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Hike the Imbros Gorge

Chania, Greece

Details

Distance

6.8 miles

Elevation Gain

2132.5 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Andreas Brokalakis

Imbros Gorge may not have the fame of Samaria Gorge, yet it is a very intriguing hike, with amazingly beautiful nature and narrow passes.

Imbros Gorge is one of the many gorges that can be found in the White Mountains sierra at the south-western part of the island of Crete, Greece. The gorge is part of the E4 European hiking path and it is easily accessible and properly marked.

The name of the gorge comes from the village that marks its beginning, Imbros. The village is located on the road that connects Chania with Chora Sfakion and therefore it is easily accessible by car (parking is available at the entrance of the gorge). There is also a frequent bus service during spring and summer months.

The hike starts at approximately 700m above sea level and descents towards the south at approximately sea level. The exit of the gorge is at the village Komitades. From there you can find a taxi to take you back to your car if you have left it at the entrance of the gorge.

The gorge itself is approximately 11km. The trail is generally easy and should not take more than 3 hours even to beginner hikers. Because it descents and does not present any technical difficulties, it can be a good choice for families.

However, it should be noted that despite being easy to cross, it does not lack interest, beauty or excitement. While the initial part of the gorge is quite wide, it soon narrows down by high sidewalls and the landscape becomes impressive. The narrowest part is just 1.6m wide with sidewalls that are more than 300m high.

The best season to cross the gorge is either spring or autumn, when temperatures are more mild. During winter, access is limited because of danger of watercourses or falling rocks. Hiking during summer is not a bad choice, but you should consider that it is more probable to find a lot more people around and also the temperature can be high and sun can be quite strong (though as soon as you enter the narrow parts of the gorge these are not problems as you will be hiking in shadows). An added bonus fom hiking during summer is that you can go to the beach which is quite close from the exit and enjoy the incredible pristine sea at the south of Crete. 

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