Agiofarago Gorge & Beach

About

Short gorge walk ending at a pebble beach, a chapel and a natural rock arch.

Agiofarago, the "holy gorge", runs down to the Libyan Sea on the south coast of the Asterousia mountains. Its name comes from the hermits who lived in the caves here for centuries. The gorge walls are tall and pale, with climbers' routes on the rocks, and at the end you reach a small pebble beach with incredibly clear water and a famous rock arch.

The usual way in is from the Odigitria monastery. From there a dirt road leads to a parking area, and the walk through the gorge to the beach takes about 30 to 40 minutes. On the way you pass the tiny church of Agios Antonios built into the rock. In summer, small boats also come from Kali Limenes and Matala.

There is no shade on the beach apart from the rocks, and no facilities at all, so bring water, food and a hat. It is a magical place to spend a day, but the walk back in the afternoon heat can be tough. Start early and take it slowly.

Anreise

Drive to the parking area near the Odigitria monastery, then walk ~30–40 minutes. Boats sometimes run from Kaloi Limenes.

On the map

34.92550, 24.77840 · See on map