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Richtis Gorge

Description

The Richtis Gorge, situated in the Lasithi Prefecture on Crete’s northern side, lies between the cities of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail begins just outside Exo Mouliana village and concludes at Richtis beach, to the east of Kalavros village. The entire route spans roughly 3 kilometres, with an elevation difference of around 350 meters between the starting point and the beach. Even in the summer months, the gorge retains a plentiful water supply, utilized for local agriculture. The water in the gorge is collected from the Drymias peak (918m) of the Orno range via the Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana streams, which converge near the trail’s starting point.

Depending on the hiker’s speed, the journey to the beach takes approximately three to four hours. The trail commences from the 19th-century stone-arched Lachanas bridge, a historic site where Christians reportedly killed local Turks attempting to reach Sitia and board a ship to Turkey during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.

The path continues through a verdant landscape along the river, set against the stunning backdrop of Eastern Crete. The air is filled with the aroma of platans, oleander, and sage, and the scent of fresh herbs constantly shifts. Another notable feature is the old water mills that hikers encounter along the path, a testament to the past.

The crowning glory of the gorge is the breathtaking Richtis waterfall, which stands over 20 meters tall and forms a small pond at its base (the term “richtis” translates to “waterfall” in the Cretan dialect). The waterfall maintains its water flow even in the summer, providing a wonderful spot for a revitalizing dip. The trail concludes at the gorgeous pebbly Richtis beach, which features a small park with tamarisk trees, stone seats and tables, and a water fountain offering drinkable water.

Warning: To protect the delicate stream flora and fauna, please refrain from using sunscreen protection when swimming in rivers.

Tip: Many visitors choose to park their car on the main road at Exo Mouliana and walk down the paved road to the Lahanas bridge. By driving and parking next to the Lahanas bridge, you can save around 30 minutes of walking time. From there, it takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach the waterfall. For those less mobile or with young children, the quickest way to reach the waterfall is to drive along the narrow paved road to Richtis beach and walk for around 30 minutes in the opposite direction of the river.

Gorge details

Location

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Most frequent asked questions

What type of gorge is Richtis Gorge?

Richtis Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.

Is there water in Richtis Gorge?

Yes, there is water in Richtis Gorge until the spring.

How accessible is Richtis Gorge?

Richtis Gorge is accessible via a paved road.

How long is Richtis Gorge?

Richtis Gorge is 5 km long.

What is the difficulty level of Richtis Gorge?

Richtis Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.

How many hours does it take to hike Richtis Gorge?

It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Richtis Gorge.

What is the altitude difference in Richtis Gorge?

The altitude difference in Richtis Gorge is 650 meters.

 

Richtis Gorge Reviews

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Stays near Richtis Gorge

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  • Σητείας

Boasting mountain views, Ryxtis home features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 38 km from Vai Palm Forest. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.

This air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom, a satellite TV, a dining area, a kitchen with an oven, and a living room. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 13 km from the apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

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€47

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Situated in Éxo Moulianá and only 38 km from Vai Palm Forest, Anemomylos House features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation offers a balcony.

The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 13 km from the apartment.

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€65

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  • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Agrilos Οlive Τree Αpartment is situated in Mirsíni. This apartment is 44 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and 45 km from Agios Nikolaos Port.

With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom apartment features a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and microwave. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.

Lake Voulismeni is 44 km from the apartment, while Vai Palm Forest is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from Agrilos Οlive Τree Αpartment.

from

€64

/night

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  • Ethniki Odos Agiou Nikolaou Sitias

Located in Mirsíni, 44 km from Lake Voulismeni and 46 km from Vai Palm Forest, PALMAR CLUB – Villa Aphrodite provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a patio.

The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 44 km from the holiday home, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from PALMAR CLUB – Villa Aphrodite.

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€79

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  • Eparchiaki Odos Parasporiou

Located in Sitia in the Lasithi region, The Garden House, Sitia features a patio and garden views. The air-conditioned accommodation is 35 km from Vai Palm Forest, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 9 km from the apartment.

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  • Tourloti - Agios Andreas

Situated in Mochlos, Villa 88 features a private pool. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.

The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hair dryer. A flat-screen TV is available.

Guests can relax in the garden at the property.

Lake Voulismeni is 39 km from the villa, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 25 km from Villa 88.

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€45

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