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Imbros Gorge

Description

Situated in the Sfakia province, Imbros Gorge is Crete’s third most frequented gorge, following Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini by Sougia. These are all part of the E4 European hiking path. The gorge’s breathtaking landscape and easy trail make it perfect for family trips. The gorge spans 11 km and the hike takes about 2-3 hours.

The journey begins in the quaint village of Imbros, nestled 700 meters above sea level.

The gorge’s initial section, known as Porofarago or Porolagos, is fairly broad. The trail starts off as a descent with relatively low sidewalls. As you go further, the canyon gradually narrows, the sidewalls rise, and the views become awe-inspiring. The canyon’s sides start to close in and rise, revealing various caves. The vegetation includes ancient cypresses, oaks, and maples emerging from the rocks.

Throughout the gorge, remnants of the old stone-paved path, once the main route from Sfakia to Chania, can be seen. The canyon has witnessed numerous battles between the Ottomans and the Christians during the Turkish Occupation of Crete, notably in 1821 and 1867.

Further along, you’ll pass the spot known as Airplane, where a German plane crashed during World War II (the wreckage is displayed in the war museum at Askyfou). Following this, you’ll come across the gorge’s first narrow passages and then reach the position Gournia (i.e. basins), where several small rock basins fill with water in the winter.

Next, you’ll arrive at the gorge’s most magnificent section, Stenada. Here, the gorge walls close in to 1.6m and reach a height of 300m! The rocks are adorned with stunning formations.

After this narrow stretch, the canyon broadens and you’ll near a rest area at position Mesofarango. Here, you’ll find a Venetian water cistern and the gorge guard’s hut.

A few meters ahead, you’ll cross a landslide and shortly after, the striking narrowing at Gremnaria. Following this, you’ll see another gorge trademark, the stone arch Xepitira. As you continue, you’ll navigate some narrow passages and soon arrive at the gorge’s exit by the village Komitades. Several taverns are located near the exit, providing a perfect spot to rest and grab a bite.

There are multiple bus services from Chania to Imbros during the summer. To catch the bus to Chora Sfakia, Imbros (where many hikers park their cars at the gorge’s entrance), or Chania, you’ll need to either walk 4 kilometers towards Chora Sfakion (be sure to check the schedules) or take a taxi from the gorge’s exit (which can be quite pricey).

Gorge details

Location

Get directions to Imbros Gorge 

Most frequent asked questions

What is Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the Chania region of Greece.

What type of gorge is Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.

What is the water situation like in Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge is generally dry, so hikers should bring their own water.

How accessible is Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge is accessible by bus services and a paved road.

How long is Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge is 11 km long.

What is the difficulty level of Imbros Gorge?

Imbros Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10.

How many hours does it take to hike Imbros Gorge?

It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Imbros Gorge.

What is the altitude difference in Imbros Gorge?

The altitude difference in Imbros Gorge is 650 meters.
 

Imbros Gorge Reviews

Other gorges in the area

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Things to do near Imbros Gorge

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Stays near Imbros Gorge

  • 8.6 / 10
  • Imbros

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a balcony, Archodiko Villa Imbros is located in Ímbros. It features a garden, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.

The villa comes with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

The villa can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 48 km from Archodiko Villa Imbros, while Fortress of Frangokastello is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 61 km from the accommodation.

  • 2.2 km
  • 9.2 / 10
  • Επαρ.Οδ.ΧÏŽρας Σφακίων - ΒρυσσÏŽν

Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’ has a terrace and is located in Khóra Sfakíon, within just 1.1 km of Ilingas Beach and 1.9 km of Ammoudi Beach. The accommodation is 100 metres from the Vrissi Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.

The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.

The apartment offers a hot tub. A car rental service is available at Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’.

Fortress of Frangokastello is 15 km from the accommodation, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 77 km from Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

  • 4.6 km
  • 8.7 / 10
  • ΧÏŽρα Σφακίων

Boasting inner courtyard views, Braos Villa features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 100 metres from Vrissi Beach. With quiet street views, this accommodation provides a patio.

The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub and an a bath or shower. A flat-screen TV with streaming services is available.

Ilingas Beach is 1.1 km from the apartment, while Ammoudi Beach is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 77 km from Braos Villa.

  • 4.6 km
  • 9 / 10
  • Chora Sfakion

Located on the sea front of Chora Sfakion and just 10 metres from the Libyan Sea, the hotel Samaria by the Sea features 11 rooms with balcony and sea view. Free WiFi is offered throughout the entire property.

All air-conditioned units come with direct Libyan Sea view as well as the surrounding mountain view. They feature a TV with satellite channels, and a refrigerator. They also include a bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries.

Guests can start their day with a Greek Continental breakfast served at the hotel’s outdoor terrace restaurant area. Hotel’s restaurant also includes a bar with snack options available.

Vrissi Beach is just around the corner while Iliggas and Ammoudi Beaches are within a 5-minute drive from Samaria by the Sea. Chania International Airport is at 80 km. Free private parking is possible on site upon availability.

from

€89

/night

  • 4.6 km
  • 9.4 / 10
  • Hora Sfakion

Located in Sfakiá, 400 metres from Vrissi Beach, panorama new generation provides accommodation with a terrace, free private parking and a bar. The property is situated 1.4 km from Ilingas Beach, 1.5 km from Ammoudi Beach and 2.4 km from Fylaki Beach. Agios Charalambos Beach is 2.4 km away and Fortress of Frangokastello is 15 km from the hotel.

At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a balcony with a sea view. With a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, rooms at panorama new generation also provide guests with free WiFi, while some rooms here will provide you with pool view. At the accommodation, every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 45 km from panorama new generation. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 76 km from the hotel.

from

€135

/night

  • 4.6 km
  • 8.8 / 10
  • Koutelos , Sfakia

Located a few steps from Koutelos Beach, Votsalo Studios & Apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

Each unit is equipped with a terrace offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also provided, as well as a kettle.

Pera Koutelos Beach is 60 metres from the apartment, while Fortress of Frangokastello is 9.3 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 81 km from Votsalo Studios & Apartment.

  • 4.7 km

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