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Last updated: August 2026. Crete Locals.
Mili Gorge is a green hiking ravine about 7 kilometres south of Rethymno, where a shaded, year-round stream runs past the abandoned mill village of Mili. Mili Gorge gathers its water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas and holds so many plants and trees that it reads like a botanical garden. The signed trail follows the length of the valley, so walkers pass old watermills, spring-fed pools, and small rock-cut churches along the way.
Mili Gorge takes its name from the water mills that once worked along its stream. Mili Gorge holds the abandoned village of Mili at its heart, split into two neighbourhoods, Ano Mili (Upper Mills) and Kato Mili (Lower Mills). About 30 watermills once ground the grain from the gorge and the surrounding villages, and nearly every resident worked as a miller. Today a single renovated watermill still stands in good condition, so visitors can see how the mills turned. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens fill the ground between the ruins, fed by the same water that once drove the wheels.
Residents left Mili in 1972 after landslides threatened the houses. The villagers built a new settlement, Nei Mili (New Mills), on the high ground west of the gorge. Some of the old mills have since been restored as homes, and one now serves as a cafe-restaurant for visitors.
Water shapes every part of Mili Gorge. Springs feed the stream at several points, and the two largest, Saint Anthony and Five Virgins, keep it flowing all year. Along its course the water forms small waterfalls and pools, shaded by tall plane trees, where walkers stop for a cool rest. Birds are easy to spot in the canyon, so the gorge rewards birdwatchers as much as hikers.
Mili Gorge holds several rock-cut churches along its trail. The cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis) sit within the rock, and the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes) stands just past the village. Beyond Kato Mili the trail passes two more cave chapels, Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
Mili Gorge has two entrances, so walkers can start from either end of the valley. The northern entrance sits near Chromonastiri, and the southern entrance sits near Xero Chorio. The trail is signed and stays shaded through the summer months. After heavy rain the stream rises and the ground turns slippery, so the walk is safest in dry, settled weather. The on-site cafe-restaurant runs mainly in the summer season, so carry your own water and snacks for the walk.
What type of gorge is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Is there water in Mili Gorge? Yes, water runs in Mili Gorge all year round.
How accessible is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is reached by a paved road.
How long is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is 2.5 km long.
How difficult is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty.
How many hours does it take to hike Mili Gorge? Hiking Mili Gorge takes about 2.5 hours.
What is the altitude difference in Mili Gorge? The altitude difference in Mili Gorge is 190 m.
Mili Gorge sits about 7 km south of Rethymno, and the trailheads near Chromonastiri and Xero Chorio are far easier to reach with your own vehicle than by bus. Driving lets you park near the entrance, start the walk early before the midday heat, and pair the gorge with the villages and monasteries around Rethymno, which is simplest with car rental in Crete.
Get directions to Mili Gorge
Mili Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Yes, there is water all year round in Mili Gorge.
Mili Gorge is easily accessible via a paved road.
Mili Gorge is 2.5 km long.
Mili Gorge has a difficulty rating of 1 out of 10.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to hike Mili Gorge.
The altitude difference in Mili Gorge is 190.
Find below the list of things to do near Mili Gorge:
While in Rethymno don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sea, right at the main beach of the city. Book from a selection of watersports that are organized by experienced English-speaking crew and safe vessels.
You can choose between Slides, Banana, Crazy Sofa and Water-Ski. At the beginning, you will get safety measures training and the crew will be at all times attentive of your activity.
When booking please read through the options and the requirements if any. Please note that the starting time might vary by up to 30 minutes due to weather conditions or if it’s too crowded (for safety reasons).
Discover the village of Loutro, named after the Greek word for “bath”, due to the many ancient baths in the area. Eat seafood and drink wine by the sea. Go for a swim in the warm blue sea. Marvel at the many famous white houses, and enjoy a relaxing sailing trip on a boat.
Begin the excursion and travel from Rethymno, known for its harbor with fishing boats, to Chora Sfakion. Then, sail for 20 minutes to the village of Loutro, on the south coast of Chania. After you arrive here, you can spend 5 hours exploring in your own free time to do whatever activities you want.
Go swimming in the clear blue waters of the sea. Eat some delicious local food such as fresh fish if you are hungry. Sip on wine by the sea. Also, admire the many white houses that make this place famous. Finally, board the boat and sail to Sfakia then return to Rethymno to finish your tour.
Embark on a delightful 3-hour cruise along the tranquil east coast, where we’ll unveil the rugged pirate caves and the awe-inspiring “Camarola” arch, shaped by the relentless sea. Dive into the crystal-clear blue waters for a rejuvenating 30-minute swim directly from the boat. As we journey back to Rethymnon port, witness the grandeur of the Venetian fortress, “Fortezza,” and glide through the picturesque Venetian Port, adorned with timeless beauty. Experience nature’s wonders and historical charm on this unforgettable voyage.
Holidays on a yacht is a great opportunity to enjoy wonderful sea views, have a good time and take a bunch of pictures that will delight you for a long time. The boat trip starts in the morning from Rethymno Marina. Our premium class catamaran Lagoon 450F* can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
During the cruise, you can go snorkelling, swim on a sup board or just ride the waves on an inflatable flamingo. We provide guests with all the necessary equipment.
On board, we will treat you with Cretan white wine and Mediterranean cuisine with seafood**
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Find below the list of hotels near Mili Gorge:
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a balcony, Villa Ventus, 40sqm private pool & hot tub! is set in Roussospítion. Featuring pool and garden views, this apartment also has free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a wellness packages. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Ventus, 40sqm private pool & hot tub!.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 7.5 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 76 km from Villa Ventus, 40sqm private pool & hot tub!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€262
/night
Located in Roussospiti Village, at an altitude of 300 metres, Mitsos is a deluxe villa with an outdoor pool and a spacious balcony offering panoramic sea view. It is set amidst lush gardens and lies within 60 km from Chania Town.
The villa consists of 4 separate bedrooms, a living room with fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. Facilities include a microwave, a dishwasher, a flat-screen TV and CD/DVD player.
Guests can relax at the well-tended gardens by the pool or use the BBQ facilities and enjoy al fresco dining.
Rethymno is about 6 km, and the nearest beach 7 km away. A mini market and 3 tavernas can be found in a distance of 300 metres others shops and amenities can be found in the city of Rethymno.
Set in Roussospítion in the Crete region, Haris white apartment features a terrace and inner courtyard views. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned 1-bedroom apartment comes with a kitchen, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.9 km from Haris white apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from the accommodation.
from
€54
/night
Boasting garden views, Not a Villa offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 6.9 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from Not a Villa.
from
€68
/night
Situated in Roussospítion and only 7 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Villa Maria features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, the villa also offers a a children’s playground.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 28 km from Villa Maria, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 75 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Roussospítion and only 7.3 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Goldy’s Villa provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2000 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Goldy’s Villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 76 km from Goldy’s Villa.
The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.
The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.
The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.
The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.
Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.
In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.
The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.
Located in the stunning province of Amari, the Patsos or Agios Antonios gorge is situated 8 km southwest of Arkadi Monastery. The gorge’s water is collected in the Potami dam. Trekking through the gorge is relatively easy up to a certain point, thanks to a well-marked trail created by the forest service. This trail concludes at the gorge’s narrowest point, where a unique waterfall cascades into a cave. Beyond this point, the gorge narrows and forms several small waterfalls. The descent to the Potami lake demands careful attention, particularly during winter and spring. Another path leads to the avifauna watchtower situated above the river.
The Patsos Gorge is renowned for Agios Antonios’ cavernous temple (Saint Anthony), which was once a sacred cave dedicated to Kraneos Hermes in ancient times. Water seeps from the rocks and drips from the temple roof, accumulating as holy water. It’s fascinating to observe the thousands of prayer papers that devotees have tucked into the rock cavities surrounding the temple. Large plateaus with wooden benches and tables, perfect for picnicking, are located beneath the temple and by the river.
The gorge derives its name from Patsos, a village nestled at the base of Mount Soros at an altitude of 490 meters. It’s approximately 30 km south of Rethymnon. The area boasts a rich variety of flora due to the numerous springs throughout the region that provide a year-round water supply.
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