Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here Plan similar route
Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Chania

Agia Irini Gorge

Responsible for this content
Alpenverein Gebirgsverein Verified partner 
  • In the lower part of the Agia Irini Gorge
    In the lower part of the Agia Irini Gorge
    Photo: Wolfgang Drexler, Alpenverein Gebirgsverein

Selected alternatives for you
    A not particularly long but varied gorge hike, where you even have the chance to see a shy Cretan wild goat (Krikri).
    moderate
    Distance 11.3 km
    4:30 h
    717 m
    717 m
    544 m
    110 m

    The Agia Irini Gorge has some narrow sections but overall feels more like a deeply incised ravine. It is by far not as heavily visited as the Samaria Gorge and is also significantly shorter, so it is no problem to hike there and back.

    The well-marked path partly runs directly along the dry riverbed, where large stones must be climbed over; partly it runs on narrow gravel terraces, and there are also several detours to avoid narrow sections and large rocks. Those who enjoy bouldering can also stay continuously in the riverbed in the lower half of the gorge.

    The middle section is dominated by gnarled, old tree shapes whose roots often now hang high in the air after the surrounding ground has eroded.

    In the uppermost area, the vegetation is very dense and resembles a jungle-like forest.

    To spot wild goats, you should walk through the gorge very early or before the other visitors.

    Author’s recommendation

    At the upper end of the gorge, you can also climb up to the road and call a taxi for the return trip at the cafe there.
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    544 m
    Lowest point
    110 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Forested/wild trail 1.12%Path 98.87%
    Forested/wild trail
    128 m
    Path
    11.2 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    This route presents no particular safety risks.

    Tips and suggestions

    Gingilos and Voulakias

    Roadbook

    From the parking lot, walk uphill into the valley to a small tavern, where a sign points left toward the gorge. You enter the riverbed and follow the numerous blue markers there. The path partially runs directly on the block terrain of the dry riverbed, where there are also wooden bridges and ladders and you occasionally need to use your hands, and partially also along side gravel terraces. It passes several rest areas, at least one of which offers water year-round. The distance to the starting point is marked at every full kilometer.

    At the end of trail kilometer 2, the path turns right uphill along the slope; this junction is easy to overlook. You can also continue straight on in the gorge without a path, which is more strenuous and somewhat difficult.

    At trail kilometer 4, the path leaves the valley floor and runs along the slope on the left side; at kilometer 5, the path first deviates right uphill along the slope and then crosses to the other side of the slope to the left. Immediately after the rest area at the kilometer 5 mark, it goes up to the right in switchbacks to reach a viewpoint offering a beautiful view into the gorge.

    At km 7 lies the fourth rest area. Here or shortly afterwards at an old warden's hut, turn around and hike back to the starting point on the same path.

    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
    Low point
    High point
    Forecast
    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
    show {x} more
    Photo
    Video
    Viewpoint
    Old Building

    Public transport

    Taxi from Sougia

    Directions

    Coming from Chania, follow the signs to Sougia on the south coast and drive via Prases to Moni. Halfway between Moni and Sougia, turn toward Livadas and follow the signs to the "Irini Gorge," which lead to the visitor parking lot at the lower end of the gorge.

    Parking

    Visitor parking lot at the lower entrance to Agia Irini Gorge

    Coordinates

    DD
    35.285513, 23.822006
    DMS
    35°17'07.8"N 23°49'19.2"E
    UTM
    34S 756650 3908358
    w3w 
    ///depravity.deafen.left
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendations for this region:

    Show more

    Recommended maps for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    Hiking equipment.

    Every backpack should include: rain, cold, and sun protection, a first aid kit, sufficient fluids, and a hiking map of the region.

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

    User Questions

    Don't see what you need here?
    Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

    5 of 5
    3 ratings · 3 reviews
    very good
    5
    good
    4
    satisfactory
    3
    fair
    2
    poor
    1
    Leave a rating
     of 

    Rating submitted
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    11.3 km
    Duration
    4:30 h
    Ascent
    717 m
    Descent
    717 m
    Highest point
    544 m
    Lowest point
    110 m
    Round trip Family-friendly Geological highlights Fauna

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • My Map
    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile
    Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp