Kavi or Iligas Gorge

This is another lush gorge in Sfakia, marked by towering cliffs, and it's well worth the hike.

You can begin your walk from the mountain village of Anopoli, following a rural trail that leads towards the White Mountains, reaching elevations of up to 2,000 metres near their highest peak. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, a small right-hand path leads to the Byzantine chapel of Timios Stavros, decorated with notable frescoes. This point can also be accessed with an appropriate vehicle.

From there, the hike takes about three hours until it reaches the asphalt road roughly one kilometre from Chora Sfakion, in the direction of Anopoli. Just a few steps further down, you’ll find the crystal-clear Iligas Beach, ideal for a swim in the Libyan Sea, a local meal, or even an overnight stay at the beachside resort.

If the full hike isn’t feasible, you can still get a sense of the gorge by walking in from its exit, for as long as you like. The trail is suitable for children, too.

Source & photo: Incrediblecrete