Kantanos Gorge

Nature & Outdoors

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DURATION 1 hour

GRADE easy

ABOUT

In Kantanos Gorge, prepare to be captivated not only by its beauty but also by the fragrant aromas of the plants that line your path, including wild sage and marjoram. Here, you'll also encounter the rare species of Cretan shrub locally known as ‘andrachlo’.

Fear not if you encounter reptiles nearby; you may even have the chance to observe badgers and ferrets up close! Keep an eye out for birds of prey, which gracefully claim their spot of honour in this natural habitat.

As highlighted by K Petrakis on the Region of Crete website, the gorge serves as a unique natural historical monument, symbolising the people's steadfast resistance against any form of intervention.

A road traverses the gorge, providing an ideal pathway for walking and cycling enthusiasts alike.

The journey commences from Anavos. As you approach from Chania, just after the turnoff to the village of Spina, you'll encounter the old provincial road on your left. Here, the determined hiker can park their car or request a bus stop. A 40-minute walk will lead you to the chapel of Agios Irineos, nestled alongside the Koukiza torrent and the iconic Spina Bridge.

If weather conditions permit, one can ascend through the Kantanos Gorge towards Spina, allowing the wild landscape to enchant them before returning to Agios Irineos. After a 50-minute hike along the old country road, you will find yourself back in the village.

Photo: Wikimedia

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see also

Libyan Princess Hotel - Palaiochora
Chania
Paleochora Carnival
Chania
Kantanos Gorge

Kantanos Gorge

In Kantanos Gorge, prepare to be captivated not only by its beauty but also by the fragrant aromas of the plants that line your path, including wild sage and marjoram. Here, you'll also encounter the rare species of Cretan shrub locally known as ‘andrachlo’.

Fear not if you encounter reptiles nearby; you may even have the chance to observe badgers and ferrets up close! Keep an eye out for birds of prey, which gracefully claim their spot of honour in this natural habitat.

As highlighted by K Petrakis on the Region of Crete website, the gorge serves as a unique natural historical monument, symbolising the people's steadfast resistance against any form of intervention.

A road traverses the gorge, providing an ideal pathway for walking and cycling enthusiasts alike.

The journey commences from Anavos. As you approach from Chania, just after the turnoff to the village of Spina, you'll encounter the old provincial road on your left. Here, the determined hiker can park their car or request a bus stop. A 40-minute walk will lead you to the chapel of Agios Irineos, nestled alongside the Koukiza torrent and the iconic Spina Bridge.

If weather conditions permit, one can ascend through the Kantanos Gorge towards Spina, allowing the wild landscape to enchant them before returning to Agios Irineos. After a 50-minute hike along the old country road, you will find yourself back in the village.

Photo: Wikimedia

Chania

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