Eurasian griffon vulture sitting at the edge of Platania gorge

Gorgeous gorges

An active day in the wilderness of the Cretan mountains

private tour
from € 125 per person

see our price table

destination

various locations around Crete

dates

Available upon request

activity profile

family
50%
adventure
90%
active
100%
nature
100%
culinary
40%

Summary

What’s special about Cretan gorges? 

Gorges are scattered across the mountains of Crete. They offer unique interactions with the geology, flora and fauna of Crete. They host many animal and plant species, some of which are only found there, and they have offered refuge to the wildlife and the people of Crete for millenia. Each gorge is a different environment with its own climate, biodiversity, and surrounding geological formations.

Griffon vulture

What will I do on this tour?

Gorge walks on Crete are ideal for enjoying nature and geological formations. Along the walk, we will take plenty of time, while passing through changing scenery, from semi-wild to wild landscapes. We will walk through changing vegetation, including garigue, wild oak and pine forests. We will reach plateaus, and enjoy views of dramatic geological shapes and surrounding valleys along the way. We will encounter Cretan birds of prey, and come across many plants that grow in the most improbable places. Gorge paths, although not extremely steep, require some physical fitness. However, we will take plenty of time to rest and restore, sit in the shade and enjoy snacks and meals from local products. At the end of the day, we will leave with the satisfaction of having completed a physical and mental challenge, generously offered by the nature of Crete.

 

Potential gorge walks on Crete

Among the hundreds of possible gorge walks on the island, we suggest the following as special destinations of beautiful nature, away from touristic hotspots:

  • Platania gorge (in the Amari Valley) – Rethymno
  • Rouvas gorge – Zaros, Heraklion
  • Havgas gorge – Lassithi plateau
  • Richtis gorge – Sitia

and many more, depending on your location!

on the way through the gorge

Highlights & info

  • Walk through remarkable geological formations
  • Enjoy stunning views of surrounding valleys
  • Experience a variety of Cretan landscapes along the route
  • Encounter some of Crete’s most unique wildlife

meeting point

  Heraklion or Rethymno

difficulty

medium

duration

09:00 – 17:00 (8 h)

walking distance

  6 km (4 hours)

languages

English

ascent / descent

  400m / 400m

group size

1 - 5 persons

Prices

PersonsGroup price
1293 €
2386 €
3467 €
4562 €
5625 €

 

Cancellation policy

Upon a confirmed reservation, cancellations are considered acceptable until one week prior to the tour date

The chapel of St. Anthony in the Amari valley, Platania gorge
blooming erica

What's included

  • Transfer
  • Guided walk
  • Experienced local guide
  • Lunch with local products
  • First aid kit
  • Third party liability
  • Taxes
blog article about the vultures in Platania

Testimonial

Voluminous Vultures: Birdwatching in Crete

Contact

Haris Saslis

Tour responsible