Fratiano Gorge

This is one of the major gorges of Rethymno, running for much of its length parallel to the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, cutting through the Xiro Mountain. Its entrance is next to the village of Frati, and its exit lies near the upper end of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

The path through the lush green gorge, filled with plane trees and willows, from Frati village to the Megalos Potamos bridge, takes about 5–6 hours, and many parts require extra caution.

After around five hours of hiking, you’ll come across a 6–7 metre waterfall, which requires a detour. After that, a network of dirt roads winds through ancient olive groves, passing a stone-built bridge, before reaching the famous Preveli stone bridge.

Make sure to bring comfortable shoes—and you absolutely must know how to swim!

Information: EOS Moiron, photo archive: Incrediblecrete