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In the overlooked area of Selino, South Chania, you’ll discover the hidden gem that is the Pelekaniotis River. This river, boasting the highest water flow in Selino, holds such significance that it inspired the name of the Paleochora municipality – Pelekanos. It remains a steady water source throughout the year, culminating in a verdant green valley at the Macherota location. The towering cliffs of the canyon serve as a habitat for numerous birds of prey, providing company for hikers along their journey.
The gorge’s exit can be located by following a dirt road that begins at Grameno beach near Paleochora and traces the river’s west bank. Regrettably, this path crosses a small area littered with rubbish and debris. However, beyond this, the scenery transforms into a lush Cretan landscape. Two kilometres in, the Agios Mamas chapel, adorned with well-preserved frescoes, can be found on the western shore. Despite its significance, the existence of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas) remains largely unknown, even to locals. Across from Agios Mamas, the old whitewashed chapel of Saint George stands, though it lacks frescoes.
A kilometre further, the dirt road ends at a tank filled with drinkable water. From this point, the gorge can be explored on foot, particularly during summer when the water levels are lower. Adventurous hikers might prefer to visit the Pelekanos Gorge in winter, to witness a 25m high waterfall cascading into the river.
Approximately halfway through the gorge, some of Crete’s most impressive plane trees can be found, with some over 1000 years old and featuring remarkable trunk formations. Much of the canyon is narrow, with sunlight rarely reaching the riverbed. This natural masterpiece is adorned with vertical walls dotted with numerous holm oak trees.
Get directions to Pelekaniotis Gorge
Pelekaniotis Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Chania.
Pelekaniotis Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Yes, there is water in Pelekaniotis Gorge until the spring.
Pelekaniotis Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Pelekaniotis Gorge is 3 km long.
Pelekaniotis Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
It takes approximately 2 hours to hike Pelekaniotis Gorge.
The altitude difference in Pelekaniotis Gorge is 50 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Pelekaniotis Gorge:
Craving to swim in one of the world’s most famous beaches? This private transfer tour to Elafonisi from Chania is for you! Our professional guide will transfer you to the beach of Elafonisi where you can swim in its crystal clear blue shallow waters: Contrary to our bus excursion to Elafonisi this Elafonisi beach private transfer gets you to the awarded beach fast and effortlessly.
We start the private transfer to the beach of Elafonisos with a refreshing coffee in one of the cafeterias of mainland Chania, where we admire the view of the various villages and valleys nearby. After a worthy drive, we pass through the daring Topolia Tunnel and the mighty Topolia Village as we head over to the Beach in Elafonisi.
On this private transfer, guests have 3:30 to 4 hours of free time, in order to enjoy the lovely beach and coves of Elafonisi, as well as to step on and visit the island of Elafonisos, the Church of Agia Irini, and the Lighthouse of Elafonisi.
After our rewarding swim, our private guide in Crete leads us to one of the picturesque villages of Chania mainland, where we have our lunch for the day, bonding with the locals and eating authentic food. Various sightseeing stops are possible on the way back from this private tour to Elafonisi as we are approaching our drop-off point, for this private full-day transfer.
On this day tour from Souda and Chania, discover the gem that is Elafonisi Beach. Soak up the sights of the remarkable pink sand and crystal-clear waters on Crete’s southwestern coastline. Enjoy pickup and a scenic drive to this protected nature reserve.
Begin your tour to Elafonisi when you meet your driver in Souda or Chania. Then, set out for a drive along the winding road through Crete’s stunning countryside. If you wish, your driver will pause for you to stock up on local snacks and drinks while you learn about the island.
Once you’ve reached Elafonisi, make your way to the beach. As you wander down to the water’s edge, notice how the sand turns pink beneath your toes. Delight in the green waves lapping at the shore as you explore, swim, and lounge in this unique place.
After relaxing on Elafonisi Beach and exploring all its delights, return to Souda and Chania with your driver to conclude your tour.
Intro:
One of the most famous parts of Crete, Elafonisi is located close to the southwestern corner in the regional unit of Chania, mostly known for its pink sand beaches.
Full Description:
Our coach and tour guide pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and our day trip to Elafonisi is about to begin. During our drive, you will get plenty of useful information about Crete and our stunning destination.
Upon our arrival, one immediately understands why Elafonisi is so popular between locals and visitors. Its main attraction is the beautiful sandy beaches with their pink-colored sand and the crystal clear waters. The pink sand that is found along the water’s edge is produced by the large amount of red and pink shells that make the beach a sight for sore eyes. The water is generally quite shallow and safe for children.
Feel free to walk around and discover the small chapel and the lighthouse or just relax under the Cretan sun.
Elafonisi is protected by the Natura 2000 networking program as a place of intense natural beauty and is home to 110 plant species with the most notable being the juniper trees.
Whether you want to dive, relax, or discover it’s secrets, Elafonisi is ideal for a Mediterranean get away.
Embark on an unforgettable journey departing from the captivating region of Chania, aboard a luxury Mercedes Vito or Peugeot Traveller. Prepare to be whisked away to the southwest corner of Crete, where the enchanting beach of Elafonisi beckons with its renowned pink sand beaches.
As you venture towards this hidden gem, immerse yourself in the lush, green landscapes of Crete, traversing through the awe-inspiring Topolia Gorge and passing by charming, time-honored villages that dot the countryside.
Upon arrival at Elafonisi, surrender to the allure of its pristine shores and crystal-clear waters. Spend your day basking in the warm Mediterranean sun or taking leisurely strolls along the soft, rose-tinted sands.
Discover the unique charm of Elafonisi as you explore the protected wildlife areas that encompass both the beach and its adjacent island. Accessible by a delightful walk through the shallow waters, Elafonisi promises a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty and tranquility, making it an essential stop on your Crete adventure.
Find below the list of hotels near Pelekaniotis Gorge:
Located right on Grammeno Beach, Villas Paleochora offers accommodation in 3.5 from the centre of Palaiochóra. The air-conditioned unit is 10 km from Elafonisi .
The kitchen features an oven. A flat-screen TV is provided. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower.
Kalamaki is 42 km from Villas Paleochora, while Loutro is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 56 km from the property.
from
€121
/night
Boasting garden views, Marika Seaside Villa features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Alonáki Beach. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Grammeno Beach is 400 metres from the holiday home, while Plakaki Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from Marika Seaside Villa.
Boasting garden views, Villa Memories offers accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 500 metres from Alonáki Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 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.
The villa offers a barbecue. Guests at Villa Memories can enjoy hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Grammeno Beach is 500 metres from the accommodation, while Plakaki Beach is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 87 km from Villa Memories.
Akra Grammeno Beachfront Villas has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Palaiochóra, 70 metres from Alonáki Beach.
The units provide views of the pool and come with a seating area, a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with slippers and a hair dryer. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, relax in the garden, or go cycling or fishing.
Grammeno Beach is 200 metres from Akra Grammeno Beachfront Villas, while Plakaki Beach is 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the accommodation.
from
€252
/night
Just 30 metres from Grammeno Beach, Cedar Bay Beachside Villas are set amidst rare cedar trees in a 7,000-m2 land. Each with a 32-m2 private pool, they come with relaxing interiors blending stone elements.
Offering sea and mountain views, each villa has a fully equipped kitchen with dining area and 2-3 bathrooms. Facilities include a flat-screen, satellite TV, an iPod docking station and espresso coffee machine. WiFi is available for free throughout.
Guests will find local restaurants in a short walk from Cedar Bay Villas. The lively town of Paleochora is at a distance of 5 km, while the famous Elafonissi Beach is 10 km away. Chania International Airport is at a distance of 90 km.
from
€254
/night
Just 30 metres from Grammeno Beach, Morpheas Rooms is located in Kountoura. Set amidst a tree-filled garden, it offers air-conditioned rooms opening out to a balcony with Libyan Sea and mountain views. Free WiFi is provided in all areas.
All units at Morpheas Rooms are equipped with a mini oven, fridge, a coffee machine, a toaster and an electric juice extractor. Each also features a dining table and a sofa. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and a hairdryer is also provided. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is also offered.
A children’s playground is also available in the premises.
Palaiochora centre lies within 5 km and the scenic town of Chania is at a distance of 70 km. Free private parking is provided in the premises.
The relatively small yet stunning Anydri gorge is situated to the east of Paleochora, accumulating water from the Asfendiles and Ancient Hyrtakina regions via the Dichalomata stream. The gorge originates from the Anidri village and meanders for approximately 3km between towering cliffs, eventually ending at the picturesque Gialiskari beach.
Trekking through the canyon is straightforward and follows the stream, which typically dries up during the summer. The gorge is sparsely dotted with trees and the rocky walls are not too high, so it’s recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen for protection.
Located just half an hour above the Lissos archaeological site, in a concealed location known as Lichnou Laki, is a small yet stunning canyon. This gorge is situated in the Selino district, beneath the village of Prodromi, to the south of Chania. It can be accessed via a dirt road that leads south from the village. This petite canyon is lush with greenery and is divided into two distinct sections. The first section is predominantly populated with lentisks, junipers, and oaks, while the second section is blanketed with pine trees, despite a previous fire that ravaged the area.
The gentle riverbed of Lichnou Laki canyon doesn’t feature any waterfalls or other impediments. At the canyon’s most striking point, there is a picturesque rock shelter forming a triangle. Towards the lower exit, a plateau is scattered with ceramic fragments, a clear indication of a former ancient settlement.
The trail linking Sougia to ancient Lissos runs through the grandeur of the Lissos or Skevroto gorge. This lengthy canyon is characterized by its majestic towering walls. However, the path to Lissos only covers a fraction of this route, taking approximately one hour to traverse.
Upon exiting the path on the Lissos side, one encounters the historical remnants of ancient Lissos. Notable landmarks include the Asclepius temple with its floor mosaic, the scattered ruins of the ancient city, tombs, the Roman theatre, and the Panagia and St. Kirikos churches. These churches were erected on the foundation of a previous early Christian church.
Returning to Sougia is possible either by embarking on a boat ride from the picturesque Lissos beach or by retracing the path on foot.
The Kandanos Gorge is a site of remarkable natural beauty and historical significance, currently threatened by the operations of a large quarry. This gorge was the battlefield for the first armed conflict between locals and governmental forces during World War II. On May 24, 1941, Kandanos residents took up arms against German forces advancing towards their town, a day after the Battle of Floria, where all but one German soldier were killed. In retaliation, the Germans decimated Kandanos and its neighboring villages, executing numerous civilians. To this day, justice for the German war crimes committed in Kandanos and Floria, along with other martyred Cretan villages, remains elusive.
In addition to its historical value, the gorge is teeming with cypress trees and lush vegetation. It’s also traversed by a beautiful stone road leading to Chania, built by locals in the late 1920s. This road stands as a fine example of preindustrial construction.
The upper portion of the Gorge is known as Spina Gorge, named after a nearby village. The lower section, which begins where the gorge intersects the stone road near the Church of Agios Irineos and ends at Anavos, is referred to as Kandanos Gorge. Despite the different names, they are part of the same ravine.
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