Patsos Gorge in Crete

Patsos Gorge in Crete

Rethymno, Greece

Patsos gorge is a beautiful gorge generally overlooked by the tourists where you can enjoy adventurous hikes and birdwatching as well. Along the trail, you can also find a mystical chapel, very popular among the locals.

It’s very green compared to the rest of the island in the summer. Actually, It doesn’t look like Crete. You will find some ponds where you can swim even in midsummer, when the rest of the island is pretty dry.

It’s located 30 minutes south of Rethymno by car. Roads are winding and narrow but perfectly paved, so you can make it even with a Fiat Punto. You can park in one of the several parking spots at the main entrance of the canyon. 

Below you can see the different sections of the gorge:

• Green Section: It’s a very easy hike. You will reach the chapel after 5 minutes walking from the parking spot. Once you are here, you can continue on the river (it’s trickier but more adventurous) or you can take the right path and go through an easier trail for 10-15 more minutes (still the last 100 m are tricky). Then you will reach the most picturesque spots of the gorge which are the spectacular waterfall in a cave and another small waterfall at the bottom of a crevice that creates a pond (both are located next to the second bridge).
• Red Section: If you walk further, you will get in the adventurous part of the gorge, where you will most likely be alone. You will have to help yourself with ropes, climb up, climb down, go through the river, and use ladders. At the end of this part you will reach the Amari Dam. Along the way, you will find many beautiful ponds where you can swim, quite deep by the way (even in the summer!). Bear in mind that it could be dangerous or even not accessible if it has rained a lot (spring mainly). You will have to walk on the river’s path and the flow of water might be too strong.

The small chapel was a sacred place to worship Hermes. Many pieces of paper with wishes are left behind by visitors in the cavities of the rocks. In front of the chapel there is a picnic area with wood benches and grills.

Another trail ascends to the watchtower of avifauna above the river. In this area, you might spot (and hear) Golden, Bonelli’s and Booted eagles, Griffon and Bearded vultures and Eleonora’s falcons. Some of them are several meters big..

The narrow wall of the gorge and the trees along the trail provide shade in almost the whole hike.

It’s not a popular place, you will not run into many people along the path. If you are hungry or thirsty, you can buy snacks and drinks in the tavern next to the parking lot.

The adventurous part is quite amusing. You will find many spots that look like they were taken from a movie.