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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.
Get directions to Richtis Gorge
Richtis Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Yes, there is water in Richtis Gorge until the spring.
Richtis Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Richtis Gorge is 5 km long.
Richtis Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Richtis Gorge.
The altitude difference in Richtis Gorge is 650 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Richtis Gorge:
Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.
Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities.Afternoon sailing trip is suitable for those who prefer waking up late and avoid the hottest hours. The boat trip starts at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Find below the list of hotels near Richtis Gorge:
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.
from
€65
/night
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
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.
from
€79
/night
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.
from
€45
/night
Situated in Tourlotí, 41 km from Lake Voulismeni and 49 km from Vai Palm Forest, The Mountain House features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 41 km from the apartment, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 24 km from The Mountain House.
from
€59
/night
Set in Tourlotí, 41 km from Lake Voulismeni and 49 km from Vai Palm Forest, Tourloti Village House offers air conditioning. It features inner courtyard views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 41 km from the apartment, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 24 km from Tourloti Village House.
from
€82
/night
The Chalkomatas, also known as Charkomatas Gorge, is situated close to the village of Chamezi in the province of Sitia. The gorge begins where a dirt road ascends towards the Prophet Elijah temple and Liopetro fortress. The vegetation in the gorge is sparse, but the limestone geological formations are striking. The path along the usually dry riverbed is mostly smooth and relatively easy to navigate.
Approximately halfway along the route, elevated 60m above the riverbed, lies the Geloudospilios cave. Its name derives from the Geloudes, demonic entities that take the form of women and are said to drain the life from newborns by drinking their blood.
A three-hour trek through the gorge leads to the stunning Roussa Limni beach. The beach is located below the Chalkomatas cave, where, as per local folklore, pirates once concealed their valuable loot. There are rumors that locals even detonated the cave in their quest for gold. Alternatively, Roussa Limni can be accessed via a road from the nearby Papadiokambos beach, which is just a short walk away.
The Koudoumis canyon, situated approximately 27km west of Sitia, is close to the village of Tourloti. You can reach the canyon by foot, but be aware that there are six minor but steep rappels that need careful navigation.
Also known as the Tourloti Gorge, the canyon’s exit is near Tourloti while its entrance is at the small plateau of Monokara, which is a few kilometres further south. The stream that flows through it carries water to the Mavro Seli beach near Mochlos. The canyon’s striking rock formations coupled with the vibrant nature during spring make trekking through the Koudoumis gorge a fascinating experience.
The Agii Pantes Gorge, situated adjacent to Skopi in the Sitia province and close to the Faneromeni Monastery, is one of the most accessible walking locations in Crete. The well-marked trail follows the Skafidaras river bed, offering a shaded walkway courtesy of the numerous platan trees. Within the canyon, there are two freshwater springs, Koutsounari and Hosto Nero, the latter of which is nestled within a cave. The gorge’s exit leads to Limni beach (by Platani).
In the winter months, the area that becomes flooded transforms into a significant wetland. Near the gorge’s exit, you can marvel at the white limestone formations that resemble large Pleurotus mushrooms. The Agii Pantes (All Saints) church, located near the gorge’s exit, gives the gorge its name.
In the eastern region of Crete, the term Havgas is frequently encountered, often used to name canyons and in some variations such as Ha, Havgoudi, and so on. One of the many gorges bearing the Havgas name is located near Kavousi, in the Ierapetra province. This gorge is essentially the lower segment of the wild Mesonas gorge, which originates from the Thripti plateau.
The section known as Havgas begins close to the Minoan settlement of Azorias and concludes its path in Kavoussi. Despite its short length of only 700m, traversing it via its stream demands technical (canyoning) gear due to the presence of six stunning waterfalls. The tallest of these waterfalls reaches 20 meters in height and retains water well into the late winter.
As an alternative, the gorge can be navigated by foot along the ancient hiking trail that skirts the canyon from its eastern side, linking Avgos to Kavoussi.
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