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Hike Katholiko Gorge

Chania, Greece

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain

918.6 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Andreas Brokalakis

You can dive at a small fjord at its end!

About 16km from the city of Chania, Crete, is the monastery of Gouverneto. You can park you car at the parking area near the monastery and start your descent towards the sea through a small, yet very interesting gorge, Katholiko gorge.

The first part of the descent is through rock steps, curved by the monks to connect the monastery of Gouverneto with the (now) abandoned Katholiko monastery from which the gorge gets its name. The path is easy, however after 10-15 minutes it becomes quite steep. You should arrive in Katholiko monastery in less than half an hour.

From there, you actually get inside the gorge and start following the riverbed. The hike is easy, but it is very interesting and nice since you will be hiking inside a rather narrow gorge. To reach the exit of the gorge, it takes approximately 20 to 30 min. A small fjord with crystal clear water can be found there and it is amazing to dive there. There is a small harbor where the monks parked and repaired their boats and the quarry for the building materials of the monastery.

The area is pristine and therefore you wont find any facilities. As such, you need to carry your water and snacks. To complete the hike you need almost an hour, however in order to get back you follow the same path and the ascent can be tiring, so it will take you at least as much time. You should wear a hat and have sunscreen on and it is highly recommended to wear proper hiking shoes. Bring a swimming suit and a towel if you plan on diving.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Diving
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic

Hike Katholiko Gorge Reviews

I recently visited the gorge again and noticed that some issues have arisen with the monks of the Gouverneto monastery. As they claim the ownership of the land, they seem to have put some signs in place that try to forbid diving at the fjord at the end of the gorge. While this is totally excessive and mostly unenforceable, please have this in mind if you go hiking.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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