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Kounaviano Gorge

Description

The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.

In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.

Gorge details

Location

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Most frequent asked questions

What is Kounaviano Gorge?


Kounaviano Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Heraklion.

What type of gorge is Kounaviano Gorge?


Kounaviano Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.

Is there water in Kounaviano Gorge?


Yes, there is water in Kounaviano Gorge until the spring.

How accessible is Kounaviano Gorge?


Kounaviano Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.

What is the length of Kounaviano Gorge?


Kounaviano Gorge is 4 km long.

What is the difficulty level of Kounaviano Gorge?


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

How long does it take to hike Kounaviano Gorge?


It takes approximately 2 hours to hike Kounaviano Gorge.

What is the altitude difference in Kounaviano Gorge?


The altitude difference in Kounaviano Gorge is 100.

Kounaviano Gorge Reviews

Other gorges in the area

  • 2.0 km
  • Heraklion
  • 11 km
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  • Heraklion
  • 1 km
  • 9.2 km
  • Heraklion
  • 4 km

Things to do near Kounaviano Gorge

  • 3.5 km
  • 3.5 km
  • 3.5 km
  • 4.4 km
  • 4.4 km
  • 5.9 km

Stays near Kounaviano Gorge

  • 8.9 / 10
  • Kounavoi

Boasting garden views, Harmony Country House – Live in the Nature features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 8.8 km from The Palace of Knossos. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

The holiday home offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and Harmony Country House – Live in the Nature can arrange a car rental service.

Venetian Walls is 15 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 12 km from Harmony Country House – Live in the Nature, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

from

€63

/night

  • 2.0 km
  • 10 / 10
  • Kounavoi

Located in Kounávoi, 9.1 km from The Palace of Knossos and 15 km from Venetian Walls, Kounavoi Country House provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment is 3.1 km from Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and 14 km from Heraklion Port.

The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.

A car rental service is available at the apartment.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 16 km from Kounavoi Country House, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 12 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

  • 2.1 km
  • 8 / 10
  • Ζορμπα 2 Μυρτια Ηρακλειου

Set in Myrtia, 17 km from Venetian Walls and 18 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Stellas Village House offers a terrace and air conditioning. The accommodation is 11 km from the The Palace of Knossos and features free WiFithroughout the property.

The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with inner courtyard views.

Walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.

Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 22 km from the apartment, while Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 100 metres away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 14 km from Stellas Village House.

from

€64

/night

  • 2.3 km
  • 9.8 / 10
  • P.O.Box: A16

Situated in Archanes, 5 km from The Palace of Knossos, Serapis Country House on the hill above Heraklion Off grid features a garden and views of the sea. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with an outdoor fireplace. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

The rooms at the guest house come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hair dryer, a bath and free toiletries. At Serapis Country House on the hill above Heraklion Off grid rooms come with bed linen and towels.

The accommodation offers a children’s playground. Bike hire and car hire are available at this guest house and the area is popular for walking tours.

Venetian Walls is 11 km from Serapis Country House on the hill above Heraklion Off grid, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 11 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 10 km from the guest house.

from

€125

/night

  • 2.5 km
  • 9.1 / 10
  • Skalani

Offering a garden, Scalarea Estate Residences offers accommodation in Skalánion. Heraklio Town is 9 km from the property.

The accommodation features a satellite flat-screen TV. Some units are air conditioned and include a seating and/or dining area. There is a private bathroom with a shower in every unit. Towels and bed linen are featured.

Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Resi also includes a terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.

Hersonissos is 19 km from Scalarea Estate Residences, while Bali is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 7 km from the property.

  • 2.6 km
  • 8.9 / 10
  • Kato Archanes 0, Kato Archanes 701 00, Greece

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Iris Villa 3 – Archanes Crete is set in Káto Arkhánai. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

The Palace of Knossos is 7.4 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 11 km from Iris Villa 3 – Archanes Crete, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

  • 2.6 km

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