Kandanos Gorge
Gorge description
The Kandanos Gorge is a site of remarkable natural beauty and historical significance, currently threatened by the operations of a large quarry. This gorge was the battlefield for the first armed conflict between locals and governmental forces during World War II. On May 24, 1941, Kandanos residents took up arms against German forces advancing towards their town, a day after the Battle of Floria, where all but one German soldier were killed. In retaliation, the Germans decimated Kandanos and its neighboring villages, executing numerous civilians. To this day, justice for the German war crimes committed in Kandanos and Floria, along with other martyred Cretan villages, remains elusive.
In addition to its historical value, the gorge is teeming with cypress trees and lush vegetation. It’s also traversed by a beautiful stone road leading to Chania, built by locals in the late 1920s. This road stands as a fine example of preindustrial construction.
The upper portion of the Gorge is known as Spina Gorge, named after a nearby village. The lower section, which begins where the gorge intersects the stone road near the Church of Agios Irineos and ends at Anavos, is referred to as Kandanos Gorge. Despite the different names, they are part of the same ravine.
Most frequent asked questions
What is Kandanos Gorge?
Kandanos Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the Chania region.
What type of gorge is Kandanos Gorge?
Kandanos Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Is there water in Kandanos Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Kandanos Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is Kandanos Gorge?
Kandanos Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
What is the length of Kandanos Gorge?
Kandanos Gorge is 3 km long.
What is the difficulty level of Kandanos Gorge?
Kandanos Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike Kandanos Gorge?
It takes approximately 1 hour to hike Kandanos Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Kandanos Gorge?
The altitude difference in Kandanos Gorge is 50.
Review stats
Kandanos Gorge has received 0 reviews with an average rating of out of 5
User reviews
Other gorges in the area
- 5.3 km
- 3 km
- 1 h
- Hiking
- Accessibility: Paved road
- 5.4 km
- 3 km
- 1 h
- Hiking
- Accessibility: Paved road
- 8.6 km
- 7.5 km
- 3 h
- E4 trail
- Accessibility: Paved road
Things to do near Kandanos Gorge
Stays near Kandanos Gorge
- 9.6 / 10
- Kopetoi
Set at an altitude of 500 metres and 17 km from Palaiochora, Aori Hillside Villa offers a terrace, balcony and view of the surrounding mountains. This three-bedroom villa includes free WiFi and BBQ facilities.
The villa is set on 3 levels and has modern décor and quality wooden furnishings. Accommodation includes a kitchen, a living area and a bathroom with a shower.
Aori Hillside Villa is 5 km from the village of Kandanos and the city centre of Chania can be reached in 1 hour by car. Souda Airport is located 46 km away.
The beach of Elafonisi is a 50-minute drive from the villa and boats to the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa inhabited islands leave from Kissamos Port, 30 km away.
- 4.8 km
- 8.7 / 10
- Kambanos
Square Apartment, a property with a terrace, is set in Kambanós, 40 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, 45 km from Limnoupolis, as well as 48 km from Platanias Square. The air-conditioned accommodation is 27 km from Samaria Gorge, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with mountain views.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 48 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 62 km from Square Apartment.
from
€45
/night
- 6.4 km
- 10 / 10
- Καντάνου
Boasting garden views, Villa Koomas Kakodiki Paleochora features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 49 km from Ancient Falassarna. The air-conditioned accommodation is 38 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from the holiday home.
- 6.8 km
- 8.7 / 10
- Agriles
Located in Agrilés, 44 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete and 50 km from Limnoupolis, Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia offers a terrace and air conditioning. It is situated 31 km from Samaria Gorge and features free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment with a balcony and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from the apartment.
- 6.9 km
- Αγριλές
Located in Agrilés, 44 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete and 50 km from Limnoupolis, Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 2 next to Sougia offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. It is situated 31 km from Samaria Gorge and features free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment with a patio and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from the apartment.
from
€68
/night
- 6.9 km
- 9.9 / 10
- Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - Sougias
Featuring pool views, Villa Aeolus with private overflow, endless, heated pool offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 23 km from Samaria Gorge. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain 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 bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 36 km from Villa Aeolus with private overflow, endless, heated pool, while Limnoupolis is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
- 7.0 km
