Platania Gorge
The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range to the Amari valley, approximately 38km southeast of Rethymno. The river flowing through it collects water from the west of the Migia (1584m) and Spathi (1779m) peaks and channels it to the River Platys, which terminates in Agia Galini. A challenging yet secure trail winds its way up to the starting point at Kokkinoharako, skirting its steep slopes. The trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, vertical limestone rocks displaying yellow-red hues of erosion, rock shelters, and numerous caves.
At roughly 800m altitude, a small plateau hosts the cave-like church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), constructed near a spring. The trail from Agios Antonios continues its ascent northwest, meeting a dirt road originating from the Vistagi village. On the opposite side of the gorge, in the east, lies the Panas cave, named after the ancient god Pan, god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, who, as per local folklore, was born here. The cave houses petroglyphs from the Minoan era, indicating continuous worship at the site. The same dirt road from Vistagi provides access to the nearby church of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas), the patron saint of shepherds in Christianity.
The Platania Gorge’s interior is stunning, though few get to witness it due to its steep waterfalls, which require technical canyoning equipment to navigate. The tallest waterfall stands at approximately 40m. The first known crossing of the gorge was in 2008 by the canyoning group of Giannis Bromirakis and Christoforos Cheiladakis. The cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various bird species, including vultures, hawks, wild pigeons, and crows.
Location
Platania Gorge is located at Platania Gorge, in the Rethymno region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Platania Gorge?
Platania Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Rethymno, Greece.
What type of gorge is Platania Gorge?
Platania Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Is there water in Platania Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Platania Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is Platania Gorge?
Platania Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
How long is Platania Gorge?
Platania Gorge is 2.5 km long.
What is the difficulty level of Platania Gorge?
Platania Gorge has a difficulty level of 3 out of 10.
How many hours does it take to hike Platania Gorge?
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Platania Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Platania Gorge?
The altitude difference in Platania Gorge is 400 meters.
