Sarakina Gorge description and photos - Greece: Ierapetra (Crete) (Topic)

Sarakina Gorge description and photos - Greece: Ierapetra (Crete). Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Sarakina Gorge.

Photo and description

Sarakina Gorge is located in the southeastern part of Crete. The gorge begins near the small village of Mifi 15-16 km west of Ierapetra. The gorge is 1.5 km long and ends near the coastal village of Myrtos. Sarakina gorge is rather narrow. Its width varies on average from three to ten meters, and only a few places are wider. The height of the cliffs framing the gorge is 150 m, which looks impressive given its width. The small mountain river Kriopotamos with the purest water flows through the gorge. During the year, the water level in the river changes and in winter it reaches its maximum level, which makes travel along the gorge during this period impossible. In summer, a leisurely walk along the gorge will take about 1-1.5 hours.

According to an ancient legend, the giant Sarantapihos (son of Zeus) stopped by the river flowing here to drink water. His long beard split the mountain in two and thus formed a gorge. That is why the locals often call this place “Sarantapihos Gorge”.

Walking along this gorge refers to the average level of difficulty. With the exception of some places, it is quite flat and easy to pass. In general, traveling through the gorge does not require climbing equipment, but still some skill and caution will not hurt. Lush vegetation of a wide variety of colors and the singing of wild birds will create the traveler's feeling of harmony and complete unity with nature.

The picturesque Sarakina gorge is one of the most beautiful in Crete. This is a wonderful unique wildlife monument that annually attracts thousands of tourists here, both locals, and foreign.

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Topic: Sarakina Gorge description and photos - Greece: Ierapetra (Crete).