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Traveling along the western coast of Crete towards Elafonissi beach, you’ll encounter the picturesque village of Kambos, nestled within the Kissamos province. A brief detour off the main road to the west will bring you to the verdant Kambos canyon, the most westerly gorge on the island, which is fed by the small Koutroulis massif.
A scenic hiking trail winds its way through the canyon, beneath the shade of towering plane trees and alongside a river that flows year-round. The journey is punctuated by striking rock formations and culminates at a natural spring. From there, the path reconnects with the road descending from the village, leading to the subterranean churches of Agia Ekaterini and Agia Marina.
Continuing your trek along the riverbed can occasionally prove challenging due to thick vegetation and water, but the journey is worth it. From Agia Kyriaki, the path follows the riverbed to the secluded yet stunning Platanakia beach, where plane trees stretch their branches out to the sea.
Get directions to Kambos Gorge
Kambos Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the Chania region of Greece.
Kambos Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Yes, there is water in Kambos Gorge until the spring and there are also springs.
Kambos Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Kambos Gorge is 2.5 km long.
Kambos Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10.
It takes approximately 1 hour to hike Kambos Gorge.
The altitude difference in Kambos Gorge is 250 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Kambos Gorge:
Learn about the age-old tradition of wine and olive oil production in Chania, then enjoy a lunch of traditional food and local wine. Discover how an authentic 17th-century mountain settlement has been transformed into an ethical tourist complex.
After pickup at your hotel in the Chania region, travel to the traditional village of Ano Vouves village to see the 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree that still produces fruit.
Explore a small typical farm and enjoy a cup of coffee or fresh orange juice. At Anoskeli’s olive mill and winery, sample organic extra virgin olive oil on warm bread with oregano and continue with a tasting of 5 different types of local wine with some authentic snacks from Crete.
Drive along the dirt roads to the amazing Milia Mountain Retreat agro-tourism complex. Step back in time at a retreat where the lack of electricity and the stone homes invite visitors to get back to basics and switch off from the everyday stress of the modern world.
Driving back to Chania, marvel at the wild landscapes of the Topolia Gorge.
Join a unique semi-private tour to explore a part of southwest Crete and enjoy your time at Elafonisi beach and sunbathe on the reserved – just for you – sunbeds. It’s not just a transfer to have a long day at Elafonisi beach as most of the other tours offered. It’s a well designed tour and you have the chance to visit the Elafonisi beach and the famous Milia Mountain Retreat, a suggestion by the National Geographic magazine.
Driving to Elafonisi beach, get an insight into life in Cretan villages, olive oil production, local wine, honey-making, and the distillation of Cretan grappa. Learn about the regional culture, cuisine, history, and traditions from your driver/host.
Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds at Elafonisi beach. A part of the Natura 2000 nature reserve, this beach is famous for its pink sand that was created from seashells over thousands of years. Enjoy 3 hours of beach time and sunbathe on the reserved – just for you – sunbeds.
Then, tucked away in the lush mountains of western Crete, visit the eco-friendly paradise of Milia Mountain Retreat. Once a deserted 17th-century settlement, this restored property is your stop for a delicious local lunch paired with wine or beer.
It’s a tour for people who like to explore and have an adventurous day! Book this – small group – authentic tour, take the chance to visit Elafonisi beach and the famous Milia Mountain Retreat having a memorable day because of your host care and our company’s early reservations and services.
Explore three of the most divine and sought-after destinations on Crete with a small group up to 15 people on this full-day shared tour. Enjoy the convenience of pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle fully equipped with Wi-Fi service. Visit the 2 most popular beaches of Greece, Elafonisi and Falasarna, in one day. Start your journey in Elafonisi, a beach with unique, pink sands which pop in contrast to the blue waters. Continue west to Falasarna, a blinding white sandy beach famous for its striking turquoise waters. Then head to the last stop, Vouves, where you’ll visit the oldest olive tree in the world. Grab the kids and splash about in the shallow waters of the small, exotic lagoons. In all, you’ll enjoy nearly 5 hours of leisure time swimming and sunbathing by the sea. Listen as your guide tells you about Cretan customs and sample local cuisine from a prepared snack box. Return to your hotel once again in cool comfort in a quality vehicle.
Embark on an enchanting day trip to the pristine shores of Elafonisi and Falassarna, meticulously crafted to highlight the unparalleled beauty of these destinations.
Departing from Rethymnon at 07:45, Gerani at 07:50, Kavros at 08:00, Georgioupolis at 08:10, Chania at 09:00am and from Platanias at 09:20am, the journey is thoughtfully organized to allow you to immerse yourself in the splendor of Crete’s most breathtaking beaches in just one day. Enjoy leisure moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Your adventure starts with your arrival at Elafonisi Beach at 10:45am, a paradise famed for its soft pink sands and tranquil, lagoon-like azure waters. Spend your morning in this serene setting, where each moment beckons you to relax under the Mediterranean sun or to explore the gentle tides. Whether lounging by the water or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore, Elafonisi provides a magical backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
After departing from Elafonisi at 1:45pm, the journey continues towards the stunning vistas of Falassarna Beach.
You will arrive at Falassarna Beach by 3:00pm, welcomed by its expansive stretches of golden sands and mesmerizing hues of turquoise waters. The afternoon is yours to revel in bliss, from soaking up the sun’s warmth to discovering the hidden corners of this natural wonder. Falassarna’s captivating landscape offers a plethora of activities to suit every taste, from peaceful sunbathing to the simple pleasures of sandcastle building.
As the day concludes at 6:00pm, your journey back to the starting point is an opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences. The memories of Elafonisi and Falassarna, with their distinctive landscapes and tranquil beauty, will forever be etched in your heart.
This day trip is your portal to two of Crete’s most iconic beaches, presented in a way that maximizes your experience. Secure your place on this extraordinary journey and get ready to be mesmerized by the natural elegance and serene beauty of Elafonisi and Falassarna.
Full Day Trip Program:
07:45am Departure from Rethymnon
07:50am Departure from Gerani
08:00am Departure from Kavros
08:10am Departure from Georgioupolis
9:00am Departure from Chania
9:20am Departure from Platanias
10:45am Arrival at Elafonisi Beach
10:45am-1:45pm Explore and relax at Elafonisi Beach
1:45pm Departure from Elafonisi Beach
3:00pm Arrival at Falassarna Beach
3:00pm-6:00pm Beach time at Falassarna
6:00pm Departure from Falassarna Beach
7:30pm Arrival back at Platanias
7:50pm Arrival back at Chania
Find below the list of hotels near Kambos Gorge:
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Tzouganos Villa is located in Sfinárion. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The 2-bedroom villa comes with a living room with a TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and microwave, and 1 bathroom with walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. A kids pool is also available at Tzouganos Villa, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Ancient Falassarna is 16 km from the accommodation, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 67 km from Tzouganos Villa.
from
€359
/night
Lefteris Rooms is located in Kampos village, Western Crete. It offers a restaurant and accommodation opening out to a balcony with mountain and Kampos Gorge views. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
All air-conditioned units at Lefteris Rooms are simply decorated, with tiled flooring and warm-coloured wooden furnishings. Each includes a TV and fridge, while some are self-catering. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and shower.
Guests can have a meal prepared with fresh produce at the on-site restaurant or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. Barbeque facilities and a mini market are also available in the premises.
Elafonisi Beach can be reached in 30 minutes by car. Free public and private parking is provided nearby.
Situated in Kámbos, 24 km from Ancient Falassarna and 24 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, Stefanis traditional house – Kampos offers air conditioning. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from the apartment.
Set in Kámbos in the Crete region, West Crete House features a balcony. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned holiday home is composed of 2 separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Ancient Falassarna is 24 km from the holiday home, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from West Crete House.
from
€81
/night
Palm Beach House offers accommodation in Sfinari in Chania Region. The property provides free private parking. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
The unit fitted with a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge. A flat-screen TV is provided.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 53 km from Palm Beach House.
Situated 12 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, Pericles Beach Front Villa is a villa with right on the beach of Kissamos. The accommodation is 21 km from the Gramvousa.
The villa has a satellite TV and 3 bedrooms. The villa also comes with a seating area and a bathroom. A fully equipped kitchen is also available.
The villa offers accommodation with a hot tub. Barbecue facilities are available and guests can also relax in the garden.
Kissamos Stadium is 12 km from Pericles Beach Front Villa. Chania International Airport is 54 km away.
from
€275
/night
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.
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 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.
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.
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