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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.
Get directions to Platania Gorge
Platania Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Rethymno, Greece.
Platania Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Yes, there is water in Platania Gorge until the spring.
Platania Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Platania Gorge is 2.5 km long.
Platania Gorge has a difficulty level of 3 out of 10.
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Platania Gorge.
The altitude difference in Platania Gorge is 400 meters.
Located in Fourfourás, 18 km from Psiloritis National Park and 27 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Fourfouras Cottage provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features garden and inner courtyard views, and is 40 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests at Fourfouras Cottage can enjoy fishing and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Arkadi Monastery is 19 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 29 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 77 km from Fourfouras Cottage.
from
€76
/night
Surrounded by Psiloritis Mountains, Aposeti Villas offers spacious fully equipped villas with shared swimming pools, in Petrochori village. It has a tavern and provides free Wi-Fi access.
Aposeti features traditional accommodation with a fully fitted kitchen with dining area. The living room offers a fireplace, as well as a satellite LCD TV and DVD player. Each villa has a balcony, or veranda with access to the garden.
Aposeti guests can dine at the stone-paved tavern with views to the property’s garden. It serves traditional Cretan dishes made with fresh products and locally produced olive oil.
The seaside village of Agia Galini is 25 km away from the villas. The port of Rethymno is a 45-minute drive away. Free private on-site parking is available.
Boasting garden views, Amari Krini House offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 20 km from Psiloritis National Park. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and the holiday home can arrange a car rental service.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 23 km from Amari Krini House, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 86 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located at the top of Amari Village, offering panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and the valley, Amari offers stone-built villas with free WiFi access and spacious terraces. The villas are traditionally decorated and feature a living room with fireplace. Arkadi Monastery is 12 km away.
Fitted with beamed ceilings, tiled floors and dark-wooden furnishings, each villa at Amari has 3 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include air conditioning, a fridge, an oven and flat-screen TV with CD/DVD player. Only one of the villas features a private pool and a sun terrace with sun loungers and BBQ facilities.
Guests can enjoy al fresco dining at the spacious, furnished terraces with views over the lush surroundings. Homemade Cretan cuisine can be enjoyed on request and at extra charge, while a variety of local products can be found in the village.
Amari Villas lies within a 50-minute drive of both Rethymno Town and the famous Phaestos Palace. The archaeological site of Ancient Syvritos is at a distance of 6 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 100 km away.
from
€175
/night
Situated in Níthavris, within 27 km of Psiloritis National Park and 36 km of Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Mitato Eagle’s Nest Peristeres features accommodation with a garden and free WiFithroughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 49 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, 20 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology and 22 km from Phaistos. Every room has a terrace with pool views.
At the guest house, rooms include a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
Arkadi Monastery is 28 km from Mitato Eagle’s Nest Peristeres. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 68 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Níthavris, within 27 km of Psiloritis National Park and 36 km of Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Mitato Eagle’s Nest Vothoni features accommodation with a garden and free WiFithroughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is set 49 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, 20 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology and 22 km from Phaistos. All rooms come with a terrace with mountain views.
At the guest house, rooms come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
Arkadi Monastery is 28 km from Mitato Eagle’s Nest Vothoni. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 68 km from the accommodation.
