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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.
Get directions to Patsos Gorge
Patsos Gorge is located in the Rethymno Region of Crete, Greece.
The length of Patsos Gorge is approximately 5 kilometers.
it takes approximately two and a half hours to hike Patsos Gorge.
The hiking difficulty level in Patsos Gorge is moderate, with some steep and rocky sections.
The best time to visit Patsos Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Patsos Gorge.
Yes, it is safe to hike in Patsos Gorge, but visitors should take necessary precautions and wear appropriate footwear.
Some of the highlights of Patsos Gorge include the stunning natural scenery, the ancient stone bridge, and the impressive waterfalls.
Find below the list of things to do near Patsos Gorge:
Premium Sunset Safari Tour with best panoramic view of Rethymnon city from above, Potamon dam, traditional Cretan villages and mountains. Allow yourself to indulge in a romantic premium off-road experience with the best panoramic views and premium service in a semi private small group tour up to 8 persons per vehicle.
Our evening tour begins from Rethymnon city centre and tourist areas, heading towards the inland of Rethymnon through traditional villages and uncharted mountain routes. Our premium off-road vehicles driven by well trained escorts will help you enjoy the best service and panoramic sunset view of Rethymnon from above. Unpaved off-road routes, wild and dense vegetation, non tourist places, unique panoramic view of Potamon dam and mountains ideal for sunset capture stops, are only some of the experiences that you will receive in a 4 hours premium off-road sunset safari tour.
After our exploration through traditional Cretan villages of Pigi, Adelle, Sain Dimitrios, Holy Trinity and Harkia and following an uncharted off-road route we reach an amazing point in the hill above Potamon dam at 650m altitude. From that point we will have the best panoramic view of the dam, Cretan inland and mountains to capture some great photos. Following our unpaved route and admiring the unique Cretan terrain we reach a unique sunset spot to admire the romantic view and the entire city below. We continue our road-trip until reach a small family owned tavern where our Cretan delicacies platter will be served accompanied by a glass of wine. Our sunset tour comes to an end through an easy asphalt road to reach Rethymnon city full of memories, experiences, amazing sights, romantic views and premium service that only Uncharted Escapes experienced escorts can provide.
Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you cycle along the coastline. Just before you start the journey uphill, you will make your first stop at the Arsani Monastery. From there you will continue uphill through the olive groves, passing small picturesque villages before making your next stop to the village of Amnatos.
There you can admire the mansion of Sanguinazzo, where you will discover above its main door the inscription which states “Initium sapientiae timor Domini”. Your next stop is the Arkadi Monastery, which boasts a rich and prestigious history. You can learn about the resistance of the local people and the heroic acts of the monks, which will help you understand the significant role they played during the Greek revolution against the Ottomans.
Following the monastery, you will be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes in a traditional taverna. Due to the elevated location, you will also have breathtaking panoramic views over Rethymno and the Mediterranean Coast whilst you dine. Following lunch, you’ll ride towards Pigi Village and make a final stop at Adele, before slowly making your way back to your starting point.
Welcome to our Rethymno Sunset Tour, an opportunity for a magical and memorable trip! Discover the most beautiful panoramic views along paths running through hills and valleys. Cross picturesque villages and experience the natural wonders that Crete has to offer.
After we pick you up from your hotel, our first stop will be at the Venetian village of Pikris , where you will see the Cretan way of life and our hospitality.The village was built next to the river with its mythical nymphs. You will have the chance to see the amazing central gate of the villa Claudio. What makes it even more intriguing is the Latin inscription in letters: “Pateat bonis,” which translates to “the good man passes through.” This phrase hints at a place that values virtues and welcomes those of moral character.
Our next stop will be the Arkadi Monastery wich is one of the most important monasteries in Crete and holds great cultural and historical value.It is renowned for its stunning architecture, with a mix of Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, making it a unique and captivating structure.(to enter the Monastery is optional and the entrance fee is 4 euro)
We continue through the changing scenery of wild flowers, herbs and local groves to reach the mountains at an altitude of around 1000m.Here you will have an amazing view point of the dam of Potamon. We stop to relax with a glass of wine whilst admiring the vivid colors of the sun sinking into the ocean!
Our last stop will be at Limnokastro where we will have a Cretan style evening meal at a local tavern by the river, where giant trees and a 1000 year old church will fascinate you! Here you will have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional local starters and main courses (vegetarian option available) and enjoy unlimited Cretan wine.
Don’t miss this unique experience and an unforgettable, epic Rethymno sunset tour!
Arkadi Monastery (in Greek Moní Arkadíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated near Rethymno. It is one of the most historic monasteries on Crete.
What’s Included:
Experienced guide, use of bicycle, helmet, reflective orange vest, bottle of water, break for discussion and soft drink in a village during the tour.
Departure & Return:
Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece
You will enjoy the beautiful view and you will be enchanted of the wonderful green landscape.
Additional Info:
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Check the prices and make your reservation from our booking system in our website.
All protection measures are taken by COVID 19. Helmets and reflective vests are sterilized by a special machine at 120o C.
Find below the list of hotels near Patsos Gorge:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Villa Marlia is situated in Mesonísia. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 4 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 offered in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from Villa Marlia, while Psiloritis National Park is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 90 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€226
/night
Situated in Agia Fotini in the Crete region, Lotusland, a relaxing house at Amari Rethymno features a terrace. The villa has garden views and is 31 km from Matala.
The villa has 2 bedrooms with air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Towels and bed linen are available.
Heraklio Town is 79 km from Lotusland, a relaxing house at Amari Rethymno, while Rethymno Town is 24.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 82.1 km from the accommodation.
from
€154
/night
Located in Spílion, 26 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 33 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, The Bridge House provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features city and quiet street views, and is 33 km from Psiloritis National Park.
The villa comes with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a barbecue.
Arkadi Monastery is 25 km from The Bridge House, while Municipal Garden is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 94 km from the accommodation.
from
€165
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Casa Sofia Apt#2 is set in Spílion. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a bath.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Casa Sofia Apt#2.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 94 km from Casa Sofia Apt#2, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated on top of Anemomilos hill, Harkia Villas features an outdoor pool with summer terrace plus panoramic views of the Cretan Sea. The family-run restaurant serves Cretan, Greek and international dishes.
Each 2-bedroom villa has 2 bathrooms, of which one has a hydromassage tub. There is a large balcony on the upper floor, and a spacious living area with fireplace and flat-screen satellite TV on the ground floor. There is also a fully equipped kitchen fitted with a dishwasher, fridge and spacious dining area.
The villa’s large kitchen includes a dishwasher, fridge and freezer, and dining area. BBQ facilities are also provided. Guests can opt for fine dining at the restaurant.
Guests can participate in a number of agri-tourism activities, such as wine making. Cooking lessons are also provided, and staff can arrange for walking tours and sightseeing tours.
Harkia Villas is located only 500 metres from the scenic village of Harkias and restaurants and 9 km from the nearest beach. Nearby points of interest include the Arkadi Monastery. Rethymno Old Town and port are 17 km away.
from
€165
/night
Located in the village of Spili in Crete, Heracles Hotel offers apartments with a balcony overlooking the mountain and garden. Bars and restaurants are 50 metres away. The property offers free Wi-Fi and parking on site.
Each air-conditioned room includes a TV with cable and satellite channels. The bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Heracles Hotel is 25 km from the town of Rethymno. Chania International Airport is 80 km away.
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.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
Arkadi Gorge is a moderate 4.5 km hike in the Rethymno region of Crete that starts just north of Arkadi Monastery and takes about 2 hours to walk. The route follows the eastern bank of a green, rocky ravine, ends near the village of Pikris where it meets the Gypofarago gorge, and pairs naturally with a visit to the historic monastery above it. There is no entrance fee and no facilities on the trail, so you carry your own water and food.This guide covers what the gorge is, how hard it is, how to reach the trailhead, what you see along the way, how to combine it with the monastery, and what to pack.
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