Samaria Gorge
Europe-famous 16 km gorge hike through a national park, from the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea.
Gorges & hikes · Sfakia
Nature & Gorges
Gorges, caves, plateaus and palm forests
Behind the beaches, Crete is a mountain island: three ranges above 2,000 m, hundreds of gorges, caves linked to the myths of Zeus, high plateaus and rare palm forests. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking; in summer, start early and carry plenty of water.
Lake Kournas
The only natural freshwater lake in Crete.
Lakes, rivers & waterfalls · Apokoronas
White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
The great mountains of western Crete.
Mountains & peaks · Sfakia
Imbros Gorge
An easier alternative to Samaria.
Gorges & hikes · Sfakia
Botanical Park of Crete
Fruit trees and gardens on a burnt hillside.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Platanias
Agia Irini Gorge
A green 7.5 km gorge ending near Sougia.
Gorges & hikes · Kantanos-Selino
Aradena Gorge and Bridge
A deep gorge crossed by a famous iron bridge.
Gorges & hikes · Sfakia
Omalos Plateau
High plateau at the top of Samaria gorge.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Sfakia
Therisso Gorge
A gorge you can drive through, close to Chania.
Gorges & hikes · Chania
White Mountains National Park
Greece's famous national park around Samaria.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Sfakia
Agia Lake
A birdwatching lake near Chania.
Lakes, rivers & waterfalls · Platanias
Topolia Gorge
A gorge with the Agia Sofia cave.
Gorges & hikes · Kissamos
Katholiko Monastery
Ruined cave monastery in a gorge on Akrotiri.
Churches & monasteries · Chania
Askifou Plateau
A mountain plateau of four villages in the White Mountains.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Apokoronas
E4 European Path
The long-distance trail across Crete.
Gorges & hikes · Sfakia
Chania Municipal Garden
A green park with a clock tower.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Chania
Cave of Saint John the Hermit
A pilgrimage cave on Akrotiri.
Caves · Platanias
Deliana Gorge
An easy family gorge.
Gorges & hikes · Kissamos
Arkoudospilio (Bear Cave)
A cave with a bear shaped rock.
Caves · Chania
Elephant Cave
An underwater cave with elephant fossils.
Caves · Apokoronas
Agia Sofia Cave
A cave church in Topolia gorge.
Caves · Kissamos
Sfakia Coastal Path
A dramatic coastal walk along the Libyan Sea.
Gorges & hikes · Sfakia
Hidden gem
White Mountains High Desert
A lunar landscape of rocks and peaks.
Mountains & peaks · Sfakia
Hidden gem
Akrotiri Flora and Fauna Park
Endemic plants and animals near Venizelos graves.
Plateaus, forests & parks · Chania