Hiking in Crete: the best gorges to walk

The Pezoparea team · Updated 4 November 2026 · 7 min read

The best gorges for hiking in Crete are Samaria (16 km), Agia Irini (7.5 km), Imbros (about 8 km) and Aradena in Chania, plus Richtis and the Gorge of the Dead at Zakros in Sitia. Most are downhill walks of moderate difficulty that end at or near the sea.

Crete has dozens of gorges, from the large and busy Samaria to small ravines only locals know. Most are in the White Mountains and Sfakia in the west, but eastern Crete has good walks too. Below are the ones that appear most often in the programmes of Cretan hiking clubs.

What are the best gorges to hike in Crete?

Which Crete gorge is best for beginners?

If you've never walked a gorge, start with Richtis or Zakros. Both are short, with little descent, and finish by the sea. Richtis charges a small entry fee. The Zakros gorge ends next to the Minoan palace at Kato Zakros, so you can combine the walk with a visit. In winter the Zakros riverbed can fill with water and the stones get slippery.

Around Chania, Agia Irini and Imbros are the best warm-up for Samaria. Agia Irini is 7.5 km and takes about 3 hours. Imbros is downhill almost the whole way from Imbros village to Komitades, with a small entry fee. Taxis usually wait at Komitades to take you back to the start.

What should I know about Samaria?

Samaria is a national park managed by NECCA. It opens in spring (on 19 May in 2026) and closes at the end of October, it also closes when bad weather is forecast, and the ticket is €10. The only way out of Agia Roumeli is by boat. Our separate Samaria guide covers it all in detail.

Is Aradena gorge worth it?

Yes, if you want something wilder than Imbros. You start at the near-abandoned village of Aradena, close to Anopoli, at about 520 m, and descend to Marmara beach: around 7 km and 3–4 hours. There is a narrow section with an iron ladder, with a stone path on the slope alongside. Entry is organized and there is a ticket. From Marmara you return by a small water taxi to Loutro (about 15 minutes), or walk an hour along the E4 to Loutro.

When is the best time for hiking in Crete?

Spring and autumn. In April and May gorges have water and wildflowers, and in October the sea at the end is still warm. In July and August start very early because exposed sections get extremely hot. In winter some gorges are dangerous after rain because of flash floods. Don't enter a gorge when storms are forecast.

What should I bring?

• Shoes with good grip, since riverbed stones are slippery
• Trekking poles for long descents
• 1.5–2 litres of water and food
• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear, since many gorges end at the sea
• Cash for entry fees, taxis and boats

How do I join a group hike in Crete?

EOS Chania, EOS Heraklion, the Heraklion Hiking Club and EOS Moires publish programmes of gorges and peaks. Gorges are usually one-way, so an outing solves the transport: the coach drops you at the top and waits at the end or at the port. Many club outings are members-only, and on Pezoparea the “Open to everyone” filter separates them. Visitors can also find commercial guided hikes, often in English.

Entry fees, prices and opening periods change. Check with the organizer or the managing authority before you go.