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Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka or Gorge Smiliano. The Lygiotis river, originating from the Gerakari valleys and the Samitos Mount slopes, flows through this gorge. The 2.5km long canyon begins near Vrysses village, close to the deserted settlement of Smile, and concludes north of Ano Meros, accessible via an asphalt road.
During winter, the gorge is filled with water, making entrance risky even for experienced canyoners. However, an alternative route via a dirt road descending from Drygies village leads just above the gorge. Here, the canyon’s steep walls form a slope with a trail, allowing relatively easy descent to the gorge’s heart, precisely at the point where the stunning waterfalls are formed continuously. The gorge comprises about 10 remarkable rappels, with the tallest waterfall being 13 meters. The ponds formed beneath each waterfall are equally breathtaking, and it’s worth noting that Gorge Smiliano boasts the largest and deepest ponds compared to any other gorge in Crete.
A journey through the canyon (as described in June of a particularly rainy year)
Starting near Smile, we first cross a small arched bridge. After just 50m, we enter the gorge’s main section, greeted by a large pond. The canyon then narrows to about 2m and forms a deep pond, 2-3m deep, requiring swimming. The first small rappel we encounter ends in a large, deep pond (perfect for jumping), where the depth exceeds 3m.
Following this, a rock lodged between the canyon walls forms a natural arch. After swimming for several meters (over 25) without touching the ground, we continue our journey unimpeded. We soon encounter the first high waterfall, and the gorge narrows further (1-1.5m). To continue through this narrow section of the canyon, ropes are required. Alternatively, we can walk alongside the canyon until we reach the 15m high rappel that ends in a very deep pond, perfect for a big jump.
The gorge extends eastward, and the deep ponds gradually become small, shallow ponds. Towards the end of the gorge, the water almost disappears, making it impossible to anticipate the aquatic paradise that lies just a few meters ahead.
Get directions to Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka)
Yes, there is water in Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) all year round.
Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) is accessible via a paved road.
Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) is 2.5 km long.
Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) has a difficulty level of 5 out of 10.
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka).
The altitude difference in Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) is 200.
Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka) is located in the Rethymno region.
Find below the list of things to do near Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka):
The start point is west of Heraklion from the beach of Ammoudara and head south towards the hinterland of Crete. After leaving the urban area behind us, entering a rural area full of vineyards and olive groves. On one side of the route people can see the holy mountain of Yioukta and on the other the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis. The first village on the way is Gournes and after a few kilometers is the village of Athanati. The road becomes uphill until the almost uninhabited village of Xirolia. Riding west and after a few kilometers the group will reach the capital of wine in Crete, the village of Dafnes. Here the well-known wine festival takes place every year in July.
In this area there are many wineries that produce the best wines of Crete. Here the group of the bikers will taste 4 different wines, accompanied by Cretan cheese, rusks and olives. After the tasting the bikes will be left there and the group will go by car back to the starting point.
This e-bike tour is possible to be done by everybody who is able to ride a bike. It is 24 km long and the net riding time ist about 90 minutes.
If it has rained recently, then the route will change, because the previous route has some dirt roads and there will be mud.
Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle.
Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by the help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.
Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.
A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit a honey factory and taste, drive through traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut called ‘’Mitato’’ with a small group of 6-8 people in each vehicle. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cheese and cuisine.
Our day starts from Rethymnon city heading south east through coast line road until Melidoni Village and Apithano Honey factory where we make our first stop for a guided tour in the factoiry and tast some honey. After our morning stop and driving through the traditional villages of Milopotamos (Melidoni, Apladiana, Doxaro, Agridia Tsaxiana) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and unique views. The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic Halepa Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars where we make our second stop. The unique view from the monastery will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley.
Afterwards our amazing off-road route continues and on the way up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” the panoramic views will take your breath away. If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. The road will lead us up to a traditional Shepherd’s hut where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd and the cheese making process.
Leaving the shepherd’s hut and already working up our appetite we will soon arrive at a traditional Cretan tavern in Axos village, where we are going to introduce you to Cretan cuisine and heartfelt hospitality with plenty of local platters. Enough time will be provided after lunch for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee. On our way back we will follow an asphalt road that will lead us to the city of Rethymnon.
Embark on semi private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle
Get picked up from your hotel in Gazi and head straight off-road along the river bed to the picturesque village of Pendamodi. Here, enjoy a quick stop to see the picturesque church and natural springs. Journey through the vineyards of the largest wine producing area on the island to the village of Krousonas and sample some local produce such as olive oil and raki. Enjoy some free time here to get a coffee and take in the stunning views.
Continue towards Livadi Plateau with views of the many apple orchards in the area and meet some friendly local goats. Next, stop at the Nida Plateau, the highest point of the day, and enjoy spectacular views of Crete’s highest snowcapped mountain ‘Psiloritis’. Listen to tales of the resistance and Crete’s chequered history, visit a very unusual monument and a traditional Shepherds ‘mitato’, and experience the traditional Cretian method of cheese making.
Next, visit the Ideon Andron cave, where mythology states that Zeus took refuge and escaped death. Head to the famous village of Anogeia for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available) with views of the highest plateau on the island. Once refreshed, go for a short walk to the center of Anogeia (optional).
Finally, slowly head back off-road to the home of El Greco, the village of Fodele, and take some time to relax before beginning your journey back to the hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Smiliano Gorge (Kalamafka):
Located at the top of Amari Village, offering panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and the valley, Amari offers stone-built villas with free WiFi access and spacious terraces. The villas are traditionally decorated and feature a living room with fireplace. Arkadi Monastery is 12 km away.
Fitted with beamed ceilings, tiled floors and dark-wooden furnishings, each villa at Amari has 3 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include air conditioning, a fridge, an oven and flat-screen TV with CD/DVD player. Only one of the villas features a private pool and a sun terrace with sun loungers and BBQ facilities.
Guests can enjoy al fresco dining at the spacious, furnished terraces with views over the lush surroundings. Homemade Cretan cuisine can be enjoyed on request and at extra charge, while a variety of local products can be found in the village.
Amari Villas lies within a 50-minute drive of both Rethymno Town and the famous Phaestos Palace. The archaeological site of Ancient Syvritos is at a distance of 6 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 100 km away.
from
€175
/night
Surrounded by Psiloritis Mountains, Aposeti Villas offers spacious fully equipped villas with shared swimming pools, in Petrochori village. It has a tavern and provides free Wi-Fi access.
Aposeti features traditional accommodation with a fully fitted kitchen with dining area. The living room offers a fireplace, as well as a satellite LCD TV and DVD player. Each villa has a balcony, or veranda with access to the garden.
Aposeti guests can dine at the stone-paved tavern with views to the property’s garden. It serves traditional Cretan dishes made with fresh products and locally produced olive oil.
The seaside village of Agia Galini is 25 km away from the villas. The port of Rethymno is a 45-minute drive away. Free private on-site parking is available.
Featuring pool views, Villa Angelica Meronas offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 21 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 6 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and Villa Angelica Meronas can arrange a car rental service.
Psiloritis National Park is 21 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 86 km from Villa Angelica Meronas, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Offering a garden and garden view, Tulip House is situated in Yerakárion, 26 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 26 km from Psiloritis National Park. This holiday home is 36 km from Municipal Garden and 37 km from Venetian Harbour.
With free WiFi, this 2-bedroom holiday home features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with kitchenware.
Guests at the holiday home can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Tulip House offers a terrace.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 37 km from the accommodation, while Arkadi Monastery is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 91 km from Tulip House.
from
€81
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Foteini provides accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 26 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This air-conditioned villa comes with 2 bedrooms, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a kitchen with a fridge, and a living room. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. Guests can swim in the pool with a view, go hiking or walking tours.
Psiloritis National Park is 26 km from Villa Foteini, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 37 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 91 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in a 19th century farmhouse, Meronas Eco House is located in Meronas village. Built in wood and stone, this traditional-style accommodation opens out to a terrace with garden and mountain views. The nearest beach is a 40-minute drive away.
Fitted with beamed ceilings, the villa is decorated with Cretan, rustic-style furnishings. It includes a flat-screen TV with CD/DVD player in the living room and a fully equipped kitchen with dining area. Two bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, one with a spa bath, are also provided.
Guests can benefit from the barbeque facilities found in the premises and enjoy an alfresco meal in the stone-paved courtyard with dining area. Grocery deliveries and packed lunches can also be provided upon request. Agro-tourist activities such as wine making, olive oil production or animal feeding are also offered.
Asomatos village lies within 5 km and Arkadi is at a distance of 9 km. Monastiraki is 4 km from the property. Ancient Sivritou is 3.5 km away.
from
€132
/night
In the quiet, almost abandoned village of Chordaki, located in the Amari district, we discovered the hidden gem of Kynigospilios Canyon. Situated south of the village, this small but stunning canyon remains a secret, its location hidden from view, which contributes to its relative obscurity. The Kynigospilios Canyon boasts a significant water flow from the slopes of Mount Kedros, which lasts from winter through to late spring.
However, traversing the canyon requires the use of ropes and canyoning equipment due to the presence of eight stunning waterfalls along its path, with the last one being particularly breathtaking. Unfortunately, the canyon’s safety measures, installed by canyoners around 2011, are not ideally positioned, making them inaccessible during periods of high water flow. The canyon was christened ‘Koutsouna’ (meaning ‘small’) by the first group to cross it, as they couldn’t find an existing name for it.
At the canyon’s entrance, you’ll find two adjacent watermills, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, including platans and oaks that provide ample shade. Beneath most of the waterfalls, you’ll find ponds perfect for swimming in the canyon’s crystal-clear river waters. The Kynigospilios Canyon eventually merges into the Platys River bed at its termination point.
The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range to the Amari valley, approximately 38km southeast of Rethymno. The river flowing through it collects water from the west of the Migia (1584m) and Spathi (1779m) peaks and channels it to the River Platys, which terminates in Agia Galini. A challenging yet secure trail winds its way up to the starting point at Kokkinoharako, skirting its steep slopes. The trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, vertical limestone rocks displaying yellow-red hues of erosion, rock shelters, and numerous caves.
At roughly 800m altitude, a small plateau hosts the cave-like church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), constructed near a spring. The trail from Agios Antonios continues its ascent northwest, meeting a dirt road originating from the Vistagi village. On the opposite side of the gorge, in the east, lies the Panas cave, named after the ancient god Pan, god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, who, as per local folklore, was born here. The cave houses petroglyphs from the Minoan era, indicating continuous worship at the site. The same dirt road from Vistagi provides access to the nearby church of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas), the patron saint of shepherds in Christianity.
The Platania Gorge’s interior is stunning, though few get to witness it due to its steep waterfalls, which require technical canyoning equipment to navigate. The tallest waterfall stands at approximately 40m. The first known crossing of the gorge was in 2008 by the canyoning group of Giannis Bromirakis and Christoforos Cheiladakis. The cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various bird species, including vultures, hawks, wild pigeons, and crows.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
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