Pelekaniotis Gorge
Gorge description
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.
Most frequent asked questions
What is Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Pelekaniotis Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Chania.
What type of gorge is Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Pelekaniotis Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Is there water in Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Pelekaniotis Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Pelekaniotis Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
What is the length of Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Pelekaniotis Gorge is 3 km long.
What is the difficulty level of Pelekaniotis Gorge?
Pelekaniotis Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike Pelekaniotis Gorge?
It takes approximately 2 hours to hike Pelekaniotis Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Pelekaniotis Gorge?
The altitude difference in Pelekaniotis Gorge is 50 meters.
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User reviews
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Things to do near Pelekaniotis Gorge
Stays near Pelekaniotis Gorge
- 8.4 / 10
- Palaiochora
Situated 100 metres away from Grammeno beach, Megim offers free transportation around the area and free sun beds and umbrellas on the beach.
Megim hotel rooms are bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows. They are equipped with air conditioning and refrigerator, and they have a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Most of the rooms offer sea sea views and feature a satellite TV.
Hotel Megim has a restaurant serving traditional Greek cuisine. Guests can also relax at the outdoor seating area, under the vine roof, with a drink from the bar. A beach bar is also featured.
The busy town of Palaiochora is within 4 km from Megim, while Elafonisi lies within 1-hour drive away. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€55
/night
- 610 m
- 8.9 / 10
- Grammeno beach
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
- 810 m
- 9.7 / 10
- Paleochora
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.
- 840 m
- 8.1 / 10
- 1523354
Located in Yialós, 500 metres from Alonáki Beach and 500 metres from Grammeno Beach, PEBBLE HOME BY THE SEA, 2 BEDROOMS offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area.
Plakaki Beach is 800 metres from PEBBLE HOME BY THE SEA, 2 BEDROOMS, while Kalamia Beach is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 87 km from the accommodation.
from
€142
/night
- 900 m
- 9.1 / 10
- Kountoura
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.
- 910 m
- 9.7 / 10
- palaiochora
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
- 1.1 km
