Cretan Hikes: Santorinios Gorge

For the hiking and outdoors enthusiasts staying at Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort the area surrounding the resort is a rugged paradise. Not far from to the South of the village of Fodele, Santorinios Gorge is a hidden gem of untouched wilderness for a day-trip adventure.

Named for its soil and rock that is reminiscent of Thera (Santorini Island), the small gorge has a wonderful river flowing down its center and many small tributaries emanating from hidden lakes in the mountains looming over the gorge. Dry in Summer, these water features make the gorge a challenge for even experienced hikers, as do the thick vegetation and big changes in elevation. At the head of the gorge, thereโ€™s whatโ€™s left of an old watermill. Further along, the trek hikers discover ponds and a lake that must be overcome by either swimming or climbing around it. Another waterfall cascades into a small pond at its bottom and the hike at this point is less of a challenge. Not so well suited for family walks, this gorge does present a pretty and magical landscape that hides several natural treasures.

The respite from arduous going does not last long though when another 15-meter waterfall must be climbed before one can proceed to the top of a hill. Following this, hikers must navigate slippery rocks via a guide rope to reach the edge of the falls. One section of this gorge is more easily accessible by car via a dirt road adjacent to another small waterfall. Here the less adventurous visitor can take advantage of the natural 4-meter water slide into a pond at the base of the falls.

Featured image courtesy This Is Crete.