Sarakina Gorge
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.
Location
Sarakina Gorge is located at Sarakina Gorge, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently 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.
