Swallows' Gorge (Chelidonia)
Gorge description
The Swallow Gorge, situated 33km south of Rethymnon city, is in close proximity to the renowned Preveli beach, known for its magnificent palm grove and breathtaking river. The gorge begins from Kenda peak (881m altitude), passes through Drymiskos village, runs nearly parallel to the Kourtaliotiko canyon, and concludes at Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach. It gets its name from the swallows that flock here every summer.
Unlike Kourtaliotiko, this lesser-known canyon is dry during the summer but is still worth a visit. The vertical, awe-striking rocks and the verdant riverbed (which flows in winter) are a sight to behold. The winding Swallow Canyon is relatively easy to hike and doesn’t require any specific skills, despite not being marked.
A significant portion of the canyon runs parallel to the road leading to Amoudi beach, which is where the easy trail to Preveli begins. To find this road, take a left at the picturesque arched bridge of Megalos Potamos that you’ll come across en route to the Preveli monastery. Therefore, even if you’re not much of a walker, you can still enjoy the beauty of the gorge during your visit to Preveli.
Most frequent asked questions
What is Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Rethymno.
What type of gorge is Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge is a hiking gorge.
What is the water situation like in Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge is generally dry.
How accessible is Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.
How long is Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge is 6.5 km long.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult is Swallows’ Gorge?
Swallows’ Gorge has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 10.
How many hours does it take to hike Swallows’ Gorge?
It takes approximately 4 hours to hike Swallows’ Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Swallows’ Gorge?
The altitude difference in Swallows’ Gorge is 600.
Where is Swallows’ Gorge located?
Swallows’ Gorge is located in the region of Rethymno.
Review stats
Swallows’ Gorge (Chelidonia) has received 0 reviews with an average rating of out of 5
User reviews
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Things to do near Swallows' Gorge (Chelidonia)
- 7.6 km
Stays near Swallows' Gorge (Chelidonia)
- 8.8 / 10
- Drimiskiano Ammoudi ,preveli
Set within 400 metres of Preveli Beach and 1.1 km of Kefala Beach, Preveli Crete – Dionysos Tavern & Rooms provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Preveli. The property is around 36 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, 50 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 35 km from Municipal Garden. The guest house offers a Greek restaurant as well as free WiFithroughout the property.
At the guest house, all rooms include a balcony. All guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle.
Venetian Harbour is 36 km from Preveli Crete – Dionysos Tavern & Rooms, while Centre of Byzantine Art is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 96 km from the accommodation.
from
€45
/night
- 1.3 km
- 10 / 10
- Kerame
Situated in Kerames, 3.3 km from Preveli Beach, Natassa’s View features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property features sea and mountain views.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
The holiday home offers a terrace. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and Natassa’s View can arrange a car rental service.
The nearest airport is Chania International, 99 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
- 2.2 km
- 10 / 10
- Kerames
Located in Kerames, within 2,5 km of Preveli Beach, Beach House East offers accommodation with air conditioning. The property has sea views.
The holiday home is located on the ground floor and has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine and a microwave. The holiday home also provides 1 bathroom with a shower.
The holiday home offers a terrace. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 98 km from the property.
from
€126
/night
- 2.3 km
- 9.7 / 10
- Kerames Rethymno
Just 30 metres from the beach, in Kerames of Rethymno, Chrysa Villa offers self-catering accommodation with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea. It is set amidst a blossomed terrace with sun loungers and offers free internet access via USB stick in all areas on request.
Opening to a balcony and a patio, the villas of Chrysa feature 2 separate bedrooms, a seating area and a well-equipped kitchen with dining area. Facilities include a washing machine, a dishwasher, a microwave and a satellite TV. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some units feature a private pool and a fireplace.
Ammoudi Beach, where taverns and mini markets are featured, is located 2.5 km away from the property. Rethymno Town and Port are 42 km away, while the centre of Kerames Village is at a distance of 5.5 km. The famous palm-tree beach of Preveli is 2.5 km away. Free public parking is possible on site.
- 2.4 km
- 9.4 / 10
- ΚΕΡΑΜΕ ΡΕΘΥΜΝΟΥ
Set in Kerames, 2 km from Agia Fotia Beach and 4 km from Preveli Beach, GIANNIS-KLEOPATRA HOUSE 1 offers a shared lounge and air conditioning. This holiday home offers free private parking and a shared kitchen.
The holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
A children’s playground can be found near the holiday home. A terrace is also featured.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86.3 km from GIANNIS-KLEOPATRA HOUSE 1.
from
€81
/night
- 2.8 km
- 9.8 / 10
- kerames, 74053
Boasting mountain views, The Village House offers accommodation with a balcony, around 35 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It has a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 46 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 101 km from The Village House.
from
€72
/night
- 2.8 km
