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Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
Get directions to Santorinios Gorge
Santorinios Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Heraklion.
Santorinios Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Yes, there is water in Santorinios Gorge until the spring.
Santorinios Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.
Santorinios Gorge is 1.5 km long.
Santorinios Gorge has a difficulty level of 5 out of 10.
It takes approximately 1 hour to hike Santorinios Gorge.
The altitude difference in Santorinios Gorge is 70.
Find below the list of things to do near Santorinios Gorge:
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari. Ride and ATV through Crete’s rugged mountainous terrains and lush green valleys. Have a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience by overcoming obstacles along the way through well-hidden routes of the island. Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced local guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe- inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete. The combination of this exhilarating quad biking safari and access to unreachable viewpoints will give you a unique perspective of the island assured to create lasting memories.
Visit of the ‘Ghost town’
Off-the-beaten-path exploration: Explore a deserted village which was once thriving and learn about its rich history. Step back in time and learn about the culture and lifestyle of people who used to inhabit there. Have a chance to exchange pleasantries with the few residents that still live there and ask them any questions about this fascinating village. Wander around the picturesque alleys and observe the architectural remnants of the past whilst capturing unique photographs of the history frozen in time. Connect with a different side of the island’s history and culture that it is not commonly visited and known. Our quad safari will introduce you to one of Crete’s mysterious ‘ghost town’ in a funny and safe way to create life lasting memories.
Visit Fodele – El-Greco
Visit and explore a traditional charming Cretan village known for its picturesque surroundings, characterised by green valleys and hills covered in olive and orange groves. The village is nestled in a fertile valley, providing a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere to visitors. It is renowned as the birthplace of El Greco, the famous Renaissance painter. Our quad safari will take you right outside the house of El Greco where you will have the chance to see his family home and learn about his life. Another point of interest in the beautiful village of Fodele is the 11th century church of Panagia which features traditional Byzantine architectural elements and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see this church as well as to explore the central village and have a short break for refreshments in an iconic café next to a river.
Return
Having explored different aspects of the island through this diverse and enriching quad biking tour we take the return route back to the starting point. Our fun does not end until the last min
Discover the underwater world with the experts of Scuba Diving at the famous bay of Agia Pelagia, where the sea is always calm and clear.
Discover the underwater world and feel as a diver. This program is specifically designed for those who never dived before and know nothing about scuba diving.
You’ll be taught the basics of scuba so that you’ll have a real dive, always following the safety standards of Padi, the leading scuba diving organization in the world. Feel like diver, breathe and move freely underwater and listen to the sounds of silence, always accompanied and supervised by qualified PADI instructors.
You’ll spend one hour in the diving center for basic information and introduction to scuba diving, watch a 20 minutes informational video in your language. Your experienced instructors will teach you all the secrets and the techniques of scuba diving. that makes it easy and simple, and will be continuously with you during your whole activity.
You’ll spend one more hour in the sea where you’ll be practicing the simple techniques you previously learned, while your instructors will guide you to the top experience of your life. You’ll be breathing and moving freely and play underwater games while exploring the house reef and thousands of fish swim around you.
Your instructors will teach you how to be autonomous and enjoy the most, not just hold you and pull you around.
During your first dive, you’re allowed to reach the depth of six meters, but you’ll be taken only where you feel comfortable and safe.
Return to the dive center to watch the footage and HD videos captured during your whole activity.
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
If you chose to come with us, the transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
Mermaid diving is a popular and exciting new trend in the world of diving. Instead of traditional scuba gear, divers wear a mermaid tail, allowing them to swim like a mermaid or merman.
Mermaid diving is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, as long as they are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.The experience of mermaid diving is not just about swimming with a tail. It’s also about exploring the underwater world in a new and magical way. In mermaiding participants use their whole bodies, similar to the dolphin movement. The movement starts in the chest and from there continues like a wave throughout the entire body.
The mermaid tail, adds an element of fantasy and fun to the dive, and many divers enjoy performing tricks and swimming in formation with other mermaids.
Generally, there is no age limit in mermaiding but participants must be experienced swimmers.
Find below the list of hotels near Santorinios Gorge:
Offering mountain views, Villa Mandarin Grove Alyanoe in Fodele offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.
Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. There is a seating and a dining area in all units.
Venetian Walls is 28 km from the holiday park, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 29 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Villa Mandarin Grove Alyanoe.
Located in Achlada, 22 km from Venetian Walls and 23 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Luxurious Stone house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Luxurious Stone house.
The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 26 km from Luxurious Stone house, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Rodia and only 19 km from Venetian Walls, Villa Rodea features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 1985 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at the villa.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 20 km from Villa Rodea, while The Palace of Knossos is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Set in Fodele and only 1.3 km from Fodele Beach, Korfe Estate offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The wellness area at the villa is comprised of a sauna and a hot tub. Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at Korfe Estate.
Venetian Walls is 26 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from Korfe Estate.
from
€299
/night
Plethora Luxury Suites offers wellness packages and free private parking, and is within 17 km of Venetian Walls and 18 km of Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Featuring free WiFi, the units have a safety deposit box, a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. A dishwasher, an oven and microwave are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A continental, vegetarian or vegan breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of beauty services, a fitness room and a steam room.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Plethora Luxury Suites.
The Palace of Knossos is 21 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 21 km from Plethora Luxury Suites, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€345
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Cozy apartment in Rodia village is set in Rodia. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom apartment offers a satellite flat-screen TV and a kitchen with a fridge and stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 17 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 21 km from Cozy apartment in Rodia village, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
A petite gorge forms to the west of the Rogdia village and opens up at the Paliokastro area. The journey begins from the ancient Koukos watermill, situated on the primary road linking Rogdia to Achlada, and takes you down to its most striking feature, the 10-meter tall Rechtra waterfall, which can be accessed through a relatively steep descent with ropes. As you traverse down the gorge, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, the cave-like chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa, and finally arrive at the Paliokastro beach.
One of the most astounding sights is a cave situated right in the heart of the gorge, which has been converted into a studio for creating Christian icons by a hagiographer, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is highly recommended to stop by this unique site, engage in conversation with the artist, admire the icons, and perhaps purchase a few.
You can also conveniently reach the fall by trekking up the gorge from Paliokastro.
Almiros Gorge is a 3 km walking gorge in Ellinoperamata, the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The route takes about 1.5 hours, gains 150 meters in elevation, and rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, so it suits families and first-time hikers who want a short walk close to the city. A paved road reaches the trail, water runs here only until spring, and the path links a 14th-century monastery, three small chapels, a spring-fed lake, and three seasonal waterfalls.
Almiros Gorge is a small canyon and hiking trail in Ellinoperamata, formed between the Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. Almiros Gorge sits west of Heraklion and counts as the closest gorge to the city on that side. The eastern side holds the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete, and platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also grow here despite overgrazing.
The gorge carries several local names, each tied to its geography or folklore: Keri Gorge after the neighboring hill, Almiros after the nearby Almiros river, Ellinoperamata after the area where it ends, Porofarago (a common Cretan gorge name), the Three Churches after its three chapels (Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi), Strouboulas after the Strouboulas peak near its start, and the Ghosts’ Gorge, a spooky local nickname. Few visitors make the trip despite the short distance from central Heraklion.
Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, which makes it one of the easiest gorges to hike near Heraklion. The full walk covers 3 km and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change along the way. The chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached after nearly 1 hour 30 minutes of walking.
The gentle grade and short length make the gorge a good option for a half-day outing rather than a demanding trek. Because the terrain stays easy throughout, most walkers of average fitness finish the route without difficulty.
A paved road leads to Almiros Gorge, and cars can reach the location near the canyon exit. The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands near that exit, which gives you a clear landmark to aim for on arrival.
The gorge lies a short drive west of Heraklion, so most visitors arrive on their own wheels. Having a car also makes it easy to combine the walk with the nearby villages and coast, and you can compare options on the car rental page.
Almiros Gorge packs a monastery, three chapels, a seasonal stream, three small waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake into a single short walk. The trail is lined with trees, and the vegetation thickens as you climb.
The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge) was built near the canyon exit and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The monastery gives the gorge much of its religious character and its “Saint John inside the Gorge” name.
The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi, which holds significant frescoes. Further along, a shrine dedicated to Saint George appears, and the chapel of Lord Christ marks the gorge’s starting point.
The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream during spring. Water stays in the gorge only until spring, so plan a visit for the wetter months to see the streambed flowing. After prolonged, heavy rainfall, three small waterfalls form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue.
Lake Almiros sits beside the gorge and is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water flows directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs and stays clear enough to see all the way to its bed. For more swimming spots along the coast nearby, the beaches near Heraklion are a short drive away.
Almiros Gorge needs only light hiking gear, because the trail is short and easy. Pack for a half-day walk in a mostly open canyon:
Several gorges sit within a short drive of Almiros, which makes it easy to pair this walk with another. Each of the following canyons lies in the wider Heraklion area:
You can browse the full set of routes on the Crete gorges guide.
No. Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, one of the easiest gorge walks near Heraklion, and the route gains only 150 meters over its length.
The trail is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change from end to end.
Yes, until spring. The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream in spring, and three small waterfalls form after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Yes. A paved road reaches the gorge, and cars can get to the location near the canyon exit, where the monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands.
“Ghosts’ Gorge” is one of several local names for Almiros, alongside Keri Gorge, Porofarago, and the Three Churches, each tied to the gorge’s geography, chapels, or folklore.
The Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It begins at a height of 950m, gathering water from several streams that flow from the Zoniana mountains, and concludes at the village at a height of 650m. The “serpentine” river Oaxis, which carries water until spring and ultimately drains into the Geropotamos river, flows through this gorge.
This gorge is not only easily accessible but also safe for hiking due to its gentle slope. The rock formations in many areas are truly remarkable, made up of numerous layers, and there are stunning geological structures and trees clinging to the steep slopes and narrow points. As it nears the village, the canyon broadens and morphs into a slender valley.
To the west of Ano Asites village, the river that initially forms the Saint Haralabos gorge, and later flows through the village, ultimately transforms into a breathtakingly deep and dramatic gorge, known as the St. Anthony gorge. The descent trail leading to the canyon bed can be found near the scenic Byzantine church of St. Anthony, which also hosts a drinking water spring.
The canyon is teeming with lush vegetation, including towering plane trees and various other plant species. The trail within the canyon forms part of the European E4 hiking route. This trail concludes at the exit of the gorge in the village of Kerasia, close to the Faneromeni church. Regrettably, the riverbed is littered with trash from Asites.
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