Captivating waterfalls, stunning rocks, and lush flora that compel you to reach for your camera (or, more likely, your mobile phone) await your discovery.

Certain gorges in Rethymno may pose a challenge, but the experience is equally rewarding and pure pleasure.

Embark on exploration and unravel the legends concealed within these captivating gorges.

Discover six majestic gorges of Rethymno:

Prassano Gorge
If you're new to hiking or just in the mood for a gentle walk, Prassano Gorge is a great place to start. Only a few kilometres from Rethymno, it offers a relaxed route through lush nature. It’s one of the easiest gorges to explore – ideal for a quick escape into the wild without too much effort.

Kotsyfos Gorge
Sheer vertical cliffs, dramatic narrow passages, and a road that seems to cling to the side of the gorge – Kotsyfos is made for awe-inspiring photos. The contrast between stone and sky here is unforgettable, and the drive itself is part of the experience.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge
This is the one everyone talks about. Famous for its howling winds and cascading waterfalls, Kourtaliotiko is pure drama. Inside the gorge, you’ll also find the small church of Agios Nikolaos built into the rock – a mystical stop in the middle of the raw Cretan landscape.

Platanes Gorge
Not for the faint-hearted, Platanes Gorge is among the most demanding on the island. With tight passages and towering rock walls, it promises real adventure for those ready to take on a challenge.

Mills Gorge (Faraggi ton Mylon)
This is a walk through time. The trail leads you past the ruins of old water mills, surrounded by dense greenery and flowing streams. It’s an easy route, but the atmosphere – part jungle, part lost village – is absolutely enchanting.

Patsos Gorge
Also known as the Gorge of Agios Antonios, Patsos offers a heady mix of untamed beauty, rich vegetation and spiritual mystery. A chapel carved into the cave wall adds a mythical layer to this already striking landscape.

Rethymno’s gorges are more than just hiking routes – they’re natural cathedrals, each with its own story. Pick one (or three), pack your water bottle, and go.

Photo by @manos.papadomanolakis