The Patsos Gorge is easily traversable and maintained by the forest service.

Combined with the cavernous Church of Agios Antonios, it makes for a great destination for short excursions and picnics.

It is one of the most beautiful gorges of the regional unit of Rethymno.

Its full name is the Gorge of Agios Antonios of Patsos.

The gorge spans a total length of about 5 kilometres, and the estimated crossing time is approximately one hour. Its exit is located near the Potami Dam.

The gorge is easy to cross all year round.

Here, you can also discover a bird observatory.

The cave of Agios Antonios, situated within the homonymous gorge, is essentially a rock shelter measuring 14 metres in length and 6.5 metres in depth. In ancient times, it was revered as the sanctuary of Hermes Kranaios and was known as Kranaio Andron.

Traces of worship in the cave date back to the Middle Minoan era, possibly even earlier. An altar with an inscription has been discovered in the cave. Excavations in the cave were initiated in 1885 by the Italian archaeologist Federico Alber.

Photo 1: Dretakis,M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete

Photo 2: Trikali,M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete

Photo 3: Avramakis,M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete

Info/ Photos 4-6: Wikipedia