Sarakina Gorge
Gorge description
This magnificent natural phenomenon – Sarakina Gorge – can be found near the traditional village of Mythi and the coastal settlement of Myrtos, where the Kryos river merges with the sea.
As the tale goes in Greek mythology, Zeus’s son, the giant Sarantapihos, once paused to quench his thirst from the Myrtos or Kryos river, near Ierapetra. His sweeping beard slashed the mountain, dividing it into two parts, thereby forming the Sarakina canyon.
Regarded by many visitors as Crete’s most captivating hiking gorge, Sarakina may only stretch 1.5km, but within this concise journey, one encounters an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature, a natural sculpture painstakingly crafted by water over countless years. The canyon boasts towering walls that rise up to 150m high and extremely narrow passages often found in technical gorges that require canyoneering equipment. The width of Sarakina fluctuates between 3 to 10 meters, rarely extending beyond these points.
The majority of the canyon is accessible to explorers of all abilities, featuring water, pools, and a handful of climbing points that necessitate careful navigation. A standout feature is the abundant water almost all year round, creating picturesque waterfalls and ponds perfect for a refreshing dip, even in the summer. In winter, traversing the gorge without getting soaked is a challenge. As one embarks on the route, they’ll encounter the need to climb, navigate immense boulders, and cross rocky bridges. Carved stone stairs and tree trunks are present in tricky spots to facilitate easier climbing.
Most frequent asked questions
Where is Sarakina Gorge located?
Sarakina Gorge is located in the Lasithi region of Crete, Greece, 22 km away from Ierapetra and 56 km from Agios Nikolaos.
What type of gorge is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Is there water in Sarakina Gorge?
Yes, there is water all year round in Sarakina Gorge.
How accessible is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
How long is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge is 1.5 km long.
How difficult is Sarakina Gorge?
Sarakina Gorge has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 10.
How many hours does it take to hike Sarakina Gorge?
It takes approximately 1 hour to hike Sarakina Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Sarakina Gorge?
The altitude difference in Sarakina Gorge is 70 meters.
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User reviews
Other gorges in the area
- 5.7 km
- 4 km
- 5 h
- Accessibility: Walking
- 8.5 km
- 0.6 km
- 1.5 h
- Canyoneering equipment needed
- Accessibility: Dirt track
- 8.7 km
- Hiking
- Accessibility: Paved road
Things to do near Sarakina Gorge
Stays near Sarakina Gorge
- 7 / 10
- Επαρχιακή Οδός Μύρτου
Kallithea Apartments has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Myrtos, 600 metres from Myrtos Beach.
All units come with a terrace with mountain views, a kitchen with a fridge and kitchenware, and a private bathroom with shower. Some units have a balcony and/or a patio with sea views.
The apartment offers a picnic area.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Vatos Beach is 2.8 km from Kallithea Apartments, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from the accommodation.
- 780 m
- 8.8 / 10
- Ierapetra - Arkalochoriou Road
Kastro Studios & Apartments are located 150 metres from the sea, in Mirtos village. The complex is set in a lovely 2,000 square metre garden and features a swimming pool and a library.
All accommodation types at Kastro are self-catering and spacious with independent balconies. Air conditioning, TV and safe are included.
Other facilities and services include a snack bar and free parking. Facilities and rooms for the disabled are also available.
from
€77
/night
- 940 m
- 8.2 / 10
- Mirtos
Esperides Hotel is located in Myrtos, on the outskirts of Ierapetra, only 200 metres away from the beach. It offers sunny rooms with Wi-Fi, a traditional Cretan tavern, 2 bars and a pool.
Set in a peaceful environment surrounded by flower gardens, Esperides offers year-round accommodation. Rooms are air-conditioned and have TV and balcony with view to the sea or the mountains.
The city of Ierapetra is 14 km away. Heraklion Airport is 80 km away via Arkalochori local road, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 50 km away.
from
€48
/night
- 940 m
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Apartment Kastro Apartment by Interhome is situated in Myrtos. This apartment features a garden as well as a bar.
The apartment with a terrace and garden views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Featuring free private parking, this 3-star apartment also features free WiFithroughout the property.
Myrtos Beach is 400 metres from the apartment, while Vatos Beach is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Apartment Kastro Apartment by Interhome.
from
€121
/night
- 940 m
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Apartment Kastro Superior Apartment by Interhome is set in Myrtos. Located 400 metres from Myrtos Beach, the property offers a garden.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views. Offering free private parking, this 3-star apartment also features free WiFithroughout the property.
Vatos Beach is 2.6 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Apartment Kastro Superior Apartment by Interhome.
from
€139
/night
- 940 m
- 9 / 10
Boasting garden views, Studio Kastro Studio by Interhome provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 400 metres from Myrtos Beach. This property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this apartment features a satellite TV and a kitchenette with an oven and microwave.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Vatos Beach is 2.6 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Studio Kastro Studio by Interhome.
from
€83
/night
- 940 m
