Imbros Gorge

Discover Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. Although the Imbros Gorge is smaller, many people prefer to cross here because it offers a very different hiking experience than the Samaria Gorge. After your tour, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and lunch at a village taverna. Enjoy hotel pickup and arrive at Imbros around 10 AM. Have breakfast and then hike about 2.5 hours to discover the beauty of this narrow natural passage. Learn about the rock formations and the legend of the 2 brothers that Imbros is named after. For many years, the Imbros Gorge served as part of the trail that connected Chania to Hora Sfakion. Stroll through a piece of World War II history, as you walk where thousands of British soldiers passed through after the Battle of Crete to get to Egypt.  End your hike in Komitades Village and then depart for Sfakia. Take a swim in the refreshing Libyan Sea and eat lunch with the locals in the taverns before returning to your hotel.

Start your hike from the quaint village of Imbros and traverse the serene Imbros Gorge, the second largest gorge in Crete, famed for its accessibility and breathtaking scenery. This 9 km trail, taking about 2.5 hours to complete, offers a gentle adventure suitable for families. As you descend, encounter iconic landmarks like the “Airplane,” “Stenada,” “Mesofarango,” and the striking “Xepitira Arch.” The gorge's historical significance as an escape route for Allied troops during the 1941 Battle of Crete adds a layer of historical intrigue to your journey. Following the old stone-paved paths once the primary route from Sfakia to Chania, you reach the gorge’s narrowest point, where the towering walls close to less than 2 meters apart. Your guide leads you to Komitades village, where a bus awaits to transport you to Chora Sfakion. Conclude your trek in Chora Sfakion, the capital of the rugged Sfakia region. This peaceful seaside village invites relaxation with its sandy beach and clear blue waters. Enjoy the local hospitality in the nearby coffee shops and taverns, and consider a visit to the ruins of the Venetian fortress for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

You will be picked up at your hotel in the Chania area and then journey by bus to the Imbros Gorge in the eastern part of the White Mountains of Crete. Upon arrival you will enjoy an easy 3-hour hike through the narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations, with an expert guide to teach you about the area. During your descent you will see famous locations such as the Stenada, Mesofarango, and Xepitira Arch. You exit the gorge at Komitades village, where a bus will be waiting to bring you to Chora Sfakion for some relaxing free time at one of the taverns or cafes overlooking the sea. Continue by bus to the south coast, and visit a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. You can relax and enjoy a traditional lunch before the bus trip back to the Chania area.

After pickup from your hotel in the Rethymno area at approximately 7:30 AM, journey by bus to the Imbros Gorge in the eastern part of the White Mountains of Crete. Upon arrival, enjoy an easy 3-hour hike through the narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations. The Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. This picturesque gorge is smaller (8km long) than the Samaria but is just as beautiful. During your descent you will visit various famous locations such as the Stenada (the gorge's narrowest passage), Mesofarango (a wider passage) and Xepitira Arch (a natural stone arch). You'll then arrive at Komitades Village where buses will be waiting to bring you to Chora Sfakion for some relaxing free time at one of the taverns or cafés overlooking the sea. Continue by bus to the south coast and visit a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch before the bus trip back to Rethymno area at approximately 5:30 PM.

Imbros Gorge is located in the south-eastern part of the White Mountains, it's length is 7 km and has slopes up to 300m high. It begins in the village of Imbros (800m) and ends in the village of Komitades (300m). It is part of the E4 European Long Distance Trail, it's relatively easy and pleasant path. At the beginning of the gorge you may see the old cobbled road that used to be the only way to connect the village of Sfakia with the northern side of the island. It's famous for its rare flora and beautiful scenery. Our bus will pick you up from a designated pick up point (outside or near your hotel) and after about 90 minutes drive we will arrive in the village of Imbros. Then follows the walk through the gorge, guided by our licensed trekking guide who will help you if you need it and give you information about the whole area. You will then visit Frangokastello, where we will have two hours free time to enjoy the sea! In the late afternoon we will return by bus to the same point you got picked up in the morning

The Imbros Gorge is located in the province of Sfakia and is the second largest gorge in Crete after Samaria. The picturesque scenery and its wilderness, in combination with the low difficulty of traversing it, make the descent of Imbros ideal for families wanting to expose children to the beauty of nature. The place has a great historical significance as the gorge witnessed an evacuation of several thousands of British soldiers during World War II before heading to Egypt. Back then, the Imbros Gorge mule trail was the only connection between Chania and Sfakia, before the road was built. Remains of this trail can be still seen today. In the morning, a luxurious air-conditioned bus will pick you up from select locations around Chania and transport you to the gorge's entry point. There you will have some free time to take pictures or have some breakfast before you begin your hike. In a leisurely pace, the gorge can be traversed in about 2.5 hours. Almost half-way through, you will reach the narrowest point of the gorge at 1.6 meters (5.2 feet). Behind your group, there will always be a hiking escort to ensure everyone's safety and provide assistance if needed. The gorge ends at Komitades village, from where you will depart for Sfakia, one of the most traditional Cretan villages. There you will have around 3 hours to divide between swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters and enjoying a Cretan meal in one of the local taverns. Early in the evening you will board the bus back to your original pick up points.

Discover Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. Although the Imbros Gorge is smaller, many people prefer to cross here because it offers a very different hiking experience than the Samaria Gorge. After your tour, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and lunch at a village taverna. Enjoy hotel pickup and arrive at Imbros around 10 AM. Have breakfast and then hike about 2.5 hours to discover the beauty of this narrow natural passage. Learn about the rock formations and the legend of the 2 brothers that Imbros is named after. For many years, the Imbros Gorge served as part of the trail that connected Chania to Hora Sfakion. Stroll through a piece of World War II history, as you walk where thousands of British soldiers passed through after the Battle of Crete to get to Egypt. End your hike in Komitades Village and then depart for Sfakia. Take a swim in the refreshing Libyan Sea and eat lunch with the locals in the taverns before returning to your hotel.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Rethymno, and then journey by bus to the stone church in Kotsifu Gorge. Marvel at the steep cliffs and dramatic rock formations of the canyon, and then make your way to the historic plateau of Askifou. Stop to take souvenir photos of beautiful Plakias Bay, and then drive up into the mountains to visit the traditional village of Kallikrati. Swim in the deep blue waters of the Libyan sea. Stop for a coffee in the village of Argyroupolis near the Roman site of Lappa and marvel at the waterfalls. Next, go to beautiful Lake Kournas and enjoy a well-deserved traditional lunch in a typical village tavern at your own expense. Get a magnificent view of the lake and mountains before you drive back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel.

Imbros Gorge Trip Embark on an exhilarating trek through Imbros Gorge, a hidden gem in Crete. Experience the stunning beauty of narrow passages, towering cliffs, and lush vegetation as you hike this 8-kilometer trail. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this journey promises unforgettable landscapes and a serene escape from the everyday. Your adventure begins with a comfortable drive to the village of Imbros, where the entrance to the gorge awaits. After a brief introduction from your guide, you’ll start the descent into the gorge. The trail gradually narrows, leading you through a series of impressive rock formations and breathtaking scenery. As you hike, marvel at the towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high, creating a dramatic backdrop for your journey. The path winds through lush vegetation, with vibrant wildflowers and aromatic herbs lining the way. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the gorge, including birds, butterflies, and the occasional kri-kri, the native Cretan wild goat. One of the highlights of the Imbros Gorge is its narrowest section, just 1.6 meters wide, where the towering walls create a natural tunnel-like passage. This unique feature offers a sense of adventure and wonder as you navigate through the confined space. The trail is well-marked and less challenging than the Samaria Gorge, making it suitable for hikers of all levels, including families with children. Throughout the hike, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, geology, and ecology of the area, enriching your experience with local knowledge. As you near the end of the gorge, the path opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the distant sea. The hike concludes in the village of Komitades, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal at a traditional taverna. After some well-deserved rest, you’ll be transported back to your starting point, filled with memories of an incredible day spent exploring one of Crete’s natural treasures. The Imbros Gorge trip offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it an unforgettable experience for all who partake.

After pickup from your hotel in the Heraklion area at approximately 7:30 AM, journey by bus to the Imbros Gorge in the eastern part of the White Mountains of Crete. Upon arrival, enjoy an easy 3-hour hike through the narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations. The Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. This picturesque gorge is smaller (8km long) than the Samaria but is just as beautiful. During your descent you will visit various famous locations such as the Stenada (the gorge's narrowest passage), Mesofarango (a wider passage) and Xepitira Arch (a natural stone arch). You'll then arrive at Komitades Village where buses will be waiting to bring you to Chora Sfakion for some relaxing free time at one of the taverns or cafés overlooking the sea. Continue by bus to the south coast and visit a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch before the bus trip back to Herakleion area at approximately 5:30 PM.