The wider region of Sitia, and especially its southeastern part, is characterized by exceptionally beautiful gorges, where orange and grey-green colours prevail on their rocky cliffs, creating gorgeous scenes of wild nature. The gorges of the region and of Crete in general, were created about 2 millions years ago, when Crete took its final form. Major tectonic changes formed the island to a large degree, and then environmental changes and erosions formed its final form. The geological structure of the Sitia region was perfect for the creation of gorges that, in turn, contribute to the creation of a rich and diverse landscape. Visitors will feel the presence of this geological wealth in every step and during spring and summer, lovely scents cover the atmosphere in these gorges that are considered the heaven of aromatic and medicinal plants since Minoan times. There is also a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Populations of important and rare species of the animal kingdom find shelter at the stiff cliffs of the gorges, such as griffon vultures and hawks.
There is a sacred relationship between the people of Sitia and the gorges since antiquity, when nature was worshiped and ancient Cretan deities were closely connected with its reproductive abilities.
The Gorge "ton nekron" ("Faraghi ton nekron", meaning, the gorge of the dead) in Zakros is a place that carries these ancient roots and bonds of humans with nature. A visit to the gorges of the region is at the same time a journey in ancient nature, in the civilization and history of Sitia. The natural landscape in this journey constantly changes. The landscape varies from green lands, rich in vegetation to dry, wild and naked areas. In spring, the green cliffs release the scents of pure Cretan nature.
"Faraggi ton nekron" (gorge of the dead) or the gorge of Zakros
The most famous and most visited gorge of eastern Crete. A wonderful route that starts southeast from the village "Ano Zakros", crosses the gorge and ends next to the Minoan palace in the gulf of "Kato Zakros". It is accessible year-round, spans 2,5 km in length and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 100 meters.
The gorge of "Pervolakia" or of "Moni Kapsa"
An exceptionally beautiful gorge, easily accessible all through its length. Its starts south from the village "Pervolakia" and ends at the beautiful coast of the Kapsa monastery ("Moni Kapsa"). Its full length is about 3,0 km and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 350 meters.
The gorge of "Hohlakies"
A small, easily accessible gorge, starts from the village "Hohlakies" and ends at the beautiful bay of "Karoumes". It is 1,5 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 50 meters.
The gorge of "Pefki"
One of the most beautiful small gorges of Crete, with impressive rock formations and vegetation. It starts at the south of the "Pefki" village and ends on the north of the "Aspros Potamos" region of "Makry Gialos". It is about 2,0 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 300 meters. A nice path crosses the gorge throughout most of its length.
The gorge of "Rihti"
One of the most beautiful small gorges of eastern Crete with a marked route that follows the river, which has running water year round and forms a lovely waterfall. It starts a bit further from the village "Exo Mouliana" and ends at the beach of "Rihti", east from the village "Kalavro". The total length of the route is about 3,0 km and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 350 meters.
The gorge of "Orino"
This interesting gorge starts from the village "Orino" and ends at the region of "Koutsouras". Despite the destruction from bush fires in the forest of 'Orino", it remains one of the most beautiful ecosystems of Sitia. It is relatively easy to cross it. Its total length is about 3,5 km and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is 500 meters.
The gorge of "Xerokambos"
This gorge is located on the route from Zakros to Xerokambos. After the region of "Agrilia", where its many branches meet, an impressive landscape appears. From this point of entry to its exit to the sea the distance is about 1,5 km. At the beach of "Katsounaki", on its beautiful sand dunes grow the famous lilies of the Minoan frescos. The altitude difference is about 100 meters. There is no marked path and its crossing is a bit difficult, but still accessible.
The gorge of "Hametoulo"
This impressive small gorge starts from the region of the village "Hametoulo" and ends at the beautiful beach south of Xerokambos. It is relatively easy to cross. It is about 3,0 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 400 meters.
The gorge of "Agion Panton Faneromenis"
It is a relatively easily accessible gorge starting east from the region "Sfakida" and ending at the bay of "Faneromeni", next to the monastery of "Faneromeni". There are no dangerous passages; however the route is not always visible. It is about 3,5 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 150 meters.
The gorge of "Asprolithos"
A small and difficult gorge that ends northwest from the village of "Goudouras". It is about 1,5 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 120 meters.
The gorge of "Aghios Antonios"
A small gorge with impressive caves that was named after the small church of "Aghios Antonios" located on its north entrance, which ends at the region of "Goudouras". It is difficult to cross this gorge and professional equipment is necessary. It is 1,3 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 120 meters.
The gorge of "Goudouras"
The third small gorge of the region of Goudouras is not easily accessible. It starts from the deserted settlement of "Samakidi" and ends north from Goudouras. In reality, it is connected with the small gorge that starts from the village "Mesa Apidi" of Ziros. Its crossing requires professional equipment and technical knowledge. It is 1km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 120 meters.
The gorge of "Mesa Apidi"
A small gorge, easily accessible that starts from a large headland south from the settlement "Mesa Apidi" and in 2,5 km to the south it connects with the north entrance of the gorge of Goudouras". The altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 400 meters.
The gorge of "Ha"
The most impressive gorge of eastern Crete, due to its geological formations, the heaven of Canyoning, especially during spring when there is still water. It is rich in endemic species of flora and bird fauna. It is 1,6 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 230 meters. Professional equipment and technical knowledge are necessary to cross this gorge.
The gorge of "Hauga"
A small but impressive gorge that ends east from the village "Kavousi". It is ideal for Canyoning, and its crossing requires special equipment and technical knowledge. There is an ancient path, parallel to the gorge for walking. It is 1,1 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 130 meters.
The gorge of "Mesona"
This gorge connects with the gorge of "Hauga" with direction to the southeast, towards the mount "Thripti". Special equipment and technical knowledge are necessary to cross this gorge. It is accessible for walking on the ancient path that starts in the village "Kavousi" through "Haugas" and continues parallel to "Mesona". It is 2,0 km long and the altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is about 450 meters.
(*Note: the information on gorges, caves and the hiking trails E4 of the Sitia region are general. The visitor is responsible in every case to evaluate his/her personal abilities and knowledge in order to choose the appropriate way to enjoy the proposed routes and sights)
