Discover Tsoutsouros gorge, one of the many gorges in the Viannos area of South Crete. Abseil down this beautiful and technical canyon, suitable for beginners and anyone up for a challenge.
Begin your adventure with a short hike from the parking lot and reach the entrance to the canyon. From there, hear a short safety and equipment briefing before strapping up and entering the canyon. Start with short and easy abseils, ideal for getting used to the techniques and the use of the equipment. Gradually, take on longer and steeper abseils.
Admire the constantly changing terrain and seaview during your descent through the canyon. Depending on the weather conditions, you may come across water in the gorge until the beginning of summer. If so, have the incredible opportunity of abseiling through waterfalls.
The duration of the descent can vary from 3 to 4 hours depending on the experience of the group. After your abseil, head to the beautiful Tsoutsouros village.
Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history.
Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café.
Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.
A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !
Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Treis Ekklisies, or Three Churches, is a hidden coastal village situated 64km south of Heraklion, nestled within the rugged and untamed terrain of the Asterousia Mountains. This remote area of Crete, despite its challenging accessibility, boasts some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Reaching Treis Ekklisies involves a scenic 10km drive along a winding asphalt road, beginning in the village of Paranymfi, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
While in Paranymfi, visitors can explore the ancient monastery of Saint Paul, adorned with 14th-century frescoes. Just half a kilometre past Paranymfi, the breathtaking Libyan Sea and Tris Ekklisies vistas can be admired from the majestic Ambas Gorge waterfall, standing at a height of 145m.
The settlement of Treis Ekklisies is nestled in a bay at the mouth of the Ambas Gorge. The surrounding cliff walls house Greece and Southern Europe’s largest vulture colony, including the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), one of Europe’s rarest vulture species.
The village’s name, Three Churches, originated from the three local Byzantine churches dedicated to Transfiguration, St. George, and Annunciation. A lengthy sandy beach with crystal-clear deep waters lies in front of the settlement. While the beach lacks extensive infrastructure, there are available accommodations, cafes, and taverns nearby. Further to the east, along the coastal dirt road, one can find the rock of Kolovrehtis and a small cove, followed by Volakas beach and finally, Glikia Vlyhada, both well-liked by locals and free campers.
The Glykys Kolymbos beach, also known as Glykos Kolymbos, is the most westerly beach in the Tris Ekklisies region of the Asterousia Mountains. It’s a remarkable location featuring striking geological formations in the water that appear as stripes when viewed from above. The beach’s name, which translates to sweet water beach, is derived from the freshwater springs that bubble up underwater.
What sets Glykys Kolymbos apart are the three incredible interconnected caves at its eastern end, resembling a series of rooms. The largest of these caves stands at a height of 20 meters, and the first one is likened to a swimming pool. A stunning stone bridge takes shape at the eastern end’s extremity.
Access to the beach is primarily by boat due to the challenging land approach. However, a steep ravine after the beach’s western end allows for a descent to the beach. This ravine sits beneath a small sheepfold, right where the dirt road that runs through the Tris Ekklisies carob wood terminates. Due to the poor state of this dirt road, access is typically on foot from the Ornios beach to the west, along the steep shores. Here, you can marvel at the cliffs featuring natural arches. A unique natural balcony, a rock shelter, forms above the termination point of the dirt road, offering a breathtaking view of the sea.
Located on the southern slopes of the Asterousia Mountains, Voidomatis or Vouidomatos, which translates to ‘ox’s eye’, is situated 62km south of Heraklion and 2.5km east of the Treis Ekklisies settlement. The breathtakingly rugged gorge of Mesosfinis, known for its towering walls and wild cliffs, a common sight in Asterousia, leads you to Voidomatis.
Upon exiting the gorge, you’re greeted by a beautiful beach with sandy shores and crystal clear blue waters. Notable features of this beach are two large rocks in the sea and an impressive sea cave, the ‘ox’s eye’, situated at the eastern end of the beach. This location can be reached via the old dirt road that connects Treis Ekklisies to the Mournia village. Surrounding Voidomatis, you’ll find several secluded bays with stunning beaches, usually only visited by locals.
Just 100m east of Voidomatis, lies the small yet captivating Plysimo Beach, which can be reached through a challenging climb. The beach, known for its coarse sand, is positioned at the exit of another smaller gorge in the area. This beach gets its name from the local shepherds who would wash their sheep here. Locals still refer to the beach as Tsagaraki’s Plysimo, named after Dimitris Tsagarakis who used to wash his sheep at this location.
Kaminaki Beach, a secluded pebbly beach ideal for fishing, is situated 58km south of Heraklion, on the southeastern fringes of the Asterousia Mountains. The rugged mountains surrounding the beach create a quintessentially Cretan landscape, featuring hard-to-reach gorges, bare rocks, steep cliffs, and isolated beaches mostly reachable by boat. The beach lies at the end of the wild Perivoliano Gorge, also known as Gerontzou.
Access to Kaminaki Beach is primarily via sea, given the difficulty in descending the gorge and the beach’s distance from the nearest road. The closest harbour can be found 3km west in Treis Ekklisies. A smaller beach located 400m west in the Agio Pnevma area is not as aesthetically appealing as Kaminaki.
On the opposite side, a striking beach with turquoise waters and a unique Δ-shaped sea cave can be found 700m east of Kaminaki. The beach is nestled in the embrace of Alykevra Bay, at the Sfakidia location, and is well-shielded by Cape Alykapounda. Heading west beyond Alykapounda Cape, you’ll find Alykevra, where a small rocky bay houses a freshwater spring. This spring was historically used by local shepherds to quench their flocks’ thirst. The area of Alykevra features a single beach situated at the mouth of a narrow canyon at the Prikovlyhada location. Despite its small size (1.5m in width), the pebble beach of Prikovlyhada is exceptional, with the canyon walls providing sunshade and nearby caves adding to its charm.
The prepalatial cemetery Koumasa is situated between the villages Loukia and Koumasa in the northern Asterousia range. This Minoan archaeological site was initially excavated by Stephanos Xanthoudides between 1904 and 1906, uncovering four graves (three vaulted graves and one rectangular). Each tomb contained various objects and burials from the Early Minoan Period.
Within the cemetery, remarkable pottery featuring rich dark decoration was discovered, and the style was named Koumasa style in honor of the location. The finds included clay and stone vessels, seals, figurines, tools, and three silver knives. A Minoan settlement, which has now been completely destroyed, was located above the tombs and included a sanctuary.
Minoan tholos, about 10 meters in diameter and a couple of meters in height, are believed to be the tombs of the elite and are often richly stocked with valuable objects. Although the site is primarily known for these sepulchral remains as part of Xanthoudides’ fundamental studies, the site extends further east. There, on the steep moundside and on top of the mound itself, Minoan archaeologists anticipate the location of the actual city and a precinct of bronze-age Koumasa.
Kofinas, the highest peak in the untamed Asterousia Range, stands at an altitude of 1231m and is named after its inverted basket-like shape (known as kofini in Greek). The peak boasts breathtaking views of the South Cretan Sea and is now home to the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) temple, which celebrates its feast day on September 14. During this celebration, an ancient dendrolatric (sacred tree) custom is observed, where whitebeams from three “sacred” trees are blessed and distributed to those in attendance.
Archaeologists uncovered perhaps the most significant Minoan peak sanctuary in south-central Crete in 1960. This sanctuary consists of a quadrilateral enclosure and stage, and it thrived between 1700 and 1600 BC. However, worship continued until the Roman Era, albeit with some interruptions. Excavations at the site have revealed clay signs, figurines, metal plates, seals, and other devotional offerings.
Perched on the rocky hill of Papouri, 135 meters above the beach of Tripiti at the Asterousia Range, lie the remnants of an Early Minoan settlement. The initial excavations were conducted between 1986 and 1988 by archaeologist Antonis Vasilakis. Additionally, a vaulted tomb dating back to 2800-2000 BC was discovered 200 meters to the south.
The settlement was protected by a wall, with two openings serving as entrances. A total of 36 rectangular rooms and walls up to 2 meters high have been unearthed. Various findings indicate that the inhabitants were involved in agriculture, fishing, and farming, with navigation tools also being discovered. Fresh water was obtained from nearby springs, with one still providing water today (located 150 meters from the settlement).
Located at the end of Katarraktis gorge in the Asterousia Mountains, Koudoumas Monastery is 80km south of Iraklion and just 40m away from a stunning beach. It is considered one of Crete’s most remote monasteries, as reaching it from Heraklion takes approximately 2.5 hours. A 24km safe dirt road begins at the village of Sternes (reachable from Charakas) and is situated at an altitude of 1000m near the peak of Kofinas (1231m). As you descend towards sea level, you’ll be treated to breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) views of the sea and cliffs that can induce vertigo. Along the way, you’ll pass the pine grove of Koudoumas and encounter numerous goats perched on the sharp, bare rocks.
In this quintessential Cretan landscape, you’ll discover the ancient male monastery of Koudoumas. The church, constructed within a cave, is dedicated to the Assumption (celebrated on August 15). The surrounding area is filled with caves, many of which are still inhabited by hermits. From the monastery, you can follow a fascinating trail leading to the cave of St. Anthony or another path that takes you to Avvakospilios Cave. Additionally, some nature enthusiasts prefer to reach Koudoumas by walking along the trail that starts from Sternes (3 hours) and meanders through a beautiful pine grove.
The name Koudoumas possibly originates from the monastery’s founder. A Venetian document from 1280 references the surname Cudhumano, which could be related to Koudoumas. The current monastery was constructed in 1870 by monks Parthenios and Eumenios Charitakis on the site of the previous, ruined monastery. It had been abandoned, like all other coastal monasteries in Crete, due to frequent pirate attacks on the island’s shores in the 15th century.
Every year on August 15, Koudoumas celebrates with pilgrims arriving from all over the Messara region. Many of them arrive on August 14 and spend the night either in the guest rooms or on the beach. The monastery also honors monks Eumenios and Pathenios, who re-established the monastery and have been recognized as Saints, with a celebration on July 10.
Koudoumas Monastery houses the icon of Our Lady of Kykkos of Dexiokratousa (Right Hand Holding), discovered in the house of Ali Pasha in Ioannina and donated to the monastery by Helen Skandalaki in 1957. Additionally, a chapel contains the icon of the Visitation, which is associated with a miracle that occurred in 1940 (see the history section below).
Renowned for their hospitality, the monks offer overnight accommodation to all visitors. Many locals reside here throughout the summer, enjoying the basic amenities (kitchen, water, bath, etc.) provided in the monastery’s small guest rooms. The monastery complex also features a welcome room, a refectory, a library, a small museum, and the monks’ cells.
Located 65km south of Heraklion and nestled on the eastern side of the rugged Asterousia Mountains, Agios Nikitas is a stunning monastery that was once a hermitage for monks from Koudoumas Monastery. Perched atop a high hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea. The monastery’s church, which is dedicated to St. Nikitas (celebrated on September 15), is housed in a cave and dates back to 1640.
Within the church, visitors can admire ancient frescoes and a smoke-stained roof – a testament to the attacks by the Turks. Engravings from past visitors can also be found here. Additionally, a small stalactite in the sanctuary produces water, which is then shared with pilgrims as holy water. The monastery is believed to be miraculous and is home to hospitable monks who are always eager to share the monastery’s wonders, as well as offer coffee and fruit to visitors. Overnight stays in the cells are also possible.
Agios Nikitas serves as a verdant oasis amid the arid landscape of the Asterousia Mountains. The area’s dry climate allows for the growth of mango and avocado trees in the monastery’s gardens.
The Monastery of St. George Apanosifis, also known as Epanosifis, is situated approximately 30km south of Heraklion, near the village of Metaxohori. It is the largest male monastery in Crete, in terms of the number of monks. The monastery’s spiritual and social contributions were invaluable during the challenging years of the Turkish occupation.
Constructed towards the end of the Venetian Era, the monastery quickly gained prominence. A written account states that it was founded by a monk from the Apezana Monastery, who once set out on a hike to the Agarathos Monastery. During his journey, he spent a night at the Church of St. George on the estate of the Lagouvardos family. In a dream, Saint George appeared to him and instructed him to build the monastery at that location. Initially, Lagouvardos refused, but after being punished by the Saint, he agreed and funded the construction of the Epanosifis Monastery.
Several dependencies are associated with the Epanosifis Monastery, including the ruined Aistratigos Monastery to the northwest, the St. Anthony Monastery, the Xera Xyla Monastery near Neapolis, and numerous chapels.
Today, the monastery houses valuable treasures, such as gospels, intricately carved crosses, a silver chalice from 1842, the icon of Saint George from the Xera Xyla Monastery, and relics of 21 Saints. Additionally, the monastery is home to a Higher Ecclesiastical School, which is located in a former orphanage building. The St. George Church celebrates on April 23 and November 3.
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The Ambas gorge, positioned 53km south of Heraklion within the Asterousia Mountains, is home to the Mousoulis stream. This stream, active during winter, gathers water from the springs of Paranymfi and Amygdalos plateau (approximately 700m above sea level) and carries it to the Tris Ekklisies beach. The stream’s gentle flow on the fertile plateau is abruptly interrupted when it meets the rocky Asterousia fault, forming the spectacular Ambas waterfall. This waterfall, with a total height of 145m, is one of Greece’s highest free-falling waterfalls, following the Mastoras waterfall in the Ha gorge (215m) and the Perdika waterfall in Samaria Gorge (240m).
A road located just above the waterfall directs us past the village Paranymfi, towards Tris Ekklisies. A parking lot near a dilapidated watermill serves as a starting point for a short path along the cliff that leads to an incredible viewpoint of both the waterfall and the sea. According to local accounts, there was an old trail that reached the base of the waterfall, although it seems impossible to descend without technical equipment. The name Ambas is believed to originate from “abbas” (priest), as a monk once found refuge at the base of the grand waterfall.
The gorge, formed after the large waterfall and leading to the beach, houses several smaller waterfalls. The gorge has been secured by Crete’s speleological associations and can be descended by a small group of highly skilled canyoners in about seven hours. There are 21 rappels in total, with the highest being 45m (the large waterfall has four air changes). The cliffs in the surrounding area are home to the largest population of birds of prey on any European island, and therefore, the descent should be avoided during their breeding season, which is in the winter months.
On September 2, 2018, the accomplished canyoner Kallia Miliara tragically lost her life at the Ambas waterfall due to an accidental fall. In honour of the Cretan athlete, a small shrine has been erected next to the watermill, close to the gorge’s entrance.
Situated 55km south of the city of Heraklion, in the remote Asterousia range to the west of the coastal village of Tris Ekklissies, lies the untamed and hard-to-reach Mesosfini canyon. This technical gorge is characterized by waterfalls and necessitates specific canyoning gear and training for descent. The entrance to the canyon is found at an elevation of 450m near the village of Mournia, while the grand Voidomatis beach can be found at its exit, accessible via a dirt path from Tris Ekklisies.
At the outset, the canyon is quite narrow, but gradually widens. The vertical drops are substantial, creating waterfalls in the winter and an abundance of boulders that render it impassable. In fact, the Mesosfini Gorge is unique in Crete for having two almost 90m high descents. Therefore, Mesosfini has become a haven for seasoned climbers and canyoners who have been adventuring here for many years.
The Koudoumas or Kofinas gorge starts at an elevation of 1000m near the base of Kofinas, the tallest peak of the Asterousia Range, and concludes at the Koudoumas Monastery beach. Its initial segment is a technical gorge of exceptional beauty, locally known as Katarraktis (Waterfall) or Keadas (Kenad). The total descents in the gorge leading to Koudoumas monastery are 18, with the highest reaching 38m. The upper section is only accessible with canyoning gear and was first explored in 2004 by Kostas Psarakis and Manolis Kambourakis, and bolted in 2017 by the Asterusia Adventure Team (Manos Petrakis, George Makrygiannakis, Nikos Foukakis, Savvas Paragmaian, Giannis Aggelis, Christina Aggelidou, Savvas Eftychis, and Dimitris Karatarakis).
It is possible to descend the gorge without technical equipment by navigating around the Katarraktis section. However, caution is required due to the area’s steep slopes, unstable ground, and lack of marked trails, which can strain the knees.
As you descend, the initial vegetation is predominantly cypress and oak trees, but as you near sea level, pine trees become more prevalent.
The Goula Gorge, a rugged canyon nestled in the Asterousia Range, begins just south of the village of Kapetaniana and concludes at the coastal settlement of Agios Ioannis. Like its counterparts in the area, such as Flomias, Salamiano, Koumos, Gerakia, and Valahas, it is untraversable without the correct canyoneering gear. Nonetheless, there is a hiking trail on the eastern side of the gorge that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Entry to the gorge is via Kapetaniana, with the closest access point being the telephone antenna en route to Agios Ioannis. The gorge boasts 18 rappels, the tallest of which is 55m, and others measuring 25m, 15m, 13m, and smaller. The gorge spans roughly 1700m in length and a team of five would require around 4 and a half to 5 hours to traverse it.
The gorge’s beauty lies in its wild and haunting rocky landscape, caves, and rock shelters. The primary vegetation is pine trees. Although it is generally dry, the name “Goula” translates to “spring” in the local Cretan dialect. True to its name, Goula is home to the area’s main spring, which provides for the water needs of the Agios Ioannis settlement.
Situated in Paránimfoi and only 49 km from The Palace of Knossos, Livadi apt features accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment is 41 km from Phaistos and 41 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with mountain views.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 44 km from Livadi apt. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 52 km from the accommodation.
from
€55
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, The South House, Mountain and Sea View is located in Paránimfoi. The property is 57 km from Heraklio Town and free private parking is provided.
This holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
A garden, barbecue and a terrace are available at the holiday home.
Hersonissos is 61 km from The South House, Mountain and Sea View, while Matala is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€122
/night
Featuring river views, Seaside mountain view Golden Mar villa provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Paralia Tris Ekklisies. The holiday home has access to a restaurant and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Kolovrechtis Beach is 400 metres from Seaside mountain view Golden Mar villa, while Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€73
/night
Situated in Paránimfoi in the Crete region, Amazing seafront house with private beach has a patio and sea views. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment has 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Paralia Tris Ekklisies is 500 metres from Amazing seafront house with private beach, while Kolovrechtis Beach is 1.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
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