 28 km from Acqua Plus Waterpark, Vilaeti Stone House – Cretan Cozy Nest features accommodation situated in Agios Konstantinos. This holiday home is 32 km from Lixnostatis Folk Museum and 34 km from Aquaworld Aquarium.
With free WiFi, this holiday home offers a TV and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The Crete Golf Club is 28 km from the holiday home, while Labyrinth Park is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 48 km from Vilaeti Stone House – Cretan Cozy Nest.
from
€42
/night
Set 40 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, 28 km from Acqua Plus Waterpark and 28 km from The Crete Golf Club, Vilaeti Havgas Getaway – Cretan Cozy Home offers accommodation located in Agios Konstantinos. The accommodation is 36 km from the Lake Voulismeni and has free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home is composed of 2 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Labyrinth Park is 29 km from the holiday home, while Lixnostatis Folk Museum is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 48 km from Vilaeti Havgas Getaway – Cretan Cozy Home.
from
€94
/night
Featuring pool views, Double Bee Villa with private pool provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 37 km from Lake Voulismeni. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A kids pool is also available at Double Bee Villa with private pool, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 40 km from the accommodation, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 28 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 48 km from Double Bee Villa with private pool.
Boasting mountain views, Vilaeti Artemis features accommodation with a terrace and a coffee machine, around 37 km from Lake Voulismeni. The apartment has access to a restaurant and free WiFithroughout the property.
This apartment has 1 bedroom, a kitchenette with a fridge and a stovetop, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Vilaeti Artemis, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 40 km from the accommodation, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 49 km from Vilaeti Artemis.
from
€51
/night
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.
The Adrianos Gorge originates from the Adrianos village. There are areas within the gorge where large rocks obstruct the pathway, making navigation challenging, but achievable (it takes approximately 3 hours to traverse). In close proximity to the gorge, you can explore the Maridon and Atziganospilios caves.
The river that courses through the gorge is a segment of the Skoulikaris or Xeropotamos River. This river collects water from the Potami village valley and, after covering several kilometers, it finally drains near the Agios Nikolaos town stadium.
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.
The Kritsa Gorge, located 9.5km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, begins near the charming village of Kritsa and concludes at Tapes village. This 4 km long gorge, at some points, is only 1.5m wide. It is fairly easy to navigate, with a few areas requiring caution, where large rocks need to be climbed over. However, it is not advisable to visit the gorge following rainfall, as the resulting ponds can obstruct the paths.
The canyon’s entrance near Kritsa is striking. The mountain is split in two, creating the narrow Havgas passage (Havgas is a common term for gorges in East Crete). In addition to the main trail that begins near Kritsa’s stone bridge, there is an alternate path that starts in the village itself.
Close to the trailhead, you’ll find a large rock that can be scaled with relative ease. Beyond this point, the canyon becomes even more breathtaking, with slender passages and towering walls that block out sunlight. This natural wonder is particularly beautiful in spring when flowers are in bloom and water levels are low. The walls eventually recede, revealing a picturesque valley filled with olive groves. If you continue along the riverbed for approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll arrive at the lovely village of Tapes, where you can relax at the local coffee shop.
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