Sarakina Gorge, Meskla
Gorge description
Situated close to the village of Meskla, 20 km away from Chania town and nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, you’ll find the impressive yet compact Sarakina Gorge (be careful not to mix it up with the other well-known Sarakina Gorge in East Crete, near Mythi in the Province of Ierapetra). The gorge takes its name from local lore that suggests Saracenes once used it as a hiding place. The gorge’s somewhat elusive location keeps it off the beaten track for many locals, maintaining its status as an untouched, natural spectacle.
Hidden within a deep ravine, Sarakina is bordered by towering cypress and plane trees. In an effort to make this natural gem more accessible, local authorities have developed walking trails throughout the gorge. Starting and ending in Meskla, next to the Church of the Panagia, where you find the parking space. The circular trail offers an hour’s worth of easy hiking. The journey commences with a ten-minute walk on a dirt road which then leads to a path alongside the river.
The trail is interspersed with wooden and stone staircases and metal walkways crossing the river. After the first segment, the landscape transforms drastically, transitioning from a gravel bed to solid limestone boulders. The resulting view is an awe-inspiring natural artwork as the rock appears split down the middle, carving out a breathtaking sculpture.
Most frequent asked questions
Where is Sarakina Gorge located?
Sarakina Gorge is a hiking gorge located in Meskla, 20 km away from Chania city.
What type of gorge is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Is there water in Sarakina Gorge?
Yes, there is water in Sarakina Gorge until the spring.
How accessible is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is easily accessible as there is a paved road leading to it.
What is the length of Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is 3 km long.
What is the difficulty level of Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10.
How long does it take to hike Sarakina Gorge?
It takes approximately 30 mins to 1.5 hour to hike Sarakina Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Sarakina Gorge?
The altitude difference in Sarakina Gorge is 300.
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User reviews
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Things to do near Sarakina Gorge, Meskla
Stays near Sarakina Gorge, Meskla
- 9.4 / 10
- Meskla Chania
Situated in Mesklá, 7.2 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete and 15 km from Limnoupolis, Platanus House features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 18 km from Platanus House, while Platanias Square is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 31 km from the accommodation.
- 880 m
- 8.7 / 10
- Zourva
Built-in the traditional architectural style, Apirathes Residence is located in the village of Zourva. Enjoying views of the natural surroundings and the mountain, these split-level and stylish apartments open out onto a balcony.
Fitted with wood flooring, fireplace and modern furnishings, each accommodation offers an open-plan seating, dining and kitchenette area with fridge. They are heated, air conditioned and have a TV with DVD player. Some include a spa bath.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a complimentary bottle of Cretan Raki and a basket of other local products. BBQ facilities are available on site.
Apirathes Residence is 5 km from Theriso Village, filled with taverns serving authentic dishes, while 2 traditional taverns can also be found within walking distance. Chania City is at a distance of 23 km, while Chania International Airport is 39 km away. Public parking can be found on site.
- 1.4 km
- 10 / 10
- Zourva Mousouron
Villa Zourva is a self-catering accommodation located in the traditional village of Zourva. It offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains from its balconies. Chania Town is 23 km away.
Including beamed ceilings and stone-built features, accommodation will provide you with a satellite, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a fireplace. There are also a full kitchen with cooking equipment, and a bathroom with a bath and hairdryer.
At Villa Zourva you will find BBQ facilities. A restaurant is just 20 metres away.
Souda Airport is within a distance of 40 km. The owners can help with car rentals. Parking is possible on site.
- 1.4 km
- 8.3 / 10
- Theriso, Therisso, Crete 735 00, Greece
Luxury Villa located in Theriso Village only 14 km away from Chania town.
This villa has a hot tub, tile/marble floor and spa bath.
from
€230
/night
- 2.4 km
- 8.2 / 10
- Theriso
Set in Thérison in the Crete region, Ifigenia Theriso Village offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The accommodation is air conditioned and is fitted with a spa bath.
Each unit has a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. An oven, a toaster and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Ifigenia Theriso Village.
Limnoupolis is 14 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 28 km from Ifigenia Theriso Village.
from
€243
/night
- 2.5 km
- 8.1 / 10
- Theriso
Set 14 km from Limnoupolis and 15 km from Municipal Garden, Elia Rustic Apartments Theriso in Thérison offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the mountain and free WiFi.
Each unit is fitted with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. An oven, a fridge and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of a hammam.
Guests at Elia Rustic Apartments Theriso can enjoy hiking nearby, or benefit from the sun terrace.
Fransiscan Monastery of Agios Fragkiskos is 15 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 28 km from Elia Rustic Apartments Theriso, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€171
/night
- 2.5 km
