Gorge description
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
Most frequent asked questions
What is Roza Gorge?
Roza Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Heraklion.
What type of gorge is Roza Gorge?
Roza Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Is there water in Roza Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Roza Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is Roza Gorge?
Roza Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.
What is the length of Roza Gorge?
Roza Gorge is 2 km long.
What is the difficulty level of Roza Gorge?
Roza Gorge has a difficulty level of 2 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike Roza Gorge?
It takes approximately 2 hours to hike Roza Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Roza Gorge?
The altitude difference in Roza Gorge is 350.
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User reviews
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Things to do near Roza Gorge
- 7.2 km
Stays near Roza Gorge
- 10 / 10
- κάτω Κερά, Κρήτη
Featuring accommodation with a balcony, Kera valley house is located in Krásion. The accommodation is 28 km from the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and has free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 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 provided in the holiday home.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the holiday home.
Lake Voulismeni is 42 km from Kera valley house, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 36 km from the accommodation.
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- 8.9 / 10
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25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, Popi’s Apartment is set in Goníai and provides air-conditioned rooms. Boasting luggage storage space, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a water park and a barbecue. The guest house offers mountain views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property.
All guest rooms at the guest house come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom. Popi’s Apartment features some units with lake views, and rooms come with a coffee machine. At the accommodation all rooms include bed linen and towels.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at Popi’s Apartment.
The area is popular for fishing and hiking, in addition, bike hire and car hire are available at this guest house.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 39 km from the guest house, while Venetian Walls is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from Popi’s Apartment.
- 1.5 km
- 7.7 / 10
- Gonies Pediados
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Malia Stone Residence – Secluded Cozy Retreat is located in Goníai. This holiday home is 41 km from Venetian Walls and 42 km from The Palace of Knossos.
With free WiFi, this holiday home provides a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 25 km from the holiday home, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from Malia Stone Residence – Secluded Cozy Retreat.
from
€48
/night
- 1.5 km
- 9.5 / 10
- Γωνιές Πεδιάδος
Featuring lake views, Apartments Gonies – Afroditi provides accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views.
A a baby safety gate is also available at the apartment, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 40 km from Apartments Gonies – Afroditi, while Venetian Walls is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from the accommodation.
from
€53
/night
- 1.9 km
- 9.5 / 10
- Γωνιές
Boasting garden views, Apartments Gonies – Artemis features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 40 km from the apartment, while Venetian Walls is 41 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from Apartments Gonies – Artemis.
- 1.9 km
- 9.2 / 10
- Αβδού
Located in Avdou, 24 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 39 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Kagiampakis Concept Residences I provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With quiet street views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 40 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Kagiampakis Concept Residences I.
from
€151
/night
- 2.2 km
