These images are powered by
The Pefki Gorge, also known as Anegyrous Gorge, is a stunning small gorge located in East Crete. Its beauty is characterized by breathtaking rock formations molded by nature and lush greenery. The gorge extends for approximately 4.5 km, with an elevation difference of 300 meters between the entrance and exit. The gorge begins south of Pefki village and concludes at the Aspros Potamos settlement, 2km north of Makrigialos. The stream running through the gorge collects water from the area south of the Romanati peak (937m) and carries it to the Analipsi beach. The gorge features a well-defined path that traces the riverbed for most of its length. At certain points, benches are available for rest. A 2-hour journey through the gorge is part of the E4 European long-distance path.
The Journey
The journey through the gorge commences slightly south of Pefki, where the familiar black and yellow E4 signs direct you to the entrance, adjacent to the old Ilias water mill (1925). From here, an easy path skirts the edges of the canyon before descending to the river bed at the heart of the gorge. The canyon is vibrant with pine trees, while the riverbed is predominantly surrounded by platans and herbs. Spectacular white rock formations, unique to Crete and over 100 meters tall, flank the sides of the canyon.
Upon reaching the southern exit of the gorge, you’ll find a spring of clean, drinkable water for refreshment. The gorge’s exit is located in the Pisokaminos area, near the Aspros Potamos village, rather than by the sea. Further along, you’ll encounter the remarkable large rock known as Volakas Sarakinou (Saracen’s rock). Legend has it that a Saracen pirate once took refuge here after being left behind in Crete. The rock is covered in small pebbles, believed to be the remnants of an old children’s game. The kids would throw stones at Volakas, and if a stone stayed on the rock, they would find food at home. If not, they wouldn’t. Following Aspros Potamos village, you’ll reach the main road connecting Makrigialos and Pefki. If no one is waiting to pick you up by car, you’ll need to walk the remaining 2km to Makrigialos.
Get directions to Pefki Gorge
Pefki Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the Lasithi region of Greece.
Pefki Gorge is a hiking gorge and is part of the E4 trail.
Yes, there is water in Pefki Gorge until the spring.
Pefki Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Pefki Gorge is 4.5 km long.
Pefki Gorge has a difficulty rating of 1 out of 10.
It takes approximately 2 hours to hike Pefki Gorge.
The altitude difference in Pefki Gorge is 310 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Pefki Gorge:
Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.
After arrival by bus in Makris Gialos to the southern coast of Crete, the boat trip begins with on the pirate ship “Eydokia” to Koufonisi. The trip through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea takes about an hour. Approaching the island admire the views of caves and the steep cliffs.
The island is surrounded by 36 fantastic beaches and a walk around the island gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the emerald waters, and the fine golden sand.
The self-service bar is open throughout the cruise so you can enjoy lunch, snacks, salads, and drinks.
Find below the list of hotels near Pefki Gorge:
Offering a spacious outdoor pool, White River Cottages – rustic minimalist holiday houses is a complex of 13 restored stone built houses, located in the tranquil valley of Aspros Potamos. The nearest sandy beach is 1 km away. Free WiFi is available throughout.
The accommodation is air conditioned and features a seating area. There is also a dining area and a kitchen fitted with an oven. A toaster and refrigerator are also provided, as well as a kettle. Towels are offered, while a washing machine is available upon charge.
A range of scenic beaches can be found within short driving distance, while several restaurants and shops are located within 1 km of the property. Ierapetra is 25 km from White River Cottages – rustic minimalist holiday houses and Sitia is 33 km away. Heraklion Airport is 120 km away.
from
€89
/night
Natura cottages has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Makry Gialos, 1.3 km from Makrigialos Beach.
A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered in the kitchen, as well as a coffee machine.
The aparthotel offers a sun terrace.
If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and Natura cottages can arrange a bicycle rental service.
Lagoufa Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Diaskari Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 34 km from Natura cottages, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Makry Gialos and only 1.4 km from Makrigialos Beach, Oniero offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2 km from Kalamokanias Beach.
Offering a terrace and sea views, the apartment includes 1 bedroom, a living room, flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
The apartment offers a picnic area. Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at Oniero.
Lagoufa Beach is 3 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from Oniero.
from
€95
/night
Located in Pilalímata and only less than 1 km from Lagoufa Beach, Villa Evdokia II provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Diaskari Beach is 1.2 km from the holiday home, while Makrigialos Beach is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 33 km from Villa Evdokia II.
from
€134
/night
Featuring a pool with separate children’s section, Helios Studios & Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with Libyan Sea views. Surrounded by a garden, it is located 250 metres from Makrigialos Beach. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Opening to a balcony, all air-conditioned units have a kitchenette with cooking hobs, a fridge and coffee maker. Traditionally decorated, some come with built-in beds. Facilities include a TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with shower.
Guests will find taverns, bars and shops at 250 metres from Helios Studios & Apartments. Sitia Town is at 35 km and the town of Ierapetra is 24 km away. Free, private parking is possible on site.
Situated in Makry Gialos and only 800 metres from Lagoufa Beach, Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, 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 Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Makrigialos Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Diaskari Beach is 1.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 33 km from Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
In the vicinity of the verdant and water-rich springs of Orino village, we encounter one of Crete’s most precipitous rivers. The river’s sources are found high up on the Abelia plateau, nestled within the Thripti and Papouri mountains. These springs quickly form a river which traverses the village square before making its way into the rugged Orino canyon. To navigate the canyon along the riverbed, canyoneering gear is necessary. The river carves out stunning waterfalls and pools, with the final section being particularly breathtaking. The last trio of waterfalls at Peristerionas are among Crete’s most beautiful. The river’s water volume is also noteworthy, particularly in the typically dry region of East Crete. Even in the summer, the gorge maintains a steady water flow.
The river continues its journey downstream, passing through the Red Butterflies canyon before reaching Koutsouras beach. Despite suffering considerable damage in a 1993 fire, the gorge’s vegetation remains lush, serving as a green oasis in the warm eastern Crete. The gorge begins near the exit of the Orino Gorge and concludes at Koutsouras after a 3-4 hour walk (starting from Orino village and circumventing the wilder parts of the Orino gorge). Signposts along the route guide the way. At the route’s commencement, there are a few small springs and waterfalls which dry up during the summer. Winter, however, makes hiking in the gorge quite challenging. The gorge earns its name from the red butterflies that flutter amongst the bushes and flowers, creating a truly unique spectacle. Regrettably, their numbers have significantly dwindled in the aftermath of the fire.
The Kapsas gorge, a wild and majestic natural wonder, is situated 8-9km to the east of Makrigialos and 33km to the east of Ierapetra. It is also known as Pervolakia, named after the charming and remote village located near its northern entrance. While in the area, it’s worth taking a stroll through the neighboring traditional village of Pezoulas, known for its stunning houses. The gorge concludes by the Kapsa Monastery, opening up to the Libyan Sea. Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful swim on the serene pebbly beach, just opposite the gorge’s end.
The gorge spans approximately 4km, and hiking through it is a moderately challenging task. The trek takes around 2 hours if you decide to start from the southern end (the Monastery) and head towards Perivolakia. However, if you opt for the less strenuous route, descending from Perivolakia to Kapsa Monastery, it takes roughly 1.5 hours.
The gorge’s interior is a sight to behold, characterized by towering walls and sparse vegetation, giving it a desolate and arid appearance. The trail features several climbing points and signposts. The road that links Makrigialos and Goudouras runs adjacent to the gorge’s exit, near the Monastery. Public transportation is available, with buses running between Goudouras and Ierapetra. Alternatively, you can drive to Pervolakia or Kapsa Monastery and then hail a taxi in Makrigialos to return to your vehicle.
The gorge is also a habitat for one of the rarest plant species in Crete, the Limonium of Cornaros (limonium cornarianum). This plant is found only in certain limestone maritime rocks within the gorge and a tiny islet named Agia Fotia.
Commencing from the west of the village of Skinokapsala, at the Kipos spot, lies the petite yet fairly broad Ahlia gorge. This gorge, blanketed by pine trees, concludes at the Ahlia beach, also referred to as Galini. Throughout the winter season, the Thripti Range feeds a river with its waters, creating a string of waterfalls that vary in height from 5 to 8 meters. The gorge’s sandstone walls are wide enough to make hiking a breeze, eliminating the need for any canyoning gear.
The Koudoumis canyon, situated approximately 27km west of Sitia, is close to the village of Tourloti. You can reach the canyon by foot, but be aware that there are six minor but steep rappels that need careful navigation.
Also known as the Tourloti Gorge, the canyon’s exit is near Tourloti while its entrance is at the small plateau of Monokara, which is a few kilometres further south. The stream that flows through it carries water to the Mavro Seli beach near Mochlos. The canyon’s striking rock formations coupled with the vibrant nature during spring make trekking through the Koudoumis gorge a fascinating experience.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
