Gorges on Crete

Most mountain gorges were formed 14 million years ago when the stone mass of the mountains shifted and burst by the tectonic movements of the earth’s crust. Of course also important is the fact that Crete is situated on a seismographic active gorge, causing earthquakes to leave their impact on the highlands.
On the South coast, in contrast with the North coast, the landscape is a lot rougher. In a way it seems like the mountains crash into the sea, making it easier for gorges to form.

Besides that, most of the stone is lime stone which is easily desolved by water so this also helps to form a gorge. It’s easily spoken about, but don’t forget that it took millions of years to form the gorges you can find on Crete today.

The most famous gorge is the Samaria gorge on the West side of the island. This well-known gorge has a hike of 18 kilometres long. Not far from the Samaria gorge you can find the Imbros gorge.
In the east you can find the Sarakina gorge. The hike is as beautiful as the Samaria gorge, but in spring you will be forced to hike some parts through water.
East of Ierapetra you can find the so called ‘butterfly gorge’. Unfortunately a fire caused the butterflies to fight hard to keep the name of the gorge up.

The Sarakina gorge is a beautiful walk, but in the early season you will be forced to wade through the water.