Imbros Gorge in Crete

Imbros Gorge in Crete

Crete, Greece

Imbros is located in the mountainous region of Sfakiá, on the south coast of Crete. Although often overshadowed by Samaria gorge, it’s a great and easier alternative to it.

There are buses from Chora Sfakion that take you to the beginning of the hike. If you go with your own transport, you can leave your car at Taverna Komitades, at the lower end of the gorge, where you will find a taxi service. Normally it costs around 7€/person, but you can negotiate or share it with other visitors. You can also walk from the taverna to here  and take a van (5€/person) to the top of the gorge (here). In case you want to hike up, there are also taxis waiting at the top. Another option is walking up and down the gorge.

It’s a 8 km hike (one way) on a stony path, with an elevation loss of 600 m. The entrance fee is 2.5€ and it’s important to keep the ticket until the exit as there is a ticket control. Along the hike you will see very interesting rock formations, a dry landscape that turns into a pine tree forest, and an incredibly narrow passage (the highlight of the hike, here). In addition to this, you will run into some goats and you might spot some endemic birds and flowers.

At the beginning and at the end of the hike there are restaurants. Taverna Komitades is worth-mentioning. They make their own cheese and honey which is quite good.

It’s a popular spot, actually, it’s the second most popular gorge in the island. There are some organized trips from the big cities to the gorge. Despite this, it’s not too crowded, especially if you arrive early. As opposed to Samaria, Imbros gorge is open the whole year round, and there is hardly ever water running down.

Imbros Gorge is an ideal half day or full day excursion for nature lovers that are looking for an easy and relaxing hike in the south of Crete, and it offers a unique diversity of landscapes that you will not find in neighboring gorges. The narrow part is quite impressive.