Gorge of Agion Panton
According to the legand , the poet Vitsentsos Kornaros was inspired by the wonderful landscape (springs of Koutsounari -greek Κουτσουνάρι) of the gorge, wrote in Cretan dialect a story dedicated to love, Erotokritos (greek Ερωτόκριτος)
With unique rare geological formation, , the rough Cretan terrain the gorge reaches the church of Agion Panton (greek Άγιοι Πάντες), a small oasis near the stony beach of Platani, approximately a 15 minute drive from Sitia. Suitable for all ages , the routes difficulty can vary according to the season (most difficult Winter after heavy rains).
The entrance is from the village of Skopi, through olive groves of the koroneiki (greek κορονεϊκη) variety, producing high quality virgin olive oil.
Distance: 2,5 kilometers
Entrance altitude 197m
Duration : aprox 2 hour
Difficulty: 1
Gorge of the Dead - Zakros
Dedicated as a burial site for the Minoans, the route is considered as a memorable experience for any visitor at Eastern coast of Sitia. Descending from the vilage Zakros- known for its springs located western from the village (wonderful pic nic spot), the route follows the path created by water, enjoy the scenery of Cretan land, ending at the Minoan Pallace of Kato Zakros.
The visitor can decide from were to descend , since there are several paths allowing to descend , and adjust the walk duration. Enjoy activities , like rock climbing (top rope routes available) under the gorges shade during summer or under the sun during autumn (at the end of the east exit of the gorge) , find the different vegetation of Crete (herbs , flowers) .
In the past the locals used the gorge as the main route to reach the sea.
Distance: 3,5 kilometres
Duration : aprox 2 hours
Difficulty: 1
Hohlakies Gorge (Georoute 13)
A route through the rough Cretan Dry land that leads to an isolated beach of Karoumes.
It begins from the church of Kimisi Thotokou (greek Κοίμηση της Θετόκου) following the path created by flowing water during winter. A two hour walk to the sandy beach , suitable for all ages.
There is a path from the beach that leads to an ancient quarry, the Pelekita cave, and reaches the beach of Kato Zakros. (Difficulty of route 1, Duration about 2 hours)
Distance: 3,81 kilometers
Duration : aprox 2 hours
Difficulty: 1
Pervolakia Gorge- Kapsas Gorge
Located south from the town of Sitia , the gorge “entrance” is from the small village of Pervolakia. A “dry” path , through the geological forms of the rough Cretan terrain , is considered as the home of vultures (gipaetos Greek Γυπαετός), ending at the beach of Kapsa (Greek Καψάς).
The monastery of Kapsa located hidden at the south east of the gorge is dedicated to John the Baptiste –Agios Ioannis o Prodromos (Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Πρόδρομος)- and the Holy Trinity (Agia Traiada greek Αγία Τριάδα). The Cretan Saint Agios Iosif o Gerontogiannis (greek Αγιος Ιωσήφ ο Γεροντογιάννης), rebuilt the monastery during the Ottaman period , having the ability to travel across the sea towards the nearby island without the use of a boat.
Distance: 3,5 kilometres
Duration : aprox 2,5 hours
Difficulty: 1
Sign in for an excursion
Personalize your experience by contacting us. Activities for children, hiking routes (mapped or not), visit Sitia Global Geopark (caves,gorges, vegetation-plantation)