Xerokambos Gorge (Lamnoni)
The Xerokambos Canyon, also known as Ziros Canyon, Hamaitoulo Canyon, or Lamnoni Canyon, is among the driest gorges in Eastern Crete. This gorge once served as a pathway from Ziros to Xerokambos. A hike through this gorge is relatively easy, taking roughly two hours to complete. The canyon is renowned for its rugged charm, featuring towering bare walls and sparse vegetation. As you traverse the gorge, you’ll be able to glimpse the expansive South Cretan Sea in the distance. During the summer, the area can become quite hot with little shade available. It’s recommended that one person in your group drives to the top entrance of the canyon at the small Lamnoni plateau or to the second entrance near Hamaitoulo village, then meets the rest of the group in Xerokampos. There, they can enjoy the area’s stunning sea views and emerald beaches.
Traveling from Xerokampos to the Ziros plateau, the gorge’s exit is clearly visible. From Ziros, head towards the abandoned Lamnoni settlement, approximately 4 km east. Here, you can follow the ravine that soon becomes the gorge. Initially, you’ll come across a small water fountain and may need to open a few gates to allow goats to graze. From this point, you can enter the gorge and walk towards its exit near the Ziros – Xerokampos road. The gorge then extends to Lygia beach.
Location
Xerokambos Gorge (Lamnoni) is located at Xerokambos Gorge (Lamnoni), in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
