Margarites Gorge

Margarites Gorge

Margarites is a renowned village in the Milopotamos province, celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional pottery. The broader region, encompassing the villages of Margarites, Orthe and Eleftherna, is characterized by a sequence of small, parallel gorges. Tiny watercourses like Margaritianos meander northwards, contributing to the Geropotamos River. These gorges are carved into the white-yellow marly limestone from the Upper Miocene era (8-10 million years ago), a result of the area’s uplift and water erosion.

The gorges’ most striking features are their abundant flora and extraordinary environment. Small groups of horizontally branched cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens var horizontal) blend with low shrubs, wildflowers, and aromatic plants. The local authorities have fashioned small trails that reveal the area’s beauty to visitors.

Location

Margarites Gorge is located at Margarites Gorge, in the Rethymno region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.

Get directions: Google MapsWaze

Frequently asked questions

Where is Margarites Gorge located?Margarites Gorge is located in the Rethymno Region of Crete, Greece.
Is Margarites Gorge suitable for hiking?Yes, Margarites Gorge is suitable for hiking. However, it is recommended to have proper hiking gear and to be in good physical condition.
What is the difficulty level of hiking in Margarites Gorge?The difficulty level of hiking in Margarites Gorge is moderate. There are some steep and rocky parts, but it is generally manageable for most hikers.
What is the best time to visit Margarites Gorge?The best time to visit Margarites Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
Are there any entrance fees for Margarites Gorge?No, there are no entrance fees for Margarites Gorge.
Is it safe to hike in Margarites Gorge?Yes, it is generally safe to hike in Margarites Gorge. However, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially during rainy or windy weather.
What are some of the highlights of Margarites Gorge?Some of the highlights of Margarites Gorge include the stunning natural scenery, the crystal-clear waters of the river, and the impressive rock formations.

User reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.

Write a review

Things to do near Margarites Gorge

All activities

e-Bike tour to Arkadi monastery

Monastery of Arkadi · 6.2 km away

5.0 (1)rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 reviews

Arkadi Monastery (in Greek Moní Arkadíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated near Rethymno. It is…

View & book

From Rethymno

Skaleta · 8.5 km away

4.7 (294)rated 4.7 out of 5 from 294 reviews

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned bus.…

View & book

Rethymno Town

Rethymno · 18 km away

5.0 (11)rated 5.0 out of 5 from 11 reviews

While in Rethymno don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sea, right at the main beach…

View & book

From Rethymno

Rethymno · 18 km away

4.4 (17)rated 4.4 out of 5 from 17 reviews

Discover the village of Loutro, named after the Greek word for “bath”, due to the many…

View & book

Stay near Margarites Gorge

All stays

CASA CANTICO

Μαργαρίτες Ρέθυμνο · 0.1 km away

4.5rated 4.5 out of 5

Located in Margarítai, 6 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 27 km from Archaeological Museum…

Check availability

Villa Mesogea

Margarites Mylopotamou · 0.7 km away

4.5rated 4.5 out of 5

Boasting garden views, Villa Mesogea offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 5.2…

Check availability

Vasiliki Villa

Orthes · 1.0 km away

5.0rated 5.0 out of 5

Located in Orthés and only 6.8 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Vasiliki Villa provides accommodation…

Check availability

Places near Margarites Gorge

All places

Mántalos

Epar.Od. Aggelianon-Elefthernas 10, Margarites 740 52, Greece · 0.1 km away

4.6rated 4.6 out of 5
View place

Ancient Eleftherna

Ancient Eleftherna · 1.2 km away

Ancient Eleftherna is an archaeological site on a ridge in the hills of the Rethymno region…

View place

Kafenio Filio

Epar.Od. Aggelianon-Elefthernas 123, Eleftherna 740 52, Greece · 2.0 km away

4.9rated 4.9 out of 5
View place

Beaches near Margarites Gorge

All beaches

Panormo beaches

Panormo beaches · 8.8 km away

Panormo, located approximately 20km east of the city of Rethymnon in the Milopotamos province, is a…

View beach

Skaleta beaches

Skaleta beaches · 9.6 km away

Commencing 11km east of Rethymno and extending 3km eastward is the Skaleta beachfront, marking the end…

View beach

Bali Beaches, Crete

Bali beaches · 12 km away

Bali has 4 beaches, each set in its own sandy cove with clear, greenish water: Livadi,…

View beach

Adelianos Kambos beach

Adelianos Kambos beach · 13 km away

Adelianos Kambos, also known as Adele Beach, is a seaside suburb of Rethymnon situated 6km to…

View beach

Gorges near Margarites Gorge

View all

Platania Gorge

Platania Gorge · 12 km away

The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range…

View details

Patsos Gorge

Patsos Gorge · 14 km away

Located in the stunning province of Amari, the Patsos or Agios Antonios gorge is situated 8…

View details

Prasses Gorge

Prasses Gorge · 14 km away

The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast…

View details

Zoniana Gorge

Zoniana Gorge · 14 km away

The Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It…

View details

Kaminolakkos Gorge

Kaminolakkos Gorge · 14 km away

In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near…

View details

Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka)

Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) · 15 km away

Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka…

View details

Mili Gorge

Myli Gorge · 16 km away

Last updated: August 2026. Crete Locals. Mili Gorge is a green hiking ravine about 7 kilometres…

View details